Projects / Programmes
Chemical Reaction Engineering
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.02.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T350 |
Technological sciences |
Chemical technology and engineering |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.04 |
Engineering and Technology |
Chemical engineering
|
Chemical Engineering; Chemical Reaction Engineering; Catalysis; Transport phenomena; Multiphase reactors
Researchers (22)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0104 |
National Institute of Chemistry |
Ljubljana |
5051592000 |
21,377 |
Abstract
The group research activities are directed into the kinetics of homogeneous and heterogeneous chemical transformations, either catalytic or noncatalytic. In heterogeneous reaction systems the interactions between the kinetics of surface processes and the transport phenomena are emphasized in particular, because they frequently dictate the type and size of reaction vessels. Indeed, modeling of multiphase reactors accompany these research efforts. Seeking for sustainable processes the group also study reactions in less conventional media such as supercritical fluids and ionic liquids. A portion of the group activity is devoted to the development of new, more active and more selective catalysts for processes with commercial potentials. The two examples are: catalytic hydrogenation of nitrate in drinkable water and catalytic oxidation of toxic organics in industrial wastewaters.
Significance for science
Program research group has achieved a significant success in the area of reaction engineering by introducing novel reactors for processing reversible catalytic reactions in which conversions exceed thermodynamic one. This was attained either by internal condensation one of the products or by selective sorption one of the products. For the first approach the proof of concept was demonstrated by a reactor with high temperature gradient between catalytic surface and condensation plate, which was only a few millimeters apart. The model reaction used therein was methanol synthesis. The second approach was demonstrated with the sorption enhanced steam methane reforming reaction, where the key element was a structured type catalyst that enabled countercurrent flow of the two phases, namely downward of solid and upward of gaseous reaction mixture. Formed carbon dioxide by water-gas-shift reaction was simultaneously removed by the sorption on solid phase. The described proof of concept is positively very stimulating for other reverzible catalytic reactions that are thermodynamically limited with a single pass of reaction mixture through catalyst bed.
Significance for the country
The excellent research outcomes of the group have undoubtedly demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the field of chemical reaction engineering. With the knowledge equipped the group can further contribute in upgrading the Slovenian industrial potential, such as pharmaceutical industry in particular. Other topics, e.g. biomass transformation into a fuel or higher added value chemicals are going to be the group activity in the next period. Pyrolysis of wood chips into a gas-fuel, which via internal combustion motors generate electricity, is an important issue in the country and therefore orientation of the group in nearby future.
Audiovisual sources (2)
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
