4. Conclusions
Computations are performed using grids with varying nodal densities to determine the optimum node spacing and density that would give the desired accuracy and minimize computation time. The final grid density is determined when the centerline profiles of temperature and species concentration do not show obvious difference. The second-order upwind scheme is used to discretize the mathematical model, and the semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations algorithm is employed to solve for the pressure and velocity fields. The simulation convergence is judged upon the residuals of all governing equations. Particular emphasis is placed upon the effect of various factors on the thermochemical steam reforming processes in heat integrated reactors. The major conclusions are summarized as follows: