Catalyst Development Laboratory

Southern Research offers custom catalyst development for new catalyst formulations of physical structures as well as commercial technologies. Our extensive capabilities include the development of Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Fischer-Tropsch, CO-oxidation, water-gas-shift, and other types of catalysts.

We offer clients our diverse catalyst research capabilities that include the ability to manufacture several different types of catalysts relevant to the power industry and environmental sectors. These catalyst types include:

• SCR catalysts for NO_x reduction in power generating plants
• Catalysts for eliminating destructive gasification byproducts, such as H2S, NH3, and tars
• Fischer-Tropsch and other syngas reforming catalysts
• Water-gas shift catalysts
• Other industrial catalysts

In addition to our extensive catalyst-development capabilities, Southern Research offers comprehensive catalyst characterization capabilities.

Laboratory Features

The flexibility of design, ease of operation, and exacting control of conditions allows for the efficient acquisition of data in multiple, highly controlled conditions. These unique features allow for transient and steady-state behavior to be assessed with a high degree of accuracy at minimum cost. Additionally, the laboratory facilities are ideal for simulation of various catalytic and non-catalytic processes and are uniquely suited to isolate particular process effects that would be challenging to investigate at a larger scale.

Laboratory Capabilities

• Testing of custom-manufactured catalysts and sorbents for future commercialization
• Catalyst evaluation for activity, poisoning, and thermal and structural stability and durability
• Evaluation of catalysts or sorbents for mercury control
• SO₂/SO₃ adsorption mechanisms for sulfur control
• Evaluation of off-gassing of catalysts after manufacture or regeneration
• Mercury speciation and control investigations

Laboratory Catalyst Test Reactor Operating Capabilities

• Routinely simulated flue gas constituents: N₂, O₂, CO₂, H₂O, SO₂, NO, CO, and NH₃
• Specialty flue gas constituents: Hg, SO₃, H₂, C₃H₈, NO₂, CH₄, HCI, benzene, toluene, naphthalene, and others
• Flue gas flow rate up to 5 liters/minute
• Reactor temperature up to 2,000°F
• Reactor chamber size 3" diameter (maximum) by 24" length
• Heated zones (individually controlled) 9

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