VOCs abatement in adiabatic monolithic reactors: Heat effects, transport limitations and design considerations

• The role of inlet temperature to control VOC emissions with low energy requirements is elucidated.
• Impact of internal mass transport limitations and external mass and heat transport limitations are analysed.
• Higher VOC concentrations increase heat effects and accelerate the reaction rates.
• Poor interfacial areas contribute to VOC abatement.
• Pseudohomogeneous models can significantly over – or underestimate the outlet VOC concentration.

A simulation study of a monolithic reactor for the catalytic oxidation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) over a Mn-Cu mixed oxide catalyst is presented. A heterogeneous 1D mathematical model is selected to describe the performance of the reactor under adiabatic and steady-state operation. Internal (washcoat) mass transport limitations and external (gas-solid) mass and heat transport limitations in the reactor are taken into account.Proper quantification and analysis of both, internal and external resistances contribute to design and operate the reactor under conditions that favour VOC abatement.The influence of the heat effects and different operating variables and design parameters on the reactor performance are analysed, aiming to meet environmental standards of VOC emissions with the lowest preheating energy requirements.

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