<p>In work, the shaped alumina as supports of Ag/α-Al₂O₃ for ethylene oxidation, has been fully been investigated by CFD simulation method. It was found that three kinds of shaped supports, i.e., 7-Hole cylinder, Raschig ring and Hollow fourlobe α-Al₂O₃, have significant influence on the catalytic activity of ethylene epoxidation. The shaped effects mainly reflected in two aspects: (1) significantly affect the fluid flow characteristics and pressure drop distribution; (2) determines the effective mass transfer area and diffusion path, which in turn affects these reactants concentration distribution and conversion efficiency. The Hollow fourlobe packing structure demonstrated the best overall performance, has the activity and selectivity have the order of Hollow fourlobe &gt; 7-Hole cylinder &gt; Raschig ring, Hollow fourlobe Ag/α-Al₂O₃ was with the highest ethylene conversion 8%, and ethylene oxide selectivity 86%. This work will provide a reference for designing highly efficient industrial catalysts.</p> Graphical Abstract