Heat Transfer in Catalytic Fixed-Bed Reactors with a Gas Flow, Characterized through Low Tube/Particle Diameter Ratios

Heat transfer in charge layers has been a subject of research for many decades. Progress has been made but calculation methods, specifically with regard to forecasting heat transfer processes in catalyst‐filled tubular reactors for low tube/particle diameter ratios and low flow rates, still lack in accuracy. In this study, previously open issues of heat transfer in such reactors could be clarified by using a new examination and evaluation strategy. As a result, very simple, semi‐empirical correlations were formulated for the effective thermal conductivity of the fixed bed, and for the wall heat transfer coefficient.