Abstract

In this paper, we utilized a simulation approach based on the dynamic explicit FEM (Finite Element Method) to evaluate the stress distributions and the bulk density of catalyst pellets filled in a pipe reactor. We clarified that the shape of catalyst pellets affects their bulk density and stress distribution and found an optimal catalyst pellet shape that can increase the bulk density and reduce the average stress in the pipe reactor. The optimally shaped catalyst pellets are expected to improve their filled state in the pipe reactor, extend the durability of the catalyst pellets and increase the efficiency of production of environmentally friendly refrigerants. At the same time, the proposed simulation method can contribute to speeding up the development of production equipment and improving its completeness.