Process control, data acquisition, and data analysis for a catalytic testing unit

A Xytel Micro-Arc pilot scale catalysis research system was upgraded with a new Microclave reactor, an IBM AT PC, and a custom process control program. A fifty milliliter Autoclave Engineers Microclave reactor was installed to allow higher operating temperatures and pressures than the previous two-liter autoclave. Data Translation data acquisition boards were installed in an IBM PC AT personal computer to construct a flexible, enhanced process control computer. A custom software program was written in Fortran and Assembly language to monitor, control, and record process operating conditions. Reaction product analysis was automated with the development of custom routines for asynchronous serial port communications between a Hewlett Packard HP3392A gas chromatograph peak integrator and the personal computer. The custom software program and catalytic reactor system were tested by studying the catalytic hydrogenation of toluene to methylcyclohexane.