Modeling of the Methanol Synthesis Catalyst Deactivation in a Spherical Bed Reactor: An Environmental Challenge

Catalyst deactivation and its environmental consequences are believed to be an important issue seriously needed to be dealt with. In this study, a mathematical model of a spherical bed along with the catalyst deactivation in a long-term operation period for the methanol synthesis was investigated. The inside space of the two spheres reactor configuration was filled with the catalyst. The materials in the outer surface of the inner hemisphere were understudied. The equations solved at two dynamic and static levels via the finite difference method. It was revealed that, the resulting pressure drop as well as operation costs might have been lowered while the production capacity enhanced in comparison with the conventional reactors and overall leading to better environment protections. Furthermore, the analysis of the catalyst deactivation behavior indicated that a series of parameters including the reactor temperature and size, as well as the entering carbon monoxide and feed rates played an important role in the catalyst deactivation.