DEACTIVATION AND REGENERATION OF A CHLORINATED ALUMINA CATALYST USED IN THE SKELETAL ISOMERIZATION OF N-BUTENES

The skeletal isomerization of n-butenes over a chlorinated alumina cat alyst has been studied, by operating under reaction-regeneration cycle s in an isothermal fixed-bed integral reactor. The limiting values of the reaction and regeneration temperatures for avoiding irreversible d eactivation by loss of chlorine have been determined. Reversible deact ivation by deposition of coke, which is completely removable by combus tion, is unavoidable. The effect of the operating conditions upon the deposition of coke and the deterioration of the porous structure as a consequence of the deposition have been analyzed.