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Catalytic Processes

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Fluidized-Bed Reactors: Processes and Operating Conditions

Part of the book series: Particle Technology Series ((POTS,volume 26))

Abstract

The chapter begins with a brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of fluidized-bed reactors compared with alternatives such as fixed beds for solid-catalysed gas-phase processes coupled with some general points about reactor operation. The points made are emphasised in the descriptions that follow of the most prominent technologies currently employing gas-solid catalytic reactions. Olefin polymerization is traced from its introduction in the 1960’s to modern-day variants employing condensing-mode operation . Operational problems associated with electrostatic charging of the fluidized polymer particles are discussed. Processes for the oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride are presented, particular attention being paid to the DuPont circulating fluidized-bed process which although ultimately ending in failure demonstrated important aspects of plant design and operation. Well-established processes for the ammoxidation of propylene to acrylonitrile are discussed the emphasis being on that developed by Sohio. Processes for the production of vinyl chloride monomer and vinyl acetate monomer are described briefly. A section on gas-to-liquid technologies describes the classic Synthol process as well as more recent developments converting synthesis gas to methanol and thence to gasoline and light olefins. The chapter concludes with a consideration of fluidized catalytic cracking , arguably the most important catalytic reaction in all industry. In each case the emphasis is on process chemistry, catalyst formulation, reactor configuration and operation and reactor/process modelling.

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  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, UK

    John G. Yates & Paola Lettieri

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  1. John G. Yates
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  2. Paola Lettieri
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Correspondence to John G. Yates .

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Yates, J.G., Lettieri, P. (2016). Catalytic Processes. In: Fluidized-Bed Reactors: Processes and Operating Conditions. Particle Technology Series, vol 26. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-39593-7_2

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