TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Purpose
This fully automated microreactor system benchtop is designed for raped evaluation of solid catalysts in reactions involving biphasic (gas-liquid) reactants. A low volume (4 cc), automated gas-liquid separator allows unattended collection of liquid samples.
The system is operated under PC control, with variable reactants, in a wide range of experimental conditions:
- choice of up to 4 liquid reactants,
- pressure from atmosphere up to 100 bar,
- temperature from ambient to 450 C,
- liquid flow rate as low as 1 g/h,
- adjustable gas mixture composition,
- gas flow rate from 0.06 l/h to 10 l/h.

The operator is asked for the choice and range of parameters: composition and flow of liquid and gaseous reactants, temperature, pressure, number of samples, sampling frequency. A complete evaluation sequence includes a preconditionning of the catalyst, several activity measurements under variable temperatures, flow conditions, and reactant composition. The flexible programming of the operating parameters allows long term unattended operation.

Micro scale benefits:
- Reduced operating costs,
- Fast response to variation in experimental parameters,
- High productivity,
- Easy scale-up,
- Safe to operate.

Validation
A comparative evaluation of the catalytic hydrotreatment of a diesel fraction has performed respectively with the microplant and with a conventional pilot plant . there was close ageement of measured activity. Measurement of activity at 4 different temperatures lasted 48 h in the microplant, vs 10 days in the pilot plant.