Capturing the intrinsic dry reforming of methane reaction in a catalytic dual-phase ceramic-carbonate hollow fibre membrane reactor through simulation modelling and process optimisation

In this work, the permeation flux equations, Richardson and Paripatyadar kinetic model, and lumen-shell mass balances were combined to develop a simulation model for the integrated CO 2 separation-dry reforming of methane (DRM) reaction in La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3-δ (LSCF)-carbonate hollow fibre membrane reactor. The interactions of the reactants for the DRM and reverse water gas shift reactions were simulated at different operating parameters. Greater membrane area gave higher CO 2 and CH 4 conversions and H 2 /CO (syngas) molar ratio of ∼1. Lower temperature of 700 °C provided higher DRM performance in membrane reactor, which was due to the higher CO 2 permeation from the higher electronic conductivity of LSCF. Higher CH 4 amount in the sweep gas facilitated CO 2 permeation, conversion, syngas yield, and ratio. The optimum DRM performance of the membrane reactor was achieved at a lumen-to-shell flow rate ratio of 0.5, whereas the limiting factor was the CH 4 availability at the shell side. • Richardson and Paripatyadar (R–P) kinetic model was used to simulate DRM and RWGS. • Permeation of CO 2 across LSCF-molten carbonate hollow fibre membrane was simulated. • MATLAB simulation of DRM in a ceramic-carbonate membrane reactor was developed. • Parametric study on temperature, membrane area, and flow conditions were presented. • RSM was used to optimize the DRM performance of membrane reactor.