In the case of catalysts it is noteworthy that many plant shutdowns occur due to mechanical failure of

the catalyst, not to its loss of activity. Therefore an accurate measurement of catalyst mechanical
properties is mandatory.

Measuring:

Basically CRUSH-BK is a dynamometer measuring the force progressively applied to the solid object
during the advancement of a piston. The applied force increases until the solid breaks and collapses into
small pieces and eventually powder. The corresponding value of the collapsing force is defined as crush
strength. When the material consists of irregular particles, the measurement of the so-called 'single
pellet' crush strength cannot be performed, but the 'bulk' crush strength must be determined instead

Problems arising from low crush strength of catalysts

a) Pressure drop increase in axial reactors.

b) Bypass formation in radial reactors