Optimising the porous structure of heterogeneous reforming catalysts with a globular model of the grain

The theory of a globular grain model was used to construct an algorithm for analysing the problem of how the porous structure of heterogeneous catalysts affects their efficiency in model reforming reactions. Our analysis has substantiated the undeniable advantage of applying the bidispersive grain structure since its effectiveness is many times as high as the effectiveness of the monodispersive grain structure. Apparently, the method described in the present paper will be equally efficient when applied to heterogeneous catalysts made use of in other technological processes.

► Analytical and numerical methods were used to optimise the porous structure of the reforming catalyst.
► Numerical analysis has substantiated the conclusions derived from the theory of a globular grain structure.
► The theory of a globular grain model may be regarded as applicable to other uses of bidispersive, heterogeneous catalysts.
► The effectiveness of the bidispersive grain structure is many times that of the monodispersive grain structure.