Title : Demonstration of a Kilo scale continuous hydrogenation
Abstract:
In the pharmaceutical industry catalytic hydrogenation reactions are normally conducted in batch mode. However, these type of reactions tend to be benefit by continuous processing, as the catalytic continuous reactors offer a high catalyst loading, high pressure operation and enhanced mass transfer. This presentation will show the steps and methodology followed to develop a continuous hydrogenation process. The selection of catalyst was performed based on the chemical and physical properties. A series of batch and flow experiments were performed in order to get an understanding on the reaction mechanism and select the appropriate operating conditions to maximise product yield and minimise formation of by-products. The process was successfully demonstrated in a lab scale catalytic reactor, processing 1.2 kg of substrate and showing a consistent performance over 19 hours of operation. The lab scale process demonstration and the process understanding generated was then used to advise scale-up.
