Catalyst/Packed Columns

The following catalyst columns find extensive applications in the following domains such as:

Note: In addition to the following listed options, we will provide custom made columns with different dimensions, size, shape or material construction and also any type or amount of catalyst used for your desired applications. Please call up for further information.     

• Two types of high temperature and high pressure metal tubes – SS316 and Inconel
• Each metal tube type has 4 dimensions – with OD from 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inches. The total length of the tube is 24 inches in all the cases
•  These 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch OD tubes (each 24 inch length) are filled with 2, 4, 6, and 6 inches of catalyst length, respectively, which is diluted in SiC. The catalyst is situated in the middle of the tube while glass (default) or quartz wool is placed on either side of the catalyst/SiC powder. Please call up for special requirements such as quartz wool or change in length of filling or extent of dilution or for any other reasons.
• SiC filler is used to facilitate better flow of gases or to reduce the pressure-drop across the length. In special cases, glass or quartz beads are used for which special request should be made.
• The dilution varies from 10% to 100% of the volume (corresponding to the specified catalyst length such as 2, 4, 6 and 6 inches for 1/8, 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch OD tubes respectively) filled with active catalyst powder and the remaining with either SiC (default) or glass/quartz beads. Both the catalyst and the filler are mixed homogeneously before filling in the catalyst length.
• Both ends of the tube are capped before shipping. Remove the caps and install the catalyst column directly for your applications. All the catalyst columns are marked for catalyst length, glass wool length and empty space. Before installing, the user can either fill the empty space with glass wool or can be used directly depending on the requirement of the application.
• For external characterization of the catalyst, some catalyst powder sample will be sent with all the orders. The amount of sample sent is calculated based on both the price and dimensions of the tube (call up for clarifications).
• All the active catalysts are in the form of finely ground powders
• The activation of the catalyst column is recommended based on the type of reaction application before using in the intended reaction

 Table 1: Typical column options 

 Pressure and Temperature: The column material and thickness have been selected such that they can be used up to pressure 1000 psi and in some cases up to 1500 psi and temperatures up to 500 ^oC 

Powder versus extrudates (extrudates/beads):
Powder catalysts have certain advantages over extrudates/beads as the entire active surface of the catalyst is available for reaction/adsorption with better mass transfer. For better pressure-drop minimization, the catalyst powders are mixed with relatively large particles of either SiC or glass beads and filled in the catalyst column to facilitate the easy flow of vapor and gases through the columns. However, with increase in powder quantity in the catalyst column (as is the case for 75% or 100% fill) the pressure drop becomes significant and hence advised to go for extrudates/beads for such requirements to enhance the easy flow of vapor and gases. The columns with extrudes are available for some catalysts, please contact for further details. 

Table 2: Catalyst weight corresponding to different support materials 

Table 3: Rough prices ($) for different catalyst columns with any type of support 

Note: Complete the Table on ‘Catalyst Column Selection and Order Form’ and obtain the exact price information.

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