Continuous Flow Catalytic Reactor with Electrostatic Catalyst Immobilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing continuous flow catalytic reactors face challenges with catalyst immobilization, as the binding force between the catalytic active component and the support is limited, leading to catalyst loss and reduced service life in liquid phase reactions.

Innovation Solution

A continuous flow catalytic reactor is designed with a reaction vessel and a filler, where the catalytic component is fixed using a direct-current electric field, eliminating the need for catalyst separation and enhancing utilization efficiency by preventing catalyst loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If physical adsorption or chemical bonding methods are used to immobilize catalyst, then catalyst separation is simplified, but the binding force between catalytic active component and supporter is limited causing catalyst loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst separationVSAvoidcatalyst loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of binding force by introducing electrostatic interaction through charged filler particles. The catalytic active components are immobilized via electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged species, significantly strengthening the binding force compared to conventional physical adsorption or chemical bonding methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces charged filler particles as an intermediary between the catalytic active components and the reaction medium. These filler particles with specific charge characteristics serve as a mediator that strongly binds catalytic components through electrostatic interaction, preventing their loss while maintaining catalytic activity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If catalyst is fixed in reactor, then catalyst separation step is saved and utilization efficiency is improved, but binding force limitation causes reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst utilization efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent strengthens the binding parameter between catalyst and supporter by utilizing electrostatic interaction. This enhanced binding force prevents catalyst detachment during continuous flow operation, thereby extending catalyst service life while maintaining high utilization efficiency through fixed-bed configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite filler particles comprising support material with incorporated charge-bearing groups. This composite structure combines the mechanical properties of the support with the electrostatic binding capability of charged groups, creating a durable immobilization system that extends catalyst service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If continuous flow reaction is implemented, then mass and heat transfer efficiency is improved, but catalyst immobilization becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass and heat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcatalyst immobilization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses charged filler particles as an intermediary that simplifies catalyst immobilization in continuous flow reactors. The electrostatic interaction mechanism provides a straightforward immobilization approach that does not require complex pretreatment or specialized reactor modifications, thereby reducing device complexity while enabling efficient continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The direct-current electric field effectively immobilizes the catalytic component, allowing for continuous operation without catalyst loss, improving efficiency and extending catalyst service life, as demonstrated in monosaccharide epimerization reactions using molybdenum oxide quantum dots or molybdate ions.

Implementation Method 1

the catalytic component is fixed to the filler under the action of a direct-current electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3753632B1Continuous flow catalytic reactor, assembling method therefor and application therefor
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 NINGBO INST OF MATERIALS TECH & ENG CHINESE ACAD OF SCI
  • EP3753632B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present application discloses a continuous flow catalytic reactor, an assembling method therefor and an application thereof. The continuous flow catalytic reactor comprises a reaction vessel, a filler packaged in the reaction vessel and a charged catalytic component; the catalytic component is fixed to the filler under the action of a direct-current electric field. The continuous flow catalytic reactor may be applied to continuous flow reactions such as a monosaccharide epimerization reaction. The continuous flow catalytic reactor disclosed by the present application has the advantages of simple structure, unattended operation, safe and convenient operation and the like. Furthermore, when the continuous flow catalytic reactor is applied to a continuous flow reaction process, catalytic components are fixed by a direct-current electric field and do not flow out with a product, thereby saving a separation step for a catalyst, and promoting the utilization efficiency of the catalyst.