systematically study catalyst deactivation, regeneration, and stability under diverse process scenarios. Avantium supports new catalyst developments while ensuring high data quality and reliable long-term per- formance evaluation (see Figure 2 ). In practical terms, Flowrence has enabled EO catalyst developers: • 12 years of continuous collaboration. • 10k+ unique EO cata- lysts tested across multiple campaigns.
Ethylene Oxide Market Size, by end-use, 2020-2030 (USD billion)
GRAND VIEW RESEARCH
$36.1B
4.6% Global market CAGR, 2024 - 2030
2020
2021
2022
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Automotive Personal care
Pharmaceuticals
Agriculture
Textile
Food & beverages
Others
Figure 1 The market growth can be attributed to the robust growth of the automotive indus- try ( Grand View Research, 2024 )
• 4M data points collected, enabling robust statistical and kinetic analysis. • 132 experimental campaigns executed with high reproducibility. The collaboration led to enhanced workflows for catalyst screening and stability testing, which are now standardised procedures for subsequent projects. Overall, this long-term collaboration shows how technology providers and catalyst makers can work together to speed up catalyst development, improve the reliability of test results, shorten development cycles, and stay competitive in a demanding global market. Future directions As the demand for more efficient and sustainable EO pro - duction increases, the future of EO catalyst development depends on accelerating innovation while maintaining high performance standards. Faster, data-driven decision-making and optimisation of novel catalyst formulations and process conditions will shape the future of HTCT. One of the most promising directions lies in the integration of advanced data analytics and machine learning with HTCT platforms like Flowrence. By generating large and reliable datasets from parallel HTCT equipment, researchers can identify hidden patterns, optimise reaction conditions, and predict catalyst behaviour under varying process scenarios. The transition from an empirical, trial-and-error methodol- ogy to a predictive modelling approach should substantially reduce development timelines and lower innovation costs. Another key focus area is the development of catalysts tailored for circular and low-carbon EO production. Many clients are actively exploring formulations that enhance selectivity and reduce byproduct formation, thereby improv- ing overall efficiency and environmental performance. These efforts support the industry goals to carbon valorisation chemical manufacturing and meet increasingly strict regula- tory standards. Furthermore, the adaptability of Flowrence technology allows for the exploration of novel feedstocks and reaction pathways towards EO production. In the coming years, EO catalyst development will increasingly rely on collaborations that combine experimental agility and digital intelligence.
12 years run time
10k+ Catalysts
4M+ Data points
Screening unit (64-reactors)
200+ Catalysts
8 years run time
1M Data points
Deactivation unit (32-reactors)
12 years of continuous collaboration 10 k + unique EO catalysts tested across multiple campaigns 4M data points collected, enabling robust statistical and kinetic analysis 132 experimantal campaigns executed with high reproductibility
Figure 2 Key points in the enabling of EO catalyst development
Conclusion The evolution of EO catalyst development is being shaped by an increased need for fast pace, precision, and sustainabil- ity. Flowrence technology is the suitable tool for delivering large amounts of robust and reproducible data. The technol- ogy empowers catalyst developers to move beyond tradi- tional trial-and-error approaches and embrace data-driven innovation. Over the past decade, Avantium’s collaboration with a major EO catalyst supplier has demonstrated the tangible benefits of this approach, facilitating accelerating develop - ments, improving catalyst performance insights, and reduc- ing risk in commercial deployment. Integrating machine learning and advanced data mining will further enhance the impact of high-throughput testing. Avantium is dedicated to facilitating catalyst innovation at every stage, from discovery through to deployment, helping developers unlock new levels of performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
Flowrence is a mark of Avantium.
Avantium Tiago Vilela, Marlene Führer, Elahe Motaee, and Peter Flippo Email: tiago.vilela@avantium.com
107
PTQ Q4 2025
www.digitalrefining.com
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