Catalytic oxidation of n-propanol in a multiphase upflow reactor: Surface tension effects

The catalytic oxidation of n-propanol in aqueous solution by gaseous oxygen was carried out in a packed-bed upflow reactor, Reaction rates were measured at different temperatures, liquid and gas superficial velocities, oxygen partial pressure and alcohol concentrations. ne kind of rate controlling regime was identified by examining the influence of the operating conditions on the conversion rate. The experimental data were compared with reaction rates calculated by different reactor models. Single propanol solutions and mixtures with other aliphatic alcohols were tested to point out the interaction between the reactants and the influence of the liquid phase physical properties on the reactor performance. The results show a remarkable influence of the concentration of liquid phase reactants on propanol oxidation rate, A set of experimental runs was carried out using surfactant solutions to emphasize the surface tension effects.