Founded in 2000, Avantium Catalysis Services is headquartered in Amsterdam. The company boasts extensive R&D laboratories and three pilot plants in Geleen and Delfzijl, Netherlands. As an innovation-driven organization, Avantium focuses on developing and commercializing breakthrough technologies for producing chemicals from renewable sources. Additionally, they work on circular plastic materials vital for various consumer products.
Committed to sustainability and innovation, Avantium continuously seeks to transform the chemical industry. They leverage renewable resources to enhance production efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future. By prioritizing research and development, Avantium plays a crucial role in advancing solutions that meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials.
Please tell us a bit about yourself?
I am originally from Portugal and currently reside in the Netherlands. I’m married and have two children. With nearly 20 years of experience in the refining industry, I hold an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Aveiro, as well as a Professional Doctorate in Engineering from Delft University of Technology.
Tell us about your roles at Avantium Catalysis Services. What is it you do?
I oversee the global services for Refinery Catalyst Testing at Avantium, where I am accountable for the overall performance of this business line. My role involves setting the strategic direction and objectives, as well as driving their implementation in collaboration with various functions and other directors. We provide refineries with the service of comparing multiple catalysts side-by-side using 16 reactors in parallel. This allows clients to make informed decisions about which catalyst is best suited for their refining units.
Catalyst is an all-purpose word; what type of catalysts do you test?
At Avantium Catalysis Services, we provide independent testing for a variety of catalysts used in different refining processes. Specifically, we test catalysts for hydrotreating of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) and Vacuum Gas Oil (VGO), hydrocracking, reforming, isomerization, dewaxing, and FCC pretreatment. Our capabilities allow us to evaluate up to 16 different catalysts, including stacked-bed configurations, using the refinery’s feedstock and process conditions. This comprehensive approach ensures that we can meet the diverse needs of our clients in the refining industry.
What is it Avantium does, when it comes to Catalysis Services for R&D?
Avantium Catalysis is dedicated to helping customers accelerate their catalyst research and development (R&D) efforts. The company offers innovative systems and services that provide deeper insights into catalyst properties and performance. One standout technology is the Flowrence® parallel fixed bed reactor platform, which generates highly accurate and repeatable data. This platform is invaluable for researchers.
The Flowrence® system is optimally configured for conducting side-by-side catalyst performance tests. Consequently, it enables direct comparisons of catalyst performance without compromising data quality. This includes critical factors such as repeatability, reproducibility, and scalability. Furthermore, the system operates with low amounts of feed, which minimizes waste generation and enhances overall efficiency.
By leveraging Avantium’s advanced technologies, customers gain critical insights that drive innovation and improve catalyst performance in their applications. This commitment to high-quality data and sustainable practices positions Avantium as a leader in the field of catalyst R&D.
What means of testing does Avantium Catalysis Services employ?
At Avantium, we utilize our patented technology, which features 16-parallel reactors in micro-pilot plants. This innovative setup provides unmatched reactor-to-reactor reproducibility, ensuring that our results are scalable. All major catalyst suppliers have validated our methods, approach, and testing technology. As a result, we can effectively evaluate and compare the catalytic performance of different catalysts.
Recently, we engaged with Delft Solids Solutions (DSS) to conduct physical property testing. This testing includes crushing and attrition tests on naphtha reforming Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) catalysts for one of our refinery customers. This collaboration enhances our ability to deliver high-quality data and insights to our clients.
Delft Solids Solutions tests certain types of catalysts for Avantium. How did this partnership come about, and why choose Delft Solids Solutions?
Our refinery customer requested additional testing, specifically crushing and attrition testing on the CCR catalysts we were evaluating. Since we needed to subcontract these tests, we reached out to our partners in our network, and DSS was highly recommended. After our customer conducted initial contact and vetting, we decided to establish a partnership with DSS not only for these specific tests but also for all future requests from our customers.
In our field of independent catalyst testing from various suppliers, building relationships with trustworthy partners is crucial. This collaboration enables us to provide the high-quality services we promise to our clients.
How has the work done by Delft Solids Solutions benefited Avantium and its clients?
The information provided by Delft Solids Solutions (DSS) is vital for the operation of commercial Continuous Catalyst Regeneration (CCR) reactors. Understanding the mechanical properties of the catalyst is essential for CCR applications. Unlike fixed-bed catalysts, which primarily focus on crush strength to withstand static load forces, CCR catalysts are spherical. They are specifically designed to resist dynamic forces from slow movement within the catalyst beds and pneumatic lifting between the reactor and regenerator.
These dynamic forces can lead to particle attrition and the production of fines. Although the system typically captures these fines or broken pieces of the catalyst, they can still cause fouling of screens. This fouling increases pressure drop and ultimately affects overall reactor efficiency. Therefore, ensuring the durability and performance of CCR catalysts is critical for maintaining optimal operation in refining processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the collaboration between Delft Solids Solutions and Avantium underscores the importance of innovation in the refining industry. By leveraging advanced testing methods and state-of-the-art technologies, both organizations are committed to enhancing catalyst performance and developing more efficient, sustainable solutions.
This partnership not only benefits individual clients by optimizing their catalyst applications but also contributes to the broader goal of improving product quality and sustainability within the chemical and refining sectors. As the industry continues to evolve, Avantium and Delft Solids Solutions remain dedicated to research, development, and collaboration. This positions them at the forefront of meaningful advancements in catalyst technology. Together, they are actively shaping a more sustainable future for the refining industry.
