Page 139 - Principles of Catalyst Development
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CATALYST PREPARATION 127
6.7.6. Competition and Brief Pay-Out Periods
Competition within the industry is very intense. When a new catalyst
emerges, there are usually similar developments not far behind. Patent
coverage is important but becomes confused very quickly. New areas bring
a flood of patent applications, which are only clarified after a long period
of litigation. In the meantime, the frontrunners attempt to capitalize on
their advantage. Establishing a strong market position I~arly is essential,
since a new venture has about three to four years before competitive pressure
is felt.
6.8. CATALYST FORMING
The only processing step not yet considered is catalyst forming, since
this is only practiced in commercial manufacturing. Laboratory usage does
not normally include particle formation, powder samples being sufficient
for most purposes. Indeed, formulation techniques are very difficult to
duplicate on a small scale and it is better to leave these toO the experts. We
consider here the principal factors in the production of common forms of
particles.
6.8. I. Pellets
Pellet or pill formation is illustrated in Fig. 6.25. The process is essen-
tially powder compression in a pelleting press. Powder is poured into a
FLOWING PRESSURE
POWDER
II
II
EJECTED PELLET
Figure 6.25. Production of pellets.