Process microreactor technologies

To facilitate the synthesis of hbPG for industrial processing, microreactor technology can be used to obtain polymers with molecular weights up to 1500gmoh In this approach, an efficient continuous process is used, which results in significantly reduced experimental effort, albeit with molecular weight limitations. 

Jarosch, K., Tonkovich, A., Perry, S., Kuhlmann, D., and Wang, Y. (2005) Microreactor Technology and Process Intensification, in ACS Symposium Series, vol. 914, American Chemical Society, New York, pp. 258-273. 

Microreactor technology also offers a contemporary way of conducting chemical reactions in a more sustainable fashion due to the miniaturization and increased safety, and also in a technically improved manner due to intensified process efficiency. This relatively new technology is implemented in novel and improved applications and is getting more and more used in chemical research. 

W-Methyl-A/ -nitroso-p-toluenesulfonamide (MNTS) is an important precursor for the production of diazomethane. Diazomethane is then further converted to a range of useful molecules in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industry [69]. Production of MNTS is a highly exothermic process and includes the presence of the extremely toxic materials. Stark et al. [70] have explored the application of microreactor technology for the production of this industrially valuable material, assuming that due to the efficient heat exchange and the closed system, microflow conditions provide a safer environment for these hazards. 

Roberge DM, Zimmermann B, Rainone F et al (2008) Microreactor technology and continuous processes in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industry is the revolution underway Org Process Res Dev 12(5) 905-910 www.syrris.com/. Accessed 14 Sept 2009... 

Acke DRJ, Stevens CV, Roman BI (2008) Microreactor technology continuous synthesis of lH-isochromeno[3, 4-d]imidazol-5-ones. Org Process Res Dev 12(5) 921-928... 

Microreactor technology has developed to such an extent that a wide variety of microreactor components, e.g. micropumps, mixers, reaction chambers, heat exchangers, separators and complete integrated microreaction systems with process control units have been fabricated using the appropriate microfabrication process and materials that are suitable for specific applications. 

Figure 5.13 A schematic representation with typical process steps in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries and recommendation when to use microreactor technology or continuous processes based on a multipurpose approach (by courtesy of PharmaChem/B5Srl) [44].

Several recent reviews have discussed the fundaments and applications of PI concepts. Doble [16] has discussed the concept of a green reactor, for example, how process intensification could be achieved by microreactor technology using very high forces, ultra-high pressures, electrical fields, ultrasonics, surfactant-based separations, shorter diffusion and conduction pathways, flow field and fluid microstmcture interactions, and/or size-dependent phenomena. 

Hessel, V., Lowe, H., Chemical micro process engineering - current trends and issues to be resolved. Microreactor Technology and Process Intensification, ACS Symposium Series, Vol. 914 (eds. Wang, J., Holladay,... 

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