Fundamentals of industrial catalytic processes pdf free download

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activity testing, while providing a mathematical basis for key concepts. This includes a discussion on analysis of integral and differential rate data again with examples from which they calculate rate expressions. They also include a section on choosing reactors in the laboratory and plant. Much of this information is useful to practicing scientists and engineers in applying catalytic concepts to real world problems. Chapter 5 is a >70 page chapter on catalyst deactivation which focuses on types, causes, mechanisms and treatment of this very important topic. The second part of the book focuses on specific major processes which use catalysts. Perhaps, instead of just launching into key selective processes in catalysis, an overview might have been provided of the multitude of very different processes used in catalysis from which they would then focus on the topics they selected. The chapter on H2 production and synthesis gas reactions provides introductory material into the production of H2 , syngas, ammonia, methanol and Fischer–Tropsch chemistries. There could have been more material added with regard to explaining the differences which affect the process selection for the production of ammonia versus the synthesis of H2 or syngas. No mention is made of recent advances with regard to hydrogen purification by PSA or the application of pre-reforming as a process step in the production of H2 . They do include discussion of the new ruthenium based catalyst for ammonia synthesis as opposed to more traditional iron-based catalysts. In the chapter on hydrogenation and dehydrogenation, the authors try to provide a basic overview of this vast area of catalysis. To their credit, they provide many specific references to articles which deal with individual hydrogenation processes in greater detail for readers seeking to gain more detail. This overview is informative and provides an introductory perspective into the many facets of hydrogenation and also includes aspects of reactor design and engineering. In the section on oxidation of inorganic and organic compounds, they begin with a discussion of sulfuric acid production which is very good in describing the chemistry, limitations and even details about how the catalyst is made, often referring to the reason for the type of promoters that are used. In addition, a detailed discussion of kinetics and mechanisms is provided as



well as the details of how the process operates including deactivation and the suppliers. They also do an excellent job on describing the production of nitric acid and the impact of heat and temperature on the distribution of intermediates and final products as well as the importance of selectivity. In this same chapter on oxidation, they briefly describe the catalysts, the operating conditions, the process and some details of their value for selected large volume oxidation products such as acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate and maleic anhydride and HCN. However, it is not apparent, why they chose the ones they did discuss and neglected other important oxygenates such as terephthalic acid, propylene oxide, methylmethacrylate and acrylic acid. There are two chapters dealing with environmental catalysis (mobile source emission sources and stationary source emissions). Both these chapters are informative and provide a great deal of insight into factors that impact the performance and operation of these catalysts. A very detailed analysis is offered about future prospects in these topics, which is probably very useful given the substantial growth of the business of environmental catalysts. The chapter on homogeneous catalysis, enzyme catalysis and polymerization catalysis is a good introduction into this vast area of three very different types of catalytic chemistry. Once again, it is difficult to appreciate the impact and value of homogeneous catalysis in a few pages where others have written books on this topic. It is refreshing to see a section on enzyme catalysis and the impact that this chemistry has and will continue to have on the future growth of catalysis. Here this chapter could have used some examples of the impact of catalysis upon the pharmaceutical industry beyond the example on l-dopa, such as l-menthol, l-tartaric acid, and acrylamide synthesis. This book is particularly good, when one does not know very much at all about specific process chemistries. However, one should not walk away with the impression that having read the good introductory material, herein the reader will understand all the intricacies around a particular process. For those seeking to develop new chemical processes; people should use the references cited herein to grow their knowledge by additional outside reading, contacting experts in the technology, or by talking to manufacturers if they wish to learn what the flaws and weak-



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nesses are in their existing technologies and where the needs for improvement lie. One aspect that is missing from this book is a general description of factors that impact catalytic process chemistry. Not only are the catalyst, the chemistry and the reactor engineering important but the cost of the product versus the feedstock and operating costs as well as the impact of by-products and poisons on price and product alternatives are important. Young readers need to appreciate that simply starting with cheaper feedstocks is not enough; one has to look at the entire cost of all the steps in the process to include separation, capital investment and many other aspects. There are a number of examples which could be selected which would emphasize this aspect so the reader understands that it is more than chemistry and chemical engineering that controls the selection and focus on new process chemistry, and thus where additional research can really add value to technology.

In summary, let me use the language of brokerage houses trying to interest customers on the value of a particular stock. There are often phrases like ‘underperformer’, ‘sell’, ‘buy’, ‘strong buy’. To those wishing to learn more about catalysis and individual chemical processes, this book is a ‘strong buy’. For those wishing to have a good reference text who may know a lot about a particular process but little about many processes, this book is also a ‘strong buy’. This book is also a very good investment for those who want a reference book on the fundamentals of catalysis. John N. Armor Air Products Chemicals, Inc., Hamilton Boulevard, Allentown, PA , USA Tel.: +; fax: + E-mail address: [email&#;protected] (J.N. Armor). PII: S 0 9 2 6 - 8 6 0 X ( 0 0 ) 0 0 6 9 4 - 3