Flow chemistry involves introducing raw materials to a reaction vessel, allowing for the continuous creation of products. Flow reactors differ from batch processes. In a batch process, materials get added together and reacted before being removed and processed. A flow reaction continues for as long as raw materials are added. Flow reactors can involve either gases or liquids.

Some features that separate flow reactor chemistry from batch chemistry include:

• Control of reaction time: The residence time is determined by how long the reagents need to flow through the reactor.
• Heat transfer: The surface area to volume ratio of a flow reactor is considerably larger than that of a batch reactor, allowing for better heat transfer. 
• Mass transfer: Flow reactors have high mass transfer rates, thanks to good mixing and smaller sizes.
• Flow reagents: Reagents flow continuously through a flow reactor and are under pressure. 
• Stoichiometry control: The reactants’ relative flow rates allow for stoichiometry control. You can increase a reagent’s concentration in relation to another by enhancing its flow rate.
• Easily scalable: You can extend the length of the flow reaction based on your needs.
• Precision: With flow reactors, you have greater control over the critical reaction parameters: mixing, reaction time, stoichiometry and temperature.
• Small quantities of hazardous materials: If you run reactions in a continuous flow, limited amounts of hazardous materials will be in-process.

Sentinel Process Systems, Inc. offers flow reactors from AM Technologies, Corning®, Fluitec and Uniqsis. We can help you choose the flow reactor that is most appropriate for your needs. Contact us today to learn more.