A Model for a Supported Liquid-Phase Catalyst with a Volatile Solvent

The use of a supported liquid-phase catalyst for the low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide and ethylene has recently been investigated experimentally. The catalyst in this case is a supported Wacker process type catalyst, a solution of palladium and copper salts in water. At reaction conditions the solvent (water) is volatile and, consequently, evaporation and condensation of solvent can occur, depending on the condition of the reactor feed. A steady-state model which accounts for the evaporation and condensation of solvent has been developed and applied to the oxidation of carbon monoxide and found to be in good qualitative agreement with observed trends. In particular, it predicts sharply optimum liquid loading on the catalyst support similar to those found experimentally. Details of the model structure and its application are presented.