Optimal catalyst profiles for a two-step reaction sequence in a packed bed

Abstract

Optimal catalyst profiles have been determined for a two-step reaction sequence, where each step is catalyzed by a separate substance, for two cases: one where the remaining amount of initial reactants is minimized, and the second where the concentration of final product is maximized. The effect of varying levels of intraparticle diffusion, initial reactant concentration, residence time, and catalyst loading was investigated. It was found that increasing conversion led to a greater duration of intermediate control, where both catalysts are present in proportions that varied with reactor length. At no point during intermediate control, however, did the catalyst for the initial reaction increase in concentration with increasing length.