Temperature, conversion factors fixed point

Do not infer from the above discussion that all the catalyst in a fixed bed ages at the same rate. This is not usually true. Instead, the time-dependent effectiveness factor will vary from point to point in the reactor. The deactivation rate constant kj) will be a function of temperature. It is usually fit to an Arrhenius temperature dependence. For chemical deactivation by chemisorption or coking, deactivation will normally be much higher at the inlet to the bed. In extreme cases, a sharp deactivation front will travel down the bed. Behind the front, the catalyst is deactivated so that there is little or no conversion. At the front, the conversion rises sharply and becomes nearly complete over a short distance. The catalyst ahead of the front does nothing, but remains active, until the front advances to it. When the front reaches the end of the bed, the entire catalyst charge is regenerated or replaced. 

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