AIChE Journal, Vol.52, No.11, 3924-3932, 2006
Diffusion and reaction in a porous catalyst slab: Perturbation solutions
The problem of diffusion and reaction in a porous catalyst slab is revisited. A combination of perturbation and integral mathematical techniques are used to derive approximate analytical solutions for the concentration and temperature profiles, as well as the effectiveness factor, for a first order, non-isothermal reaction. The development of thermal and concentration boundary layers near the surface of the particle is characterized. The internal particle resistances to mass and heat transfer are also calculated. Our analytical solutions are validated by comparison with previous numerical results. (c) 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 52: 3924-3932, 2006.