Precalculated and Experimental analysis of hydrogenation reactor operation

Аuthors

Kogan I. L.

Scientific Research and Design Institute of Chemical Engineering, NIIchimmash, 14, Bolshaya Novodmitrovskaya str., Moscow, 127015, Russia

e-mail: info@niichimmach.ru

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is the choice of optimal design parameters of the hydrogenation reactor to provide a high conversion rate.

At a theoretical preparation phase a hydrogenation reactor simulational model for a selection of optimal temperature conditions with consideration for design specifics (using of «Comsole» and «LabView» engineering software complex) has been built.

A list of the model parameters which variation enables the reactor operating conditions to be close to the optimal ones is as follows:

― the volume rations of feed reagents CO₂ and H₂;

― the pressure of CO₂ and H₂ mixture in the reactor upstream ;

― the volume feed rate of the CO₂ and H₂ mixture to the reactor;

― the type and characteristics of the catalyst.

In the preliminary tests of the hydrogenation reactor prototypes, the following provisions have been obtained:

― an increase in the reaction temperature not lead to an increase in the conversion rate since the optimal heat condition for the conversion rate is reached in the narrow temperature interval inherent in every variety of catalysts;

― on order to obtain a stable authothetmal condition it is necessary to carry out the variable heat exchange along the reaction zone length since a decrease in temperature down to 120-140^oC at the end of the catalyst bed allows the most optimal conversion rate be reached;

― the reactor unit proposed previously and enclosed in the capsule being at the same time a CO₂ storage tank is considered as unsatisfactory as it is impossible to obtain a constant temperature due to the influence of the variable pressure in the tank on the value of heat exchange;

― the usage of advanced catalysts makes it possible to reduce the process temperature and ensure a quick reaction ignition.

Based on the research data obtained on a new design of the experimental reactor unit permitting usage of various types of catalysts, possibility of temperature monitoring along the length and diameter of the catalytic bed, dimensional and layout characteristics being selected based on models corrected in the course of experimental try-out of reactor operation has been proposed.

Keywords:

long term manned spaceflight, regenerative air revitalization system, carbon dioxide reduction system, simulation model

References

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