MODELING OF A MONOLITHIC CATALYST WITH RECIPROCATING FLOW

Several methods have been proposed to improve the conversion of cataly tic oxidation reactions. Gases with low enthalpy contents or gases tha t contain small amounts of combustible compounds can be converted much move efficiently in a reactor with reciprocating flow. The solid phas e exhibits an inertia behavior insofar as it does not reach equilibriu m with the gas temperature at the reactor ends. The solid-phase temper ature at the center of the bed is considerably higher than in the unid irectional case. Results for the oxidation of CO at different inlet ga s temperatures and switching periods are presented. An optimum period is found at which maximum conversion occurs. An estimate of the maximu m temperature in the reactor is derived.