Improving Operator Safety in API Catalyst Recovery

The problem

Low pressure catalytic hydrogenation is a common transformation process in the production of a wide variety of pharmaceutical compounds. The high activity of Palladium and Platinum means that catalysts based on these metals tend to be the most common. Processes include the production of products such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 Riboflavin, Cortisone, and Ephedrine, to name a few.

Once used in the synthesis, the catalyst needs to be removed for subsequent disposal or recycling. Traditional methods for recovering or capturing spent catalysts include, but are not limited to, manual plate filters, filter presses, bags or lenticulars.

The main problem with these technologies is potential operator exposure once the catalyst has been captured. So how do you capture the catalyst and remove it from the process while minimising or eliminating operator exposure?