A flow reactor [10] includes a fluidic module [20] having an external surface [22], an internal process fluid path [24], and an input port [I] and an output port [O] connected to the process fluid path [24]. An upstream coupler [30] is connected to the input port [I], and a downstream coupler [40] is connected to the output port [O]. The upstream coupler [30] has a gasket [38] in a gasket groove [36] pressed against the fluidic module [22] and a hollow circular cylindrical post [35] protruding from the upstream coupler [32] and extending into the input port [I]. The downstream coupler [40] has a gasket [48] in a gasket groove [46] pressed against the fluidic module [20] and no hollow circular cylindrical post extending into the output port [O].

The invention relates to a flow element for transferring fluids comprising a capillary cartridge (1) having an integrated capillary line (3). The capillary cartridge according to the invention (1) has a ring-shaped channel (8) and securing grooves (6, 6), wherein the flow element is characterized in that the capillary line (3) is arranged in the ring-shaped channel (8). The ends of the capillary lines (3) are connected to connection elements (9) in which securing grooves (6, 6) are secured in a positive locking manner. The flow elements according to the invention contribute toward improved manageability and effectiveness of components. In a preferred embodiment, the flow elements are used as a distribution system in the form of a plurality of capillary cartridges (1-1, 1-2, . . . ). Such distribution systems are of technical importance in the field of catalyst testing apparatuses with reactors arranged in parallel.

A reactor system for high throughput applications includes a plurality of reactor assemblies, each reactor assembly including: a fluid source, which fluid source is adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the flow-through reactors, a flow splitter which flow splitter includes a planar microfluidic chip, which microfluidic chip has a chip inlet channel and a plurality of chip outlet channels, which microfluidic chip further includes a plurality of flow restrictor channels, where each flow restrictor channel extends from said chip inlet channel to an associated chip outlet channel, where the chip inlet channel and the chip outlet channels each have a diameter, where the diameter of the chip inlet channel is the same or less than the length of said chip inlet channel and where the diameter of each chip outlet channel is the same or less than the length of said chip outlet channel.

In mixing of raw materials having different flow rate ratios (volume ratios) (different flow rates), in order to achieve a good mixing effect, the present invention includes: for raw materials having different flow rates, a high-flow-rate side flow path (102) through which a raw material on a high-flow-rate side flows; a low-flow-rate side flow path (103) through which a raw material on a low-flow-rate side flows; branch flow paths (102a, 102b) which are branched from the high-flow-rate side flow path; and a residence flow path (104) which is a flow path after the branch flow paths (102a, 102b) and the low-flow-rate side flow path (103) merge. The branch flow path (102a) and the branch flow path (102b) merge in a way of sandwiching the low-flow-rate side flow path (103).

The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.

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.

In mixing of raw materials having different flow rate ratios (volume ratios) (different flow rates), in order to achieve a good mixing effect, the present invention includes: for raw materials having different flow rates, a high-flow-rate side flow path (102) through which a raw material on a high-flow-rate side flows; a low-flow-rate side flow path (103) through which a raw material on a low-flow-rate side flows; branch flow paths (102a, 102b) which are branched from the high-flow-rate side flow path; and a residence flow path (104) which is a flow path after the branch flow paths (102a, 102b) and the low-flow-rate side flow path (103) merge. The branch flow path (102a) and the branch flow path (102b) merge in a way of sandwiching the low-flow-rate side flow path (103).

Disclosed microscale reactors comprise lamina for carrying out multi-phase reactions for making desired chemical products, such as biohydrogenated diesel (BHD). Microreactor embodiments include a bottom clamp plate, a top clamp plate, and at least one catalyst plate positioned between and operatively associated with the bottom clamp plate and the top clamp plate. Catalyst plates include a catalyst associated for catalyzing the production of product from feedstock. To address the problems encountered when using microchannel reactors, the microscale-based reactors may include a mixer plate assembly and/or at least one catalyst lamina comprising an array of microscale posts. Disclosed microreactor systems for producing BHD include a feedstock source, a hydrogen source and an inert gas source each fluidly coupled to respective microreactor inlets. Certain method embodiments include operating a microreactor or a microreactor system to produce BHD from a suitable feedstock selected from animal fats, vegetable oils, or combinations thereof.

A reactor system for high throughput applications includes a plurality of reactor assemblies, each reactor assembly including: a fluid source, which fluid source is adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the flow-through reactors, a flow splitter which flow splitter includes a planar microfluidic chip, which microfluidic chip has a chip inlet channel and a plurality of chip outlet channels, which microfluidic chip further includes a plurality of flow restrictor channels, where each flow restrictor channel extends from said chip inlet channel to an associated chip outlet channel, where the chip inlet channel and the chip outlet channels each have a diameter, where the diameter of the chip inlet channel is the same or less than the length of said chip inlet channel and where the diameter of each chip outlet channel is the same or less than the length of said chip outlet channel.

The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.