Proof of concept for a sorption-enhanced reactor with continuous sorbent feeding (CSF): application to green methanol production

A new reactor for process intensification using sorption enhanced reaction is described. The novelty compared with most experimental work is that a continuous sorbent feeding (CSF) provides a steady state operation. The sorbent increases the reaction rate of a reversible reaction. The reactor is based on the phenomena of segregation of solids in fluidized bed reactors by using a catalyst and a sorbent. Under certain conditions of density and particle size, the two solids segregate and the sorbent may be removed from the bed with only a small content of catalyst. The system has been experimentally tested in the hydrogenation of CO 2 to methanol, using a zeolite as sorbent. A significant increase in CO 2 conversion was achieved compared with the same reactor without sorbent. • The concept of sorption enhanced reaction with continuous feed of sorbent has been proved. • Catalyst and sorbent segregation in a fluidized bed reactor was achieved. • Continuous sorbent feeding (CSF) incorporation to increases CO 2 conversion. • A lower temperature increases the relative improvement of CO 2 conversion.