Abstract
A bifunctional membrane reactor using palladium was proposed by taking advantage of its catalytic and hydrogen-permeable functions and then by coupling dehydrogenation and oxidation. Isothermal and adiabatic reactor models were developed and simulated.
Under an isothermal condition, the dehydrogenation taking place in a catalyst packed bed was enhanced owing to continuous removal of the hydrogen produced in the course of reaction through the membrane. The amount of hydrogen removable was remarkably increased by the subsequent oxidation of hydrogen on the palladium surface of the permation side. In addition to such effects, it was shown by the adiabatic model that transfer of heat by oxidation to the dehydrogenation side across the membrane can lead to further enhancement of dehydrogenation.
