Catalyst deactivation: is it predictable? What to do?

Catalyst deactivation is usually inevitable, although the rate at which it occurs varies greatly. This article discusses the causes of deactivation an d the influence on reaction rate. Methods for minimising catalyst deactivat ion, by tailoring catalyst properties and/or process operations, are presen ted, as well as reactor configurations suitable for the regeneration of dea ctivated catalysts. Alkane dehydrogenation is used as an example to demonst rate the variety of engineering solutions possible. (C) 2001 Elsevier Scien ce B.V. All rights reserved.