Multi-component mass transfer behavior in catalytic membrane reactors

Numerical simulations are presented to compare mass transfer at the bulk fluid-membrane interface of two types of membrane reactors, for arbitrary equilibrium reactions: the catalytic membrane reactor (CMR) in which the location of the reaction and separation coincide, and the inert membrane reactor (IMR) in which locations of reaction and separation distinct. The Maxwell–Stefan theory is adopted to describe this multi-component mass transport and to take friction between the species in the reaction mixture into account. Simulation results are presented that aid selection of the most appropriate reactor configuration for different reaction equilibrium characteristics. Effects of process conditions, membrane properties, and possibilities to optimize reactor design are discussed.