Prevent fluidization bottom flow reformer

[EvdB]

How do I prevent fluidization in a bottom to top flow steam methane reformer? It the catalyst bed starts to fluidize, the catalyst will be damaged.
The pressure drop over the bed will increase during operation which will cause the bed to fluidize sooner.
A fixed sieve at the top of the reformer tubes is also not an option, because the tubes will expand at high temperatures and the catalyst will settle, which will result in an empty space between the top of the bed and the sieve.

Edwin van den Broek

 

[22082002]

put heavy ceramic balls on top of the catalyst bed, say 1/8th, 1/4th and 3/4th inch size. length of these topping can be checked by how much the load (buoyoncy force) they will see before catalyst bed starts fluidizing.

 

[Yordif]

Just in case anyone goes back to this thread. Don't use ceramic materials(half alumina/half silica) you want to use pure alumina supports as they silica can leach out at the exit temps found in the SMR.
There are several versions of alumina rings that would be prefered as they would induce less presure drop. The 1 inch variety in high density material is available from several companies