What are Common Types of Reactors Used in Catalysis?
Several reactor types are commonly used in catalysis, each with its own advantages and limitations:
Batch reactors: Suitable for small-scale production and laboratory studies, allowing for precise control over reaction time and conditions. Continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTR): Ideal for continuous production, offering uniform mixing and consistent product quality. Plug flow reactors (PFR): Provide high conversion rates for reactions with favorable kinetics, as reactants flow through the reactor in a plug-like manner. Fixed-bed reactors: Widely used in industrial catalysis, where the catalyst is packed in a stationary bed and reactants pass through it. Fluidized-bed reactors: Enhance mass and heat transfer by fluidizing the catalyst particles, making them suitable for exothermic reactions.
