CataRex® Technology Platform
A versatile platform for catalytic energy solutions
The CataRex® Technology Platform is Catator’s core reactor design, a Catalyzed Heat Exchange Reactor that integrates catalytic reactions and heat exchange in a single compact system. By combining combustion on one side of a heat exchanger with catalytic reactions on the other, CataRex® enables unmatched efficiency, compactness and flexibility.
How CataRex® works
At its core, the CataRex® reactor uses shell-and-tube or shell-and-plate geometries, coated with Catator’s proprietary CataLite® Coatings. Combustion provides heat on one side, which directly drives catalytic reactions on the other. This close thermal coupling allows both exothermic and endothermic reactions to occur side by side – intensifying processes and saving space.
With a limited set of standardized geometries, CataRex® can be scaled and adapted to meet a wide range of flow and capacity requirements. Reactor modules are built using tube bundles or plate stacks, which can be arranged in parallel to increase capacity. At the same time, catalyst formulations are tailored to each specific process, from ammonia cracking to methanol reforming, ensuring optimal performance in every application.
How CataRex® is used
CataRex® can be configured for a broad range of catalytic processes across hydrogen production, conversion and utilization. Three key areas are:
Fuel synthesis
CataRex® enables compact catalytic synthesis processes where hydrogen is combined with other reactants to produce fuels and hydrogen carriers such as ammonia and hydrocarbons.
Fuel reforming
The platform can be configured for reforming processes that convert fuels and hydrogen carriers such as methanol, ammonia and methane into hydrogen or hydrogen-rich reformates.
Thermal processing
CataRex® can also be used in catalytic thermal processes, including combustion and off-gas treatment, where close integration between reaction and heat transfer enables compact and responsive solutions.
CataRex® across the CataLite® solutions
The CataRex® Technology Platform serves as the foundation for Catator’s CataLite® product families:
- CataLite® Synreactors – synthesis of new e-fuels such as ammonia or hydrocarbons
- CataLite® Reformers – conversion of fuels and hydrogen carriers into hydrogen or hydrogen-rich reformates
- CataLite® Burners – emission-free catalytic combustion, even of ultra-lean gases
- CataLite® Systems – complete solutions integrating reactors, reformers and burners
Why CataRex® matters
For customers and partners, CataRex® offers:
- Compact, efficient design with up to 80% reactor size reduction
- Tailored catalyst formulations for optimized conversion
- Modular scalability from small pilot units to industrial scale
- Versatility across hydrogen production, e-fuel synthesis, off-gas utilization and more
With more than three decades of catalytic expertise, Catator has developed CataRex® into a proven, modular technology platform that accelerates the transition to a sustainable, hydrogen-based energy system.
