Overcoming equilibrium limitations in chemical processes

Many chemical processes have been optimized to a high degree of efficiency. Some remain which, often for reasons of equilibrium limitations, provide unsatisfactory conversions or yields. A number of catalytic processes avoid equilibrium constraints using methods such as catalytic distillation, shape selective synthesis, kinetic control, and in situ reactions coupled with separation. This manuscript will review these approaches to drive chemical reactions to higher yields or conversions by trying to "cheat equilibrium". Many use novel reactor engineering concepts in conjunction with novel catalysis. New equipment, techniques and operational methods promise to offer dramatic improvements in chemicals processing with yield or selectivity improvement. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.