The_Catalyst_Review_April_2023 - 15

SPECIAL FEATURE
Run-to-Run Reproducibility
Run-to-run reproducibility is an equally important quality
criteria. Figure 10 and Figure 11 show the excellent run-to-run
reproducibility for the reference catalyst tested in different runs for a
specific transformation, and also in the development and fine-tuning
of catalyst and ligand structure.
At fixed temperature, a difference of less than 1 wt.% can be
observed in net conversion and less than 0.2 wt.% in diesel yield.
Obtaining comparable results when testing the same catalyst in
different runs [tests] significantly increases the level of confidence in
the pilot plant technology.
Conclusions
The efficiency of different catalysts has a huge impact on refinery
economics, operations and long-term planning. Avantium Flowrence
16 parallel reactors system produces consistent high data quality
(repeatability, reproducibility, and scalability). This high quality is
achieved by the highest accuracy and precision in gas and liquid
distribution with patented microfluidic glass-chips, outstanding
pressure control and the most accurate and narrowest mass balance.
Also, the reactor design allows for a long, accurate and precise
isothermal zone where we ensure plug flow regime. Typical issues
related to bed packing and distribution effects are completely
avoided with Avantium's single-pellet-string-reactor catalyst loading
approach.
Repeatability: Excellent reactor-to-reactor repeatability for all 16
reactors with narrow standard deviations. With his technology we
can confidently compare catalysts with activity differences of less
than 1°C for Trequired
Figure 10. Net conversion of the same reference catalyst
in 3 different runs.
Figure 9. VGO conversion as function of temperature.
. This also helps to address concerns with catalyst
sample homogeneity with such small-scale reactors when loading
<1g of catalyst.
Reproducibility: Excellent run-to-run reproducibility is obtained. This
is demonstrated by the examples provided for both hydrocracking
and hydrotreating with such difference of less than 1 wt.% can be
observed in net conversion and less than 0.2 wt.% in diesel yield.
Obtaining similar results when testing the same catalyst in different
runs greatly increases the level of confidence in the test results.
The capability to accurately measure differences in catalyst
performance is of greater importance when evaluating catalysts.
Small differences in catalyst performance result in considerable
economic gain.
With this excellent reactor-to-reactor repeatability and run-to-run
reproducibility, the relative differences in catalyst performance are
meaningful, and therefore reliable to independently validate catalyst
performance. Parallel testing allows for replication - determination
of statistical significance of results. In addition, comparative testing
includes the relative comparison to the incumbent catalyst, and/or to
regenerated or rejuvenated catalysts, which offers an increased level
of confidence in the test results.
Refiners can confidently determine the most efficient catalyst [system]
for their process units.
Scalability: See also (R. Moonen, 2019) and (T. Vilela, 2020) for
comparison results obtained in the Flowrence®
<1g catalyst loading with larger reactor scale units.
The Catalyst Review
reactor systems with
Figure 11. Diesel yield of the same reference catalyst in
3 different runs.
Your Authors
Tiago Vilela is currently leading the
Refinery Catalyst Testing (RCT) global
services and accountable for the overall
performance of the business line. Mr.
Vilela has more than 20 years' experience
in engineering, project management,
management consultancy and business
development. Tiago holds a Master's degree in Chemical
Engineering (2002) from the University of Aveiro (Portugal,
2002) and a Professional Doctorate in Engineering degree
from Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands, 2007).
Contact: Tiago.Vilela@avantium.com
Nattapong Pongboot is an experienced
chemical engineer with hands-on
experience in refining and petrochemical
technologies as both licensor and refiner.
He is currently a project leader under
the Refinery Catalyst Testing group at
Avantium Catalysis, delivering high-quality
catalyst testing services for customers worldwide. He holds
an M.Eng. degree in chemical engineering from Kasetsart
University. Contact: Nattapong.Pongboot@avantium.com
April 2023
15
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