Table Of ContentChemical Reactor Technology
for Environmentally Safe Reactors and Products
NATO ASI Series
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Series E: Applied Sciences - Vol. 225
Chemical Reactor Technology
for Environmentally Safe
Reactors and Products
edited by
H. I. de Lasa
Faculty of Engineering Science,
The University of Western Ontario,
London, Ontario, Canada
G. Dogu
Gazi University,
Maltepe, Ankara, Turkey
and
A. Ravella
Imperial Oil Ltd.,
Research Department,
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
SPRINGER-SCIENCE+BUSINSE MSEDIA, B.V
Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on
Chemical Reactor Technology for Environmentally Safe Reactors and Products
London, Ontario, Canada
25 August - 4 September 1991
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publicatio n Data
Chemical reacto r technolog y fo r environmentall y saf e reactor s and
product s / edite d by H.I . de Lasa, G. Dogu, A. Ravella .
p. cm.— (NATO ASI series . Serie s E, Applie d science s n o.
;
225)
Include s index .
ISBN 978-94-010-5219-1 ISBN 978-94-011-2747-9 (eBook)
DOI 10.1007/978-94-011-2747-9
1. Chemical reactors—Environmenta l aspects . I . De Lasa, Hugo
I. II . Dogü, G. III . Ravella , A. IV . Series .
TP157.C418 1992
660'.283—dc20 92-3659 1
ISBN 978-94-010-5219-1
Printed on acid-free paper
All Rights Reserved
© 1992Springer-Science+Business Media Dordrecht
Originally published byKluwer Academic Publishers and copyright holders as spe-
cified on appropriate pages within in 1992
Softcover reprint of the hardcover 1st edition 1992
No part of the material protected by this copyright notice may be reproduced or
utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photo-
copying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without written
permission from the copyright owner.
Table of Contents
Hugo I. de Lasa
Preface ix
I. Fuels of the Future and Changing Fuel Needs
A. Ravella
How Should Environmentally Benign Gasolines be Formulated? 1
G.L. Haning, H. Shannon
Oxygenates as Gasoline Blending Components 7
D. King
Engineering of Fluidized Catalytic Crackers 17
A. W. Peters, W-C Cheng, T. G. Roberie
Scientific Aspects of Novel Catalysts for FCC 51
H. de Lasa, D. Kraemer
Novel Techniques for FCC Catalyst Selection and 71
Kinetic Modelling
A. Pekediz, D. W. Kraemer, J. Chabot, H.!. de Lasa
Mixing Patterns in a Novel Riser Simulator 133
P.H. Schipper, A. V. Sapre, Q.N. Le
Chemical Aspects of Clean Fuels Production 147
II. Alternative Sources
J.e. w. Kuo
Evaluation of Direct Methane Conversion Processes 183
vi
M.M. G. Senden, S. T. Sie, M.F.M. Post, J. Ansorge
Engineering Aspects of the Conversion of Natural Gas 227
Into Middle Distillates
J. Rostrup-Nielsen, I. Dybkjaer, L.J. Christiansen
Steam Reforming Opportunities and Limits of the Technology 249
M. Baerns
Oxidative Coupling of Methane for the Utilization of 283
Natural Gas
O. Altin, I. anal, T. Dogu, J.B. Butt
Dysprosium Oxide for Oxidative Coupling of Methane 317
F. Berruti, L.A. Behie
Ultrapyrolysis of Heavy Oils: Reaction Kinetics and 325
Reactor Technology
M.P. Dudukovic, N. Devanathan
Bubble Column Reactors: Some Recent Developments 353
F. Berruti, R. Wong
Strategies for Low Emissions From Circulating 379
Fluidized Bed Boilers
G.F. Froment
Kinetic Modelling of Complex Processes. Thermal Cracking 409
and Catalytic Hydrocracking
P. Trambouze
Engineering of Hydrotreating Processes 425
III. Emission Control, Chemical Reactor Safety and Engineering
G. Cao, M. Morbidelli, A. Varma
Thermal Sensitivity and Runaway in Chemical Reacting Systems 443
G. Dogu, T. Dogu
Kinetics of Capture of Sulfur Dioxide and Applications to 467
Flue Gas Desulfurization
G. Dogu, G. Olmez, T. Dogu
Removal of S02 with Lime Slurry in a Spray Dryer 499
vii
C. Brereton, J.R. Grace, C.J. Lim, J. Zhu
Engineering Aspects of Recirculating Fluidised Bed Combustion 507
B.P.A. Grandjean, J. Chaouki
