Factors influencing The deactivation of industrial catalysts

Abstract

The changes that occurred in the physico-chemical properties of a commercial Co-MO-Al203 catalyst on industrial usage were examined. The catalyst under study had operated satisfactorily, meeting the full guarantees on its life, but had to be discarded after six regenerations due to shortened cycle lengths. It was observed that changes in the texture and structure of the support alumina and loss ofthe active components (Moo3 and COO) had occurred. Also, the spent catalyst was found to be more acidic, resulting in faster coke pick up during reaction. Some evidence for the weakening of the Moo3 - A1203 interaction was also noticed. The reasons for the above changes in the physico-chemical properties, believed to be responsible for the short cycle lengths of the catalyst, are analysed.