The regeneration of a coked naphtha reforming catalyst (Pt/Re-Al2O3) was studied by kinetic investigations on the effective rate of coke bum-off. For temperatures of industrial relevance for the catalyst, i.e., below 550 degrees C (deactivation), the coke bum-off within the cylindrical particles (dp approximate to 2mm) is determined by the interplay of chemical reaction and pore diffusion; limitation by external mass transfer can be excluded for T < 750 degrees C. Based on the parameters of the intrinsic kinetics and of the structure of the catalyst (porosity, tortuosity), the regeneration process is modelled and discussed both on the level of a single particle and in a technical fixed bed reactor. The results of modelling are compared with data from lab-scale investigations (coke profiles within the particles) and the performance data of the regeneration in an industrial fixed bed reactor (moving reaction zone); the agreement of calculation and measurement is in both cases complete. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.