Modelling diffusion and reaction for inert‐core catalyst in batch and fixed bed reactors

New analytical solutions of concentration time curves are derived for an isothermal inert-core spherical catalyst based on the mathematical models by taking into account first-order irreversible reaction and mass transfer resistances in batch and fixed bed reactors.1, 2 The effects of mass transfer resistances and Thiele modulus on catalytic efficiency and conversion of reactant are examined over a wide range of parameters for an inert-core catalyst. The results show that the inert-core catalyst can significantly improve the efficiency for fast catalytic reactions, where mass transfer limitations occur; however, the reactant conversion will decrease due to a lower loading ratio of active species of catalyst for inert-core catalyst.