Educational Unit Operations Pilot Plant for Intraparticle Diffusion Effective Factor Measurement

Introduction

The Catalyst Particle Intraparticle Diffusion Effective Factor Determination Educational Unit Operations Pilot Plant is a specialized, pilot-scale laboratory system designed for engineering departments at the university level. This plant allows undergraduate and graduate students to experimentally determine the internal diffusion effective factor of catalyst particles and measure the intrinsic reaction kinetics of gas-solid catalytic systems. By integrating a commercial-grade fixed-bed tubular reactor with digital instrumentation, the system bridges the gap between theoretical reaction kinetics and practical process engineering.

Tailored Customization Options

To meet the diverse curriculum requirements and spatial layouts of global universities, this educational pilot plant features a highly adaptable design. We offer comprehensive customization across both hardware and software components. Hardware options—such as reactor dimensions, gas feed configurations, and sensor ranges—can be modified, while the control software interface can be customized to align with specific teaching methodologies and data acquisition standards.

Key Features & Pedagogical Benefits

Developed specifically for chemical engineering and process technology instructors, this pilot plant provides several distinct advantages for hands-on teaching:

• Comprehensive Kinetic Studies: Enables students to conduct quantitative experiments on catalyst activity, activation, thermal regeneration, and internal mass transfer resistance.
• Modern Industrial Control Interface: Equipped with an industrial touch-screen computer (HMI) for real-time data visualization and process control, giving students direct experience with modern industrial control interfaces.
• Visible Process Design: Built with a highly organized layout and clear process pipelines, allowing students to easily trace flow paths and relate physical equipment to Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs).
• Integrated Process Safety: Equipped with automatic over-temperature and over-pressure alarm systems to maintain a safe, reliable laboratory learning environment during high-temperature operations.
• Durable and Portable Construction: Constructed on a robust aluminum alloy frame with industrial-grade casters, ensuring long-term durability and flexible placement within university laboratories.

Detail & Parts

Technical Specifications & Experimental Modules

The following table summarizes the technical specifications of the pilot plant, alongside its main experimental modules:

Academic Alignment & Textbook Integration

This educational pilot plant is designed to support core coursework in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, and Materials Science. It translates mathematical transport equations and kinetic models into physical, observable phenomena.

The experimental capabilities of this pilot plant correspond directly with standard terminology and fundamental principles found in leading academic textbooks:

• Unit Operations of Chemical Engineering: The system provides practical application for studying heterogeneous catalysis, gas-solid mass transfer, and the physical characteristics of porous catalysts, helping students connect theory with reactor design.
• Transport Processes and Unit Operations: Students can directly observe mass transfer with simultaneous chemical reaction, calculate the Thiele modulus, and analyze the effects of intraparticle diffusion limitations on overall reaction rates.
• Chemical Engineering Design: The unit serves as a practical model for teaching process control configurations, safety interlocks, thermal management in non-isothermal reactors, and the interpretation of industrial-standard engineering drawings.

To ensure the equipment fits seamlessly into your existing syllabus, both the hardware configurations and software control systems can be customized to match your specific laboratory manuals and course requirements.

About LABPARK

LABPARK has been dedicated to serving the higher education sector for more than 20 years, focusing on delivering specialized educational equipment across six core domains: chemistry, chemical engineering, biotechnology, food engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, and environmental engineering. Driven by innovation and quality, the company holds 209 technical patents and operates a state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing base spanning 49,000 square meters.

To date, LABPARK has established successful partnerships with over 289 universities and higher education institutions worldwide, assisting educators in establishing robust practical training programs and preparing the next generation of engineers for industrial challenges.

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