A mixing device composed of a micron scale flow channel was applied as a continuous reactor to control exothermic reaction heat and to increase the product yield, in a synthesis of a pharmaceutical intermediate of quinolone antibiotics. The model reaction featured a fast reaction rate, high heat generation, and impurity formation due to a prolonged contact time between reactants and products. Using the micromixer reactor, the reaction heat was efficiently removed so that virtually no impurities were produced during the reaction. A product yield comparable to the theoretical value was achieved in a single micromixer unit. Optimum operating conditions were acquired from a statistical method by using factorial design, which was also verified by a CFD calculation.
Wille C, Autze V, Kim H, Nickel U, Oberbeck S, Schwalbe T, Unverdorben L, "Progress in Transferring Microreactors from Lab into Production - an Example in the Field of Pigments Technology," In Proceeding of IMRET 6, AIChE Spring Meeting, New Orleans, LA, 7, 2002