Technology
Continuous flow is a rapidly emerging technology that is enabling researchers to both evaluate and produce synthetic intermediates and products that would otherwise be inaccessible using conventional batch techniques. The scale that reactions are performed on is key to harnessing the advantages of this technology which stem from the rapid mixing and efficient thermal transfer at the µm to mm scale.
Working with the pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industry Chemtrix BV has developed a product portfolio that comprises of small footprint continuous flow systems suitable for spanning the areas of reaction screening and production, whilst retaining operations within a standard laboratory fume cupboard.
Based on glass reactors, selected due to chemical compatibility, familiarity to the synthetic chemist and optical transparency, the flow reactor platforms of Labtrix®-S1, Labtrix® Start and KiloFlow® afford the user a cost effective way to explore and exploit the advantages of flow reactor technology.
FLOW REACTORS
Fabricated within glass wafers, the micro (channels = 100’s µm) and meso (channels = 1000’s µm) reactors that form the heart of the flow reactor platforms developed by Chemtrix BV are produced in a clean room by a process of etching and sandblasting. The reactors supplied by Chemtrix BV are produced at the iX factory (www.ix-factory.de) and Lionix (www.lionixbv.nl) using the facilities of the Mesa+ Institute (www.mesaplus.utwente.nl) at the University of Twente (www.utwente.nl) .
FLOW CHEMISTRY
Research over the past decade has demonstrated that flow chemistry is a powerful technique capable of not only accelerating the screening/optimisation of synthetic reactions, but also facilitating the rapid transfer of processes through the various stages of scale-up and all the way to mass production. Using the considerable in-house chemical knowledge of Dr Paul Watts and Dr Charlotte Wiles, Chemtrix BV. can assist the customer in how to maximise the benefits of flow reactor technology for their chosen synthetic application.
FLOW CHEMISTRY SYSTEMS
A flow reactor system is a piece of turnkey equipment that enables the user the ability to screen or produce chemicals using single or multiple glass reactors. A standard system therefore includes pumps, reactors, temperature control, pressure regulation and sample collection; with additional options of automation and data logging available. This enabling technology provides the researcher with a new tool for the evaluation and production of synthetic intermediates and products in small footprint systems affording the user the ability to accelerate research and development activities.
