ABSTRACT
This chapter is dedicated to issues of GFC arrangement in catalytic reactors. GFCs are characterized by their original shape and flexibility, but it is difficult to use them in existing conventional reactors. However, this provides opportunities for the development of new catalytic structures and reactor designs. GFC microfibers usually are first twisted into threads; these threads, in turn, are weaved or knitted into a fabric, which has sufficient firmness for the practical application. GFC fabrics can be arranged into various types of packing, including structures with a reacting flow leaking through the fabric. These types include the multilayer and radial catalytic beds. Another type of packing includes the regular structures with a flow gliding along the GFC planes. The catalyst in this case may be arranged into structured cartridges of cylindrical or prismatic shape; then these cartridges can be assembled into the modular beds of practically any size and shape. GFCs reinforced with a protective external metal mesh can be used in highly abrasive reaction media. New inventions also include lemniscate GFCs with the improved internal structure.
