Sponsored Content by H.E.L GroupMar 13 2023Reviewed by Aimee Molineux A 2021 online symposium hosted by H.E.L Group invited four specialist flow chemistry professionals to discuss the subject in-depth. This article will look at the speakers’ pain points of working in flow chemistry.The online/offline analysis argument explored The first problem highlighted by Dr. Russel Taylor and Durham University Ph.D. student Samuel Raynes is analyzing online gas phase.
The main advantage of online analysis is that results can be investigated in real-time, whereas offline analysis cannot adequately account for everything in real time. For instance, researchers may need to ask themselves if there is a risk of contamination in the sampling procedure or if there was loss of sample.
Parallel flow catalysis brings with it its own set of engineering challenges. A main challenge is the need to extend the time needed for testing for data quality reasons. Fewer data points are created when multiple flow reactors run through one analysis system. Finding a sufficient quantity of catalysts within this range is a main challenge. GSK invest heavily in sourcing specific catalysts from several catalyst suppliers and working with academics to generate new ones. In a bid to combat this, GSK has formed an informal cooperative with other pharma companies to improve their buying power and petition the catalyst suppliers for improved supply.
Dr. Barham noted that the Max Planck Institutes have characterized particle size distribution in photocatalysts they have supplied to his group. However, there are further challenges. Increasing pressure, slowing down feed rates, and other factors could help resolve these issues, but these can create an additional problem. Higher flow rates to increase productivity and mass transfer would mean losing out on residence time, which is an important element in photochemistry.
H.E.L has a long history of solving complex challenges for customers. Since 1987, the Company has worked with businesses and laboratories globally, providing proprietary automated solutions for the pharma, biotechnology, chemical, battery and petrochemical sectors.