Process Intensification Methodologies Applied
to Liquid-Liquid Systems in Structured
Equipment
An EU Framework 7 NMP project
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° NMP2-SL-2008-214599
Link with other EU NMP projects
Project
Funding
EU F6 NMP
EU FP7 NMP
EU FP7 NMP
EU FP7 NMP
Value / Duration
€17m
2005 - 2009
€5.5m
2009 – 2012
€30m
2009 – 2013
€11m
2011 – 2015
€11m
EU FP7 NMP
2009 -2013
€10m
EU FP7 NMP
2010 - 2014
Objectives
Industry-led collaborative research
into radical innovation for chemical
production technologies
New PI methodologies applied to
liquid-liquid systems in structured
equipment
A new paradigm in modular,
sustainable production technology
validated on seven industrial projects
New methodology and novel catalytic
systems for chemical production
Develop modular production and
factory concept using adaptable
plants with flexible output
Modern polymer-based catalysts and
microflow conditions as key element
of innovations in fine chemical
synthesis
Technical context for project
•
Two phase liquid-liquid reactions are important chemical processes
•
Operation and control can be problematic - often batch or semi-batch
processing with sub-optimal operation
•
L-L reactions are often run to the limitations of existing equipment
•
Drive to develop sustainable and differentiated processes with lower
capital and operating costs
•
Continuous processing using structured equipment (e.g. microreactors) has the potential to overcome current limitations
•
Numerous examples at research level but few compelling examples of
processes run at manufacturing scale
Project Overview
Project Value
€5.5m (€3.5m EU funding)
Duration:
40 months (Jan 2009 – Mar 2012)
Objective:
 Development and validation of a process design
methodology for two-phase liquid-liquid reactions,
 Demonstration in commodity & specialty chemicals.
 Develop improved understanding of multiphase
processes and the design and operation of appropriate
micro/meso-structured reactors
Partners:
Project participants
Partner
EU State
Role
Chemistry Innovation
UK
Project coordinator
FCTUC
PT
Knowledge provider
EPFL
CH
Knowledge provider
WUT
PL
Knowledge provider
IMM
D
Technology provider
Fluidinova
PT
Technology provider
Britest
UK
Methodology/Industry partnership
Givaudan
CH
End-user Specialty chemicals
Huntsman
BE
End-user Commodity chemicals
CUF
PT
End-user Commodity chemicals
Project structure
WP1: Project coordination
meso
WP3: Design of tailored
structured devices
WP4A:
Device development
and characterization
WP4B:
Final device
and plant testing
Micro- & milli-structured
Reactors
Speciality fine
chemicals
Multipurpose plant
Reactor, separator,
crystallizer, etc.
Netmix®-derived
mesostructured reactors
Commodity
chemicals
Experimental
Research Facility
WP2: Modelling & Process Description
Mathematical modelling and numerical simulations to
develop understanding of interaction between subprocesses and equipment structures
micro
Process scale
Device scale
micro
meso
WP5: Generic knowledge/toolkit
Development
Develop generic understanding for
dev. of processes and equipment
WP6: Training activities. E-learning, demonstrations, website, dissemination events, degree module
Project outputs
• Improved fundamental understanding of processes and
design requirements
• Development and validation of a design methodology &
criteria for dealing with two-phase liquid/liquid-reactions
• New generation of flexible and high-performance
process equipment
• Improved sustainability of chemical processes
• Dissemination of outputs via:
– Mid-term and end of project events
– E-learning packages and practical demonstration
– Training materials for HEIs
– www.fp7pills.eu
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Community's
Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n° NMP2-SL-2008-214599