Design and Fabrication of Down Draft Fixed Bed Catalyst Unit for Heterogeneous Catalytic Reaction System

Abstract

The need to develop catalyst testing system for research and development arises from need of a local content development.  High cost of importation, difficulty in maintenance, sometimes not configured to local needs, and poor understanding of the system necessitates this research. The article presents the design and fabrication of versatile catalysts testing system for evaluating the performance of heterogenous catalysts under various reaction conditions. The system consists of vaporizer/preheater with diameter 3 mm and height 4 mm, temperature control unit with capacity -50 to 1370 oC, catalysts bed unit (tubular reactor that houses the catalysts with diameter 10 mm, height 230 mm). The units were fabricated in accordance to standard workshop practice.  The units were assembled and tested for performance. The system's versatility and reliability are demonstrated through evaluating heating rates and temperature profiles. The vaporizer and fixed bed reactor has heating rate of 29 and 46 oC/min. The design provides a valuable tool for understanding reaction mechanisms, reaction conditions of a specific system influenced by catalysts and temperature. The catalyst testing system is expected to contribute significantly to the development and testing of new and improvement of existing catalysts for various industrial applications, ultimately enhancing process efficiency and sustainability.