Description

The CATATEST is a laboratory-scale catalytic testing system designed to evaluate the performance of heterogeneous catalysts under controlled reaction conditions. The system typically consists of a continuous-flow fixed-bed catalytic reactor where reactant gases or liquids pass through a packed bed containing the catalyst. The CATATEST unit allows precise control of temperature, pressure, flow rate, and reactant composition, enabling researchers to study catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability during chemical reactions. Analytical instruments connected to the outlet stream are used to measure product distribution and conversion rates. This setup is commonly used in catalysis research, reaction engineering, and process development to simulate industrial catalytic processes on a small scale while maintaining reliable and reproducible experimental conditions.

Reactions Investigated in the CATATEST System
The CATATEST unit is designed to evaluate catalyst performance for several important industrial catalytic processes. In this system, seven representative reactions are studied using a continuous-flow fixed-bed catalytic reactor in order to analyze catalyst activity, selectivity, and stability under controlled operating conditions.
The main reactions investigated include:
Hydrogenation, Hydroprocessing, and Hydrocracking
These refining processes involve the reaction of hydrocarbons with hydrogen to remove impurities such as sulfur or nitrogen, saturate unsaturated compounds, and break large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more valuable fuels.
Methanol Synthesis
Methanol is produced from synthesis gas (a mixture of CO, CO₂, and H₂) over a copper-based catalyst according to reactions such as:
CO + 2H₂ → CH₃OH
Ammonia Synthesis
Ammonia synthesis (Haber–Bosch process) combines nitrogen and hydrogen to produce ammonia:
N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃
Ammonia Decomposition
Ammonia decomposition is a catalytic reaction in which ammonia breaks down into hydrogen and nitrogen:
2NH₃ ⇌ N₂ + 3H₂
Methane Reforming (Steam and CO₂ Reforming)
Methane reforming processes convert methane into synthesis gas (a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide) using catalytic reactions. Two main reforming pathways can be studied:
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), where methane reacts with steam over nickel-based catalysts:
CH₄ + H₂O → CO + 3H₂
CO₂ Reforming (Dry Reforming of Methane), where methane reacts with carbon dioxide to produce synthesis gas:
CH₄ + CO₂ → 2CO + 2H₂
Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis
This catalytic process converts synthesis gas (CO and H₂) into long-chain hydrocarbons that can be used as synthetic fuels.
Methanation
Methanation converts carbon oxides and hydrogen into methane, often used for gas purification or synthetic natural gas production:
CO + 3H₂ → CH₄ + H₂O
These reactions represent key industrial catalytic transformations in petrochemical processing, fuel production, and hydrogen-related technologies, making the CATATEST system a valuable tool for catalyst testing and reaction engineering studies.