EFFECT OF PARTIAL WETTING ON SCALE-UP OF LABORATORY TRICKLE-BED REACTORS

Abstract
The importance of considering the effects of partial wetting on reactor performance during scale-up was demonstrated by conducting a series of experiments at one space velocity but different liquid flow rates. The hydrogenation of biphenyl was chosen as a model reaction. Conversions ranged from 36% at a liquid flow rate of 2 ml/min to 98% at 10 ml/min. Experiments were performed at 296°C and 5.2 MPa.