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High-pressure hydrogenation: where process knowledge and reactor design come together

Safe hydrogenation starts with controlled hydrogen dosing

Reactor Systems

Hydrogenation is an indispensable process step within the chemical, pharmaceutical and sustainable industries. The reaction requires not only the right catalyst and process conditions, but above all the safe and precise handling of hydrogen. It is precisely here that the combination of intelligent hydrogen metering and a high-quality high-pressure reactor makes all the difference.

Büchi pressure reactor system

Hydrogen as a reactant

The energy transition and the growing demand for sustainable chemical processes are once again putting hydrogenation firmly in the spotlight. From the production of sustainable fuels to fine chemicals and pharmaceutical applications, hydrogen is playing an increasingly important role as a reactant. This is also driving the need for reliable high-pressure reactors that enable these processes to be carried out safely and efficiently.

In hydrogenation, hydrogen is added to a compound. To achieve high conversion and optimum product quality, these reactions often take place under elevated pressure and temperature. This places stringent demands on the plant: reactor vessels must be able to withstand mechanical stresses, temperature fluctuations and corrosive conditions.

A well-thought-out design prevents downtime, extends service life and ensures a stable process.
Together with our partner Büchi, we combine in-depth knowledge of process technology, engineering and high-quality manufacturing. This enables us to supply the safe, efficient and future-proof high-pressure equipment required by the growing market for green hydrogen and circular chemistry.

Safe & controlled reactions

For laboratories and pilot plants, the Büchi BPC Unit provides a controlled supply of hydrogen. By precisely adjusting the gas flow rate to the reaction progress, not only is safety enhanced, but the reproducibility of experiments and process development is also improved. Under stable pressure and flow conditions, the entire hydrogenation process can be carried out reliably.

The reactor forms the heart of the plant. As a supplier of high-pressure reactors, we see on a daily basis just how important customisation is. After all, every hydrogenation reaction has its own specific process conditions, catalysts and product properties. That is why we develop reactors that are fully tailored to the application, taking into account pressure rating, heat transfer, mixing, choice of materials and international safety standards.

The combination of precise hydrogen metering via the Büchi BPC Unit and a robust high-pressure reactor results in a complete hydrogenation system.

This gives researchers and process engineers maximum control, from laboratory research through to process upscaling.

Hydrogenation is a chemical process in which hydrogen is added to a molecule. It is used in sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry, fine chemicals, petrochemicals and the production of sustainable fuels.

A higher hydrogen pressure increases the solubility of hydrogen in the reaction mixture and can improve the reaction rate and yield. The optimum pressure depends on the process and the catalyst used.

A high-pressure reactor is designed to operate safely under high pressures and temperatures. It provides a controlled process environment in which reliable and reproducible results can be achieved.

Hydrogen is a flammable gas that must be metered carefully. A controlled supply enhances safety, prevents overpressure and ensures a stable and reproducible reaction process.

The Büchi BPC unit ensures accurate and safe hydrogen dosing during hydrogenation reactions. This allows the gas pressure to be controlled automatically, keeping the process under optimal control.

The pressure range depends on the reactor configuration and the application. Reactors can be designed for a wide range of laboratory, pilot and production conditions. We supply reactors up to 500 bar.

Depending on the process, materials such as stainless steel, Hastelloy or other corrosion-resistant alloys are used to ensure safety, durability and chemical resistance.

Yes. Every hydrogenation reaction has different requirements in terms of pressure, temperature, volume, mixing and choice of materials. That is why high-pressure reactors are often designed entirely to specification.

Yes. A complete system may consist of a high-pressure reactor, a safe hydrogen dosing unit such as the Büchi BPC Unit, measurement and control technology, heating, cooling and automation.

High-pressure reactors are used for hydrogenation, catalytic reactions, polymerisation, synthesis, process development and materials research. From R&D to pilot plants.

Büchi hydrogenator

BPC gas metering system

Büchi pressure reactor system

Versoclave pressure reactor system with BPC 2

Production scale pressure reactor

Pilotclave pressure reactor for production

Rushton-type gas agitator

100 l hydrogenation reactor