hte GmbH services

For the discovery and optimization of catalysts, we carry out catalyst testing projects, for example by screening the activity, selectivity, or deactivation behavior of catalysts. The catalytic materials are provided either by our customers or synthesized in our own state-of-the-art synthesis laboratories. We deliver testing data and their evaluation, while the catalyst and process IP stays with our customers. During a typical screening project, anything from a few dozen up to several hundred materials can be tested in our 16- to 48-fold reactor systems. We apply various reaction conditions, including different pressures, temperatures, reagents, and flow rates. Project durations can vary from just a few weeks up to several months. We carry out catalyst testing on our validated high throughput technology including continuous flow reactor systems as well as batch reactor systems. These systems are proven under industrially relevant conditions, and they cover fixed-bed, trickle-bed, and liquid-phase applications.  

In order to commercialize a promising catalyst material, the process conditions for its application need to be optimized. We examine a wide range of parameters like temperature, pressure, gas-flow rate, different catalyst aging stages, and different feed-stocks. And, we evaluate them using comprehensive kinetic studies and modeling. Furthermore, at hte we can evaluate startup and shutdown procedures, activation and deactivation behavior, and regeneration processes. Taking knowledge obtained in the lab and scaling up allows our customers to effectively bridge the gap between high throughput catalyst screening and pilot plant scale. We formulate the experimental strategy, the catalytic materials are provided either by our customers or synthesized in our own synthesis laboratories. We deliver testing data and their evaluation, the catalyst and process IP stays with our customers.

Our technical service for catalysts suppliers comprise performance testing of the catalyst batch quality, and independent catalyst testing for catalyst users, e.g. refineries for benchmarking. Moreover, catalyst samples can be tested under various process conditions in order to determine activity and selectivity under different reaction conditions. Further production support, as e.g. drop-in solutions, and feed studies complete hte’s technical services for catalyst users and suppliers.