Periodic operation of a trickle‐bed reactor

TLDR

The study examined how periodic water flow affects SO₂ oxidation in a trickle‑bed reactor with activated carbon catalyst. Gaseous reactants were fed continuously while water was cycled on and off at mean superficial velocities of 0.86 and 1.65 mm s⁻¹, and the improved oxidation rate was attributed to differences between steady‑state rates during wet and dry periods. Periodic operation increased the oxidation rate by 30–45 % over cycle periods of 2–80 min and raised bed temperature by up to 7 °C.

Abstract

Abstract The influence of periodic water flow on SO 2 oxidation in a trickle bed of activated carbon catalyst was investigated, whereby gaseous reactants were introduced into the trickle‐bed reactor continuously, but water was turned on and off. Mean liquid superficial velocities of 0.86 and 1.65 mm/s were used. At the latter, an increase in the oxidation rate of about 30 to 45% was found within a range of cycle periods from 2 to 80 min. A temperature change of up to 7°C was observed in the bed during periodic operation. An explanation of the improved average oxidation rate under periodic operation is developed in terms of the steady‐state rates with and without water flow for symmetrical and asymmetrical cycles.