Generalized models for steady state catalytic processes are presented in matrix form. Multistep reaction rate control is assumed. Numerical algorithms for solving of the created linear and nonlinear equation systems are developed and tested. Four examples are considered: an Eley-Rideal-mechanism, a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism, a dual route, dual site mechanism, and a monomolecular decomposition with steady state multiplicity. The overall reaction rates are simulated as a function of the reactant concentrations.
A maximum reaction rate is obtained in the case of a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism (example 21, the location of the rate maximum in the concentration domain is shifted towards the concentration of the reactant with the lowest adsorption constants. An Eley-Rideal mechanism (example 1) has always monotonously increasing rate curves. In the case of steady state multiplicity (example 4) all steady states could be simulated with the proposed algorithm. The computation of reaction rate surfaces is important in investigating the behavior of complicated catalytic systems (e.g., systems with multistep rate control and/or steady state multiplicity), in planning of experiments and in chemical reactor simulation.