Prediction of hot-spot location in catalytic fixed-bed reactors

Abstract

The location of hot spots in a fixed-bed catalytic reactor has been measured and compared with results computed using a model developed by the authors. The model was extended from the fluid mixing-cell model proposed by Lapidus, taking into consideration the detailed heat transfer mechanisms. Movements of the reaction zone by changing experimental conditions were predicted well by the proposed model. This model enables design computation when 1. (1) the ordinary models based on differential equations cannot be applied because of the discrete configuration of the packed solids; 2. (2) the effect of the heat transfer through the solids becomes significant in addition to that of the fluid mixing; and 3. (3) the temperature difference between the particle and the bulk flow becomes significant.