Click HERE to download the PDF version

Batch reactors process a single tank volume per operating cycle. A flow reactor by contrast can handle 100’s or even 1,000’s of reactor volumes between start up and shut down. This ability to process materials continuously contributes to significant reductions in equipment scale, even when the reaction time in flow is the same. Reduced equipment size combined with steady state operation variously contributes to lower capital cost, improved product consistency/yield/purity, lower energy costs and improved safety.
Reduced size (compared to batch) gives flow reactors greater heat transfer area per unit volume. This permits faster heat up and cool down, faster reactant addition and the ability to handle leaner reaction mixtures. Subject to equipment choice, flow reactors can also deliver better mass transfer conditions which will inc ...