2~ethyl-2-hexenal was hydrogenated to 2-ethyl hexanol in both laboratory and pilot equipment. Trickle bed reactors were used. We find that log is proportional to (LHSV) 3 and L 3

where L is the height of catalyst bed. It is shown that their relationship under operating conditions can be expres- sed as follows.(LHSV)-2/3 =-0.206-16.853log. and logAi/A0=-0.027-0.0027 L 1/3 From these formulae the greatest LHSV and minimum catalyst bed height under operating conditions at which reactants can completely convert into products are calculated. The formula showing the relationship between catalytic activity and LHSV agrees with that in literature. The variation of the catalyst bed height will affect the result of hydrogenation

which is mainly due to the change of liquid rate. The data obtained are useful for development

design and operation of trickle bed reactors.