The Effect of the Particle Shape and Transport Phenomena on Catalyst Activity

Abstract

The paper deals with simulation of a simultaneous reaction and diffusion in an isothermic or non-isothermic shaped catalyst particle under conditions of the internal diffusion influence. The effect of external diffusion on the rate of a surface reaction occurring on the fluid-locked shaped catalyst particle was studied theoretically. Shaped catalysts with a cross-section shape of four- or three-leafed clover, utilized mainly in the processing of oil products, show an advantageous ratio of the external particle surface to its volume. In their use, the reaction rate and selectivity are less influenced by transport phenomena in comparison with spherical or cylindrical catalytic particles of comparable size.