Computational fluid dynamics applied to chemical reaction engineering

In this paper a brief review will be presented on the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to the field of Chemical Reaction Engineering (CRE) with emphasis on multiphase flow due to its practical importance. The theoretical framework will be briefly discussed together with available computational strategies for dispersed multiphase flows. Finally some typical results will be presented for one particular class of mutiphase flow

A kinetic rate expression for the time-dependent coke formation rate during propane dehydrogenation over a platinum alumina monolithic catalyst

Coke formation rates under propane dehydrogenation reaction conditions on a used monolithic Pt/¿-Al2O3 catalyst have been experimentally determined in a thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) as a function of time on stream covering wide temperature and concentration ranges. For relatively short times on stream, especially at low temperatures and low propylene concentrations, a remarkable initial quadratic increase has been observed in the coke formation rates versus time with a high apparent propylene reaction order. After longer times on stream the coke formation rate decreases to a constant residual coke growth above approximately 12 wt.% coke content. The experimental data have been successfully described by a kinetic rate expression based on a mechanistic dual coke growth model. In this model it has been assumed that initially coke precursor is formed via a propylene oligomerisation process, explaining the observed auto-catalysis for short times on stream