Inclined rotating fixed-bed reactor – Experimental characterization and model-based predictions

Abstract

The performance of an inclined rotating fixed-bed reactor with concentric inner tube is analyzed for the hydrogenation of α-methylstyrene. In particular, the influences of low to intermediate rotational velocities (0.6–10 rpm), inclination angle (45°–75°) and superficial gas velocity (0.05–0.15 m s−1) on the space–time yield at stratified flow conditions are investigated, which is the most beneficial operation mode. A performance enhancement of up to 20% compared to the upright stationary trickle-bed reactor is obtained for the operating conditions studied experimentally. Here, operating conditions show highest performance at low inclination angles due to the most favourable mass transfer conditions. Additionally, a hybrid model approach comprising a 3D Eulerian-Eulerian model and a 1D heterogeneous continuum model is proposed to predict the space–time yield of the rotating reactor. Simulations show the capability of the model to properly predict the effect of operating conditions and reactor dimensions.