Abstract
Periodic flow reversal in a packed catalytic reactor in which a reversible exothermic reaction is occurring is studied using a simplified mathematical model. Model simulations are firstly performed for a single reactor and the influence of cycle time and the use of inert sections on the ends of the reactor, which act as regenerative heat exchangers, are studied. It is shown that the volume of the inert sections can be used to control the temperature profile in the reactor. The performance of this reactor is compared to a conventional steady-state adiabatic reactor in which the feed is preheated using a heat exchanger. The cycled reactor is shown to give a better conversion for the same catalyst volume. In order to approximate the optimal temperature profile more closely, a two-stage cycled reactor, each with inert sections, is studied. This arrangement is shown to have a higher average conversion than an optimally operated two-stage steady-state reactor with interstage cooling. Suggestions are made for future work in this area.
Published Version
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