Innovative Technologies - Nickel Foam
Most chemical processes use catalysts in granule, extrudate, tablet or powder form. At Evonik, we are constantly asking ourselves how to make a difference. That’s why we have developed a much better alternative to conventional catalysts for fixed-bed applications. Our innovative metal foams are a game changer. They perform better, are more efficient and sustainable.
Our nickel foam catalysts make hydrogenation reactions easier, more profitable and safer. This is because their low weight combined with a very large reactive surface area enables them to deliver the same product performance in a smaller quantity.
Connect with the specialist.
Director Product Group AMC
See how we make a real difference with our innovative nickel foams.
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New Catalysts for continous hydrogenation
Catalysts are the key component in chemical processes, determining the practicability and applicability on large scale. For continuous hydrogenation, companies are still using the same traditional catalyst types which were developed decades ago. But with today’s innovation there are better ways.
Let's make a difference.
Little metal, large surface: Ultra-efficient nickel foam
Our nickel foams are lightweight with a very large reactive surface. On a volume basis, our nickel foam catalyst bed contains only a very small fraction of metal. However, this metal is used in a very efficient manner. Thanks to a vast reactive surface, considerably less quantities of catalyst are needed to maintain the same product output.
Even at two millimeters thickness, our catalyst’s structure allows light to pass through. And since liquids can flow through the nickel foam, the pressure drop is extremely low and the catalyst bed hardly rises and falls – resulting in less abrasion. This pays off in longer catalyst life and reduced maintenance costs in downstream equipment.
With our nickel foam, the catalyst bed hardly rises and falls.
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Tailored to your needs: Customizable shapes and pore sizes
By default, we cut the two-millimeter-thick nickel foam plate into platelets of 4 x 4 millimeters. But your needs may vary – we can adjust shapes and pore sizes to your use cases.
Square platelets or tiny discs – we fulfill your every catalyst wish.
Safe and simple: Ready to use straight from the drum
Before shipping the foam catalysts in water-filled drums, we activate them by leaching the surface to generate a ready-to-use product. Our activated foam catalysts can be poured directly from the drum into the reactor without hazardous dust or elaborate protective measures. This makes your catalyst exchange much faster and safer.
Shipped in water, the catalysts can be used straight from delivery.
What is in it for you?
- Same product output with less quantities of catalyst
- Extremely low pressure drop and less abrasion
- Longer catalyst life and reduced maintenance costs in downstream equipment
- Pre-activated and ready to use
- No hazardous dust and no need for elaborate protective measures
- Fully recoverable and thus sustainable
- Customizable shapes and pore sizes to your use case
Foam catalysts are manufactured under a license from Alantum Europe GmbH