Systems for Continuous Processing

Batch or semicontinuous processing is appropriate for many laboratory scale operations. However, continuous processes are typically used by industry to allow higher throughput with smaller equipment size. To gain scale-up information, the importance of relatively inexpensive but fully operable pilot plants (or miniplants) cannot be overestimated. Many types of continuous reactors (fixed bed, fluidized bed, continuous stirred tank CSTR) can be adapted for high pressure service. 

This chapter provides an introduction to the construction of high-pressure equipment for the laboratory. Clearly, it is not possible to cover all the necessary design material/options in such a short chapter, yet sufficient information should be available to allow researchers to explore chemistry in high-pressure fluids, such as CO2, a field which continues to show great promise. 

Edited by Philip G. Jessop and Walter Leitner WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, 1999 

---

Ramesh, T. S., Davis, J. F., and Schwenzer, G. M., Knowledge-based diagnostic systems for continuous process operations based upon the task framework, Comput. Chem. Eng. 16(2), 109-127 (1992). 

Reaction, Separation and Recycle Systems for Continuous Processes... 

REACTION, SEPARATION AND RECYCLE SYSTEMS FOR CONTINUOUS PROCESSES - SUMMARY... 

Based on these results, a system for continuous processing was devised using a catalyst formed from [Rh(acac)(CO)2] (acac = 2,4-pentanedionato) and [PrMIM]-[Ph2P(3-CgH4S03)] in [BMIM][PFg], with a steady rate and l/b ratio being observed for up to 72 h (100 °C, total pressiue 20 MPa) [25]. The rates (TOF = 5-10 h ) of these initial reactions were rather low and product recovery was only about 20%. In subsequent optimization studies [16], very significant improvements were realized so that rates comparable to those pertaining in commercial systems have now been achieved. 

E M Kenyon, D E Westcott, P La Casse and J Gould, A system for continuous processing of food pouches using microwave energy , J. Food Science, 1970 36(2) 289-... 

Solvents are sometimes recovered in a reusable and recyclable form. Condensation is a very safe system and presents little or no fire hazard. It is an excellent system for continuous process control and has a fairly low operating and maintenance cost. Systems are available for airflows of less than 28 mVmin (708 cu.ft./min), which is well within the range needed for tape casting and drying. 

Fig. 7 Typical closed loop ultrafiltration system for continuous process electrocoating (source technical report of PPG...

---