Numerical simulation of thermal cracking and catalytic reforming in a microchannel with coke deposition

Thermal cracking and wall catalytic reforming process of hydrocarbon fuel in a microchannel plays an important role in regenerative cooling process. In this work, the coupling performance of thermal cracking and wall catalytic reforming in the microchannel is numerically investigated, where the coke deposition layer effect is considered. It is found that the velocity uniformity can be enhanced with a descending reaction degree in the channel when the coke deposition layer becomes thick. The inhibition effect of coke deposition layer on wall catalytic reforming reaction can enforce the zone with high carbon formation rate to move forward. Meanwhile, the impact of inlet gas velocity is also examined. The results reveal that high-velocity operation can enhance the inhibition effect of coke deposition layer on the reaction.