In the classic reactor application, the basic materials used, such as glass, steel or enamel, each have specific advantages and disadvantages for individual applications. These include, among other things, the reactivity of the boiler material with the processed products or their stability against pressure and temperature. The materials also have an impact in highly dynamic temperature control applications, such as the different heat transfer properties of the materials or different wall thicknesses.

The frequently used double jacketed glass and steel reactors. This reactor type consists of an inner vessel for the reaction components for which the temperature is to be controlled. This is enclosed by a jacket in which the bath medium circulates. With this type of reactor temperature control, the temperature control system pumps the bath medium permanently through the reactor jacket. It is connected to it via connections. Sudden temperature changes inside the reactor are dynamically compensated for by rapid heating or cooling of the bath fluid. This heating or cooling takes place within the temperature control system.

Anyone looking to optimize a chemical reaction process needs the best possible compromise to meet the high selectivity, quality, and therefore productivity required in a chemical production process. An important point here is to determine the optimal reaction temperature for the individual process steps – because the function of the temperature control system and the efficiency of the reaction control are closely related. Three system components play a key role in achieving these objectivesem.

Highly dynamic temperature control systems have been developed primarily for use in miniplant, pilot and distillation plants, chemical and bioreactors, calorimeters and autoclaves. Such devices with optimized thermodynamics are the first choice for these applications, even in difficult or highly fluctuating plant conditions. In practice, it is not only the primary performance data of a temperature control instrument that is important. The optimized interplay of heating, cooling and pump output is also key. Cooling and heating capacity have a major impact on the speed at which certain temperature values are achieved. The following factors, among others, must be taken into account when determining the required output: Mass of the temperature control object, required temperature differences, desired cool-down or heat-up times and specific heat capacity of the bath medium.

Temperature expansion kits are available on selected models to improve the performance of a unit. They enable a larger temperature range to be covered with just one bath medium. With the help of the additional equipment, overpressure can be applied on the loop circuit in the system. This can raise the boiling point of the bath medium and thus raise the working temperature. For the medium Thermal HL30 (water glycol mixture), for example, this is up to + 150 °C.

If temperature control systems work with the same bath fluid over the entire working temperature range, users do not have to change the medium frequently and stockpiling is simplified. The system is also more flexible and saves time. Without breaks for draining, cleaning and refilling, for example, test series can run at short intervals at different temperatures. Not all applications can be temperature controlled with a standard solution. Existing systems may need to be upgraded and expanded. Our Business Unit Solutions (BUS), with its own in-house development team of engineers and designers, specializes specifically in optimizing or modifying existing equipment designs to meet individual customer requirements. Our many years of experience and our flexibility provide the perfect basis for meeting exceptional requirements.

Read our whitepaper here.