A numerical study on helium-heated inorganic membrane reformer coupling to HTGR

Based on one-dimension quasi-homogeneous model, a steady-state model has been developed for the helium-heated inorganic membrane reformer coupling to high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR). And computer program is developed. Results show that the average heat flux of inorganic membrane reformer is 25% higher than the conventional one. A compact reformer can be designed, which is significant to safety and economics of the system. Methane conversion rate of 95% can be achieved with inorganic membrane reformer while pressure loss increases a little. With thin membrane thickness and high sweep ratio, methane conversion rate increases with high reforming pressure. This changes the unfavorable condition of high pressure of HTGR methane reforming hydrogen production system to favorable one. (authors)