Monolithic catalysts as efficient three-phase reactors

Monolithic reactors are in many cases an attractive alternative to conventi onal multi-phase reactors. Advantages are the low-pressure drop, the absenc e of a need for a catalyst separation, and the large geometrical surface ar ea. The main disadvantage is, however, the lack of practical experience wit h monolithic reactors. A pilot-scale study has been carried out to overcome this disadvantage and to evaluate the performance of a monolithic reactor. The results of this study have demonstrated that a higher productivity or a higher selectivity can be obtained, when a monolithic reactor is used ins tead of a trickle-bed reactor. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.