Sensing change in batch reactors

The batch reactor is the workhorse of the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. This article discusses a relatively straightforward design change, constant flux control, which delivers compelling benefits to both temperature control and process monitoring. One of the most intractable problems of scale up is that of temperature control. The function of reactor jackets is to add or remove heat. Where this heat can be measured, however, it can also serve as a valuable process analytical technology tool. Constant flux control affects the mechanical design of the external cooling jacket and temperature control valve. With this design, temperature control is not only faster and more stable, but the problem of hot and cold spots in the jacket is also eliminated.