MTG PROCESS IN A FLUIDIZED-BED WITH CATALYST CIRCULATION - OPERATION AND SIMULATION OF AN EXPERIMENTAL UNIT

The simulation of the MTG process has been studied in a fluidized bed with circulation of the catalyst (prepared based on a HZSM-5 zeolite). The simulation has been carried out by taking into account the activi ty distribution of the catalyst particles in the bed and by using expe rimentally determined kinetic models for the reaction at zero time on stream and for the catalyst deactivation. The results of the simulatio n have been proven in an experimental laboratory unit by operating in the range between 380 and 420 degrees C, with different values of spac e time and of average residence time of the catalyst.