Catalysis and Chemical Engineering Global Conference

The fields of reaction chemistry and engineering constitute the backbone of efficiency for scalable and sustainable chemical processes. The mechanics behind chemical reactions become central to much of the design work undertaken by reaction engineers and chemists whose efforts drive energy production, manufacturing, and, most importantly, pharmaceuticals. This session focuses on the principles and applications of reaction chemistry and engineering, where these disciplines contribute to efficiency improvements, product quality, and the overall sustainability of processes in various industries.

In reaction chemistry, emphasis is placed on understanding how a molecule interacts with others, the nature of its bonding, and how it eventually transforms into other compounds. Through studies of reaction mechanisms, chemists identify key steps influencing reaction speed, selectivity, and yield. This knowledge is essential for designing catalysts that enhance reaction rates and improve the specificity of the products obtained. Reaction chemistry also aids in the invention of catalytic surfaces and functionalities that lower activation energies, allowing reactions to proceed more quickly and under less intense conditions. This leads to reduced energy consumption and fewer by-products, aligning with green chemistry’s objectives.

Reaction engineering applies this knowledge of chemical reactions to the design of industrial processes. Engineers optimize reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and mixing, to be as efficient and waste-minimizing as possible. The choice of reactor type significantly affects reaction performance, making it an integral part of reaction engineering. Options include batch reactors, continuous-flow systems, and packed-bed and fluidized-bed reactors, each with advantages depending on the nature of the reaction and the scale of production. Selecting the appropriate reactor and optimizing its conditions are critical steps in scaling up chemical processes for commercial use.

Sustainable chemistry benefits from advances in reaction engineering, especially in the development of cleaner, safer, and more resource-efficient processes. Techniques in process intensification, such as conducting multiple reaction steps within a single unit, reduce the need for additional equipment and resources. Process modeling and simulation, as digital tools, further push the boundaries of reaction engineering, enabling engineers to predict and optimize reaction outcomes before scaling up to industrial levels. This knowledge-driven approach supports productivity improvements and environmentally friendly practices in chemical production.