Catalyst deactivation by coking in the MTG process in fixed and fluidized bed reactors

The validity of a kinetic model for describing the deactivation of a catalyst based on a HZSM5 zeolite has been studied by carrying out reaction in fixed and fluidized bed reactors. The kinetic model takes into account that activity is dependent on the concentration of the lumps of oxygenates, of light olefins and of the remaining products and shows that coke formation capability follows this order. The difference between the deactivation kinetic constants calculated for the fixed and fluidized bed reactors is explained by the effect of the steam produced in the reaction, where coke stripping attenuates deactivation. Future improvements in the deactivation kinetic model must take into account coke stripping by the steam produced in the reaction.