Process Intensification

The idea behind Process Intensification (PI) is the development of reactors which allow full exploitation of the intrinsic chemical process kinetics. The effectiveness of the PI strategy depends upon identifying technologies which dramatically accelerate the transfer of heat, mass or momentum within processes or operations. In order to achieve this, high fluid dynamic intensities may be used to minimize the concentration, temperature and velocity differentials in transferring mass, heat and momentum. As a result, higher conversions and selectivity are achieved and hence the production of side-products is minimized. Furthermore, high quality products can be obtained which avoid extensive downstream purification sequences and have therefore clear economic and environmental benefits.