3-Dimentional Analysis of the RDS Catalyst's Inner Structure Using X-Ray Tomography

Abstract

Residual hydro-desulfurization (RDS) is an essential process toward the efficient use of petroleum resources. In this study, we performed X-ray tomography on two RDS catalysts, cat-A and cat-B, to analyze the relationship between the catalyst's inner structures and their lifetimes. The lifetime of cat-B was 15% shorter than that of cat-A. Our findings showed that the number of closed pores in cat-B greatly increased after use. The median pore diameter of cat-B was 40% smaller than that of cat-A, which indicates that pore blockage was more likely to occur in cat-B. Using CFD analysis, we also found that the permeability of cat-B after use was much smaller than that of cat-A. In addition, the pores of cat-A seemed to act as percolation paths more effectively than those of cat-B. Overall, our findings clarified the differences in inner structures that affect the lifetime of RDS catalysts.