A Multi-Scale Analysis of Mechanical Strength of Solid Catalysts

Abstract

Mechanical strength of solid catalysts involves a complex multi-scale system consisting of micro, pellet, pellet-packing and reactor scales. The damage evolution from micro to reactor scale leads to eventual rupture at the reactor level. A multi-scale framework for the mechanics of the fixed bed catalysts is proposed in this article. Some recent developments on the description of the mechanical properties on various scales, factor analyses of the mechanical properties on various scales, correlations between the damaging effects/mechanical properties on neighboring scales, etc. are reviewed, and the proposals for future research are also put forward.