In the past decade, dynamically operated packed bed reactors for chemical looping have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the limitations of operating at high pressure and solid circulation, which are not feasible with traditional chemical looping using fluidized beds.

This technology operates by alternating the feed flow to the reactor between a reducing gas and air, enabling the reduction and oxidation of the oxygen carrier material. The combination of these reactions results in an overall exothermic process, generating heat. However, depending on the reactor configuration and feed conditions, the reaction front is faster than the heat front, leading to an overall temperature increase in the solid material and energy accumulation inside the bed. Consequently, additional cooling steps are required to initiate a new cycle.

Initially applied in gas combustion, reforming-to-syngas generation, and pure hydrogen production, recent advancements have expanded its application to include the production of other valuable chemicals, particularly in the petrochemical industry.

Designed as a modular unit, this technology offers high flexibility to operate at various scales with minimal cost and performance implications, thereby mitigating risks associated with industrial-scale implementation. Nevertheless, intermittent operation necessitates advancements in high-temperature equipment development, such as valves and materials.

This presentation aims to provide an overview of recent research on packed bed applications for chemical looping, emphasizing opportunities, industrial relevance, and challenges related to scaling up. Specific focus will be placed on material development, reactor engineering, and process performance.