2.  In recent times chemical compounds need greater speed in the
discovery process, which requires advanced automation. But
majority of the current reactions are still performed by applying
conventional techniques and apparatus.
 This has led to severe impact on the scale-up process. With
recent advances in chemical reaction technology, sub-
millimetre/sub-millilitre sized micro structured reactors, mixers and
other micro process components have been developed.
 One of these technologies leading to miniaturization of reaction
systems is the ‘Micro reaction technology (MRT)’ and these
reactors are named as ‘Micro reactors.’
 Micro reactors gained more importance in the field of
chemistry, molecular biology and pharmaceutical chemistry etc
by producing products in larger volumes. In this context, the
present article will explain various concepts involved in the desi

3.  MRT is a concept, which can increase performance of reactions
in a continuous manner, within well-defined reaction
channels, where typical dimensions are of the order <1000 μm
and volumes. MRT which is growing in its usage is not a new
concept, but has been suggested in the early eighties.
 Main features of MRT are that the reaction conditions can be
transferred from laboratory-scale reactors to production sites
without the need for reoptimization of various conditions. MRT
has certain advantages.
 Optimal mixing
 Effective heat exchange
 Small reaction volume
 Faster product development
 Reduced exposure to hazardous chemicals

4.  Micro reactors with their small surface to
volume ratios are able to absorb heat created
from a reaction much more efficiently than
any batch reactor.
 In a micro reactor, the heat created by mixing
the two reagents is also detectable. The small
inner volume of a micro reactor (typically less
than a millilitre) combined with its strong heat
exchange efficiency guarantees the safe and
stable performance of highly exothermic
reactions over hours.
 Even explosive reactants and intermediates
can be handled safely in a micro reactor.

5.  Mixing quality is crucial for many reactions where the
molar ratio between reactants needs to be
controlled precisely in order to suppress side
reactions.
 A sophisticated regime will mix reactants efficiently
with a small path length of a few centimetres.
 MRT is currently one of the most innovative
techniques in the field of chemical synthesis and
similar fields.
 It opens up new ways to develop novel relation
process and to construct advanced economic
chemical plants. It is an innovative alternative to
large-scale production in the chemical industry.

6.  Process safety
 Novel reaction conditions
 Reduced waste conditions
 On-site chemical processing

8.  Micro reactors are defined as miniaturized reaction systems, fabricated
by micro technology. The chemical reactions which are happening in
micro reactors are the batch reactions.
 Micro reactors offer a much improved control of reaction parameters,
such as temperature and relative concentrations and allow higher
yields, smaller amounts of by-products.
 Micro reactors can be fabricated with materials like
 Glass
 Quartz
 Diamond
 Polymethylmethacrylate
 Polydimethylsiloxane
 Polyimide
 Silicon
 Stainless steel
 Nickel
 Glass is an excellent material for components in micro reaction
technology because of its unique properties and advantages.

9.  Advantages
 Technical advantages
 Ecological advantages
 Economic advantages
 Technical advantages
 Good control of chemical reactions
 Efficient heat exchange
 They can withstand to high pressure and hazardous chemicals

10.  Ecological advantages
 Safe production of chemicals
 Safe production of pharmaceutical products
 Preservation of resources during production
 Reduction of waste disposa
 Economic advantages
 Numbering up of reactors instead of scale up
 Integration of various production steps
 Integration of various production steps
 Disadvantages
 Cost issues
 Challenges in numbering up
 Clogged tubes

11.  [1] Dr Axel Kleemann, CPC – Cellular Process Chemistry GmbH, Microreaction
Technology, Available from-
http://www.iptonline.com/articles/public/iptnine72noprint.pdf
 [2] Sigma-Aldrich co website -
http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/etc/medialib/docs/Aldrich/Bulletin/1/al_chemfiles_v9n4.
Par.0001.File.tmp/al_chemfiles_v9n4.pdf
 [3] S R Buddoo, N Siyakatshana, and B Pongoma, Microreactors – A marvel of modern
manufacturing technology: Biodiesel case study, Available from -
http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/bitstream/10204/2680/1/Buddoo_P_2008.pdf
 [4] Karolin Geyer and Peter H. Seeberger, Microreactors as the Key to the Chemistry
Laboratory of the Future, Available from - http://www.beilstein-
institut.de/Bozen2008/Proceedings/Seeberger/Seeberger.pdf
 Image Reference
 Fig. 1): Dusemund Pte Ltd, website-
http://www.dusemund.com/mikroglas/Microreaction%20Technolog1.pdf
 Fig. 2): Transesteri?cation with methanol to produce fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) - S R
Buddoo, N Siyakatshana, and B Pongoma, Microreactors – A marvel of modern
manufacturing technology: Biodiesel case study, Available from -
http://researchspace.csir.co.za/dspace/bitstream/10204/2680/1/Buddoo_P_2008.pdf
 To contact the author mail: articles@worldofchemicals.com
 © WOC Article