How Does Catalyst Attrition Affect Catalytic Performance?
Catalyst attrition can lead to several adverse effects on catalytic performance:
- Loss of Active Surface Area: As particles degrade, the active surface area available for catalytic reactions decreases, reducing overall catalytic activity. - Selectivity Changes: Fragmentation of catalyst particles can expose different active sites, potentially altering reaction pathways and product selectivity. - Pressure Drops: Accumulation of fine particles can lead to increased pressure drops within reactors, impacting flow dynamics and process efficiency. - Contamination: Fine catalyst particles can contaminate product streams, necessitating additional separation steps and increasing operational costs.