ISSN:
0001-1541
Keywords:
Chemistry
;
Chemical Engineering
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Process Engineering, Biotechnology, Nutrition Technology
Notes:
In the manufacture of catalyst pellets from particles of powder, for example alumina, one of the parameters is pellet density. The opposing effects of density on surface available for reaction and on pore diffusion result in a specific pellet density for maximum reaction rate per unit volume of reactor. The method for predicting the optimum density and rate is presented for a first-order reaction. The data required are pore volumes and pore-size distributions as a function of density, as well as kinetic measurements. Such data are available for the ortho-para hydrogen reaction using a nickel oxide-on-alumina catalyst. Using this system as an illustration, it can be seen that the optimum effectiveness factors are less than unity and range from about 0.68 for 1/8-in. diam. spherical catalyst pellets to 0.29 for 1-in. pellets. Corresponding optimum densities are from about 1.3 to 0.6 g./ccThe results demonstrate the possibility of a tailor-made pelleted catalyst for optimum reaction rate.
Additional Material:
3 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/aic.690090328
