A Kinetic and Mass Transfer Model for Glycerol Hydrogenolysis in a Trickle-Bed Reactor

Journal Article · Mon Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 2010 · Organic Process Research and Development

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/op900336a· OSTI ID:1039856

Xi, Yaoyan; Holladay, Johnathan E; Frye, John G; Oberg, Aaron A; Jackson, James E; Miller, Dennis J

A detailed model of glycerol hydrogenolysis in a trickle-bed reactor is presented that includes a mechanistically based kinetic rate expression, energy transport, mass transport across the gas-liquid and liquid-solid interfaces, intraparticle catalyst mass transfer, and partial wetting of the bed. Optimal kinetic parameters for the glycerol hydrogenolysis rate expression were determined via nonlinear regression analysis on the basis of experiments conducted in a laboratory-scale trickle-bed reactor over a broad range of operating conditions. Model predictions agree well with experimental data and accurately predict trends in reactor performance with liquid flow rate, temperature, hydrogen pressure, and base promoter concentration. The model is thus a useful tool for predicting laboratory reactor performance and for design of commercial-scale trickle-bed systems.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1039856
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-77405; BM0102070
• Journal Information: Organic Process Research and Development, Journal Name: Organic Process Research and Development Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 14; ISSN 1083-6160
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
CATALYSTS
DESIGN
GLYCEROL
HYDROGEN
KINETICS
LIQUID FLOW
MASS TRANSFER
PERFORMANCE
PROMOTERS
REGRESSION ANALYSIS
TRANSPORT