Distinct reactions rolled into one
15 Jan 2000
Esat Alpay's team has developed a hybrid reactor that integrates a heterogeneous catalytic reaction with gas separation. The operation is based on periodic adsorption processes, in which the adsorbent is replaced by a medium which is both catalytically active and selectively retentive.
Given a reversible endothermic reaction, for example, the adsorption of a product reduces the backward reaction rate and overcomes conversion limits. Reaction enhancement also enables lower reactor operating temperatures and prolongs catalyst life. Furthermore, the adsorbed product can be recovered in concentrated form, minimising purification costs.
Alpay says that there may also be applications to consecutive reactions. In this case, an adsorbent would manipulate component residence time so reaction selectivity favours the intermediate product.
Current work at Imperial is focusing on the integration of pressure swing adsorption technology and catalytic reaction. Specific areas of research involve the partial hydrogenation of 1,3butadiene in a single-bed rapid-cycle process and the steam reforming of methane in a multibed process. The latter is sponsored by Air Products and Chemicals Inc.
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