Catalysis 2022 issue

Catalyst system B

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Avantium Ergon Run 01 Ergon Run 02

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Avantium Ergon Run 01 Ergon Run 02

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Figure 22 Comparison between Avantium’s small-scale (1mL) and Ergon’s pilot plant reactor (05-1L) – HDS

Figure 23 Comparison between Avantium’s small-scale (1 mL) and Ergon’s pilot plant reactor (05-1L) – HDN

This is demonstrated by the exam- ples provided for both hydroc- racking and hydrotreating, where a difference of less than 1 wt% can be observed in net conversion and less than 0.2 wt% in diesel yield. Obtaining similar results when test- ing the same catalyst in different runs increases confidence in the test results. Scalability: the results obtained in the Flowrence reactor systems with <1g catalyst loading have a proven relation with measurements obtained in larger-scale units, in both ranking and absolute values of activity and yield trends. 3,4 The capability to accurately meas- ure differences in catalyst perfor - mance is of greater importance when evaluating catalysts. Minor differences in catalyst performance result in considerable economic gain. With this excellent reactor-to-re- actor repeatability and run-to-run reproducibility, the relative differ - ences in catalyst performance are meaningful and, therefore, reliable to independently validate cata- lyst performance. Parallel testing allows for replication – determina- tion of the statistical significance of results. In addition, comparative testing includes the relative com- parison to the incumbent catalyst, and/or to regenerated or rejuve- nated catalysts, which offers an increased level of confidence in the test results. Refiners can confidently deter - mine the most efficient catalyst (sys - tem) for their process units.

at: https://www.catalysis.avantium. com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ PTQ-Catalysis-2020-Avant ium- Ergon.pdf. Conclusions The efficiency of different catalysts has a huge impact on refinery eco - nomics, operations, and long-term planning. The examples provided clearly show that the Avantium Flowrence high-throughput 16 parallel reactors system produces consistent high data quality (repeat - ability, reproducibility, and scalabil- ity). This high quality can only be achieved with the highest accuracy and precision in gas and liquid dis- tribution with patented microfluidic glass chips, excellent pressure con- trol, and the most accurate and nar- rowest mass balance. Also, the reactor design allows for a long, accurate, and precise isother- mal zone where we ensure a plug flow regime. Typical issues related to bed packing and distribution effects are avoided with Avantium’s SPSR catalyst loading approach. reac- tor-to-reactor repeatability for all 16 reactors with narrow standard deviations. With this technology, we can confidently compare cata - lysts with activity differences of less than 1°C for T required . This also helps address concerns with catalyst sam- ple homogeneity with such small- scale reactors when loading <1g of catalyst. Repeatability: excellent Reproducibility: excellent run-to- run reproducibility is obtained.

Bibliography 1 C Ortega, D Otyuskaya, E-J Ras, L D Virla, G S Patience, H Dathe, 2021, Can. J. of Chem. Eng. , 1288-1306. 2 F S Mederos, J Ancheyta, 2009, J. Chen. Appl. Catal. Gen., (1), 1-19, 55. 3 R Moonen, J Alles, E-J Ras, C Harvey, J AnMoulijn, 2019, Chem. Eng. Technol., 373, 1397. 4 T Vilela, Ormsby G, J Castro, H Dathe, Gibbs A, Abney M, Robinson P, Pilot plant studies of hydrotreating catalysts, PTQ, Catalysis , 2020, 39-49. 5 Jan C van der Waal, E-J Ras, C Martin Lok, R Moonen, N van der Puil, Realistic Catalyst Testing in High-Throughput Parallel Small-Scale Reactor Systems [book auth.] Anthony F Volpe, Jr. Al Hagemeyer. Modern Applications of High Throughput R&D in Heterogeneous Catalysis . s.l., Bentham Science, 2014, 193-223. 6 Wikiwand.com. [Online] https://www. wikiwand.com/en/Accuracy_and_precision. 7 Smit M, Gruter, G J M, System and Method For Performing A Chemical Experiment. WO2006107187 2006. 8 Moonen R H W, WO/2012/047095 2012. 9 WO2006107187 2006. 10 L Davy, J Castro, R Wessels, M Rey-Bayle, I Merdrignac, B Celse. 2020, Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research , (48), 59 11 T Vilela, J Castro, H Dathe, Impact of sulphiding agents on ULSD catalyst performance, PTQ , 2019, 24, 11. 12 Vilela, T. Automating catalyst evaluation. PTQ , 2019, www.digitalrefining.com/article/ 1002366. Tiago Vilela is the Director of Refinery Catalyst Testing at Avantium, accountable for the overall performance of the business line. He has more than 20 years’ experience in the refining industry and holds a MSc in chemical engineering from University of Aveiro and a Professional Doctorate in Engineering degree from Delft University of Technology.

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