In this work, one dimensional (1-D) non ideal plug flow heterogeneous model for the catalytic steam methane reforming (SMR) process was developed by using gPROMS model builder 4.1.0^®. In this model, the kinetic data for various reforming catalysts was taken from the literature. The developed reactor model was simulated, and the model results were validated against the literature data. The effect of various operating parameters such as temperature, pressure, steam to carbon ratio (S/C) and gas mass flow velocity (G_s) on the performance of SMR process was studied and the modelling results were compared with an independent and well known equilibrium based software i.e. chemical equilibrium with applications (CEA) in terms of CH₄ conversion, H₂ purity, H₂ yield (wt. % of CH₄) and selectivity of carbon based products. The modelling results were in excellent agreement with the equilibrium based results and literature data. Later on, a comparative study is performed to find out the most suitable catalyst and operating conditions for the SMR process in an adiabatic packed bed reactor.

Keywords: Steam methane reforming; modelling; chemical equilibrium