(239d) Micro-Structured Reactors for Catalytic Processes

Catalytic
reactions performed in micro-structured reactors are more and more recognized
as a novel approach for chemistry and chemical process industry. They are
particularly suited for highly exothermic and fast reactions allowing
temperature control and isothermal operation. Small reactor dimensions
facilitate the use of distributed production units at the place of consumption.
Moreover, the small inventories of reactants and products lead to an inherent
safety during the reactor operation even under conditions within the explosion
regime.

The efficient use of catalytic micro-systems
requires the simultaneous development of the catalyst and the reactor. The
catalyst design should be closely integrated with the reactor design taking
into consideration the reaction kinetics, mass-/heat transfer and the energy
supply addressing high selectivity/yield of the target product.

In the paper novel designs of micro-structured
reactors and the incorporation of catalytically active phase will be presented.  The beneficial effect of improved heat and mass transfer due to reactor
miniaturization will be demonstrated through some case studies.