STEADY STATE AND DYNAMIC MODELLING OF A PACKED BED REACTOR FOR THE PARTIAL OXIDATION OF METHANOL TO FORMALDEHYDE I. MODEL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract Several levels of mathematical models involving one and two dimensions as well as single and multiple phases are used to predict the steady state and dynamic behavior of a packed bed reactor for the partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde. Parametric sensitivity is examined for several heat and mass transfer parameters, kinetic parameters, and operating conditions. Yield is compared for various models, and significant differences are observed between the one-dimensional and two-dimensional models. The dynamic behavior after step changes in the operating conditions is found to be qualitatively similar for different models.