Thermodynamics of non-equilibrium processes is a comparatively new area of thermodynamics. Traditionally this discipline is taught only to chemistry students who have a very strong background in physics. The author of the present book has adaptedhis course of thermodynamics of non-equilibrium processes so that the subject can be treated in terms understandable to any chemist with a formal physicochemical education in the fields of classical thermodynamics of equilibrium processes and traditional chemical kinetics.

The discipline combines thermodynamics and chemical kinetics and is helpful to researchers engaged in studying complex chemical transformations, in particular, catalytic transformations. For example, important concepts for such studies are conditions of kinetic irreversibility of complex stepwise stoichiometric reactions, rate-determining and rate-limiting stages, etc. In traditional chemical kinetics, these concepts are not very clear and tend to be concealed in courses. Fortunately, these concepts appear to be consistently and properly defined in terms of thermodynamics of non-equilibrium processes.

The present book is the synopsis of lectures on thermodynamics of non-equilibrium processes and a particular course on thermodynamics of operating catalysts.

Applies simple approaches of non-equilibrium thermodynamics to analyzing properties of chemically reactive systems

Covers systems far from equilibrium, allowing the consideration of most chemically reactive systems of a chemical or biological nature

This approach resolves many complicated problems in the teaching of chemical kinetics "

Syngas generation by oxidative or steam reforming of hydrocarbons and oxygenates now attracts a lot of attention of researchers in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis and chemical engineering due to its tremendous importance for energy generation and synfuels production. This book reviews results of the long-term research of the international team of scientists aimed at development of efficient processes of syngas generation in structured catalytic reactors. Multiscale integrated optimisation approach is applied throughout of this work including design of nanocomposite active components stable to coking and sintering; developing heat-conducting monolithic substrates comprised of refractory alloys and cermets (honeycomb and microchannel structures, gauzes etc) and procedures of their loading with active components; design and manufacturing of several types of pilot-scale reactors (with the radial or the axial flow direction) equipped with unique liquid fuel evaporation and mixing units and internal heat exchangers. Extended tests of these reactors fed by fuels from C1 to gasoline, mineral and sunflower oil have been carried out with a broad variation of experimental parameters including stability tests up to 1000 h. Performance analysis has been made with a due regard for equilibrium restrictions on the operational parameters. Transient behaviour of the monolith reactor during start-up (ignition) of the methane partial oxidation to synthesis gas was studied and analysed via mathematical modelling based upon detailed elementary step mechanism. This provides required bases for theoretical optimisation of the catalyst bed configuration and process parameters.