Mathematical model and experimental testing of a two-zone fuidized bed reactor for the oxidation of butane to maleic anhydride

A mathematical model that helps explain the results obtained for the partial oxidation of n-butane in a two zone fluid bed reactor was developed. The best selectivity was obtained at low temperature for both experimental data and model prediction. But 400°C seemed to be the most adequate temperature, since an increase in conversions does not suppose any significant selectivity loss. The complete n-butane oxidation was favored at high temperatures, decreasing maleic anhydride (MA) selectivity. A higher oxidation zone produced a more oxidized catalysts, improving MA selectivity. MA selectivity decreased along the bed as a result of a consuming in the adsorbed and catalyst oxygen. This is an abstract of a paper presented the 18th World Petroleum Congress (Johannesburg, South Africa 9/25-29/2006).