Project description

This VIVET innovation community project aims to establish an integrated approach for the development of energy- and resource-efficient chemical synthesis. The aim of the project is to provide methodologies and technologies for evidence-based and model-supported chemical process development. The developed methodologies will be tested using two model systems - the synthesis of benzimidazoles and naphthohydroquinones - to enable an environmentally friendly production route. Comprehensive knowledge of the underlying chemical-physical processes and their reliable description using mathematical models are crucial for the efficient and sustainable operation of these syntheses. For this purpose, a differential circulation reactor was developed at the LRF, which enables reaction kinetic investigations to be carried out under well-defined conditions (thermal, chemical, fluid dynamic).

Project partners

The EnaChem project is being carried out in close cooperation with the TH Mannheim. While the reduction of the synthesis pathway is investigated at the LRF, the TH Mannheim deals with the associated oxidation.

The industrial partners in the VIVET innovation community are numerous and spread across different areas. In addition to partners from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry, such as BASF, Merck and Roche, companies from the measurement and control technology sector, namely IPS and HiTec Zang, are also part of the community. Other companies and associations, such as the Rhine-Neckar Chamber of Industry and Commerce or the Smart Industries network, complete the network.

Central elements of the project

• Design and construction of a universally applicable screening apparatus for hydrogenation reactions
• Systematic screening of catalysts and solvents
• Development and calibration of a quantitative analysis methodology
• Performance of reaction kinetic experiments in a differential circulation reactor
• Investigation of various hydrogenation syntheses
• Creation of a kinetic model
• Model-based scale-up of the reaction
• Transfer and communication with the industrial partners involved

Project Description

This project, part of the VIVET innovation community, aims to establish an integrated approach for the development of energy- and resource-efficient chemical syntheses. The goal is to provide methodologies and technologies for evidence-based, model-driven chemical process development. These methodologies will be tested using two model systems – the synthesis of benzimidazoles and naphthohydroquinones – to enable environmentally friendly production routes. Comprehensive knowledge of the underlying physicochemical processes and their reliable representation through mathematical models is crucial for the efficient and sustainable operation of these syntheses. To support this, a differential recycle reactor has been developed at LRF, which enables kinetic studies under well-defined thermal, chemical, and fluid dynamic conditions.

Project Partners

The EnaChem project is carried out in close collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences Mannheim (TH Mannheim). While LRF investigates the reduction pathways of the syntheses, TH Mannheim focuses on the corresponding oxidation.

The industrial partners within the VIVET innovation community are diverse and span various sectors. In addition to partners from the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, such as BASF, Merck, and Roche, companies from the field of measurement and control technology – including IPS and HiTec Zang – are also part of the community. Other organizations and associations, such as the IHK Rhein-Neckar and the Smart Industries network, complete the consortium.

Key Elements of the Project

• Design and construction of a universally applicable screening apparatus for hydrogenation reactions
• Systematic screening of catalysts and solvents
• Development and calibration of a quantitative analytical method
• Execution of kinetic studies in a differential recycle reactor
• Investigation of various hydrogenation syntheses
• Development of a kinetic model
• Model-based scale-up of the reaction
• Knowledge transfer and communication with the industrial partners involved