Abstract

The relevance of levels in space and time for chemical engineering are discussed. Catalysis Engineering is introduced as an emerging new discipline. In Catalysis Engineering three levels can be distinguished: the microlevel focusing on molecules and catalytic sites, the mesolevel focusing on the catalyst particle and the catalytic reactor, and the macrolevel considering the process as an integrated entity. On the level of particle and reactor fascinating developments are visible in the field of structuring of the space. A good example is the monolithic reactor. With the hydrogenation of alpha-methylstyrene as an example, it will be shown that structured reactors allow decoupling of hydrodynamics and chemical kinetics. This implies an extra degree of freedom. From a chemical engineering point of view the intrinsic scaleability of these reactors is intriguing. A case study on nitrous oxide abatement exemplifies the three-level catalysis engineering approach.

Recommended Citation

Moulijn, Jacob A.; Perez-Ramirez, Javier; van Diepen, Annelies; Kreutzer, Michiel T.; and Kapteijn, Freek (2003) "Catalysis Engineering on Three Levels," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 1: R4.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol1/R4