Application examples
- Slurry and suspension chemistry
- Biphasic liquid-liquid reactions
- Gas-liquid reactions
- Precipitation and Crystallization processes
- Continuous crystallization
- Multiphase catalysis
- Continuous reagent dosing
CSTR features
- Integrated magnetic stirring (100–1200 rpm)
- Continuously adjustable reaction volume (5–40 mL)
- Pressurised operation up to 5 bar
- Precise temperature control from –10 °C to +150 °C
- Handles gas-liquid-solid reaction mixtures
- Modular multi-reactor configurations
- Excellent visibility of reaction contents
- Fully integrated with Vapourtec R-Series software
Key advantages
Unlike tubular flow reactors, mixing within the CSTR is independent of flow rate, making it ideal for reactions involving solids, precipitates and multiple phases. Efficient integrated stirring provides excellent heat and mass transfer, maintains uniform solid suspension and promotes effective gas-liquid contact while reducing sedimentation and reactor fouling. Multiple reactors can be connected in series to create defined residence time distributions, providing a flexible platform for continuous process development and scale-up.
Enables cascades of CSTR’s
When two or more CSTR’s are operated in series as a cascade the behaviour can approach that of a plug flow reactor (PFR). This enables continuous flow reactions with controlled residence time distribution and reduced back mixing when compared with a batch reactor. The Vapourtec modular CSTR can be configured in a cascade of up to 8 on an R-Series system and a cascade of 2 on each E-Series system. An additional benefit of using CSTR’s is to access larger reactor volumes in the case of R-Series up to 320 ml allowing higher throughputs and or longer residence times
Flow reactions involving solids
CSTR’s are significantly more tolerant of solids than plug flow reactors (PFR) and micro chip reactors enabling processes involving:
- Crystallization
- Heterogeneous catalysts
- Inorganic bases
- Insoluble intermediates
- Nanoparticle formation
Pressurised reactions to 5.0 bar
Operation under pressure increases the range of reactions possible including:
- Reactions at temperatures greater than reflux
- Gas-liquid reactions
- Gas-liquid-solid reactions
The Vapourtec CSTR flow reactor is designed with the importance of safety as a core requirement. Safety features include a burst disk and an optional safety screen which is recommended for all pressurised reactions.
Heat cool and stir
A broad operational temperature range between -10 o C and +150 o C allows a wide range of chemical reactions to be undertaken. This same versatility is enabled by stirring speeds selectable between 100 rpm and 1200 rpm.
Easy to assemble and disassemble
Feedback from chemists has ensured the Vapourtec CSTR flow reactor is easily and quickly dismantled for cleaning or loading with catalyst. The CSTR is manufactured from chemically inert materials, glass, PTFE, PFA and Kalrezr ensuring a long trouble free life.
Photochemical CSTR Flow reactor option
An LED light source is now available. This enables the Vapourtec CSTR to undertake reagentless photochemical reactions. LED wavelengths between 365 nm and 650 nm are available for the photochemical CSTR flow reactor.
