Methodology of multiphase reaction kinetics and hydrodynamics identification: Application to catalyzed nitrobenzene hydrogenation

This paper deals with the modelling of a multiphase batch reaction: catalyzed nitrobenzene hydrogenation. The reactor's gas-liquid mass transfer parameters in the absence of any reaction are first identified, and the solubility of hydrogen in the reactional medium is also measured. A reaction kinetics and heat parameter identification method is then developed. This method is based on a light experimental procedure, requiring measurement of only temperature and pressure variations in the batch reactor. This study is carried out in an isothermal batch and semi-batch reactor, whose initial temperature varies between 283 and 333 K. A simplified model associating the hydrodynamic gas-liquid mass transfer parameters and the chemical kinetics processes is developed. The key parameters that can influence the reaction development are the hydrogen pressure, the coolant temperature, the quantity of catalyst pellets and the stirring speed. The developed model also allows the precise simulation of the extent of reaction and the temperature evolution of the studied multiphase catalytic reaction. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.