EFFECT OF PARTIAL WETTING ON TRICKLE-BED REACTOR PERFORMANCE

Abstract

Analysis of trickle-bed reactor data is almost always done by assuming that the catalyst particles are completely covered by a liquid film. The effect on reactor performance from violations of this assumption is demonstrated. The hydrodesulfurization of benzothiophene was simulated with the feed consisting of 10%, by weight, benzothiophene and 90% decalin. The temperature and pressure were held constant at 630 K and 68 atm. The results show that the exit conversion is strongly affected by the wetting efficiency.

KEYWORDS:

• Trickle-bed reactors
• Reactor simulation
• Wetting efficiency
• Volatile feed

Notes

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

AYDIN AKGERMAN

Presently with Shell Oil Company, Deer Park, Texas.