You can call it flow chemistry or micro reaction technology (MRT) — both terms describe a technology with enormous advantages for many process engineering applications. It replaces discontinuous batch processes with a continuous method in which reactions take place in extremely miniaturized structures.

Transforming process engineering production from the batch principle to continuous flow processes based on micro and milli reactors may not always be so easy for production staff to accept — despite its advantages. Adopted by the pharmaceutical industry in recent years, the technology platform offers potential in many respects, but although the technology as such is not at issue it experiences acceptance problems.

Especially with respect to rapid, explosive, toxic or highly exothermic reactions, whose safety risks make batch reactor use very difficult or even impossible, the characteristics of continuous flow reactors offer clear benefits. Nevertheless, MRT has yet to gain popularity. CHEManager asked executives and industry experts dealing with flow chemistry to share their opinion on the current status and future potential of this technology. We wanted to know:

• In your opinion, what are the strongest drivers (success factors) of the implementation of flow chemistry processes?
• Which barriers are slowing down or impede the implementation of flow chemistry processes?
• In which fields do you expect flow chemistry to find future applications in the process industry?
• What does it need for flow chem­istry to be recognized as a breakthrough technology?

Experts of BASF, Clariant, Ehrfeld Mikrotechnik, Innosyn, Microinnova, Patheon, Sanofi, Syrris, and Università di Perugia share their opinions:

A Technology Whose Use is Indispensable
Ralf Boehling, senior manager Process Development,  Process Screening/Kinetics Lab, BASF

Increased Process Performance and Safety
Olaf Wachsen, head of Group Process Technology, Group Technology & Innovation, Clariant

A Boost to Efficiency, Adaptability and Responsiveness
Walter Linhart, head of sales and managing partner, Microinnova

Further Development Will Increase Confidence
Peter Poechlauer, innovation manager Pharma Services, Patheon

Unsurpassed Heat and Mass Transfer Properties
Stefan Brand, head of Process Innovation, Group Technology & Innovation, Group Process Technology, Clariant

Benefits across Different Industries and Applications
Omar Jina, chief commercial officer, Syrris

A Technology on the Upswing
André de Vries, commercial director, Innosyn

A Visible Reference of Production-scale Micro Reaction Technology
Joachim Heck, managing director, Ehrfeld Mikrotechnik

Unique Opportunity for Innovation and Improvement
Luigi Vaccaro, professor, Laboratory of Green Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Dipartimento di Chimica, Biologia e Biotecnologie, Università di Perugia

A Holistic System Approach
Andreas Haubrich, head Process Engineering Laboratory, deputy head Process Engineering, Sanofi-Aventis