Modeling and Simulation of a Top-Fired Reformed

With the advent of high-speed computers and innovative numerical methods, mathematical models have been gaining considerable importance in recent years. The application of mathematical modeling in process engineering has been confined so far to model validation studies only, and simulation, in the strictest sense, has remained virtually a neglected area. Studies related to the numerical simulation of process equipment, particularly on a commercial scale, are therefore called for. One such investigation is reported in the present work on a primary reformer, a vital equipment in the ammonia fertilizer industry. The study deals with the development of a complete mathematical model of the reformer and its validation using the data obtained on an industrial reformer. It is demonstrated through the subsequent simulation program how important design information could be derived from the mathematical model. © 1988, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.