I would like to ask about the reasons for the deactivation of low-temperature catalysts and methods to restore them
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The first stage of the cobalt-molybdenum catalyst in our company has become inactive. We have two sets of fully low-temperature conversion units; the other set is functioning normally, with a temperature rise of 900°C. With the same process, why does it become deactivated? Please explain the reasons for the deactivation of cobalt-molybdenum catalysts.
Changes in the composition of water gas, introduction of harmful impurities into the furnace – operational reasons
Due to internal leakage in the synthesis reactor, steam contains ammonia, which constantly causes the shift catalyst to become deactivated. My company originally used medium-pressure conversion; I believe that medium-pressure ammonia will clog the catalyst pores and render the catalyst inactive. Once, the temperature rise was very low; with the electric furnace running at full capacity, even the medium-frequency transformer was not sufficient to sustain production. So I reduced production volume, used an electric furnace to heat a section of the catalyst to 520 degrees Celsius and maintained that temperature for 2 hours, then cooled it down and increased the load, after which normal operation was restored. It’s a low-variation catalyst now; it’s quite expensive, so I don’t dare to do that, and my boss either doesn’t have the courage to make such a decision. Does anyone have a good method?