Application of a Monte Carlo Method to the Solid Flow Pattern 537
Visualization in CFB
J.P. Leclerc, D. Schweich
Modeling Catalytic Monoliths for Automobile Emission Control 547
E. Pelizzetti, C. Minero, E. Pramauro
Photocatalytic Processes for Destruction of Organic Water 577
Contaminants
I. Poulios, A. Avranas
Heterogeneous Photocatalytic Degradation of the Cationic 609
Surfactants Cetyldimethylbenzylammonium Chloride
and Cetylpyridinium Chloride
J.J. Lerou, L.E. Manzer
Progress in the Development of Chlorofluorcarbon 617
(CFC) Alternatives
Index 625
Preface
If the decade of the 70's and mid 80's were influenced by two energy crisis and the related
concerns about adequate and secure supply of hydrocarbons and fossil fuels, the decade of the
90's will be one of environmental concerns. The chemical and energy industry worldwide are
at the basis of these concerns. However, it is expected that the actual utilization of some of the
processes used and products produced and marketed, such as gasolines of different kinds, and/or
processes for the conversion of various fossil fuels will presumably continue evolving during the
90's and the next century. A drastic reduction of some of these products would translate into a
significant lowering of living standards not likely to be accepted by the Western world. The
challenge is not how to phase out processes and products but how to adapt these products to meet
more rigorous environmental standards. This is certainly an outstanding challenge for the new
generation of chemical engineering researchers and an area where reactor engineering could
significantly contribute.
Therefore, Chemical Reactor Engineering, as a discipline, has a central role to play in helping
with the development of adequate strategies and technologies that can effectively deal with the
concerns of to day's society. There is a need to reflect about these matters and to exchange views
and experiences.
With these facts in mind, a NATO-ASI conference was planned considering that could help
conceptualize new approaches and novel technologies. It was perceived that this was a time for
reflection and action. It was also perceived that the NATO-AS I was calling on the cord of
researchers' social responsibility bringing them together to plan and visualize new technologies.
With this general background, a NATO-Advanced Study Institute on Chemical Reactor
Technology for Environmentally Safe Reactors and Products was proposed to the NATO Scientific
Branch in July 1990 by the Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre-University of Western Ontario
(CREC-UWO). The NATO-Advanced Study Institute Conference was held between August 25,
1991 and September 4, 1991 in Spencer Hall, London, Ontario. More than 75 participants,
including several worldwide leading authorities in the field of Chemical Reactor Engineering from
academia, research institutes and industries participated in this event. A total of 17 countries
from Europe, North America, South America and Asia were represented.
Ten intensive working days were planned for this NATO-AS I conference, covering as major
themes: Fuels of the Future and Changing Fuel Needs, Alternative Sources, Emission Control
and Safety. During most of the morning and afternoon sessions, the selected format was of the
lecture type; presentation and question periods.
ix
x
In addition, three panel discussions on particularly critical and pressing environmental issues
closely related to the chemical engineering industry were planned. These panel discussions,
chaired by highly involved scientists, were: 1) Strategies for Low Emissions from Circulating
Fluidized Bed Boilers (professor F. Berruti, University of Calgary), 2) How Should
Environmentally Benign Gasolines be Formulated? (Dr. A. Ravella, Imperial Oil Ltd., Sarnia,
Canada) and 3) Fluorocarbon Chemical Substitutes to Reduce Ozone Depletion (Dr. 1. Lerou,
Dupont, USA).
