Computer utilization in a kinetic study ofn‐butane isomerization

Abstract

A three‐part technique was developed to study the kinetics of n‐butane isomerization. First, a graphical procedure was used to develop simple rate models for each set of experimental conditions. Second, the simple models were used in conjunction with reactor simulations to generate intrareactor rate and partial pressure data. Third, the pooled rate and partial pressure data were used to build comprehensive kinetics models. The isomerization kineticg were represented by dual‐site, surface‐reaction‐controlled models. The effects of temperature, pressure, hydrogen‐to‐hydrocarbon ratio, and space velocity on both isobutane yield and selectivity were determined.