Application of Finite Element Method for Modeling of Multi-tube Fixed Bed Catalytic Reactors

Abstract

Abstract In this article, the finite element method (FEM) was applied for modeling of multi-tube fixed bed catalytic reactor (FBCR). For this purpose, a more sophisticated 2D pseudo-heterogeneous model was used to calculate steady-state temperature and partial pressure profiles through the reactor. This model has a vast capability in the prediction of temperature and partial pressure distribution, separately, in the fluid and catalyst phases. The finite element results were compared with de wasch and Froment’s numerical work which developed for a well-established reaction in the multi-tube FBCR (o-xylene partial oxidation). The R-squared analysis indicated that the FEM results agree favorably with finite difference results which reported in the literature. Numerical solution coincidence of FEM and FDM increases with reduction of inlet gas temperature. The results show that the finite element as a powerful numerical method can be used to describe the multi-tube fixed bed catalytic reactor.