Theoretical study of a membrane reactor for the water gas shift reaction under nonisothermal conditions

Abstract

Abstract A simulation of a membrane reactor for the water gas shift reaction is carried out by means of a 1D pseudo‐homogeneous nonisothermal mathematical model. The composite membrane consists of a dense layer of Pd (selective to H 2 ) supported over a porous ceramic layer. The effect of temperature, overall heat‐transfer coefficient, and mode of operation on the membrane reactor performance and stability are analyzed, and the results obtained are compared with those corresponding to a reactor with no hydrogen permeation. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009