Highly reliable 64-channel sequential and parallel tubular reactor system for high-throughput screening of heterogeneous catalysts

Abstract

Highly reliable 64-channel sequential and parallel tubular reactor for high-throughput screening of heterogeneous catalysts is constructed with stainless steel. In order to have a uniform flow rate at each channel, 64 capillaries are placed between the outlet of multiport valve and the inlet of each reactor. Flow rate can be controlled within ±1.5%. Flow distribution can be easily adjusted for sequential and parallel mode of operation. The reactor diameter is too big to have a uniform temperature distribution. Hence, the reactor body is separated into three radial zones and controlled independently with nine thermocouples. Temperature accuracy is ±0.5°C at 300°C and ±1°C at 500°C in sequential mode, while it is ±2.5°C in the range of 250–500°C in parallel mode. The temperature, flow rate, reaction sequence, and product analysis are controlled by LABVIEW™ software and monitored simultaneously with displaying a live graph. The accuracy in the conversion is ±2% at the level of 73% conversion when all reactors are loaded with same amount of catalyst. A quaternary catalyst library of 56 samples composed of Pt, Cu, Fe, and Co supported on AlSBA-15 (SBA-15 substituted with Al) are evaluated in the selective catalytic reduction of NO at various temperatures with our system. The most active compositions are rapidly screened at various temperatures.