Air displacement in the reactor before catalyst loading
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I would like to ask everyone: before loading the catalyst into the fixed-bed reactor of a hydrogenation unit, air displacement is required to ensure that the oxygen content measured is within acceptable limits before proceeding with the loading. Should purified air or unpurified air be used for this displacement? Our previous workplace used unfiltered air, but I heard from some colleagues that filtered air is necessary. What type of air does your facility use? Are there clear requirements in this regard?
If considered solely in terms of oxygen content, the effects of the two are actually similar; however, from the perspective of ensuring the proper operation of the catalyst, it is more reasonable to use purified air. The reason for this is that the impurities and moisture contained in purified air are relatively low, resulting in less impact on the catalyst However, in practice, most units still use unpurified air, mainly due to cost considerations. Furthermore, enhancing dehydration and appropriate filtration of the unpurified air before the replacement point can also reduce its impact on the catalyst!