Applications of Structured Catalysts in Short Contact Time Processes

Applications of Structured Catalysts in Short Contact Time Processes 

The so-called short contact time processes are those processes wherein extremely high throughputs are realized in small reactor volumes, with contact times ranging from milliseconds down to microseconds. These include the partial and selective oxidations of hydrocarbons to produce synthesis gas, olefins and oxygenates. 

Metal gauzes, foam monoliths, sponges and traditional honeycomb monoliths have been successfully applied as catalysts or catalyst supports. The main advantages offered by the structured catalysts with high void fractions are represented by the reduced pressure drop and, in the case of foams, by the even distribution of the reactant flow across the fixed bed. 

Since the pioneering works in the early 1990s wherein the concept was first proposed and demonstrated, Schmidt and co-workers have widely explored the application of monolithic catalysts for the one-step conversion of natural gas and higher 

Gianpiero Groppi, Alessandro Beretta and Enrico Tronconi 

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