ASTM D3907/D3907M-19

Standard Test Method for Testing Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Catalysts by Microactivity Test

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The microactivity test provides data to assess the relative performance of FCC catalysts. Because results are affected by catalyst pretreatment, feedstock characteristics, test equipment, and operating parameters, adherence to this test method is a prerequisite for correct interpretation of results. Apparatus, test conditions, and analytical procedures actually used should closely resemble those described in this test method.  
5.2 Caution should be used in interpreting results above 80 mass % conversion due to the significance of overcracking.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers determining the activity of equilibrium or laboratory-deactivated fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, or both. This is evaluated on the basis of mass percent conversion of gas oil feed in a microactivity unit. The selectivity of FCC catalysts can be determined using Test Method D5154.  
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2019
• ICS: 71.040.30 - Chemical reagents
• Technical Committee: D32 - Catalysts
• Drafting Committee: D32.04 - Catalytic Properties

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3907/D3907M-13 - Standard Test Method for Testing Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Catalysts by Microactivity Test
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2887-23 - Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2023
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM D2887-19 - Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM E456-13A(2017)e3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2017
• Refers: ASTM D2887-15 - Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13ae3 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM E456-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2887-13 - Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013

Overview

ASTM D3907/D3907M-19 is the international standard test method for evaluating the activity of fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts using a microactivity test (MAT). Developed by ASTM International, this method provides a controlled protocol to determine the mass percent conversion of gas oil feed by equilibrium or laboratory-deactivated FCC catalysts. Accurate assessment of FCC catalyst performance is essential for petroleum refining and chemical industries that rely on catalytic cracking processes to maximize product yields and efficiency.

This standard emphasizes strict adherence to prescribed test conditions, equipment, and analytical procedures to ensure the reliability and comparability of results. The method is recognized for facilitating benchmarking and quality control among catalyst suppliers and users worldwide.

Key Topics

• Microactivity Test Protocol: The standard details the apparatus, sample preparation, test conditions, and analytical methods required for conducting a microactivity test on FCC catalysts, including the use of a fixed-bed reactor and gas oil feedstock.
• Catalyst Activity Measurement: Activity is evaluated by measuring mass percent conversion of feedstock, expressed as the proportion of converted material relative to the total feed.
• Conversion Calculation: Measured conversion is calculated based on the mass of feed, liquid product, and unconverted materials, with optional correction using a calibration curve from reference catalysts.
• Precision and Reproducibility: The document outlines repeatability and reproducibility limits, emphasizing the importance of using consensus reference catalysts and standardized feedstocks to achieve consistent interlaboratory results.
• Safety and Compliance: Users are reminded to observe appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices when employing this test method.

Applications

ASTM D3907/D3907M-19 is widely applied in:

• Petroleum Refining: FCC catalyst producers and refineries use the microactivity test to benchmark catalyst performance, support process optimization, and inform catalyst selection.
• Catalyst Development: Research laboratories apply this standardized method for catalyst screening, development, and quality control.
• Quality Assurance: Consistent application of the MAT ensures product uniformity and regulatory compliance, enabling effective troubleshooting for catalyst changes or feedstock variations.
• Inter-Laboratory Comparisons: The method enables reliable data exchange and performance evaluation across different facilities, supporting industry-wide standards and best practices.

Related Standards

• ASTM D5154 - Standard Test Method for Determining Activity and Selectivity of FCC Catalysts by Microactivity Test. Complements D3907 by providing selectivity data.
• ASTM D2887 - Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography. Used for analysis of product fractions.
• ASTM E691 - Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method.
• ASTM E105, E177, and E456 - Practices and terminology relevant to statistical analysis and quality control in laboratory testing.

Practical Value

Applying ASTM D3907/D3907M-19 assures:

• Consistent Catalyst Evaluation: Enables valid performance comparisons and improves decision-making in catalyst procurement and process adaptation.
• Process Reliability: Supports refiners and catalyst suppliers in achieving reproducible results that reflect real-world operating conditions.
• Global Harmonization: Developed under the WTO TBT Committee's principles, this standard facilitates international trade and compliance by harmonizing test procedures.

