Liquid-phase hydrogenation of cyclohexene in well-stirred semi-batch reactor

Abstract

The liquid phase hydrogenation of cyclohexene on a 5\% platinum on -alumina catalyst was investigated to obtain the intrinsic reaction rate data. A well-stirred semi-batch reactor was employed. Intrinsic reaction rate data were obtained with the catalyst powdered to an 270-325 mesh size and in the temperature range between 30$^\circ$C and 60$^\circ$C. From the experiment of effect of stirring speed on the reaction rate, mass transfer resistances are found to be negligible above 2,000rpm. Experimental evidence and numerical calculations show that the mass transfer resistances both outside and inside the catalyst powder are negligble. The reaction rate is found to be first order with respect to the concentration of hydrogen and zero order with respect to the concentration of cyclohexene. The activation energy is 7.1 Kcal per gram mole. Also the effect of various solvents on the reaction rate was investigated. With the $\frac{1}{4}$````, 8/1" catalyst pellets effectiveness factor, effective diffusivity, tortuosity factor were obtained. Through the destruction test we compare the activity of catalyst powder with that of catalyst pellets.