The intensive program of technical activities for the NATO-AS I conference expanded to the
dinners at Spencer Hall with special invited speakers. Dr. G. Donati, Enichem, discussed:
"DMC: a Product/Technology for Future Environmentally Safe Processes", Dr. 1. Christie,
Manager Power Train Design, General Motors of Canada Limited reviewed" Automotive Engine
and Future Fuels", Mr. P.J. Allen, Manager, CANDU 3 Safety and Licensing, Atomic Energy
of Canada, considered "Strategies for Safety in Nuclear Reactors/Power Plants".
In addition to this extensive theoretical program, a visit to the Sarnia Chemical Valley, the
heart of the Canadian petroleum and petrochemical industry was planned. Three major refineries
(Esso's, Shell's and Suncor's), a number of petrochemical plants (Nova's, Dow's, BASF's) and
other chemical industries (AKZO, LINDE, etc.) constitute a unique concentration of chemical
"hardware" which makes Sarnia the ideal location for a full one day trip during the Conference.
Such concentration of chemical industrial sites creates the need for very stringent controls on
emissions, losses and environmental issues which were discussed during the visit. The trip to
Sarnia included a visit to Esso Petroleum Canada Refinery and Dow Chemical's Petrochemical
Plant, followed by presentations at Esso's Sarnia Research Department on "Strategies on Air
Quality Control". The closeness of CREC-UWO to a major petrochemical site and industrial
research facilities created another major justification for the development of the NATO-AS I in
such a strategic location as London, Ontario.
Furthermore, in order to stimulate discussions and favourize the exchange of novel ideas and
concepts related to various areas of chemical engineering, the participants were invited to
contribute to the Conference during the Poster Presentation Session chaired by
Professor J. Arandes, from the Universidad del Pafs Vasco, Spain. Over 20 poster presentations
were displayed at this session.
A more practical note was added to the conference during the laboratory experiment
demonstrations session. The participants were invited to attend various demonstrations in the
laboratories of the Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre of the University of Western Ontario.
These demonstrations served the double purpose of providing the various participants with the
opportunity to discuss more extensively the technical aspects of the various research projects in
progress and to note the calibre and vigour of the research activities of the CREC.
The various participants also had the opportunity to get a flavour of the Canadian landscape and
have a glance at the artistic life in Canada. An afternoon in the theatre at Stratford, as well as
a visit to Niagara falls, Niagara-on-the Lake and Fort George were part of the conference
program. These activities presented an opportunity for the participants to pursue discussions in
a more relaxed atmosphere.
xi
In summary, the second NATO-ASI was a massive learning experience where lecturers and
participants found a most appropriate atmosphere for fruitful technical exchanges and for
visualizing technological innovations for reactor technologies. It also provided an opportunity
for participants to consider new or anticipated environmental regulations and concerns.
I would like to express here my gratitude to the co-directors of the NATO-ASI,
Professor G. DogtI, Gazi University and Dr. A. Ravella, Imperial Oil Ltd., Canada, who
contributed considerably to the success of the NATO-AS!. Furthermore, I would also like to
express my sincere thanks to the Members of the Scientific Advisory Committee;
Professor F. Berruti, Professor J. Grace, and Dr. A. Sapre who helped in the difficult task of
selecting the topics and lecturers.
My special thanks must also be addressed to the Local Organizing Committee, graduate students
of the University of Western Ontario, and Mr. S. Afara, Mr. A. Pekediz and Ms. J. Chabot from
CREC-UWO, who contributed with remarkable enthusiasm to make our meeting successful.
My special appreciation to Dr. Ravella and Professor Dogu for their contribution in the process
of reviewing all papers included in this book. My gratitude to Mr. Afara and Mrs. P. Young
from CREC-UWO for their most valuable help in bringing all of the manuscripts to the high level
of presentation required.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the NATO Scientific Affairs Division who
supported financially the NATO-ASO conference. As well, I would also like to gratefully
acknowledge the financial contribution of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council
of Canada.
Finally, my deepest gratitude to my wife Graciela and my children who provided the
understanding, cooperation and inspiration needed for the success of this event.
Hugo de Lasa
London, Ontario, Canada
