Microchannel reactor architecture enables greener processes

Green Chemistry is a design philosophy that aims to reduce or eliminate negative environmental impacts resulting from the production and use of chemicals. Microchannel process technology offers process intensification, in the form of enhanced heat and mass transfer, to a wide range of chemical reactions. This paper describes how the application of microchannel technology can help producers achieve the goals of Green Chemistry and minimize the environmental consequences of chemical and fuel production. The examples used to illustrate these advantages are Velocys' Fischer-Tropsch synthesis for biomass-to-liquids, DSM and Karlsruhe collaboration for fine chemical production, and Stevens Institute's work in applying microchannels to the production of hydrogen peroxide, as well as a detailed study of how microchannel architecture can minimize pollutant emissions from steam methane reforming. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.