Parallel Fixed-Bed Reactor

Automated Platform for Studies of Continuous Reactions

Our Parallel Fixed-Bed Reactor (PFBR) is an automated platform with parallel flow-through reactor tubes for rapid catalyst and process optimization. This flexible platform can address various vapor phase applications in chemicals and refining catalysis laboratories.

The modular PFBR provides a fully automated platform in which 16 to 48 reactions can be conducted simultaneously, complete with simple graphical user interface to control hardware. Flow uniformity is essential for the system's operation, and a unique micro-machined chip is used for this purpose. The system enables scientists to design experiments, execute the reactions in parallel, monitor and record process conditions, and analyze reaction products in real-time using the PFBR as one complete package.

The PFBR is engineered for reliability and flexibility, with only a single high-pressure seal and easily changed components between experiments. The software allows scientists to design and modify experiments in real time. Research teams can explore a broad range of catalysts, space velocities, temperatures, and pressures. Various analytical options exist (such as GC, GCMS, and FTIR)

Prepare: Rapidly Load and Seal Reactors for Faster Experimentation

• Parallel powder dispensing: Volumetrically or gravimetrically dispense all catalysts and load into reactor tubes.
• Simplified maintenance: Minimize downtime between experiments by preparing reactors and seals offline on a spare set of rapid change-out components.

Prepare: Flexible, Automated Reactor Operation & Storage of Data

• Reaction sequence flexibility: The reaction steps and the number and timing of feeds introduced in a given reactor can be defined using Freeslate's LEA software and, if necessary, future steps can be changed by the scientist in real time.
• Process condition control: The scientist has full control of reaction temperature, pressure and feed with step-to or ramp-to set-point options.
• Reaction monitoring: Automation software continuously monitors and records all process variables, such as temperature, pressure, and feed rates, with the profiles stored in a database so scientists can reference actual hardware performance.

Analyze: Reaction Product Analysis for Comprehensive Results

• Online real-time analysis: Optional GC, GC-MS, or FTIR analysis of reaction products, with all results databased for enterprise-wide real-time viewing.
• Integrated results viewing software: Ability to query and export results by parameters, such as chemical composition, process condition, etc., allow rapid viewing of relevant data over a large experimental space across a campaign.

Click here to learn more about our PFBR and how it can help you deliver step-change gains in your R&D.