High Temperature Shift Catalyst Reduction Procedure

High Temperature Shift Catalyst Reduction Procedure
The catalyst, as supplied, is Fe2O3. This reduces to the active form, Fe3O4, in the presence of hydrogen when process gas is admitted to the reactor.

1. The mildly exothermic reactions are:

3 Fe2O3 + H2 ========= 2 Fe3O4 + H2O

3 Fe2O3 + CO ========= 2 Fe3O4 + CO2

1. 41,
lew CPT
NO 1 CATALYST, PROCESS TECHNOLOGY

CONSULTANCY

VULCAN VSG-F101

High Temperature Shift Catalyst
Reduction Procedure

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2. 3 FezOs + He = 2 FeO. + HO
Fe:03+CO 1050+ + CO:
team is not present, reduction of Fe:0, to metallic iron takes place:

(endothermic)

2 (slightly endothermic

Metallic iron must be avoided because it catalyses the following
sxothermic reac

The reduction process is a fairy simple one:

1. Purge the reactor free of air with inert gas.

2 I possible, heat the catalyst bed with d
‘condensation temperature is exceeded. Alternatively, heat the
cataly ‘and allow the effluent gas 10 go to the

3. tise the inlet temperature to ideally 750°F and hold for 1-2 hours. Reduce the
inlet temperature to the normal operating inet, typically 680-700°F. The catalyst
is now fully activated and the process gas can now be passed forward to the ne
process step.

OPERATION

In early life, the catalyst is usually operated in the inlet temperature range of 6
700°F. The optimum should be determined on-line by increasing the inlet
temperature in steps of 10°F and measuring the exit CO content - alter

As the catalyst ages and performance deteriorates it may be advantageous to
elevate the operating temperature to minimize CO leakage.

Although HTS catalysts are quite strong, even in the reduced state, condensation
of steam-to-water on the catalyst should be prevented by keeping inlet process
gas temperature

During short shutdowns, the catalyst may be left under process gas or steam at
either operating or lower pressures. It may even be steamed, it necessary, to
maintain operating temperatures.

4. sing pressure drop problems.

DISCHARGE

If the catalyst is to be discarded, it does not require a special oxidation procedure
before discharge. Once the vessel is depressured and purged free of process
gas with steam, itis cooled to about 400°F. From there, inert gas replaces steam
to coo! the catalyst to the ambient temperature. posit e of inert g

is held on the reactor to prevent air from entering. The catalyst is either dumped
or vacuumed from the reactor. Water hoses should be available in case the
catalyst heats up when exposed to the ai.

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Technology Consultancy
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Gerard B. Hawkins
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