Methanol synthesis catalysis in an internally recycled reactor

A gradientless reactor has been tested by measurement of the chemical reaction rate in the synthesis of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The reactor behaves as a well‐stirred tank, and data have been obtained at 3,000 lb./sq.in.abs. over the temperature range 300° to 400°C. Rate data have been obtained for commercial zinc chromite catalyst in particle form and for the commercial ¼‐in. pellets. The effectiveness factors derived from these experiments have been used to estimate the tortuosity of the pellets; it is found to agree qualitatively with the value measured from experiments on pure diffusion in a catalyst pellet.