PLATFORM VISION
Engineering calculations that grow into a connected workspace.
Cat Lab begins with catalysis and reaction engineering. Its long-term direction is a broader environment for scientific computing, model building, experimental analysis, and simulation.
Equations, units, assumptions, and physical checks should stay visible as the software grows. Each new capability will need a clear scientific purpose and evidence that its results can be trusted within its stated scope.
AVAILABLE NOW
Two working modules
Catalyst Bed / Reactor Calculator
Connect bed geometry, catalyst inventory, and gas flow. Inspect velocities, nominal contact times, space velocities, ideal-gas properties, and an optional constant-property Ergun pressure-drop estimate.
The current model describes a nonreacting cylindrical packed bed. It exposes calculation steps and physical checks; project saving, scripting, and coupled simulation are future directions.
Mass & Energy Balance
Enter a custom reaction or nonreacting feed. Calculate species flows, mass and elemental balances, reaction thermodynamics, heat duty and a bounded adiabatic temperature estimate. Inspect assumptions and property sources, then export a calculation report.
LONG-TERM DIRECTION
A shared foundation for more demanding work
These are planned areas of growth, with no announced release schedule.
Scientific computing with units
Work with quantities, equations, and numerical methods while keeping dimensions, assumptions, and physical limits visible.
Connected engineering models
Build models from related calculations, with explicit connections between inputs, material properties, operating conditions, and results.
Data analysis and visualization
Bring experimental data into the same workspace to examine trends, compare models, and understand sensitivity and uncertainty.
Reproducible projects
Keep inputs, data sources, model versions, settings, and review records together so a calculation can be revisited and independently checked.
Scripting and extensions
Make verified calculations reusable in scripts and additional modules, with clear interfaces and traceable results.
Validated simulation
Grow toward numerical solvers and, eventually, coupled physical models as each method earns its place through benchmarks and validation.
HOW IT GROWS
Scientific quality sets the pace.
- Strengthen the foundation. Preserve tested calculations, explicit units, and clear model limits.
- Connect the work. Introduce reproducible cases, data analysis, and model composition around real engineering needs.
- Expand the numerical methods. Add solvers and coupled models only after analytical checks, reference benchmarks, and convergence studies.
Cat Lab is developed as part of Nate Shakouri’s personal Chemecat site, independently of any employer. The current calculator remains the practical starting point for this longer-term project.
Return to the V1.0 calculator