Reactor modelling and design for sorption enhanced dimethyl ether synthesis

Sorption Enhanced DiMethyl Ether Synthesis (SEDMES) is a promising option to overcome thermodynamic limitations of conventional DME production processes. In this work 2D + 1D heterogeneous dynamic model the reaction/adsorption step in tube an externally cooled multitubular fixed bed SEDMES reactor developed order investigate effect design and operating parameters on thermal behavior yield performances reactor. The validated by comparison with experimental results from bench scale unit, including dynamics outlet composition temperature trajectories different points along axial coordinate. Simulations address CO/CO2 ratio feed. confirm that, thanks effective in-situ H2O removal, (65–70% work) are poorly sensitive ratio. Accordingly, increasing CO2 content feed, provides larger advantages respect direct synthesis. Calculations maximum temperatures achieved coordinate show that catalyst stress hottest inlet zone slightly increases CO feed due faster kinetics reactions. However, dilution provided adsorption material, keeps ∼ 20–30 K below stability limit reported literature (573 K). diameters (up 46.6 mm) than reactors for synthesis can be adopted less 2% loss yield.