Gradient‐Free Measurements of Catalyst Plates Using a Berty Reactor

A proof-of-concept for the adaption of a μ-Berty reactor for wash-coated catalyst plates and films is presented on the example of methanol synthesis from CO₂. Such a configuration can be used to derive the kinetic parameters and optimize wash-coat properties under very controlled and idealized conditions before translating them to microchannel or monolith reactors.

Abstract

A Berty reactor modification is presented allowing kinetic investigations of catalyst plates or thin-film catalysts. Due to the narrow and defined spacing and high residence times, Da _II numbers below 0.001 can be achieved, excluding external mass transport. The reactor was tested in the methanol synthesis with wash-coated catalyst plates. Reaction parameters were varied over a large range proving the versatility of this system. The obtained activation energies for MeOH and CO formation are in good agreement with similar systems. At high pressures, the stirrer can homogenize the reaction mixture quite easily; above 500 rpm no effect of the stirrer on the performance can be observed. Even at ambient pressures, homogenization can be achieved, however, only at very high stirring speeds exceeding 4000 rpm.

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