Is it necessary to press the upper part of the converter catalyst layer with inert aluminum balls?
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RT. . . . Is it necessary to press the upper part of the converter catalyst layer with inert aluminum balls? We pre-laid aluminum balls at the bottom of the catalyst layer in our branch plant, but after the catalyst was loaded, there were no aluminum balls pressing on the top of each section. I wonder if this will have an impact on future production? Such as conversion rate, heat, evacuation, etc. . . . I wonder, fellow sailors, what kind of equipment do you have? Share your opinion! Thank you
Generally, it’s not necessary; it depends on how you use it – if it gets empty, then you need to press it
That’s how it is in our company: two layers of ceramic balls are placed at the bottom, and after the catalyst is installed, another two layers of ceramic balls are added on top; each layer is arranged in this manner.
It is recommended to use ceramic balls, as this helps prevent uneven thickness in the catalyst layer. Aluminum balls seem to serve the same purpose, but I have not seen them being used; I am not sure what the differences are.
Ceramic balls about 50 mm in size are installed above and below each catalyst layer
It depends on the gas velocity of the converter designed, but generally pressure is applied to prevent gas deflection over time from causing localized damage to the catalyst and affecting the conversion rate.
Stainless steel mesh—ceramic ball—stainless steel mesh—catalyst—stainless steel mesh—ceramic ball
In this way, the catalyst should not be easily destroyed by pressure
In our plant’s 200,000-ton sulfur-based acid production facility, the ceramic balls in the upper section have not been compressed; once they are compressed, it becomes impossible to carry out operations to loosen the catalyst. I’m not sure if this will affect the resistance of the catalyst layer
It is said that using ceramic rings results in less resistance compared to using ceramic balls, but where is it that ceramic rings are used in place of ceramic balls?