Differential evolution (DE) strategy for optimization of methane steam reforming and hydrogenation of nitrobenzene in a hydrogen perm-selective membrane thermally coupled reactor

作者：Rahimpour Mohammad Reza^*; Aboosadi Zahra Arab; Jahanmiri Abdol Hossein

来源：International Journal of Energy Research, 2013, 37(8): 868-878.

DOI：10.1002/er.2887

• thermally coupled reactor
• steam reforming
• nitrobenzene hydrogenation reaction
• hydrogen perm-selective membrane
• hydrogen production
• optimization
• differential evolution

In this work, a thermally coupled membrane reactor is proposed for methane steam reforming and hydrogenation of nitrobenzene. The steam reforming process is carried out in the assisted membrane surface of the endothermic side, while the hydrogenation reaction of nitrobenzene to aniline is carried out on the other membrane surface of the exothermic side. The differential evolution (DE) strategy is applied to optimize this reactor considering nitrobenzene and methane conversion as the main objectives. The co-current mode is investigated in this study, and the achieved optimization results are compared with those of conventional steam reformer reactor operated under the same feed conditions. The optimum values of feed temperature of exothermic side, feed molar flow rate of nitrobenzene, the steam-to-nitrobenzene molar ratio and the hydrogen-to-nitrobenzene molar ratio are determined during the optimization process. The simulation results show that the methane conversion and consequently hydrogen recovery yield are increased by 39.3% and 1.57, respectively, which contribute to aniline production with 27.3% saving in hydrogen supply from external and a reduction in environmental problems due to 100% nitrobenzene conversion. The optimization results justify the feasibility of coupling these reactions. Experimental proof-of-concept is needed to establish the validity and safe operation of the novel reactor.

• 出版日期2013-6