Periodic operation of a trickle‐bed reactor

The influence of periodic water flow on SO 2 oxidation in a trickle bed of activated carbon catalyst was investigated, whereby gaseous reactants were introduced into the trickle‐bed reactor continuously, but water was turned on and off. Mean liquid superficial velocities of 0.86 and 1.65 mm/s were used. At the latter, an increase in the oxidation rate of about 30 to 45% was found within a range of cycle periods from 2 to 80 min. A temperature change of up to 7°C was observed in the bed during periodic operation. An explanation of the improved average oxidation rate under periodic operation is developed in terms of the steady‐state rates with and without water flow for symmetrical and asymmetrical cycles.