Access to Accelerated Catalyst Testing
Did you know that we have more than 700 reactors for catalyst testing available in our laboratories in Amsterdam? This includes various high-throughput, multi-parallel catalyst testing platforms, both fixed-bed and batch.
What capabilities and expertise do we offer for our customers?
| Type | Example applications | Reactors | Reactor configuration | Max Temperature in °C | Max Pressure in bar | Notes |
| Trickle-flow, heavy feed | Hydrotreating Hydrocracking Dewaxing |
up to 16 | 4×4 | 500 | 180 | Heated feed; Liquid product collection; Active Liquid Distribution (ALD) |
| Gas phase | Fischer Tropsch Methane Activation Ethane conversion CO2 valorization Selective hydrogenation Selective Oxidation |
up to 64 | 1×16 4×16 8×4 |
900 | 100 | High-temperature options |
| Trickle flow / Gas phase, light feed | Naphtha Reforming Isomerization Metathesis Transalkylation (low sulfur feeds) |
up to 16 | 1X16 2×16 4×4 |
550 | 100 | Cooled feed; individual Reactor Temperature Control (iRTC); Active Liquid Distribution (ALD) |
| Batch Parallel Reactors | Hydrogenation Oligomerization |
up to 72 | 1×12 6×12 |
200 | 160 | Full batch or gas-on-demand; Identical gas feed per block; Temperature control per block of 12 Rx |
What extra value do customers get?
Another valuable feature is the usefulness of the results – test results correlate with those from larger-scale experiments and even the data from commercial plants. Moreover, we have the ability to generate far more data than traditionally possible, leading to clearer and deeper insights into catalyst behavior and process performance. With our extensive in-house library of catalysts and supports, we can even amplify your Design-of-Experimentation or fill the blind spots.
We have many ways in which we can apply our capabilities and expertise to serve your R&D needs. How we do so, is entirely up to you. Our concern is that you benefit from enhanced technical decision-making, which ultimately translates into greater competitiveness and profitability.
What programs customer run with us?
Defined catalyst testing projects for short-term demands
Customers ask us to conduct well-defined catalyst testing projects, often part of more extensive R&D programs. We help them devise the most appropriate catalyst testing solutions in line with their specific objectives. We take pride in our ability to deal with short lead times and turn out results quickly.
High-throughput testing systems, both fixed-bed flow and batch are available for all R&D stages of the catalyst development. Different operating conditions can be varied in line with the requirements needed. Project duration can vary from just a few weeks up to multi-year programs
Long-term research collaborations
We are accustomed to working in integrated teams with customers to formulate experimentation strategies around specific R&D objectives and, ultimately, to deliver on them. These collaborations benefit from having (high-throughput) catalyst testing equipment, catalyst preparation with an extensive in-house library, well-qualified experts and a top-class data analytical capability, all under the same roof.
Our experts have a reputation for unconventional thinking and boast an impressive track record of developing novel approaches to seemingly intractable R&D challenges.
Our testing services can be supported by:
- Consulting on catalysts & chemistries
- Design of experimentation
- Catalyst preparation
- Analytical method development
- Workflow integration, data analysis and modeling
Obviously, catalyst and process IP stay with the customer with all services projects.
The Top 5 reasons why customers outsource their research to us
1. Long duration catalyst life testing
Customers face various testing needs that compete with each other. Especially stability tests occupying testing equipment for a very long time, are often hampered by the limited availability of dedicated equipment. Customers outsource this type of testing to us and value it as reliable and cost-effective.
2. Extend capacity
This can vary from accommodating temporary single testing constraint up to long-term, dedicated multi-year testing programs. Avantium guarantees consistent and reliable data customers can believe in.
3. Optimize design-of-experimentation or solve exotic testing challenges
We have already found solutions to many exotic R&D challenges. For our experts, nothing’s off limits. We are known as unconventional thinkers with a resourceful way of working. Read a practical example around handling sensitive chemistry here.
4. Industrially scalable results
Refineries and chemical plants make their catalyst selection based on our testing results. They value that we are the leading independent testing company. Our testing facilities are also used in the process development phase and demonstrate high reproducibility with bench-scale reactors. More relevant data can be obtained safely in a shorter time at lower costs.
5. Staff constraints
The access to state of the art technology and well-qualified experts offers peace of mind. Effective collaboration is safeguarded by our focus on customer needs and objectives. We are easy to work with, result oriented and we deliver timely.