Numerical studies of feed cycling in a CSTR

Abstract

A numerical study of feed composition cycling (periodic operation) of stoichiometrically simple reactions described by Langmuir-Hinshelwood or Eley-Rideal kinetics reveal that although time-average production rates may be higher than the corresponding steady-state ones at the same time-average feed composition, they do not exceed the maximum steady-state rates at a given space velocity. This behaviour is explained by the dynamics of surface concentrations of adsorbed species during a cycle. Although these findings support other numerical studies, they are at variance with experimental observations. Thus, there is a need to develop more sophisticated kinetic models for the prediction of dynamic behaviour of heterogeneous catalytic systems.