Structured catalyst carrier for selective oxidation of hydrocarbons: modelling and testing

Metallic structured reactors have proved to increase the yield of maleic anhydride (MA) in oxidation of n-butane and to reduce catalyst deactivation. In this study a structured reactor made of Cr–Al steel rosettes has been tested. Reaction conditions (temperature, contact time, content of reaction mixture) were found to achieve optimal reactor performance. Based on obtained results a model of heat and mass transfer in the reactor has been put forward. The estimated activation energy of the n-butane oxidation to MA, 87 kJ/mol, agrees with the literature data.