Kneader
This instrument (ongoing public tender) allows the preparation of a homogeneous catalyst paste in amounts ranging from 100 to 1000 ml under controlled conditions (temperature 5 to 80 °C, adjustable blending rate). The catalyst paste is then transferred into the extruder.
Extruder
The paste is processed by extruder (Caleva VDE). By the choice of a matrix (cylindrical, trilobes, etc. and its diameter 1 to 5 mm) the extrudates of desired diameter and shape are formed at controlled temperature (5 to 80 °C) and extrusion rate. After cutting, drying and calcination they are ready for use.
Pelleting machine
The machine (Pharservice MI-204) allows preparing catalyst pellets (min 350 pellets/h) with cylindrical diameter in the range of 2 to 10 mm and adjustable height from the starting catalyst powder.
Complementary characterization
The strength of the extrudates and pellets can be evaluated in a specific equipment (Micro-Epsilon UMZ/3k) according to ASTM D4179, D6175 a D7084. Naturally, the characterization methods to provide feedback on the catalyst preparation given above will be available for the shaped catalysts as well.