Specialist consultancy in reactor revamping, internal retrofitting, throughput maximisation, and catalyst optimisation — serving refiners worldwide.
Comprehensive revamp engineering for existing reactors — updating configurations, pressure profiles, and flow distribution to unlock latent capacity and extend asset life.
Designing and specifying new reactor internals — distributors, collectors, quench systems, and catalyst support grids — engineered for fit, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
Identifying hydraulic, thermal, and catalyst-related bottlenecks and delivering engineering solutions that maximise feed throughput within existing mechanical constraints.
Ensuring complete and effective utilisation of catalyst beds — eliminating dead zones, improving bed uniformity, and reducing unnecessary inventory while protecting performance.
Full reactor design services from concept through detailed engineering — integrating licensor specifications with site-specific process requirements and material constraints.
Deep knowledge of reactor internals across major process licensors. We bridge the gap between licensor design intent and refinery reality — including FCC, hydrotreating, and reforming units.
For refiners looking to replace ageing or obsolete reactors — or to add capacity without the lead time and cost of new-build — Edwin's extensive global network enables identification of available idle reactors on the world market, both used and new-but-surplus.
Whether the objective is a like-for-like replacement, a capacity step-change, or adding an additional reactor into an existing unit, we can locate suitable vessels, assess their fit-for-purpose suitability, and support the entire journey from identification through to mechanical re-commissioning.
Reactor Solution LLC brings a rare combination of hands-on manufacturing knowledge and rigorous process engineering to every engagement. We understand how reactor internals are built — not just how they are specified.
Edwin Maas, Owner and President, carries 47 years of experience in the refining industry. He participated in Shell's reactor internals development programme from its very inception in 1988, contributing to the design evolution of distributor trays, quench systems, and catalyst support structures across the full range of Shell reactor technologies.
This foundation — combined with two decades as a Shell employee and active ongoing consultancy for Shell Catalysts & Technologies — gives us unmatched insight into how design intent translates (or fails to translate) to field performance.
We review existing drawings, operating data, and inspection reports to establish a clear baseline of current reactor performance and constraints.
We identify the delta between current and potential performance — throughput gaps, catalyst inefficiency, distribution anomalies — and prioritise opportunities.
Detailed engineering of the recommended modifications, with full specification packages ready for procurement or fabrication.
On-site or remote support during turnaround execution, installation, and commissioning — through to performance verification on restart.
Edwin Maas incorporated Reactor Solution LLC in February 2019 and commenced active consultancy upon retiring from Shell in 2023. With 46 years of experience in Oil & Gas — spanning Metawa Tray B.V., Sulzer AG, and 20 years in Shell Downstream — his career covers the full arc of modern reactor internals engineering, from process design to field deployment on the world's most complex units.
Edwin holds a B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from The Hague University. He joined Shell in 2003 and progressed from Senior Engineer through Principal Engineer to Global Manager for Reactor Internals and ultimately Licensing Technical Manager — collectively overseeing hundreds of projects for Shell and third-party refiners across hydroprocessing, hydrocracking, catalytic dewaxing, and base oil units worldwide.
After 20 years as a Shell employee, Edwin transitioned to independent consultancy while continuing to serve as a consultant for Shell Catalysts & Technologies — bringing that institutional knowledge to refiners across the globe, irrespective of licensor, geography, or feedstock.
Clients range from large integrated refining complexes to smaller independent operators. Every engagement receives direct, senior-level attention — no junior staff, no unnecessary overhead.
Early career in reactor and tray technology, developing foundational hands-on engineering knowledge in the design and manufacture of process internals.
Manager Application & Process Technology EMEA. Direct responsibility for Project Management, Engineering, R&D, and sales support. Executed revamps and grass-root hydroprocessing, hydrocracking, and base oil units worldwide — including Deer Park HCU (Texas), Bonny Island LNG (Nigeria), Ras Laffan LNG (Qatar), and Bintulu LNG (Malaysia).
Joined Shell in 2003. Progressed from Senior Engineer to Principal Engineer in Shell's licensing business, covering hydroprocessing, hydrocracking, catalytic dewaxing, base oil, gas treating, distillation, and thermal conversion technologies. Approximately 200 projects executed.
Global responsibility for reactor internals across Shell's licensing portfolio — hydroprocessing, hydrocracking, catalytic dewaxing, base oil, and gas treating. Approximately 400 projects executed worldwide for Shell and third-party refiners.
Technical leadership for reactor internals across Shell's hydroprocessing licensing programme, managing third-party and Shell refinery clients globally. Retired from Shell in 2023 after 20 years.
Reactor Solution LLC incorporated in February 2019 — establishing the vehicle for independent refinery consultancy built on decades of reactor internals expertise.
Upon retiring from Shell in 2023, commenced active consultancy through Reactor Solution LLC. Currently serving as consultant to Shell Catalysts & Technologies for hydroprocessing reactor internals — uniquely positioned at the intersection of licensor knowledge and independent advisory.
Whether you are planning a turnaround, troubleshooting a performance issue, or scoping a revamp project — we are ready to help.