Up-scaling a Sol-Gel Process for the Production of a Multi-Component Xerogel Powder
Barbara Pföss,
Jonathan Caldi,
Sutida Jansod,
Christophe Allemann,
Pierre Brodard,
Roger Marti
Affiliations
Barbara Pföss
Institute Straumann AG, Peter Merian-Weg 12, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland
Jonathan Caldi
Institute of Chemical Technology, Haute école d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture Fribourg, HESSO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
Sutida Jansod
Institute of Chemical Technology, Haute école d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture Fribourg, HESSO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
Christophe Allemann
Institute of Chemical Technology, Haute école d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture Fribourg, HESSO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
Pierre Brodard
Institute of Chemical Technology, Haute école d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture Fribourg, HESSO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
Roger Marti
Institute of Chemical Technology, Haute école d’Ingénierie et d’Architecture Fribourg, HESSO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Boulevard de Pérolles 80, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
A sol-gel process for the synthesis of a multi-component oxide material from the system SiO2-ZrO2-Al2O3underwent optimization and up-scaling. Initially, on a laboratory scale, components including precursors, catalysts, and additives were methodically evaluated to ensure a safe and efficient transition to larger volumes. Subsequently, the equipment for the whole setup of the sol-gel process was strategically selected. Leveraging insights from these optimizations, the process was successfully scaled-up to pilot-scale operation, conducting hydrolysis, condensation reactions, gelation, aging, and drying within a single, integrated conical dryer system for an 80 L batch. A visual test and FTIR spectroscopy were applied for process control and monitoring.
