The μBenchCAT by Advanced Measurement Instruments (AMI) is a fully integrated, bench-top reactor system designed for comprehensive catalytic studies. Engineered for both gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions, it combines all essential components into a compact, automated platform—ideal for academic, industrial, and R&D environments.
With a variety of configurable options, the μBenchCAT offers exceptional flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, from catalyst screening and reaction kinetics to long-term stability testing and performance evaluation under real-world conditions.
Key Features
- Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 1200°C (depending on reactor material)
- Maximum Operating Pressure: Up to 100 bar
- Gas Feed Capability: Up to 6 independently controlled gas feeds
- Liquid Feed Options: Configurable for 0, 1, or 2 liquid feeds
- Reactor Materials: Stainless steel, quartz, or Incoloy
- Wetted Materials: Stainless Steel, PEEK, Kalrez, Viton, Incoloy, Quartz
- Isothermal Oven: Uniform heated environment to minimize thermal gradients
- Multi-Station Capability: Optional dual μBenchCAT for parallel or series experiments
- Full Automation: LabVIEW-based interface for temperature, flow, and valve control
- Redundant Safety Systems: Multi-layer protection for high-pressure operation
Connection to External Detectors
The μBenchCAT integrates seamlessly with external analytical instruments. Product effluent can be routed to gas chromatographs (GC) or other detectors via an optional heated or unheated sampling valve, enabling real-time product analysis.
Built-In Safety Systems
- Check valves prevent backflow and cross-contamination
- Software-coded alarms monitor temperatures and pressures
- User-defined alarm matrix with programmable actions
- Hardware over-temperature safety switch
- Firmware-level heater protection
- Preset pressure relief valves
- Front-mounted emergency power cutoff
- Double fusing on all 220 VAC process equipment
Applications
The μBenchCAT is engineered for high-performance catalytic testing in gas- and liquid-phase environments. All core components are integrated into a compact benchtop system delivering precision, flexibility, and ease of use.
Reactor Feed System
Supports up to 6 gas feeds and 2 liquid feeds. Each gas line includes filter, MFC, check valve, and positive shut-off valve. Liquids are delivered via high-precision HPLC pumps.
Heated Isothermal Oven
- Integral gas and liquid preheater/vaporizer (up to 300°C)
- Feed mixer
- Reactor bypass valves
- Reactor furnace with control & safety thermocouples
- Reactor with internal sample thermocouple
Condenser & Gas/Liquid Separator
Tube-in-tube condenser ensures removal of condensables. Gas/liquid separator includes automatic drain valves with optional capacitance level sensor.
Pressure Control
Reactor exit pressure is measured via dedicated transducer and controlled using a high-turndown pressure control valve.
Gas System Models
| System Type | Model No. | Pressure Range (bar) | Temperature Control | Intake Quantity | Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Gas System | GDU-150D-A | 150 | None | 2 | Mechanical pump / Molecular pump / Vapor dosing / Extra gas path / Additional pressure sensor |
| GDU-150D-H | 150 | 100°C | 2 | ||
| GDU-350D-A | 350 | None | 2 | ||
| GDU-350D-H | 350 | 100°C | 2 | ||
| Static Gas System | GDU-150S-A | 150 | None | 2 | Mechanical pump / Molecular pump / Vapor dosing / Extra gas path / Additional pressure sensor |
| GDU-150S-H | 150 | 100°C | 2 | ||
| GDU-150S-H mix | 150 | 100°C | 3 | ||
| GDU-350S-A | 350 | None | 2 | ||
| GDU-350S-H | 350 | 100°C | 2 | ||
| GDU-350S-H mix | 350 | 100°C | 3 | ||
| GDU-700S-A | 700 | None | 2 | ||
| GDU-700S-H | 700 | 100°C | 2 | ||
| GDU-700S-H mix | 700 | 100°C | 3 |
MSB System Configuration
| Model | Max Pressure | Max Temperature | Max Sample Loading | Resolution | Vacuum Option | GDU Capability | View Cell & Camera | Series |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSB-150 | 150 bar | 400°C | 25 g | 10 µg | Yes | Dynamic / Static | Yes | MSB-150 |
| MSB-150 | 150 bar | 400°C | 50 g | 10 µg | Yes | Dynamic / Static | Yes | MSB-150 |
| MSB-150 | 150 bar | 400°C | 10 g | 1 µg | Yes | Dynamic / Static | Yes | MSB-150 |
| MSB-350 | 350 bar | 400°C | 25 g | 10 µg | Yes | Dynamic / Static | Yes | MSB-350 |
| MSB-350 | 350 bar | 400°C | 50 g | 10 µg | Yes | Dynamic / Static | Yes | MSB-350 |
| MSB-350 | 350 bar | 400°C | 10 g | 1 µg | Yes | Dynamic / Static | Yes | MSB-350 |
| MSB-700 | 700 bar | 150°C | 25 g | 10 µg | Yes | Static Only | No | MSB-700 |
| MSB-700 | 700 bar | 150°C | 50 g | 10 µg | Yes | Static Only | No | MSB-700 |
| MSB-700 | 700 bar | 150°C | 10 g | 1 µg | Yes | Static Only | No | MSB-700 |