On the particle size distribution function and the attrition of cracking catalysts

Abstract

Abstract The rate of attrition of a catalyst sample, of a single particle size, can be expressed by a simple function of initial diameter and time. The initial rate is a function of initial diameter, whereas the decrease in attrition rate of a catalyst of a given size as it ages depends only on time. The attrition equation for a single size of particles is introduced into the particle size distribution function and, through mathematical analyses, yields a relationship for the attrition of a full size‐range catalyst. The form of this relationship, which includes terms for attritability and severity of attrition conditions, is verified by laboratory and commercial attrition data on two full‐range catalysts. The size distribution of an attrited sample is not expressible in simple analytical form, but is readily obtained by numerical analysis.