The use of activated carbon cloths as supports for Pd catalyst has been investigated in a hydrodechlorination process. Using p-chlorophenol (CP) as a model compound, the influence of the catalyst preparation procedure and Pd content have been studied at 30-85 degreesC, showing good activity and selectivity. Kinetic analysis of these diffusion-independent results showed the reaction to be first-order with respect to each reactant concentration (CP and hydrogen). Analysis of diffusion and reaction shows that diffusion resistance will be significant in granules larger than 100 mum. Several simulations of adsorption, diffusion, and reaction are presented showing the effect of pellet size, of hydrogen pressure, and of adsorbent loading.