Abstract
AbstractThe kinetics of ethylene hydrogenation to ethane are studied in a 7.0 cm diameter fluidized packed‐bed reactor. The fixed packing, 1.27 cm nickel on alumina catalyst, is used in conjunction with both −48/+100 mesh alumina and −50/+170 mesh glass inert fluidized particles. Reactant mixture is passed through the reactor at velocities sufficient to fluidize the inerts. Conversions from 0 to 91% are observed over the temperature range 56° to 261°C and flow rate range 10 to 800 cm3/s.The mass transfer coefficient and reaction rate constant are simultaneously evaluated from integral conversion data. The mass transfer coefficient between the interstitially fluidized bed and the catalyst surface is correlated in dimensionless form asNsh = 0.77 NRe0.418 NSc1/3The correlation is significant at the 95% confidence level that is, r = 0.59, p′ > 0.Predictions of conversion using both the mass transfer coefficient correlation and a Langmuir‐Rideal reaction expression are in good agreement with experimental data. The effects of contact time and catalyst diameter on conversion are also presented. Film diffusion influences become limiting at temperatures above 100°C at the velocities studied. Diffusional resistances were found to be important at Reynolds numbers below 100, at 186°C. No significant difference in reaction rate was found between fluidized alumina and glass inert particles under comparable operating conditions.
Published Version
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