By following ASTM D3907/D3907M-19, users can confidently assess FCC catalyst activity and support operational excellence in refining and petrochemical processes using a robust, internationally recognized methodology.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3907/D3907M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Testing Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Catalysts by
Microactivity Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3907/D3907M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
1.1 This test method covers determining the activity of
ASTM Test Methods
equilibrium or laboratory-deactivated fluid catalytic cracking
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
(FCC) catalysts, or both.This is evaluated on the basis of mass
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
percent conversion of gas oil feed in a microactivity unit. The
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
selectivity of FCC catalysts can be determined using Test
Method D5154.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
3.1.1 ASTM consensus mean conversion—each reference
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to
catalyst has a consensus mean conversion value assigned to it
ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be
by Committee D32 (see 11.2).
used independently of the other, and values from the two
3.1.2 ASTM reference catalysts—a set of equilibrium fluid
systems shall not be combined.
cracking catalysts with conversions within the useful range of
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
this test method is used to improve the reproducibility of test
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
results between different laboratories.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.3 ASTM standard feed—aspecificbatchofgasoilthatis
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
used as feedstock in the described test method.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.4 conversion calibration curve—a calibration curve can
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- be obtained by plotting the consensus mean conversion values
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the for the ASTM reference catalysts (see 11.2) or the known
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- conversion values for other suitable reference catalysts versus
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical the individual laboratory-measured conversion for the same
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. catalysts.
3.1.5 measured conversion—calculated as the difference
2. Referenced Documents
between the mass of feed used and the mass of unconverted
2.1 ASTM Standards:
material divided by the mass of feed used times 100 %. The
D2887 Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Pe- unconverted material is defined as all liquid product with a
troleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
boiling point above 216 °C [421 °F].
D5154 TestMethodforDeterminingActivityandSelectivity
4. Summary of Test Method
of Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Catalysts by Microac-
tivity Test
4.1 A sample of cracking catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor is
contacted with gas oil feed (ASTM standard feed or other
suitable feedstock). Cracked liquid products are analyzed for
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D32 on
unconverted material and the conversion is calculated.
Catalysts and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D32.04 on Catalytic
Properties.
4.2 A corrected conversion value can be obtained from the
Current edition approved April 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally
measured conversion and the conversion calibration curve.
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D3907/D3907M – 13.
DOI: 10.1520/D3907_D3907M-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on beobtainedbyrequestingResearchReportRR:D32-1016.ContactASTMCustomer
the ASTM website. Service at [e-mail].
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3907/D3907M − 19
5. Significance and Use 6.5 Furnace—A three-zone furnace is used: middle zone,
150 mm [6 in.] length, and top and bottom zones, 75 mm
5.1 The microactivity test provides data to assess the rela-
[3 in.]length.Thecatalystbedispositionedinthemiddlezone.
tive performance of FCC catalysts. Because results are affected
The temperature controllers of the three zones are calibrated to
by catalyst pretreatment, feedstock characteristics, test
achieve a constant temperature 482 6 1 °C [900 6 2 °F] over
equipment, and operating parameters, adherence to this test
the whole length of the catalyst bed (actual bed temperature).
method is a prerequisite for correct interpretation of results.
Apparatus, test conditions, and analytical procedures actually 6.6 Reactor and Insert—Aglass or stainless steel reactor of
used should closely resemble those described in this test 15.6 mm internal diameter is used. Dimensions are shown in
method. Fig. 2. Details of the reactor insert are shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
NOTE 1—General dimensions are given in SI units. Dimensions given
5.2 Caution should be used in interpreting results above 80
in SAE, U.S. Standard gauge sizes for sheet, tubing, and wire are
mass % conversion due to the significance of overcracking.
considered standard. In general, the closest metric equivalent should be
