Modelling for design of a deactivating non-isothermal propane dehydrogenation reactor

A kinetic based deactivation model is used to compare the performance of a deactivating propane dehydrogenation catalytic reactor. Different temperature profiles are imposed to simulate the profiles obtained in current commercial and other potential reactor designs. Based on the simulation results it is concluded that the best design for abatement of deactivation is near isothermal, preferably with a gentle increase in temperature through the reactor. It is also noted, that for this particular reaction, the most important factor in temperature profile selection for design is to achieve the best start of cycle results. Activity advantages obtained over fresh catalyst are largely retained through the deactivation.