Industrial research

The research groups of the DECHEMA-Forschungsinstitut offer research and investigation services to industrial clients. For such assignments the equipment of the research groups and the service group Materials Characterization as well as the scientific and experimental know-how of the institute are available to industry. Examples of projects include: materials selection for complex conditions, the investigation of corrosion resistance, the characterization of new materials, the development and testing of suitable corrosion protection measures and the scientific investigation of corrosion damage. Furthermore the development of processes and of measurement techniques for process industries are part of the industrial collaboration activities.

Example of electrolytic corrosion

Corrosion as a consequence of MoS₂ layers

Problem: Corrosion on the outer tubes of a tube reactor (low-alloyed steel) near the welded gasket seat (Cr-Ni steel) caused by water and MoS₂ layers

Laboratory investigation of the corrosion attack with MoS₂ layers by exposure to water at 70 ^o C

Result: Stimulation of the corrosion attack by MoS₂ layers and galvanic corrosion

Example of high temperature corrosion

Thermogravimetric analysis and acoustic emission measurements (AE) to investigate the oxidation behaviour of an interconnector of an SOFC fuel cell

Problem: At T>950°C the oxidation of chromium alloys leads to evaporation of volatile chromium oxide. Furthermore the development of growth stresses may lead to damage to the oxide layer.

Thermogravimetry and AE-measurements can help to clarify mechanisms.

Example of Technical Chemistry

Kinetic investigations with heterogeneous catalysts

Problem: Optimization of the reaction course of the heterogeneous catalysed dehydrogenation of propane to propylene (variation of temperature, pressure, feed composition or geometry of the catalyst pellets) using a kinetic model. Already moderate improvements in selectivity or yield can be decisive for the profitability of the process.

Solution:

• Experimental investigations (lab-scale plug-flow reactor and gradientless recycle reactor) of the propane dehydrogenation for the concerned catalyst system including the formation of coke. The experiments were carried out under variation of temperature, pressure and residence time as well as the feed composition.
• Kinetic modelling (based on the experimental data) including film and pore diffusion. Prediction of the decrease in catalyst activity as a result of deactivation due to coke formation.