Effect of variables on the periodic operation of a trickle bed reactor

Abstract

Publisher Summary Periodic operation of Trickle Bed Reactor (TBR) deliberately modifies the wetting condition of the catalytic bed, allowing creating dry areas. If properly controlled, it can benefit reactor performance, especially in gas-limited-liquid volatile reactions with important heat effects. In the dry cycles, reaction proceeds between the liquid holdup (internal and external) and the flowing gas. The liquid holdup diminishes with time, until is fully depleted. Gas flow rate and composition and liquid feed composition and temperature have an important effect on reactor performance during cycling.