CFD Simulation and Structural Optimization of a Thermal Catalytic Degradation Reactor for Sulfur Hexafluoride

• • Temperature is the dominant factor in SF6 thermal catalytic degradation; radial temperature non-uniformity reduces degradation efficiency, with near-wall rates significantly exceeding central-axis rates. • • Reducing reactor tube diameter and adding inert porous media with high thermal conductivity enhance radial heat transfer, homogenize the temperature field, and improve degradation efficiency. • • Optimal inlet gas velocity is 0.4–0.8 m/s for a 10 mm diameter reactor, balancing catalyst utilization, energy consumption, and degradation efficiency. • • CFD simulation is an effective tool for optimizing reactor geometry and operating parameters, though experimental validation and scale-up to pilot-scale are necessary for practical application.