Reverse flow reactors as sustainable devices for performing exothermic reactions: applications and engineering aspects

Publication date: Available online 1 December 2018Source: Chemical Engineering and Processing - Process IntensificationAuthor(s): Pablo Marín, Fernando V. Díez, Salvador OrdóñezAbstractReverse flow reactors are fixed-bed reactors combining in a single intensified device chemical reaction and regenerative heat transfer (energy is stored in a bed as sensible heat). To accomplish this goal, reverse flow reactors are operated in a forced unsteady state created by periodically changing the flow direction. The most important applications of reverse flow reactor are reviewed: oxidation of hydrocarbons and sulphur dioxide, and selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides. These applications involve exothermic reactions. However, recent developments have also made possible it possible the use of reverse flow reactors with endothermic reactions, such methane steam reforming.The modelling of reverse flow reactors is addressed based on the models available for fixed-bed reactors. Practical considerations regarding reverse flow reactors are considered: the selection of the type of bed, the issues of the use of lab-scale devices at dynamic conditions, the assessment of autothermal operation and heat extraction and the integrated adsorption concept. The latter is an innovative concept based on the periodical adsorption in the bed of some of the reactants, products or other feed compounds. This mass regeneration can be combined with the heat regeneration capabilities of reverse flow ...

Source: Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification - December 2, 2018 Category: Chemistry Source Type: research