The Backbone Interface Concept

In the following, the concept of micro modular process engineering is introduced together with the backbone interface developed in order to realize this modular approach. The integration of sensors and an electronic bus system is also described, and the physical characterization of the backbone is discussed within a case study of the enantioselective synthesis of organoboranes. Within the second case study, the sulfonation of toluene with gaseous sulfur tri oxide, the backbone system together with the micro structured devices used is finally assessed based on its application to chemical synthesis. 

heated residence-time module 7, mixer-settler extractor 8, heated mixer-tube reactor 9, thermal decoupler [86]. 

The modular backbone introduced here allows both commercial and demonstration-type micro structured devices to be coupled in all three dimensions in a flexible and easy manner. Micro structured heat exchangers, reactors and mixers of different manufacturers are surface mounted on this backbone. Owing to the standardized interfaces, devices can easily be exchanged, for example, to evaluate different types of mixers. The backbone itself consists of elements which can be combined individually and flexibly in all directions, according to the demands of the plant to be built. The backbone provides the flow paths for fluids and electrical conduits for power supply and signal transmission of sensors and actuators. 

The construction permits the setting up of compact systems with low internal volumes of 35.3-950.0 mm3 (per backbone element) which can be operated up to 

During the experiments, the micro structured reactor plant concept was also assessed by measuring properties such as seal reliability and thermal cross-talk between parallel fluidic channels. The performance of the micro structured reactor plant with respect to parameters such as product yield, selectivity and compactness, flexibility and robustness were examined using exemplary chemical reactions. These are advanced multi-step reactions in organometallic boron chemistry (liquid/liquid), 

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