Modelling the dynamics of regenerative catalytic reactors

Abstract

Regenerative catalytic reactors (RCRs) are proposed as novel catalytic systems especially for reversible reactions. At least two reactor vessels are required for continuous operation, and each reactor operates intermittently and transiently. When one reactor is operating, the temperature level in the other one is being regenerated. This RCR system is mathematically, modelled by a two-phase heterogeneous representation, and a numerical solution is proposed which is stable and convergent. The transient nature of an RCR system for the catalytic dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene is used to illustrate the operating characteristics. This system is shown to produce a higher conversion of ethylbenzene to styrene than a steady-state adiabatic configuration using the same amount of catalyst.