Vapor-phase catalytic hydrogenation of 1-octene using nickel microwires and gauzes

Abstract

This research investigated the feasibility of using nickel microwire and gauze catalysts, manufactured by MEMTEC, Inc., in the vapor-phase hydrogenation of 1-octene. This reaction is representative of vapor-phase olefin hydrogenation processes commonly used in the petrochemical industry. Catalyst feasibility was determined by comparing reaction rate constants, activation energies, and deactivation rate constants of the nickel microwires and gauzes to kinetic and catalyst deactivation data from a 3-7 µm nickel powder catalyst. Kinetic data was determined using a tubular plug-flow reactor at 140-240 °C, 0.07-4 sec. residence time, and a pressure of 1 atm. The nickel microwire and gauze catalysts, with one exception, had activation energies 33% lower than the nickel powder catalysts which suggested higher catalytic activity. However, the nickel microwire and gauze catalysts had reaction rate constants at least IO times lower than the nickel powder. In addition, the majority of the nickel microwire and gauze catalysts had deactivation rate constants equal to or at least 2 times greater than the nickel powder catalyst. These results were attributed to the diffusion of iron to the surface of the nickel microwires and gauzes, adversely affecting the surface characteristics of the nickel microwire and gauze catalysts. Given these findings, using nickel microwire and gauze catalysts to replace nickel power in vapor-phase olefin hydrogenation processes is not recommended. However, in those processes where a powder catalyst can not be used because of pressure drop problems, then the use of the rnicrowire or gauze catalysts would be an acceptable substitute.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1998

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Clausen, Christian

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Chemistry

Format

PDF

Pages

78 p.

Language

English

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0028698

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic; Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

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