DEVELOPMENT OF ELEMENTS OF AN INFORMATIONAL-AND-MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF HYDRODYNAMIC PROCESSES IN A CERAMIC CATALYTIC CONVERTER FOR DEVELOPING AN ENTERPRISE COMPUTER SIMULATION MODEL

Abstract

The object of this study is the hydrodynamic processes in ceramic catalytic converters used in high-temperature petroleum refining. This is essential for improving fuel quality and adhering to environmental regulations. The research addresses the optimization of catalytic converter performance by understanding the interactions within their porous ceramic structures, influenced by fluid flow, heat transfer, and chemical reactions. It advocates for computational modeling to simulate these processes more accurately, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. The paper is aimed at developing a robust system integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with experimental data to optimize ceramic catalytic converter performance. A mathematical model was created to combine fluid dynamics within the ceramic’s porous structure with the chemical kinetics of catalytic reactions in petroleum refining. Key findings show that optimizing parameters such as flow velocity and catalyst loading enhances the distribution of reactants across its surface, leading to improved conversion efficiency and reduced energy consumption. The research demonstrates that diffusion and kinetic limitations critically influence catalytic performance. Higher cobalt concentrations in the catalyst layer promoted diffusion-controlled reactions, enhancing efficiency at high flow rates. The results offer practical applications for the petroleum refining industry, providing a framework to design more efficient catalytic converters. This modeling approach enables engineers to optimize catalytic system designs, improving operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards. Moreover, the study highlights areas for further research, such as expanding the model to include more complex operational conditions and integrating real-time experimental data for better accuracy. This will improve both the design and performance of ceramic catalytic converters in high-temperature refining processes. Future work could also explore scalability for industrial systems, facilitating the integration of optimized catalytic converters into refinery setups to meet performance and environmental standards.