6 replies to this topic

[Human6]

Hey folks,

 

In designing an isothermal packed bed reactor with a shell and tube heat transfer configuration, what is the reason for containing the catalyst in the tubes? Can the catalyst be contained in the shell and for what reasons?

 

regards

Edited by Human6, 29 April 2013 - 01:37 AM.

[thorium90]

If you put it in the shell, wouldnt it be more difficult to remove it? Also, the flow and heat transfer would be alot less uniform. Having it in the tubes is definitely much more advantageous than having it in the shell. There is no reason I know of to have catalysts in the shell.

[Art Montemayor]

Putting the catalyst in the shell side of a tubular reactor is a silly and non-sensical idea.  Where did you come up with that?

 

Any engineering student should first start using his common sense before entertaining an idea.  Common sense alone should tell you that the idea is not practical - nor advisable.  Catalyst is always put in the tubes.

 

Study the attached drawing of the tubular reactor I helped a Spanish student design.  This was a copy of a similar reactor type I had manufacturer for me by DWE in Germany in 1969.  I had four reactors built to these same details and the actual reactors are still working and producing Furfuryl Alcohol in Geel, Belgium where I installed them.  In fact, the last I heard, the reactors were producing 100% over design - over 43 year later!   That was one of my best projects as a Project Manager.

 

 Tubular Reactor Rev2.xls   49.5KB   116 downloads

[ockorkmaz]

Yes it can be: http://www.linde-ind...mal Reactor.pdf

[thorium90]

Thanks for sharing this info. It has been an interesting read.

[Bobby Strain]

The Linde reactor is not what I would consider a shell-and-tube reactor. It is a fixed bed in a vessel with internal cooling coils. You have to assess where to place catalyst based on the need to remove and install catalyst.

 

Bobby

[Art Montemayor]

 

Ockorkmaz:

 

Read the original posting carefully.  It says:

 

“In designing an isothermal packed bed reactor with a shell and tube heat transfer configuration”.

 

The Linde configuration is NOT a shell and tube configuration.  Therefore you are wrong and the answer is still that it is a silly and non-sensical idea.  You must always have the capability to routinely remove the catalyst for re-activation and replacement.