Global Reaction Kinetics of CO and CO2 Methanation for Dynamic Process Modeling

For the design and optimization of methfanation processes detailed modeling and simulation work is advisable. However, only a few kinetics published in literature rely on wide temperature and pressure ranges, which are prevalent at modern methanation applications with dynamic operation. Especially the simulation-based design of methanation processes with commercial catalysts is difficult due to legal restrictions regarding the publication of kinetic data of those catalysts. In this work, rate equations for the dynamic modeling and simulation of methanation processes operating with commercial Ni/Al2O3 catalysts are selected, adapted, and tested in a dynamic reactor model. The results suggest that the catalyst’s nickel content is an indicator for the choice of a rate equation. Testing of the equations in a reactor model meets published data for CO and CO2 methanation and own measurements.