CFD simulation of a laboratory-scale monolithic reactor for the combustion of VOC

This study presents initial findings from simulating a laboratory-scale monolithic reactor for VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) combustion. The reactor, made of stainless steel, measures 45 cm (height) and 2.3 cm (diameter). It contains a catalyst supported by a ceramic structure, tested for toluene combustion. Using ANSYS CFD simulation software, fluid dynamics inside the reactor were accurately modeled. The simulation then focused on a specific channel within the monolith, based on comprehensive reactor data. The final stage simulated toluene combustion using the Mars-Van Krevelen mechanism. ANSYS CFD results for toluene combustion, measured by CO2 yield, closely matched experimental outcomes. The average CO2 yield of 1.16 showed a strong alignment between the simulation and the experiment. ANSYS CFD not only aids in obtaining hard-to-gather information about fluid dynamics and chemical reactions but also enables simulations of geometry changes and catalyst types once validated. It also supports exploring more complex reactions.