Mathematical modeling of platinum and chlorine distributions within Pt-Sn/Al2O3 catalyst prepared by impregnation

A mathematical model for the impregnation step in the preparation of supported catalysts is developed. The kinetic parameters required for the model solution were obtained by considering the reversible competitive adsorption of ions on the same surface sites. The eects of pH of the impregnation solution and impregnation time, as two critical operating parameters, were investigated and their in uence on radial distribution was evaluated. The model was applied to a Pt-Sn/Al2O3 catalyst in the presence of HCl. The experimental data required for the model solution were obtained from impregnation tests performed in a tubular xed-bed reactor with an external circulation for the impregnation solution; similar to congurations used in industrial cases. Kinetic parameter values obtained in the present modeling were compared with those reported in literature for similar cases. The order of magnitude for the present results is in an acceptable range. As the distribution of active metal in the supported catalyst plays an important role in its performance, this model is an invaluable tool by which such distributions can be predicted.