LAUSR

Abstract The objective of this work is the detailed analysis of the performance of an advanced packed-bed reactor with evaporation cooling structure and 1.5 (STP) m3 h−1 reactant throughput. Application of pressurized water as the cooling medium enables stable reactor operation within a safe temperature window at extremely high space-time yield (∼ 1000 m 3 C H 4 /m3reactorh, ∼ 18,000 m 3 C H 4 /m3reaction-volumeh). The performance of the reactor regarding its axial temperature profile and product quality under different process conditions such as water coolant flow rate distribution and pressure in cooling passages is evaluated in detail. The feed throughput and composition influence on reactor performance during start-up, steady-state and transient operational conditions for a technical methanation plant are investigated. For reactor description purposes and computing the heat transfer coefficient, a cascade model of perfectly mixed CSTRs is implemented. The modelling results predict the experimental data very well regarding the temperature profile and product composition.