adequate for proper functioning.
6. Apparatus
6.7 Liquid Product Collection System—Liquid product is
6.1 Flow Chart—The flow chart is given in Fig. 1. During
collected in the receiver shown in Fig. 4.
75 s, gas oil feed from a syringe is forced over4gof catalyst
6.8 Analytical Balance and Weights—The balance used to
in a fixed-bed reactor. Liquid products are collected in a
weigh the sample, the receiver, and the syringe shall have a
receiver and kept at a wet ice temperature.
precision of 1 mg. Analytical weights shall be precision grade
6.2 Syringe—Asyringe with 2.5 mL capacity is used for oil
or calibrated against a set of certified standard weights.
addition. It should be equipped with a multiport, high-pressure
6.9 Chromatographic Equipment—The gas chromato-
valve to allow nitrogen and oil entry to the reactor through a
graphic equipment specified in Test Method D2887 is sug-
common feed line.
gested for the analysis of liquid product. A flame ionization
6.3 Syringe Heater—Heat syringe to 40 6 5 °C [104 6
detector is recommended.
9 °F] using a heat lamp or resistance heater or any other
7. Sampling
suitable means.
7.1 If a sampling procedure is desired, Practice E105 is
6.4 Syringe Pump—A syringe pump that can deliver uni-
recommended.
form flow of 1.33 6 0.03 g of gas oil in 75 61s.
8. Sample Preparation
8.1 Drysamplesandremovecokebyheatingashallow(less
than 10 mm thick) bed of catalyst in a porcelain crucible as
follows:
120±20°C[248±36°F]for1h
120 °C [248 °F] to 590 °C [1094 °F] for approximately 1 h
590±20°C[1094±36°F]for3h
8.2 Sufficient air should be available in the furnace to burn
the sample free of coke. Insufficient decoking is indicated by a
difference in color of the top and bottom layers. The hot
crucible is cooled in a desiccator to prevent moisture pickup.
9. Procedure
9.1 Reactor Preparation:
9.1.1 Rinse the feed line with acetone or other suitable
solvent and dry with air. Periodic cleaning of the insert is
recommended by an air purge at 482 °C [900 °F] for 1 h, at
least once every 12 tests.
9.1.2 Wash the reactor and product receiver thoroughly with
acetone or other suitable solvent and dry. If necessary, burn out
any coke deposited in the reactor by heating in air at 482 °C
[900 °F] prior to washing.
9.1.3 Insert a plug of quartz or borosilicate glass wool
(about 20 mm length) until it reaches the constricted region of
the reactor. Add 4.00 6 0.05 g of catalyst in a free-flowing
manner. Tap the reactor lightly to ensure good radial distribu-
tion (do not pack). Insert another plug of quartz or glass wool
and add approximately 10 cc of 80 to 100 mesh glass
NOTE 1—This drawing is not to scale. For engineering details, see other
microspheres or crushed glass particles. These act as a preheat
drawings.
FIG. 1 Microactivity Flow Chart bed and aid in feed dispersion, especially at higher WHSV’s.
D3907/D3907M −
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D3907/D3907M − 13 D3907/D3907M − 19
Standard Test Method for
Testing Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Catalysts by
Microactivity Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3907/D3907M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers determining the activity of equilibrium or laboratory-deactivated fluid catalytic cracking (FCC)
catalysts, or both. This is evaluated on the basis of weightmass percent conversion of gas oil feed in a microactivity unit. The
selectivity of FCC catalysts can be determined using Test Method D5154.
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system mayare not benecessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other. Combiningother, and values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the
standard.shall not be combined.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2887 Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
D5154 Test Method for Determining Activity and Selectivity of Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC) Catalysts by Microactivity Test
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 ASTM consensus mean conversion—each reference catalyst has a consensus mean conversion value assigned to it by
Committee D32 (see 11.2).
3.1.2 ASTM reference catalysts—a set of equilibrium fluid cracking catalysts with conversions within the useful range of this
test method is used to improve the reproducibility of test results between different laboratories. Samples of the ASTM reference
catalysts can be obtained from NIST.
3.1.3 ASTM standard feed—a specific batch of gas oil that is used as feedstock in the described test method. This standard feed
can be obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
3.1.4 conversion calibration curve—a calibration curve can be obtained by plotting the consensus mean conversion values for
the ASTM reference catalysts (see 11.2) or the known conversion values for other suitable reference catalysts versus the individual
laboratory-measured conversion for the same catalysts.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D32 on Catalysts and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D32.04 on Catalytic Properties.
Current edition approved March 1, 2013April 1, 2019. Published March 2013April 2019. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20082013 as
D3907–03(2008).D3907/D3907M – 13. DOI: 10.1520/D3907_D3907M-13.10.1520/D3907_D3907M-19.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D32-1016. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at [e-mail].
