2024 AIChE Annual Meeting

(724f) One-Dimensional Model of a Two-Stage Molten-Metal Bubble Column Reactor for H2 Production from Polypropylene Pyrolysis

Authors

Ngo, S. I., Hankyong National University
Lim, Y. I., Hankyong National University
Lee, Y. J., Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH)
Lee, U. D., Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH)
A one-dimensional (1D) reaction model is presented for a two-stage molten metal bubble column reactor (2-stage MMBCR) used for hydrogen production from polypropylene (PP) pyrolysis. In the first stage reactor, solid PP decomposes into hydrogen and gas-phase hydrocarbons (C1-C4), which was modeled by an empirical equation. The second stage reactor for hydrocarbon pyrolysis in the MMBCR was represented by a one-dimensional plug flow reactor (PFR) model with non-catalytic and catalytic reactions. Catalytic reactions occurred at the gas-liquid interfacial area, while non-catalytic reactions took place within the bubble volume. The 2-stage MMBCR model was validated against experimental data over a wide range of operating temperatures. The H2 yield was compared for 2-stage MMBCRs with Sn and Ga-Sn alloys. This study provides insights for designing the reactor size and optimizing the operating conditions of 2-stage MMBCRs to produce H2 from waste plastics.