Multi Objective Optimization of a Methane Steam Reforming Reaction in a Membrane Reactor: Considering the Potential Catalyst Deactivation due to the Hydrogen Removal

Steam reforming of methane (SRM) is an important stage of hydrogen production. Using a membrane reactor (MR) to separate the produced H positively affects CH conversion by shifting the equilibrium. This H removal increases the risk of coke formation in the process. In this study, the influence of different parameters such as Damkohler’s number (Da) and permeation number (θ) on CH conversion and H recovery are investigated. In order to find the optimum condition for this MR in which CH conversion, H Recovery are maximized and the risk of coke formation is minimized, the elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is employed to achieve the Pareto front in a three objective space. The single optimal solution is selected from Pareto front by TOPSIS decision making method. In the optimized condition methane conversion and hydrogen recovery are improved about 19.8% an 6.8%, respectively. Also, the risk of coke formation in the MR is reduced.