1.- Study of the principles of catalytic fixed-bed reactors.
2.- Effect of the variation in the particle’s size in the effectiveness of a fixed-bed reactor.
3.- Comparison of chemical and biological (enzymic) catalysis.
4.- Checking the influence on different variables (feed flow, temperature of reaction, reagents concentration)

on the obtained final product.
5.- Spectrophotometer calibration.
6.- Using the spectrophotometer and product analysis.
7.- Study of the “FIA” Flow Injection Analysis technique and principles (with QRCC-IF optional accessory).

8.- Examination of the reproducibility and sensitivity of the “FIA” analysis
method as a function of the flow rate and sample concentration (with
QRCC-IF optional accessory).
Additional practical possibilities:
9.- Sensors calibration.
10.- Studies of steady and unsteady state catalysis.
11.- Flow characterisation in a fixedbed.
12.- Mass balances.
13.- Determination of steady state and unsteady state kinetics of a catalytic fixed-bed reactor.
Other possible practices:
14-32.- Practices with PLC.

1. QRCC. Unit:

The QRCC is an unit designed to perform the saccharose hydrolysis reaction in a continuous way by using catalytic fixedbed reactors.
The QRCC unit is composed of three fixed-bed reactors. Two of them are fixed-bed reactors for chemical catalysis with the same chemical catalyst, called ionic exchange resin but with different grain size. The third reactor is a fixed-bed reactor for biological (enzymic) catalysis with an immobilized enzyme. To start the hydrolysis process our product (saccharose) has to pass through this enzyme.
Anodized aluminum structure and panels of painted steel.
Diagram in the front panel with similar distribution to the elements in the real unit.
2 Glass flacks of 2 l. of capacity, for the initial solution and the final product.
Reactors:
- Two fixed-bed reactors for chemical catalysis, composed by acid ion exchange resins.
- A fixed-bed reactor for biological (enzymic) catalysis. (Recommended use with an immobilized enzyme).
- Reactors diameter: 50 mm. Reactors height: 160 mm.
- Material: glass, with a methacrylate cover for protection.
Thermostatic bath, with heating element, controlled by a PID from the computer (PC).
A heated water supply to the reactors jackets allows the automatic control of reaction temperature to a set point value.
Peristaltic pump, with speed regulation, computer controlled (PC).
5 Temperature sensors, “J” type, placed at key points of the system.
Spectrophotometer, computer controlled (PC), for the final product analysis and absorbance measures.

2. QRCC/CIB.Control Interface Box: 

With process diagram in the front panel. The unit control elements are permanently computer controlled. Simultaneous visualization in the PC of all parameters involved in the process. Calibration of all sensors involved in the process. Real time curves representation. All the actuators’ values can be changed at any time from the keyboard. Shield and filtered signals to avoid external interferences. Real time PID control with flexibility of modifications from the PC keyboard of the PID parameters, at any moment during the process. Open control allowing modifications, at any moment and in real time, of parameters involved in the process. 3 safety levels: mechanical in the unit, electronic in the control interface, and the third one in the control software.

3. DAB. Data Acquisition Board: 

PCI Express Data acquisition National Instruments board to be placed in a computer slot. 16 Analog inputs. Sampling rate up to: 250 KS/s. 2 Analog outputs. 24 Digital Inputs/Outputs.

4. QRCC/CCSOF.PID Computer Control+Data Acquisition+Data Management Software: 

Flexible, open and multicontrol software. Management, processing, comparison and storage of data. Sampling velocity up to 250 KS/s (kilo samples per second). It allows the registration of the alarms state and the graphic representation in real time.

This unit is supplied with 8 manuals.
Dimensions and weights (approx.)= Unit: 650 Weight: 50 Kg. x 700 x 800 mm.
Spectrophotometer: 470Weight: 10 Kg. x 380 x 140 mm.
Control Interface Box: 490 x 330 x 310 mm. Weight: 10 Kg