Propane combustion in non-adiabatic microreactors: 2. Flow configuration in posted microreactors

摘要

The aim of this paper is to analyze cross-flow operation in a microreactor with posted catalytic inserts for Pt-catalyzed propane combustion under fuel-lean conditions. The insert consists of 150 posts arranged in-line in six rows. The posts are static pillar-like structures in the flow channel, which act as static mixers and provide higher catalytic surface area. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are used to compare the post microreactors for axial- and cross-flow configurations. In cross-flow case, where the bulk flow is in transverse direction across the six rows of posts, significant flow mal-distribution is observed. Tapering of the inner walls of the microreactor solid structure, at an angle of 5.766°, is proposed for obtaining more uniform flow distribution. For the cross-flow microreactors with tapered inner walls (referred to as "tapered-post"), the flow distribution becomes more uniform as the flow rate is decreased. The axial- and tapered-post microreactors show similar propane conversion for a wide range of operating conditions. Tapered-post microreactors have lower pressure drop and more uniform wall temperatures because the reaction zone is spread over the entire length of the catalytic insert. We also show that tapered-post microreactors have lower heat losses, and therefore are more stable towards device extinction. Consequently, the primary advantages of tapered-post microreactors are better thermal management and ability to operate at more fuel-lean conditions.