Microchannel process technology enables greener processes

N-tert-butylbenzothiazole-2-sulphenamide(TBBS) was synthesized via microchannel process technology in kiloton device by Kemai Chemical. The reaction time was reduced from 1.5 h to 3s, and the liquid loading was reduced to 0.1‰ compared with conventional systems. Microchannel process technology greatly increases the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of chemical and energy production facilities.

Microchannel process technology accelerates processes by enabling reactions to occur at rates up to 1000 times faster than conventional systems. This acceleration is possible because the passages in microchannel systems are dramatically smaller than those in conventional systems. Instead of large pipes and vessels, these devices have channels with dimensions in the 0.1-0.3 mm range, as depicted in Fig. 1. The increased surface area provided by these smaller channels improves heat and mass transfer performance, which are the key factors of the chemical reaction rate.

Fig. 1, Depiction of process intensification facilitating improved heat and mass transfer. （copied from J.J. Lerou, Chemical Engineering Science, 2010(65), 380-385)
Microreactors offer many advantages over conventional scale reactors, including vast improvements in energy efficiency, reaction speed and yield, safety, reliability, scalability, on-site/on-demand production, and a much finer degree of process control.

Further more, microchannel technology can help producers achieve the goals of green chemistry, and minimize the environmental consequences of chemical and fuel production.

Microchannel process technology may also be applied in other fields, such as simple mix and industrial wastes disposal.

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