Development of microchannel reactor through Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) for Hydrogen Production from Ethanol Steam Reforming

• Grant number: 14/14754-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: January 01, 2015
• End date: December 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Rubens Maciel Filho
• Grantee: Aulus Roberto Romão Bineli
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The microreactors technology has gained importance and great interest in the world research in different areas, from energy production to the development of new catalysts and chemical processes. These devices have a wide range of applications and due to its reduced dimensions offer high heat and mass transfer rates, and are capable to produce compounds with high efficiency. This technology has created opportunities to development of miniaturized chemical plants allowing it to integrate various processes. The proposed study will use the technology of Rapid Prototyping (DMLS) Direct Metal Laser Sintering to construct microchannels to compose a microreactor for hydrogen production from ethanol steam reforming, using catalysts deposited directly over the microchannel surface. The objective is to investigate and evaluate the potential of DMLS to manufacturing such devices, as well as the composition of catalysts and operating conditions that result in a better reaction performance. In the methodology of microchannels construction parameters like scan speed, laser power and hatch spacing will be tested to obtain structures with a morphology and porosity favorable for heterogeneous gas phase reactions. Washcoating and wet impregnation will be used to deposit the catalysts and experiments to define the maximum hydrogen production will be realized. The results of this study will lead a methodology to obtain structures containing microchannels quickly and accurately. In addition, the project follows the recent advances in microtechnology reaction adopted by many research centers and industrial sectors. At the same time, it promotes the consolidation of a multidisciplinary team able to find solutions to current challenges, especially as regards the efficient use of energy and natural resources.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

BINELI, AULUS R. R.; TASIC, MARIJA B.; MACIEL FILHO, RUBENS. CATALYTIC STEAM REFORMING OF ETHANOL FOR HYDROGEN PRODUCTION: BRIEF STATUS. Chemical Industry & Chemical Engineering Quarterly, v. 22, n. 4, p. 327-332, OCT-DEC 2016. (14/14754-0)