Accelerate methane conversion research with high‑throughput, multi‑parallel reactors delivering reproducible, industry‑scalable data.

What we test (selected chemistries & pathways)

• Methane → Syngas: steam reforming (SMR), dry reforming (DRM), and autothermal reforming (ATR) explored under fixed‑bed flow conditions with precise feed control and temperature management. Configured on Flowrence® platforms for industrially relevant conditions.
• Syngas → Light Olefins: Fischer–Tropsch‑to‑Olefins (FTO)/OX–ZEO and bifunctional catalyst routes; we have supported studies that significantly improved olefin selectivity and curtailed methane by‑product formation using Flowrence® and transient kinetics. See here.
• Methane valorization R&D: Flowrence® units are actively deployed with academic/industrial partners for CH₄ and CO₂ valorization programs, including moisture / oxygen‑sensitive catalysts when coupled to inert handling.

Capabilities & operating modes

• Fixed‑bed flow and batch high‑throughput testing, configurable for fresh/aged catalysts, supports, and shaped bodies (e.g., extrudates, beads).
• Transient and steady‑state protocols (e.g., activation, break‑in, step changes, start‑of‑run screening, long‑run stability) captured with continuous data logging.
• Sensitive chemistries handled via inert/integrated glovebox solutions for moisture/oxygen‑sensitive catalysts.
• Data‑driven acceleration: projects can leverage DoE and ML workflows demonstrated on Flowrence® deployments.

How a typical project runs

• Problem framing & success criteria — jointly define targets (e.g., H₂/CO ratio, CO₂ conversion, C₂–C₄ olefin selectivity, coking resistance) and allowable operating windows. (Our team routinely scopes well‑defined testing projects as part of broader programs.)
• Test design & unit configuration — select reactor count (4–16-32-64), feeds and splitters, pressure/temperature strategy, and analytics (multi‑dimensional GC).
• Safety & readiness — HAZOP‑aligned configuration within self‑contained housings; leak‑tight EasyLoad® reactor closure to speed turnarounds.
• Execution — parallel experiments under tightly controlled flow/thermal profiles; microfluidics ensures uniform feeds across channels.
• Analysis — automated data capture + online GC deliver complete hydrocarbon/species profiles and mass balances for confident ranking and scale‑up decisions.
• Reporting & Evaluation — structured datasets, normalized KPIs (e.g., STY, selectivity, carbon balance), and decision recommendations; fast cycles and short lead times. (Projects range from weeks to multi‑year programs.)

Deliverables

• Validated datasets: conversion/selectivity/yield, H₂/CO tailoring, deactivation curves, coke/CH₄ suppression metrics (where applicable). (Derived from Flowrence® online GC/multi‑parallel data streams.)
• Comparative dashboards: reactor‑by‑reactor parity checks (RSD, mass balance), waterfall rankings, DoE response surfaces. (Built upon the platform’s repeatability and analytics.)
• Methods & configuration: complete description of reactor hardware, microfluidic chips, pressure/temperature programs, and analytical methods to ensure reproducibility and tech transfer.

Quality, safety & scale

• Safety‑in‑design: self‑contained housings, reactor‑in‑reactor architecture, and standardized operating software.
• Scale‑relevant design: small internal volumes and optimized hydrodynamics minimize artifacts and enhance scalability.
• Throughput at scale: 800+ reactors across our labs enable concurrent campaigns and rapid result turnarounds.
• Bifunctional syngas → light olefins: Using Flowrence® and transient kinetic methods, researchers steered selectivity toward light olefins while markedly reducing methane formation, demonstrating the platform’s value for Olefins‑from‑Syngas catalyst development.

Why partner with Avantium R&D Solutions

• Best‑in‑class high‑throughput catalyst testing on contract: Access multi‑parallel fixed‑bed and batch platforms engineered for industrially relevant testing, operated by an experienced catalysis team.
• Proven microfluidics for accuracy and reproducibility: Flowrence® uses microfluidic splitter chips to distribute gas/liquid feeds uniformly to parallel reactors, delivering <0.5% RSD reactor‑to‑reactor flow—key to high‑confidence comparisons. Read here.
• Scale‑ready insights: Small‑scale reactors minimize dead volumes and holdup, thereby enhancing heat and mass transfer efficiency and facilitating more straightforward scale-up
• Broad chemistry coverage: Our Contract R&D infrastructure spans 150+ chemistries, with workflows tailored from early screening to advanced benchmarking.
• Capacity when you need it: 800+ reactors are available in our Amsterdam laboratories to execute multi‑campaign programs in parallel with short lead times.