Page 54 - Principles of Catalyst Development

CATALYST DEVELOPMENT

How They Evolve

3.1. CATALYST DEVELOPMENT

Catalyst development is a process of evolution. Although cases differ,
successful process implementation follows a series of logical steps. Each
has well-defined objectives that require talents from established branches
of science and engineering. Commercialization may involve many passes
through these steps, but every proven catalyst development has, in some
fashion, progressed in this manner. In this chapter we examine elements
of catalyst development and offer guidelines for success.
A "flow sheet" for catalyst development is shown in Fig. 3.1. Readers
will recognize their own roles in this sequence. When placed in proper
perspective, contributions from others are appreciated in what must be, by
necessity, a fully integrated effort.

3.2. PROCESS NEED

Every new catalyst results from a process need. Only catalyst salesmen
seek new applications for existing catalysts. The author was once told by
a colleague that he had invented a new catalyst and "all I need is a reaction."
Humerous as this sounds, it underlines a very important point. Catalyst
technology responds to needs of society and the marketplace. Economic,
social, and pOlitical forces have all left their marks on today's industries.
Either an entirely new process or some modification of an existing
process is called for. Here we classify a process as new if it involves different

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