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Experimental investigation on the feasibility of integrating heat pipe in fixed-bed reactor for dry reforming of methane

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Listed:
  • Shi, Yuwen
  • Wang, Xiaoyuan
  • Wu, Naisong
  • Chen, Haijun
  • Zhu, Yuezhao
  • Li, Yixing
  • Zhang, Jinqiang
  • Wang, Gang
  • Wang, Lei
  • Bi, Xiaotao

Abstract

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is of great significance for alleviating the pressure of global warming. However, since DRM is a highly endothermic process, its industrial applications are hindered due to the problems of inefficiencies and large temperature gradients in conventional reactors. To address these limitations, this work explores the integration of a high-temperature heat pipe into a fixed-bed reactor (HP-FBR) for DRM. An HP-FBR was experimentally investigated and compared with a traditional FBR based on bench-scale tests. The results show that the heat pipe can enhance the heat transfer in the fixed catalyst bed to substantially reduce the axial temperature gradient. Under the conditions of relatively low operational temperatures (570–700 °C) and high feed ratios of CH4/CO2, HP-FBR demonstrates higher conversion efficiency than the conventional FBR. In addition, a longevity test with 100 h for the HP-FBR was conducted to evaluate its stability. Challenges such as the hydrogen inactivation and surface corrosion of the heat pipe, and the carbon deposition of catalysts were also discussed. This work provides a comprehensive insight for the industrialization of DRM reactors based on high-temperature heat pipes.

Suggested Citation

  • Shi, Yuwen & Wang, Xiaoyuan & Wu, Naisong & Chen, Haijun & Zhu, Yuezhao & Li, Yixing & Zhang, Jinqiang & Wang, Gang & Wang, Lei & Bi, Xiaotao, 2025. "Experimental investigation on the feasibility of integrating heat pipe in fixed-bed reactor for dry reforming of methane," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 319(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:319:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225007674
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Usman, Muhammad & Wan Daud, W.M.A. & Abbas, Hazzim F., 2015. "Dry reforming of methane: Influence of process parameters—A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 710-744.
    2. Zeng, Hongyu & Wang, Yuqing & Shi, Yixiang & Cai, Ningsheng & Yuan, Dazhong, 2018. "Highly thermal integrated heat pipe-solid oxide fuel cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C), pages 613-619.
    3. Cao, Pengfei & Adegbite, Stephen & Zhao, Haitao & Lester, Edward & Wu, Tao, 2018. "Tuning dry reforming of methane for F-T syntheses: A thermodynamic approach," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 227(C), pages 190-197.
    4. Srimuang, W. & Amatachaya, P., 2012. "A review of the applications of heat pipe heat exchangers for heat recovery," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 16(6), pages 4303-4315.
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