Backpressure-Control - Fixed-Bed Reactor Operating with Supercritical CO2

Supercritical CO₂ represents a flexible oxidation medium and solvent, which may be used instead of comparatively toxic solvents. The high diffusivity of supercritical CO₂ results in excellent diffusion in microporous reaction systems and can potentially reduce or eliminate coke formation often associated with hydrocarbon processing over solid-acid catalysts.

ILS implemented a high-temperature Badger valve for this application. Supercritical CO₂ exhibits a strong Joule-Thomson effect upon expansion. This can severely affect valve control resulting in phase changes in the valve seat and in extreme cases can result in valve freezing.

A Badger valve was implemented for this application and is heated using an electrical heating tape.

The valve has proven to be extremely robust, allowing our client to perform a variety of supercritical oxidation tests over a wide range of flows at pressure drops of up to 200 bars.