The influence of catalyst flow rate and superficial gas velocity on the modified two‐phase model for propylene polymerization in a gas‐phase fluidized bed reactor

Abstract

Olefin polymerization, especially of propylene in gas‐phase fluidized bed reactors, is increasingly prevalent because of its ability to handle the continuous process, among other advantages. The challenge for modelling this process is solving the high nonlinearity phenomena in such a system. This research studies the influence of catalyst flow rate and superficial gas velocity on the modified two‐phase model. The catalyst flow rates were set at 1 × 10−4, 2 × 10−4, and 3 × 10−4 kg/s, while the superficial flow rates were set at 0.35, 0.5, and 0.65 m/s. Production rate, reactor temperature, and heat‐loss flow rate were found to be proportional to catalyst flow rate and inversely proportional to superficial gas velocity. Heat loss through the fluidized bed wall had an influence only on the reactor temperature. Finally, predicted reactor temperatures corresponded closely to the pilot plant data, with deviations smaller than 0.5%.

Special issue in honour of Professor Jamal Chaouki

“…99, issue 12) with 12 papers as Part II. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] The special issue and special section cover experiments, modelling and simulation of multiphase reactors, pyrolysis and gasification, mineral processing, and applied catalysis.We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the contributors, reviewers, Dr. João B. P. Soares, and Kyra Van Den Bos, who, as the Managing Editor for this special issue, led the support team, which includes Tiffany Noel, Production Editor, and Lisa Olsen, Editorial Coordinator, in the publishing process. Above all, on behalf of all the contributors, we would like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to Dr. Chaouki for his decades of dedication to teaching, mentoring, research, and community services in Canada, Morocco, and worldwide, and wish him and his well-respected family all the best in the future.…”

“…99, issue 12) with 12 papers as Part II. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] The special issue and special section cover experiments, modelling and simulation of multiphase reactors, pyrolysis and gasification, mineral processing, and applied catalysis.…”