Catalytic Reaction Engineering

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

By the end of this unit you should be able to:

ILO1– Describe the rate steps and overall rate equation for heterogeneous reaction systems.
ILO2– Develop mathematical expressions to describe the behaviour of different types of heterogeneous and multiphase reactors (such as catalytic packed bed reactor, fluidized bed reactor, and slurry reactor).
ILO3– Evaluate and analyse how kinetics, mass and heat transfer affect the performance of heterogeneous and multiphase reactors.
ILO4– Apply analytical and numerical methods to determine reactor behaviour and analyse the results.
ILO5– Design (size) heterogeneous and multiphase chemical reactors and optimise operating conditions

Structure

The unit is delivered entirely online. It comprises of 8 main topics, which will be released weekly.
Each topic is delivered as a single, scrollable page. Topic content is mobile and tablet-friendly, however, for the best experience, we recommend that you use a PC or laptop. You will also need access to speakers or headphones.

Each topic is made up of a mix of film, interactive and written content, as well as links to external sources, and suggestions for further reading, and should take you about 6 hours to work through.

Here is a brief overview of the different topics we will cover each week:

Topic 1 – Introduction to heterogeneous reactions: in this topic the main principles of heterogeneous reaction systems are introduced. The focus will be on how to describe the basic steps for a solid-catalysed reaction system, the contacting patterns for multiphase systems and the rate limiting steps.

Topic 2 – Kinetic models for heterogeneous reactions: in this topic the methodology of deriving a rate law and mechanism and rate limiting step for solid-catalysed reaction systems are presented. The focus will be on how to develop adsorption, surface-reaction, and desorption-models to describe the overall rate equations for a solid-catalysed reaction.

Topic 3 – Reactor design with software packages: in this topic the concepts and methodology use to design heterogeneous reactors using computer based software packages are introduced. The focus will be on how to design a complex multiphase reactor system using simulation and modeling software packages.

Topic 4 – External mass transfer: in this topic the fundamentals of external diffusion and molar flux are introduced and designing reactors when the reactions are limited by mass transfer are discussed. The focus will be to incorporate Fick’s first law into the mole balances to model diffusion through a stagnant film to a reacting surface.

Topic 5 – Internal mass transfer: in this topic the internal diffusion and reaction in catalyst pellets are introduced. The focus will be on how to develop pore models for analysing diffusion and reaction and show how the Thiele Modulus affects the rate of reaction in heterogeneous catalytic reactions.

Topic 6 – Solid-fluid reactor design – Packed bed reactors: in this topic the basic principles of solid-fluid packed bed reactors are discussed and the factors that influence the choice and performance of these reactors are identified. The focus will be on how to account for the non-isothermal behaviour of packed beds.

Topic 7 – Solid-fluid reactor design – Fluidized bed reactors: in this topic the basic principles of solid-fluid fluidized bed reactors are discussed, and various types and applications of these reactors are introduced. The focus will be on how to account for the non-ideal flow of gas in fluidized beds using different flow models.

Topic 8 – Fluid-fluid reactor design: in this topic the main principles of heterogeneous fluid-fluid reaction system are introduced. The focus will be on how to describe the overall rate expression, equilibrium solubility and contact pattern for a fluid-fluid reactions. Thereafter, the focus will be on how to design a fluid-fluid reactor contactor (tank and tower).