Using High Pressure Vessels in Catalysis Research: A Practical Guide

Catalysis research often requires precise control over reaction conditions, especially when working with gases, elevated temperatures, and pressures. For UK laboratories, choosing the right high pressure laboratory pressure vessel equipment is not just about performance — it’s also about compliance, safety, and long‑term reliability. This guide provides a practical overview of how to select, use, and maintain lab pressure vessels and high pressure reactors for catalysis research.

Why High Pressure Vessels Matter in Catalysis

  • Enable reactions that only occur under elevated pressures (e.g., hydrogenation, carbonylation).

  • Allow researchers to explore new catalytic pathways and improve yields.

  • Provide reproducible, controlled environments for scaling from bench to pilot studies.

  • Support innovation in pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and sustainable energy research.

Key Types of Laboratory Pressure Vessels

When selecting laboratory pressure vessel equipment, it helps to understand the main categories:

  • Bench‑scale lab pressure vessels

    • Compact, versatile, ideal for small‑volume catalytic studies.

    • Often used for screening catalysts under varied conditions.

  • High pressure reactors

    • Larger capacity, designed for continuous or semi‑continuous operation.

    • Suitable for scale‑up studies and more complex reaction systems.

  • Custom high pressure laboratory pressure vessels

  • Tailored to specific research needs (e.g., unusual temperature ranges, corrosive media).

  • Can integrate with automation or analytical systems.

Compliance and Safety Considerations

For UK laboratories, compliance is non‑negotiable. Procurement officers and researchers must ensure vessels meet international and regional standards:

  • ASME compliant pressure vessel

    • Built to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

    • Recognised globally, ensuring robust design and fabrication standards.

  • PED compliant laboratory vessel

    • Required for equipment sold in the UK and EU under the Pressure Equipment Directive.

    • Ensures conformity with local safety and performance regulations.

  • UK laboratory pressure vessels must also:

  • Be supplied with full documentation (material certificates, pressure test reports).

  • Include clear operating limits (maximum allowable working pressure, temperature).

  • Feature safety relief devices and proper labelling.

Practical Applications in Catalysis Research

High pressure vessels open up a wide range of catalytic studies:

  • Hydrogenation reactions

    • Essential for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

    • Require precise hydrogen dosing under pressure.

  • CO₂ utilisation

    • Research into carbon capture and conversion technologies.

    • Demands vessels that can safely handle supercritical CO₂.

  • Ammonia and methanol synthesis

    • Industrially relevant processes that need elevated pressures.

    • Lab‑scale studies inform process optimisation.

  • Novel catalyst testing

  • Screening new materials under realistic industrial conditions.

  • Requires flexible, modular lab pressure vessels.

Best Practices for Safe Operation

To ensure safe and effective use of high pressure laboratory pressure vessels:

  • Always operate within the manufacturer’s specified pressure and temperature limits.

  • Conduct regular inspections for signs of wear, corrosion, or seal degradation.

  • Train all users in correct loading, sealing, and venting procedures.

  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pressurised systems.

  • Keep detailed logs of vessel use, maintenance, and pressure testing.

  • Ensure relief valves and rupture discs are tested and replaced as required.

Choosing the Right Supplier

When procuring UK laboratory pressure vessels, consider suppliers who can provide:

  • Proven compliance with ASME and PED standards.

  • Customisation options for unique research needs.

  • Technical support, training, and after‑sales service.

  • Transparent documentation and traceability of materials.

  • Integration with existing lab infrastructure and automation systems.

Forge Pressure Equipment, for example, specialises in designing and supplying lab pressure vessels and high pressure reactors that meet both ASME and PED requirements, with a strong focus on UK laboratory needs.

Conclusion: Building Reliable Catalysis Workflows

High pressure vessels are indispensable tools in catalysis research, enabling breakthroughs in chemistry, energy, and materials science. By selecting the right high pressure laboratory pressure vessel equipment, ensuring compliance with ASME and PED standards, and following best practices for safety, UK laboratories can accelerate discovery while maintaining robust safety standards.

If you’re looking for expert guidance or need to source UK laboratory pressure vessels and high pressure reactors, contact Forge Pressure Equipment today. Our team can help you identify the right solution for your research and ensure your lab is equipped for safe, compliant, and innovative catalysis studies.