Micromeritics Instrument
The new in situ catalyst-characterization system (ICCS; photo) delivers high-performance test capabilities for the reliable and industrially representative investigation of catalyst behavior. By integrating with the PID Microactivity Effi catalyst-screening system, the ICCS allows researchers to efficiently quantify the impact of reactions on defining catalyst parameters, such as number of active sites. The resulting data directly support the development of more effective heterogeneous catalysts. The ICCS incorporates mass-flow controllers for fully automated gas control and a cold trap for the removal of condensable vapors. A precision thermal-conductivity detector monitors changes in the concentration of gases flowing into and out of the sample reactor. The ICCS can be connected to any microreactor testing system, even custom-made units, to deliver important information on the catalyst under test, in situ. When connected directly to the Microactivity Effi system, the ICCS allows in-situ chemisorption measurements by pulsing a probe gas using a loop valve. Analyses can be carried out on catalysts, catalyst supports and other materials without any risk of exposure to the external environment, since there is no requirement to discharge the sample from the reactor. This eliminates the possibility of contamination from atmospheric gases and moisture, which may damage an active catalyst and compromise data. — Micromeritics Instrument Corp., Norcross, Ga.