One of possible solutions of the problem is employment of stationary multifunctional catalysts or catalyst modules fixed a reactor. The advantage of the catalyst module use is simplification of hydrogenation technology, usage of cheaper equipment and elimination of filtration after hydrogenation that is used in case of catalyst powders.

Catalytic proprieties of the multifunctional catalyst module may be adjusted to various hydrogenation conditions and organic compounds.

The aim of the project is development of a filterless technology for hydrogenation of unsaturated organic compounds on the basis of the flexible multifunctional catalytic module (stationary catalyst) and methods for formation of catalytic surface suitable for hydrogenation unsaturated compounds of different kind (with double bounds, carbonyl group, nitro-groups, etc.).

The main objectives include:

Expected results

Development and design of multifunctional catalytic modules with adjustable surface would allow to reduce significantly assortment and amount of catalysts that are being produced and also would let to improve the environment due to reduction of the waste.

Combination of the adjustable catalytic module with technological regime could provide the possibility to intensify hydrogenation to reduce catalyst disposal and to employ flow technique. Multifunctional catalytic module would provide the possibility to obtain complex products to carry out hydrogenation of different chemical compounds in a wide range of values of input parameters (types of unsaturated bonds, variation of raw material flow and temperature) changing technological parameters and adjusting the catalytic module.

The involvement of former weapons scientists in the purely civilian project is in agreement with purposes of International Science and Technology Center.

The workforce for the project will be attracted from the Research Institute of New Chemical Technologies and Materials (RINCT&M) and Institute of Nuclear Physics (INP) of the National Nuclear Center.

Experts from the RINCT&M have great experience in theoretical and experimental researches, in development of new efficient catalysts for hydrogenation, oxidation, and oil processing. This institute possesses the necessary facilities equipment and analytical tools for investigation of catalytic processes and for analysis of raw materials and reaction products.

The technology was tried in a medium scale hydrogenation unit for fat hydrogenation including castor oil, and fat acids by Russian (Kazan, Nizhni Novgorod) and Ukrainian (Berdyansk) enterprises. About 300 tons of similar catalysts had been prepared by Fergana Chemical Plant (Uzbekistan).

Experts of the Institute of Nuclear Physics possess equipment and tools for analysis of solid catalysts and for activation of catalytic surface using method of physical implantation.

Both institutes have high quality experts in the fields of chemical kinetics and catalysis, chemical technology, organic chemistry, radiochemistry and of physical metallurgy.

It is planned to employ 6 experts from the Research Institute of New Chemical Technologies and Materials. This group will carry out scientific and technological work on catalysts design and preparation on activation of the catalytic surface, analysis of chemical compounds and products of the reaction. It is planned also to employ 8 specialists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics, this group will carry out analysis of the alloys and the catalysts and will use physical implantation method for modification of the catalytic surface.

Role of foreign collaborators in the project includes information exchange, parallel analysis of the alloys and reaction products, discussion of the results. It is expected also that foreign collaborators will facilitate contacts with potential customers and catalyst producers.