Effect of internal diffusion on catalytic reactions

Abstract

The effectiveness factors η have been calculated for a reversible, isothermal, catalytic reaction proceeding without a change in the number of moles, for the case when the reaction rate is expressed by means of rate Eq. (3). The effectiveness factor depends on the dimensionless modulus M L [Eq. (20)] and dimensionless parameter B. If equilibrium composition is attained at the centre plane of the slab of catalyst, the effectiveness factor η can also be calculated analytically from Eqs. (32) and (33). A comparison with the analogous irreversible reaction reveals that the retardation effect of internal diffusion is always stronger for a reversible reaction.