modeling and optimization: isomerization reaction rate using response surface methodology with two kinetic model over bi-porous catalysts

A response surface methodology (rsm) with 3 levels and 4 variables was used to model and optimize the n-heptane isomerization kinetic process over pt-hzsm-5/hms catalysts in a fixed bed micro reactor. 30 sets of isomerization rate tests were performed at different conditions of h2 flow rate (20-45 ccmin−1), n-heptane flow rate (2-4.5 cch−1), the temperatures (200-350 °c), and the weight percent of hzsm-5 (10-40%). it was observed that the amounts of hzsm-5 into pt-hms structure has the greatest effect on the rate of reaction. the surface and contour plots confirm that the rates do not considerably change versus temperature, n-heptane and h2 flow rates. 0.24 molg−1s−1 is the highest reaction rate obtained in the 4.5 cch−1 n-heptane and 45 cc min−1 h2 flow rate. the rsm was effective for predicting and optimizing this process. the modelling results also show both power-law and langmuir–hinshelwood models are in agreement with the experimental data.