Technology Unit

: Catalytic Conversion Reactor
: Generic Styrene from Ethylbenzene Process
Short Name: Catalytic Reactor
Description: A Gaseous Stream of Pre-Heated Styrene from the Steam Mixer and additional Superheated Steam are fed to the Catalytic Conversion Reactor with a final Water/Ethylbenzene molar ratio of approximately 14:1. The Ethylbenzene Catalytic Dehydrogenation takes place in a Vertical Cylindrical Shell and Tube Reactor (Catalytic Reactor), which operates isothermally. The reacting Gaseous Mixture flows inside the tubes over the Catalyst Bed, while Superheated Steam is injected in the Reactor’s Shell to maintain the Reaction Temperature in the requested range (580 - 610°C). The Reaction Temperature must not be increased to a value higher than 610 °C since thermal decomposition of both Ethylbenzene and Styrene would occur. At the Reactor’s Exit a hot Gaseous Mixture is obtained, which has a Styrene mass composition of about 93% (on dry basis).
Link: https://www.redalyc.org/journal/2570/257054721002/html/