STUDIES ON THE DEACTIVATION OF Pd Al2O3 CATALYST FOR SELECTIVE HYDROGENATION OF ACETYLENE

Abstract

Studies on deactivation of a selective acetylene hydrogenation catalyst, Pd/Al2O3 have been undertaken. The mechanisms of acetylene hydrogenation have been discussed. Analysis of various parameters indicate three possible causes for deactivation, viz., i)inferior attrition strength of the catalyst pellet leading to Pd metal loss, ii)presence of Ni in the non-reducible form and iii)presence of Fe on the surface of the catalyst physically blocking the active catalyst Pd sites.