Design and Implementation of an Additively Manufactured Reactor Concept for the Catalytic Methanation

The methanation process is discussed as one way to chemically store renewable energy in a future system. An important criterion for its application the availability of compact, low-cost reactor concepts with high conversion rates decentralized use where produced. Current research focuses on maximization methane yield through improved temperature control exothermic reaction, which attempts avoid both kinetic and thermodynamic limitations. In this context, traditional manufacturing methods limit design options thus possibilities. additive removes restriction creates new freedom process. This paper formulates requirements novel presents their implementation highly innovative concept called ‘ADDmeth’. By using conical reaction channel expanding from Ø 8 32 mm, three twisted, heat pipes (Ø mm evaporation zone, 12 condenser zone) lattice structure feed gas preheating mechanical stabilization reactor, explicitly exploits advantages manufacturing. very compact specific mass 0.36 kg/kW has share functional volume 52%. development was accompanied by tensile tests additively manufactured samples used material 1.4404 (316 L), strength calculations stability verification feasibility studies printability fine structures. Ultimate strengths up 750 N/mm2 (at room temperature) sufficiently safety factors pressure-loaded structures against yielding were determined. Finally, bench-scale ADDmeth1 implementation.