Filling with inert ceramic catalyst balls
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This post was last edited by Green Lotus on 2018-9-26 at 17:38. What are the advantages of using inert ceramic balls as catalysts?
Gradated filling? I’m hearing about this for the first time~~~
Catalysts are generally packed in a normal dilute-phase or dense-phase manner; I have never heard of graded packing
Inert ceramic balls are generally filled in accordance with the requirements of the catalyst manufacturer; of course, the smaller the diameter difference between the ceramic balls, the better, as long as it still meets the requirements regarding the pressure drop across the bed.
Why use a diameter step? Can’t they all be equipped with the same specifications?
Inert porcelain balls serve two functions; the first one is to provide support. The second purpose is to prevent the catalyst from falling from the outlet into the high-pressure heat exchanger, serving as a filtering function. The filling of ceramic balls generally follows a pattern of decreasing diameter from bottom to top, for example from 6 to 3. This provides progressive support and filtering. If you use the same model for everything, it may lead to an increase in pressure difference. My personal understanding is for reference only.
It supports the catalyst and can make the flow rate within the catalyst bed more uniform. Place the larger ones at the bottom, as larger ones have greater strength while smaller ones are more prone to breaking. Additionally, there is a filtering mesh at the bottom outlet; it has a certain mesh size, and it’s not suitable either if the ceramic balls at the bottom are too small. This is my understanding.
Ceramic balls are generally of φ13, φ6, and φ3 sizes. Filling the bottom with ceramic balls serves both to provide support and to prevent material leakage. At the top of the bed layer, some design institutes choose to replace the ceramic balls with protectants. Similarly, the removal of the scale accumulation section is also due to the improved performance of the raw material filter, which allows for an increased amount of ceramic balls or protectants to be used.
Inert alumina ceramic balls are available in various sizes, ranging from 1 mm to 50 mm, including those with low aluminum content, high aluminum content, corundum type, and inert alumina composition.