Advanced Measurement Instruments
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Introduction
Catalytic reactors are essential tools for evaluating catalyst performance, studying reaction kinetics, and simulating commercial-scale processes. However, selecting or designing the right laboratory reactor can be a complex task. Different research goals require specific reactor types to ensure accurate and meaningful results.
This application note summarizes common laboratory reactor configurations and offers guidance on selecting the appropriate reactor design for catalyst screening, kinetic studies, or process scale-up.
Application 1: Catalyst Screening and Evaluation
Objective: Compare the activity and selectivity of multiple catalyst formulations.
Recommended Reactor Type:
Best Practices:
Keep overall conversions low to highlight differences in catalytic activity without masking effects from high conversions.
Application 2: Intrinsic Kinetic Studies
Objective: Obtain kinetic data free from heat and mass transfer limitations.
Recommended Reactor Types:
Most Common Choice:
Best Practices:
Application 3: Process Parameter Determination and Scale-Up
Objective: Simulate large-scale reactor conditions to collect process-relevant data.
Recommended Approach:
Best Practices:
Replicate commercial conditions as closely as possible to ensure laboratory data scales accurately.
Summary Table: Reactor Types and Key Characteristics
Reactor Type | Ease of Analysis | Isothermality | Ease of Construction | Transport Effects | Quality of Data |
Fixed-bed, differential | P-F | G | G | F | P-G |
Fixed-bed, integral | G | P-F | G | P-F | P-F |
Pulse | P-G | G | G | F | P |
Batch | P | G | F | P | P-G |
CSTR | G | G | P | P-F | G |
External recirculating | G | G | P | P | G |
Internal recirculating | G | G | P | G | G |
Trickle bed | G | P | P-F | P | P |
Fluidized bed | P | P | P | F | P-F |
Bubble column | G | G | G | F | F |
G = Good, F= Fair, P= Poor
AMI Reactor Solutions
AMI provides a full range of customizable reactor systems for catalyst screening, kinetic studies, and commercial process simulation. Whether you require small-scale fixed-bed units or sophisticated recirculating reactors, AMI’s engineering team can tailor solutions to meet your specific research goals.
References