OPTIMAL POROUS STRUCTURE, GRAIN SHAPE AND SIZE OF CATALYSTS

Abstract

Optimal porous structure of catalyst is determined as follows: maximal activity per unit volume of catalyst with limitation on selectivity for complex reactions. Activity of catalyst A is determined as observable conversion rate in a porous grain at given pressure and temperature. As the conditions of conversion change along the reactor, optimal porous structure can be different on different stages of the process. Optimal size of catalyst grains is determined taking into account expenditures for hydraulic resistance and catalyst. Catalysts of different shapes were checked for hydraulic resistance of layers which resulted in indentical reactor output under different additional conditions: either indentical layer volume, or indentical catalyst mass, or indentical outer sizes of layer elements. Combination of mathematical and hydrodynamic simulation of the processes in catalyst layer allows the choice of optimal shape and size of catalyst.