Thermal berms can have several implications on the performance and safety of catalytic processes:
Deactivation of Catalysts: High temperatures in thermal berms can lead to the deactivation of catalysts through sintering, coking, or poisoning. Runaway Reactions: If the temperature continues to rise unchecked, it can lead to runaway reactions that are difficult to control and may pose safety risks. Reduced Selectivity: Elevated temperatures might favor undesirable side reactions, thereby reducing the selectivity for the desired product. Material Degradation: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can degrade reactor materials, leading to maintenance issues and increased operational costs.