Modeling of steam reforming of natural gas using catalysts with grains of complex shapes

A mathematical model is developed to describe steam reforming of natural gas in a catalyst grain and a catalyst bed. The model differs from the published ones by a detailed description of the processes in a catalyst grain and the mechanisms of radial heat and mass transfer, including for catalyst grains of complex shape. The model parameters are numerically analyzed, and the efficiencies of catalyst grains of different shapes and sizes are compared.