Research Catalysts, Inc.

Research Catalysts, Inc. (RCI) stands as a beacon of expertise and innovation in designing gas purification systems using catalysts and adsorbents. In-depth knowledge of catalysts, combined with in-house testing facilities and proprietary software for reactor design, enables it to fulfill customer requirements with state-of-the-art solutions.

Its products cover a wide range of applications across the processing industries, particularly for industrial gases, for the research community, and increasingly for the production of renewable natural gas (RNG) and green hydrogen and for the repurposing of CO2.

While the industrial gases and research sectors are RCI’s legacy lines of business, it is experiencing a growing interest from developing sectors that are a part of the energy transition. The increasing production of RNG from landfills and other biogas sources, alongside the advancement of green hydrogen production through water electrolysis, has accelerated the path to cleaner energy sources. This shift has sparked increased investments towards shifting away from fossil fuels, mitigating methane emissions, and removing carbon from the atmosphere. These processes rely on catalysts and adsorbents for which clients need a helping hand from a catalyst expert. RCI makes this possible through comprehensive design support powered by its proprietary software.

“The software, combined with our commitment to technical support, makes us a preferred vendor for a growing base of partners and customers,” says Dave Artrip, president of Research Catalysts.

A suite of sophisticated computer programs called purification simulators is at the heart of its design process, facilitating the basic engineering of purification systems designed to meet each client’s requirements. These simulators cover a spectrum of applications. Foremost are the precious metal-based catalysts (platinum and/or palladium) used in Deoxo reactors for oxygen removal, in “DeHy” reactors for hydrogen removal (from helium-rich gases or from oxygen co-produced with green hydrogen), and in CATOX applications for the oxidation of methane and other combustible contaminants. Additionally, RCI’s offerings include copper catalysts for regenerable oxygen removal by chemisorption and adsorbents (molecular sieves, activated alumina, or silica gel) used in dryers and other contaminant removal applications.

RCI understands that the proper design of a catalytic reactor, from the conceptual stage to detailed engineering and fabrication, is essential for optimal performance. In one instance, it collaborated with a national laboratory to design a bespoke treatment for the chemisorption of oxygen from a rare species of gas to be used in particle physics experiments. A column design was provided by RCI, fabricated by the client, and then loaded and activated with a special copper catalyst in RCI’s facility. Equipped with the custom-designed solution, the client was successful in achieving the required gas purity.

RCI’s global logistics network and just-in-time delivery from its warehouse round out its business model. Customers rely on RCI when they urgently need catalysts to avoid extended outages. Case in point, a renewable natural gas facility in the Midwest recently placed an urgent order for Biogas Deoxo catalyst on a Friday morning. They sent a “hotshot” carrier to pick up the precious metal catalyst the same day, thereby avoiding an extended outage.

Serving science and industry since 2006, Research Catalysts continues to strengthen its position as a leader in gas purification technologies. As industries and communities pivot toward renewable energy and carbon mitigation practices, the company is poised to help catalyze the energy transition.