Abstract: A reactor apparatus including a support element rotatable about an axis (1) and having a surface (2) generally centred on the axis. The surface (2) is adapted for outward flow of a thin film of a liquid phase reactant thereacross when supplied thereto as the surface (2) is rotated. The reactor apparatus is further provided with a plate or shroud (10) that covers or is coextensive with the surface (2) and defines a gap (14) between the surface and an underside of the plate or shroud (10) so as to allow a gaseous phase flow through the gap (14) and over the thin film of the liquid phase reactant. By constraining the gaseous phase flow over the liquid phase component, especially when the gaseous phase flow is countercurrent to the liquid phase flow, excellent mass transfer between the two phases can be achieved.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of a substantially fluid phase substrate by heterogeneous contact of the substrate or a fragment or derivative thereof with a substantially solid phase agent wherein the solid phase agent is comprised as a surface of a support element or part thereof and the support element is adapted to rotate around an axis such that the solid phase agent provides a rotating surface or part thereof and the substrate provides a film flowing substantially radially outward from the axis in dynamic contact with the agent.

Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having first (5, 19) and second (20, 30) surfaces. Reactant (15) is supplied to the first surface (5, 19) by way of a feed (4), the disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) forms a film (17) on the surface (5, 19). As the reactant (15) traverses the surface (5, 19) of the disc (3), it undergoes chemical or physical processes before being thrown from the periphery of the disc (3) into collector means (7). Means for supplying a heat transfer fluid (35) to the second surface (20, 30) are also provided so as to allow the first surface (5, 19) and hence the reactant (15) to be cooled or heated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing particles, especially nanoparticles, by way of precipitation from solution on a rotating surface (1) of a rotating surface reactor is disclosed. Nanoparticles with a tight size distribution may be manufactured in bulk and without the problems of agglomeration that are associated with traditional stirred-tank reactors. Use of a rotating surface reactor allows precipitation of nanoparticles from viscous, supersaturated solutions by way of homogeneous nucleation aided by strong micromixing.

Abstract: A method of conducting polymerisation reactions on a rotating surface reactor which allows substantially increased conversions (up to around 99%) to be achieved without a corresponding increase in polydispersity as would be expected as a result of the Trommsdorff-Norrish effect. The rotating surface reactor serves to disentangle and/or stretch growing polymer chains so as to result in better control over polymerisation kinetics.

Abstract: A capillary reactor distribution device comprising first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) which meet at a junction (5) and a third capillary pathway (4) which leads away from the junction (5), the capillary pathways (2, 3, 4) being dimensioned such that, when first and second immiscible fluids (14, 15) are fed along respectively the first and second capillary pathways (2, 3) under predetermined laminar flow conditions, the first and second fluids (14, 15) chop each other into discrete slugs (16, 17) which pass along the third capillary pathway (4). Molecular mixing between the fluids (14, 15) takes place by way of axial diffusion between adjacent slugs (16, 17) and by way of internal circulation within each slug (16, 17) as the slugs (16, 17) progress along the third capillary pathway (4).

Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a region (13) in an upper surface (5) thereof. Reactant (15) is supplied to the region (13) by way of a feed (4), the disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) moves from the region (13) so as to form a film (17) on the surface (5). As the reactant (15) traverses the surface (5) of the disc (3), it undergoes chemical or physical processes before being thrown from the periphery of the disc (3) into collector means (7).

Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a surface (5) onto which reactant (15) is supplied by way of a feed (4). The disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills over the surface (5) so as to form a film (17). A shear member (18, 20) is mounted close to the surface (5) so as to contact the film (17) during operation of the reactor, thereby applying a shearing force to the reactant (15) so as to aid mixing.

Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a surface (5) onto which reactant (15) is supplied by way of a feed (4). The disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills over the surface (5) so as to form a film (17). The surface (5) is provided with features to enhance its surface area, such as a metal mesh (60), thereby helping to increase the residence time of the reactant (15) on the surface (5) and to help mixing.

Abstract: A reactor including a rotatable disc (3) having a trough (13) in an upper surface (5) thereof. Reactant (15) is supplied to the trough (13) by way or a feed (4), the disc (3) is rotated at high speed, and the reactant (15) spills out of the trough (13) so as to form a film (17) on the surface (5). As the reactant (15) traverses the surface (5) of the disc (3), it undergoes chemical or physical process before being thrown from the periphery of the disc (3) into collector means (7).