Consideration of the activity distribution using the population balance theory for designing a dual fluidized bed reactor-regenerator system. Application to the MTO process

Abstract

The application of the population balance (PB) theory combined with a developed parallel compartment (PC) model is proposed for a rigorous consideration of the activity distribution function in a dual reactor-regenerator system with a continuous catalyst flow between the units. This original PB-PC model is used for the simulation of the fluidized bed reactor and regenerator in the methanol-to-olefins (MTO) process. The kinetic models for the main reaction, catalyst deactivation and reactivation were proposed from experimental data collected in an integral packed bed reactor with a SAPO-34 catalyst. The versatility of the model is proven by the individual design of each unit prior to the simulation of the dual reactor-regenerator system. The performance of the dual system is evaluated, mainly studying the steady-state activity distribution function and yields of products. The dynamics of MTO process is predicted, including the effect of temperature, space time and water content on the conversion and yields of products. The influence of the residence time in each unit on the MTO process is also simulated.