Evonik creates a small revolution with the development of a novel new reactor
As part of the European Union's "Horizon 2020" research program, Evonik and nine project partners from five countries have succeeded in developing a novel new reactor for catalysing OXO reactions, which is 70% more energy efficient.
The ROMEO (Reactor Optimization by Membrane Enhanced Operation) project was launched in 2015 with the aim of developing a completely new type of reactor. This is used in homogeneous catalysis, in which olefins are converted into aldehydes with synthesis gas in a hydroformylation reaction.
The newly developed membrane reactor is able to carry out the classic two-step process in just one single step. Previously, the chemical reaction was carried out first and then the product was separated from the catalyst. The reduction of the process to just one step is especially notable in the use of energy. The pilot reactor is 70% more energy and resource efficient While also reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45% than the process used until now, as evaporation of larger quantities of the reaction product is avoided.
The reaction now takes place on a monolith, a kind of cylinder whose inner surface is coated with the catalyst. Its unique feature: the membrane is applied to the outside. This causes the catalyst to remain on the monolith and the reaction product to be separated by the membrane.
Prof. Dr Robert Franke, Project Director of ROMEO and Head of Hydroformylation Research at Evonik, expects the membrane reactor to go on to achieve even greater energy savings: "We're now focusing on further developing the technology. Our goal is the regular use of this new technology in our production."
Therefore, an EU-funded follow-up project has been set up as the next logical step. The partners include 25 companies and research institutions from nine countries. The project, appropriately called MACBETH (Membrane And Catalysts Beyond Economic and Technological Hurdles), is scheduled to start in November.
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The focus on more specialty businesses, customer-oriented innovative prowess and a trustful and performance-oriented corporate culture form the heart of Evonik’s corporate strategy. They are the lever for profitable growth and a sustained increase in the value of the company. Evonik benefits specifically from its customer proximity and leading market positions. Evonik is active in over 100 countries around the world. In fiscal 2018, the enterprise with more than 32,000 employees generated sales of €13.3 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.15 billion from continuing operations.
About Performance Materials
The Performance Materials Segment is managed by Evonik Performance Materials GmbH. The segment focuses its global activities on developing and manufacturing intermediates, solutions and additives, especially for use in agriculture and in the rubber and plastics industry. In 2018, the segment’s roughly 1,700 employees generated sales about €2.39 billion from continuing operations.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.