Flow Chemistry System for High Yield Heterogeneous Catalysis
The FlowLab Column from Uniqsis is a continuous flow chemistry system developed as an affordable high-performance replacement for conventional stirred batch reactors often used for heterogeneously catalysed liquid phase reactions.
Designed to provide highly efficient mixing and excellent control over reaction parameters, the FlowLab Column provides intimate contact between a large excess of catalyst and a small quantity of reagent at any point in time resulting in increased reaction rates and higher yields.
The FlowLab Column is based upon a HotCoil heated reactor module fitted with a HotColumn adapter to enable operation up to +260 °C (300 °C as an option).
As standard the FlowLab Column can either accommodate six 316 stainless steel columns in individual insulated holders, each capable of operation up to 100 bar. Or, six glass columns with adjustable end pieces and plunger to vary the catalyst bed volume. These columns operate up to 150°C. This configuration facilitates easy scale-up whereby the required number of identical columns are simply connected in series.
Each FlowLab Column system includes pressure regulating non-return valves before the column reactor to prevent the possibility of back flow into the pumps at any time.
FlowLab software provides control of the system via a step-through interface that can be learnt in minutes and is highly intuitive to use. Programs can be designed and saved reactions run automatically, including priming and washing. The program is monitored on a real-time display showing temperatures and pressures. FlowLab software also automatically detects any modules that have been added to the system.