A quantification of chemical and physical factors on SO2 oxidation catalysts

Abstract

This study entailed the design and optimization of the supported liquid phase V2O5 catalyst system for SO2 oxidation. The active melt consisted of V205 dissolved in alkali metal pyrosulphates. The activity increased with increasing ionic radii of the alkaline metal cation. Replacement of K by Na decreases activity. There is an optimum vanadium to alkaline promoter ratio. An optimum active constituent loading exists at 0,3cm³ melt /cm³ pore and this is determined by product of the gas- and liquid phase effectiveness factors. Studies on pellet size and geometry on reaction rate, pressure drop and mechanical strength indicated that a high activity can be maintained by the use of exotic shapes with a substantial reduction in bed pressure drop. The effect of geometry, amount of carrier matrix sintering and liquid loading on mechanical strength was quantified at room- and operating temperature.