Structured multiphase reactors based on fibrous catalysts: nitrite hydrogenation as a case study

A new reactor concept designed as a bubble column staged with fibrous catal ytic layers is tested on pilot-scale for the reduction of nitrite to nitrog en by hydrogen. Carbon dioxide is used to neutralize the hydroxide ions pro duced during hydrogenation of nitrite. The effective reaction rate was foun d to depend on the superficial gas velocity u(g0). The fibrous catalysts de monstrated a high selectivity towards nitrogen. The influence of the mass t ransport on the effective kinetics is discussed and the volumetric liquid-s olid mass transfer coefficient k(S)a(S) is estimated as a function of the s uperficial gas velocity u(g0). The selectivity was found to be independent of the hydrodynamics. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.