Performance analysis and modeling of catalytic trickle-bed reactors: a comprehensive review

Trickle-bed reactors (TBRs) are extensively used in industry. There have been great progresses in design and control of the TBRs. However, more improvements are required in the performance/operation of TBRs. These improvements can lead to more efficient process control and further reduction of the operation costs. In terms of process efficiency, the product quality can be improved since a large number of the TBRs are used in purification processes. In terms of operation costs, the process improvement can result in longer utilization of the catalysts because the catalytic TBRs' operations usually suffer from the deactivation phenomenon for expensive catalysts. Hydrodynamic parameters play significant roles in the control and operation of TBRs. We provide comprehensive information and discussion on TBRs application and hydrodynamic characteristics. Moreover, a systematic methodology is proposed to develop a TBR mathematical model. A detailed review on the previous TBRs studies is presented, and technical issues in their design and operation are discussed. In addition, current challenges in the TBR modeling are summarized, and further research plans/topics are suggested. This review provides an exhaustive knowledge and practical and theoretical tips that can be employed to more efficaciously model targeted TBR processes, leading to better understanding of the process behaviours, and more efficient operation of the relevant plants. (c) 2021 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.