Buss reactor technology

The concept of a circulating flow reactor was further developed in the Buss reactor technology (Figure 1.26). Large quantities of reaction gas are introduced via a mixer to create a well dispersed mixture. This mixture is rapidly circulated by a special pump at high gas/liquid ratios throughout the volume of the loop and permits the maximum possible mass transfer rates. A heal exchanger in the external loop allows for independent optimisation of heat transfer. For continuous operation, the product is separated by an in-line cross-flow filter which retains the suspended solid catalyst within the loop. Such a system can operate in batch, semi-continuous and continuous mode. 

MEMS technology also allows embedding of actuators and sensors in single reactor channels. Despite problems with temperature robustness, a solution must be found to transport the signals from the micro channels to the central process control system. To avoid a confusing cable set-up ( spaghetti conditions ), it is desirable to process the sensor data on-site, for example in an A/D converter, and to feed the digital data in a common bus system [13]. 

In critical areas, such as the reactor trip bus, extremely reliable and intrinsecally fail safe technology are used (dynamic magnetic logics). 

---