Solution of cyclic profiles in catalytic reactor operation with periodic flow reversal

Abstract

A relatively rapid solution method is proposed which utilizes the Newton's technique to directly solve for the cyclic profiles in catalytic reactor operation with periodic flow reversal. The equations are considered as providing a boundary value problem in time, over the duration of a half cycle, obviating the need for solving over the long transient period before stationary conditions are established. The method proposed results in computer time savings by a factor of 4-7 over the conventional approach. In addition, a spatial finite element collocation is used which greatly reduces the number of grid points and facilitates rapid solution. The effects of various process parameters not studied before on the cyclic profiles is discussed.