Grantee Research Project Results
Multiphase Reactive Equilibria In CO2-Based Systems
EPA Grant Number: R826734Title: Multiphase Reactive Equilibria In CO2-Based Systems
Investigators: Brennecke, Joan F. , Stadtherr, Mark A.
Institution: University of Notre Dame
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 1, 1998 through September 30, 2001
Project Amount: $295,000
RFA: Technology for a Sustainable Environment (1998) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Description:
The objective of this work is to develop experimental, modeling, and computational methodologies that will facilitate the design and evaluation of equilibrium limited chemical reaction processes using supercritical carbon dioxide as an environmentally benign replacement solvent. Supercritical carbon dioxide, which is non-toxic, non-flammable, readily available and inexpensive, has been shown to be a viable reaction medium for a wide variety of reactions. However, the phase behavior, which determines the conditions needed to ensure single phase operation, is frequently the limiting factor. For equilibrium limited reactions it is a combination of phase and reaction equilibrium limitations that will determine operating pressures and temperatures and, thus the viability of CO2 as a replacement solvent. Reliable measurement, modeling and computation of high pressure multiphase reaction equilibrium is needed for the design and evaluation of these systems.
Approach:
The multifaceted approach we plan includes: 1) measurement of the high pressure single phase and multiphase reaction equilibria of several representative systems that use CO2 as a solvent, 2) modeling of the phase and reaction equilibria with appropriate equation of state models, 3) development of a new and completely reliable computational method to solve multiphase reaction equilibrium problems and 4) application of the new computational method to model and predict the combined phase and reaction equilibria of the systems studied experimentally. The systems chosen for investigation will include both simple model reactions, as well as ones of significant industrial importance. Some of the experimental measurements will be performed at the DuPont Experimental Station in collaboration with Drs. Keith W. Hutchenson and Frank E. Herkes.
Expected Results:
The expected results of the proposed research are the development of an experimental methodology that uses minimal experimental effort to obtain necessary model information, and the development of a completely reliable computational method to determine simultaneous phase and reaction equilibria in high pressure systems. The net result of these accomplishments will be a better understanding of equilibrium limited CO2-based reaction systems, and the ability to better scale-up and optimize this technology for commercial use.
Improvement in Risk Assessment or Risk Management: By allowing the reliable design, optimization and evaluation of CO2-based reaction processes, this research will expand the potential for substituting carbon dioxide for hazardous organic solvents that are currently used widely in the chemical industry. The large-scale use of CO2 as a replacement solvent for reactions will represent a significant advancement of environmentally benign processing in the chemical manufacturing industry.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 23 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 18 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
pollution prevention, green chemistry, solvent substitution., RFA, Industry Sectors, Scientific Discipline, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, Sustainable Environment, Manufacturing - NAIC 31-33, Environmental Chemistry, cleaner production/pollution prevention, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Economics and Business, carbon dioxide reaction systems, multiphase reactive equilibria, reaction solvent, cleaner production, waste minimization, waste reduction, environmentally benign solvents, green process systems, modeling, chemical manufacturing, chemical reaction systems, high pressure system, solvent substitute, pollution prevention, source reduction, alternative chemical synthesis, environmentally-friendly chemical synthesisRelevant Websites:
Mark A. Stadtherr Keating-Crawford Professor Emeritus Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.