Multiple adiabatic bed PCR

MAB PCR - a novel combination of proven technologies

In the multiple adiabatic bed PCR (MAB PCR)* we have extended our proven Printed Circuit Heat Exchanger (PCHE) technology to include heterogeneous catalysis. MAB PCR effectively separates the functions of heat transfer and chemical reaction, allowing each to be optimised independently. _{^* Patents pending}

Why compromise on conflicting chemical reaction and heat transfer requirements?

MAB PCR offers improved selectivity or productivity through:

Close temperature control, through
Multiple, smaller reaction steps
Multiple inter-stage heat exchange
Optional reactant addition at each step
Optimised catalyst bed aspect ratio
Smaller catalyst particles - higher catalyst effectiveness
Reduced adiabatic residence time

MAB PCR combines two established technologies - alternating adiabatic catalytic reactor beds and heat exchangers - and is suitable for applications ranging from fuel processing to the production of fine and bulk chemicals

The PCHE cores used for heat exchange are constructed from flat metal plates into which fluid flow channels are chemically etched. These etched plates are then stacked and diffusion bonded, converting the plates into a solid metal block containing precisely engineered fluid flow passages.

Staged reactant addition and mixing of reactants can be achieved by etching a network of fluid distributor channels into the plates. These perform passage-by-passage mixing of process fluids and uniformly distribute process streams into catalyst beds.

The MAB PCR design and manufacturing technique offers:

Highly compact heat exchangers, with high thermal effectiveness
Close temperature control, enabling
Increased reaction temperature
Optimised reaction temperature profile
Elimination of hot spots
Addition and mixing of reactant (or removal of product) at each stage
Elimination of interconnecting piping (and resulting stagnant areas), and the need to redistribute reactants
Catalyst beds with a large flow area and short flow path, permitting the use of smaller, high effectiveness catalyst particles
Decoupling of heat transfer and catalyst volumes, so that neither determines the sizing of the other

MAB PCR is suitable for:

Industrial bulk chemical production
Compact plant, for distributed manufacture
Micro-reactors

Please email us at for further information.