The ubiquity of biodiesel production, which generates 10% glycerol as a by-product, has led to an abundance of glycerol waste and a reduction of value. Steam reforming presents an alternative to optimize the use of glycerol by converting it to hydrogen. The present study simulated the process in COMSOL Multiphysics using a bimetallic Ni–Co/Al2O3 catalyst in a packed bed reactor. The model was developed to simultaneously analyze the kinetics and thermodynamics of the system on an industrial scale, allowing for recommendations regarding process and reactor design. After comparing the process to methane steam reforming, it was found that glycerol steam reforming in a packed bed reactor is a feasible solution for the transformation of waste into a clean sustainable commodity.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Olm, Amanda
• MacDonald, Bryan Joseph

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032114-132858

Advisor

• Dixon, Anthony G.

Year

• 2014

Date created

• 2014-03-21

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright