Intensified Microwave Reactor Technology

Executive Summary

This project looks to develop both foundational hardware and modeling tools for microwaves as a non-conventional energy input source - a key theme in process intensification - for reactions across chemical conversions and materials synthesis. The project develops scalable microwave technology (MWT) across industries and RAPID focus areas (FAs) and demonstrates its diverse applications with different spatial, temporal, and phase characteristics, often combined with additional process intensification (PI) technologies. It develops software for optimization and design, followed by module fabrication and demonstration. It is expected that microwaves will be particularly useful in processes that are both high temperature and endothermic and for processes that may be difficult to scale down for modular applications using other approaches for heating

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.

Investigator

Dion Vlachos

Allan and Myra Ferguson Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Date Approved
Project Number
-
Initial TRL Level
-
Current TRL level
4
Project Funding
6,700,000
Focus Areas
Partner Organizations