Intensified Microwave Reactor Technology
Executive Summary
Technical Challenge
- Modeling for evalution of benefits associated with microwave processing
- Process scale up of microwave reactors
Potential Impact
This project promises to overcome today’s most critical barrier for MW powered reactor technology by developing general scalable design techniques for improved energy efficiency, enhanced selectivity and reduced deactivation for energy intensive processes across industry sectors. The impact can range from food to commodity chemicals to shale gas. Given the revolution in shale gas in the US, on-demand small alkane conversion to alkenes is of tremendous interest. Success of this program will revolutionize modular and robust manufacturing of valuable liquids for transportation from shale gas and biogas in remote locations to improve rural economies.
Resources
The University of Delaware has expertise in catalysis, multiscale modeling, fabrication of microchemical systems, and PI technologies and the Leuven University has extensive MW construction expertise. UTRC brings additional expertise in optimization and integration of energy intensive thermochemical processes, and process technology development and commercialization.