The invention provides a method for digitising a method of synthesis. The method includes the steps of identifying a method of synthesis for a target product; (ii) establishing a process sequence for that method, which process sequence is a collection of chemical and/or physical steps within the method of synthesis; and subsequently (iii) translating the process sequence to a digital model of the method of synthesis, which digital model comprises a digital description of the chemical and/or physical steps within the method of synthesis.

A device for continuously manufacturing acrylate compound and a method for continuously manufacturing acrylate compound are provided. The device for continuously manufacturing acrylate compound includes a reaction system, a feed tank and a collection tank. The feed tank connects to the inlet port of the reaction system, in order to introduce an alcohol compound and acrylic acid compound into the reaction system. The collection tank connects to the outlet port of the reaction system, in order to collect the acrylate compound. In particular, the reaction system includes at least two reaction units, an inlet port and an outlet port, wherein each reaction unit includes a microreactor and a centrifugal element.

Disclosed are modular chemical reaction systems and methods of using such chemical reaction systems. The disclosed systems can have a substrate layer and a plurality of modules selectively mounted to an outer surface of the substrate layer. The substrate layer can include flow connectors that cooperate with the modules to form a fluid flow pathway for performing at least one step of a chemical reaction. At least one of the modules can be a process module, such as a reactor or separator. The modules can also include at least one regulator module. The system can also include at least one analysis device that analyzes at least one characteristic of the chemical reaction as the reaction occurs. The system can also include processing circuitry that monitors and/or optimizes the chemical reaction based on feedback received from the analysis device or other system components.

The invention generally provides systems and methods for producing a chemical product. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems that include a chemical product production unit. The chemical production unit includes a plurality of microfluidic modules configured to be fluidically coupled to each other in an arrangement that produces a chemical product from an input of a plurality of starting reagents that react with each other due to conditions within the plurality of microfluidic modules through which the starting reagents flow. The system also includes a droplet dispenser fluidically coupled to the chemical product production unit that forms and dispenses droplets of the chemical product.

The invention is directed to a microfluidic device, which comprises distinct, parallel levels, including a first level and a second level. It further includes: a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a node. This node comprises: an inlet port, a cavity, a via, and an outlet port. The cavity is formed on the first level and is open on a top side. The inlet port is defined on the first level; it branches from the first microchannel and communicates with the cavity through an ingress thereof. The outlet port, branches to the second microchannel on the second level. The via extends from the bottom side of the cavity, down to the outlet port, so the cavity may communicate with the outlet port. In addition, the cavity comprises a liquid blocking element to prevent an aqueous liquid filling the inlet port to reach the outlet port.

The invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing reaction systems with a liquid phase (13) and a gas phase (15), the apparatus (1) comprising at least two tank reactors (3), a common feed line (5), a common drain line (25) for the liquid phase and a common drain line (21) for the gas phase, each tank reactor (3) being connected to the common feed line (5) by a supply line (7), to the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase by a liquid withdrawal line (27) and to the common drain line (21) for the gas phase by a gas withdrawal line (23), wherein the pressure in each tank reactor (3) is controlled by one of: (a) a pressure control (31) in the common feed line (5); (b) a pressure line (29) which is connected to the gas space of each tank reactor (3); (c) a pressure control (31) in the common drain line (21) for the gas phase and a flow restrictor (33) in the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase or a pressure control (31) in the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase and a flow restrictor (33) in the common drain line (21) for the gas phase; or (d) a pressure line (29) which enters into the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase or into the common drain line (21) for the gas phase.

The invention further relates to a process for analyzing reaction systems in such an apparatus.

A general-purpose software-reconfigurable chemical process system useful in a wide range of applications is disclosed. Embodiments may include software control of internal processes, automated provisions for cleaning internal elements with solvents, provisions for clearing and drying gasses, and multitasking operation. In one family of embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable Lab-on-a-Chip or embedded chemical processor is realized that can facilitate a wide range of applications, instruments, and appliances. Through use of a general architecture, a single design can be economically manufactured in large scale and readily adapted to diverse specialized applications. Clearing and cleaning provisions may be used to facilitate reuse of the device, or may be used for decontamination prior to recycling or non-reclaimed disposal. In other embodiments, a flexible software-reconfigurable multipurpose reusable laboratory glassware setup may be realized, sparing talented laboratory staff from repetitive, complex, or low-level tasks occurring in analysis, synthesis, or small-scale chemical manufacturing.

The invention generally provides systems and methods for producing a chemical product. In certain embodiments, the invention provides systems that include a chemical product production unit. The chemical production unit includes a plurality of microfluidic modules configured to be fluidically coupled to each other in an arrangement that produces a chemical product from an input of a plurality of starting reagents that react with each other due to conditions within the plurality of microfluidic modules through which the starting reagents flow. The system also includes a droplet dispenser fluidically coupled to the chemical product production unit that forms and dispenses droplets of the chemical product.

Modular reactors comprising a chassis, reactor tubing and optionally a cover are disclosed. The chassis comprises a plurality of channels of different lengths into which a length of reactor tubing is placed to create the reactor portion of the flow reactor.

The invention is directed to a microfluidic device, which comprises distinct, parallel levels, including a first level and a second level. It further includes: a first microchannel, a second microchannel, and a node. This node comprises: an inlet port, a cavity, a via, and an outlet port. The cavity is formed on the first level and is open on a top side. The inlet port is defined on the first level; it branches from the first microchannel and communicates with the cavity through an ingress thereof. The outlet port, branches to the second microchannel on the second level. The via extends from the bottom side of the cavity, down to the outlet port, so the cavity may communicate with the outlet port. In addition, the cavity comprises a liquid blocking element to prevent an aqueous liquid filling the inlet port to reach the outlet port.