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3907/D3907M − 19
3.1.5 measured conversion—is calculated as the difference between the weightmass of feed used and the weightmass of
unconverted material,material divided by the weightmass of feed used,used times 100 %. The unconverted material is defined as
all liquid product with a boiling point above 216°C [421°F].216 °C [421 °F].
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A sample of cracking catalyst in a fixed-bed reactor is contacted with gas oil feed (ASTM standard feed). feed or other
suitable feedstock). Cracked liquid products are analyzed for unconverted material and the conversion is calculated.
4.2 A corrected conversion value can be obtained from the measured conversion and the conversion calibration curve.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The microactivity test provides data to assess the relative performance of FCC catalyst.catalysts. Because results are affected
by catalyst pretreatment, feedstock characteristics, test equipment, and operating parameters, adherence to this test method is a
prerequisite for correct interpretation of results. Apparatus, test conditions, and analytical procedures actually used should closely
resemble those described in this test method.
5.2 Caution should be used in interpreting results above 80 weightmass % conversion due to the significance of overcracking.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Flow Chart—The flow chart is given in Fig. 1. During 75 s, gas oil feed from a syringe is forced over 4 g of catalyst in
a fixed-bed reactor. Liquid products are collected in a receiver and kept at a wet ice temperature.
6.2 Syringe—A syringe with 2.5 mL capacity is used for oil addition. It should be equipped with a multiport, high-pressure valve
to allow nitrogen and oil entry to the reactor through a common feed line.
6.3 Syringe Heater—Heat syringe to 40 6 5°C5 °C [104 6 9°F]9 °F] using a heat lamp or resistance heater or any other suitable
means.
6.4 Syringe Pump—A syringe pump that can deliver uniform flow of 1.33 6 0.03 g of gas oil in 75 6 1 s.
6.5 Furnace—A three-zone furnace is used: middle zone, 150-mm [6-in.]150 mm [6 in.] length, and top and bottom zones,
75-mm [3-in.]75 mm [3 in.] length. The catalyst bed is positioned in the middle zone. The temperature controllers of the three
zones are calibrated to achieve a constant temperature 482 6 1°C1 °C [900 6 2°F]2 °F] over the whole length of the catalyst bed
(actual bed temperature).
NOTE 1—This drawing is not to scale. For engineering details, see other drawings.
FIG. 1 Microactivity Flow Chart
D3907/D3907M − 19
6.6 Reactor and Insert—A glass or stainless steel reactor of 15.6 mm internal diameter is used. Dimensions are shown in Fig.
2. Details of the reactor insert are shown in Figs. 2 and 3.
NOTE 1—General dimensions are given in SI units. Dimensions given in SAE, U.S. Standard gagegauge sizes for sheet, tubing, and wire are considered
standard. In general, the closest metric equivalent should be adequate for proper functioning.
6.7 Liquid Product Collection System—Liquid product is collected in the receiver shown in Fig. 4.
6.8 Analytical Balance and Weights—The balance used to weigh the sample, the receiver, and the syringe shall have a precision
of 1 mg. Analytical weights shall be precision grade or calibrated against a set of certified standard weights.
6.9 Chromatographic Equipment—The gas chromatographic equipment specified in Test Method D2887 is suggested for the
analysis of liquid product. A flame ionization detector is recommended.
7. Sampling
7.1 If a sampling procedure is desired, Practice E105 is recommended.
FIG. 2 Microactivity Reactor
D3907/D3907M − 19
FIG. 3 Reactor Feed Tube Insert
8. Sample Preparation
8.1 Dry samples or decoke, or both, and remove coke by heating a shallow (less than 10 mm thick) bed of catalyst in a porcelain
crucible as follows:
120 ± 20°C [248 ± 36°F] for 1 h
120°C [248°F] to 590°C [1094°F] for approximately 1 h
590 ± 20°C [1094 ± 36°F] for 3 h
120 ± 20 °C [248 ± 36 °F] for 1 h
120 °C [248 °F] to 590 °C [1094 °F] for approximately 1 h
590 ± 20 °C [1094 ± 36 °F] for 3 h
D3907/D3907M − 19
FIG. 4 Liquid Product Receiver
8.2 Sufficient air should be available in the furnace to burn the sample free of coke. Insufficient decoking is indicated by a
difference in color of the top and bottom layers. The hot crucible is cooled in a desiccator to prevent moisture pickup.
9. Procedure
9.1 Reactor Preparation:
9.1.1 Rinse the feed line with acetone or other suitable solvent and dry with air. Periodic cleaning of the insert is recommended
by an air purge at 482°C [900°F]482 °C [900 °F] for 1 h, at least once every 12 tests.
9.1.2 Wash the reactor and product receiver thoroughly with acetone or other suitable solvent and dry. If necessary, burn out
any coke deposited in the reactor by heating in air at 482°C [900°F]482 °C [900 °F] prior to washing.
9.1.3 Insert a plug of quartz or borosilicate glass wool (about 20-mm length) into the 20 mm length) until it reaches the
constricted region of the reactor. Add 4.00 6 0.05 g of catalyst in a free-flowing manner. Tap the reactor lightly to ensure good
radial distribution (do not pack). PositionInsert another plug of quartz or glass wool (about 6-mm length) above the catalyst bed.
Do not tamp wool plugs excessively.and add approximately 10 cc of 80 to 100 mesh glass microspheres or crushed glass particles.
These act as a preheat bed and aid in feed dispersion, especially at high
...