A semi-automatic batch reactor for the study of vegetable oil hydrogenation

A semi-automatic installation is described for carrying out studies related to the characterization of hydrogenation catalysts, mechanisms, and reacti ons. It consists of the installation of a reactor vessel for liquid substra tes (having a capacity of up to 3 dm(3)), with an emulsifying mechanical ag itator whose movement is transmitted by means of a magnetic coupler. Therma l handling and control is carried out by means of a solid aluminum thermost atic oven. With independent internal controlled heating, it is possible to determine caloric capacity. The instrument is shown, as are the results obt ained from follow-up of soybean oil hydrogenation using a commercial Ni-SiO 2 catalyst. Aspects related to the hydrogenation reaction mechanism are sho wn and a simple and rapid method to obtain kinetic data from this reaction is suggested.