Abstract: A reaction system and a reactor which comprises of two or more reaction cells wherein said cells are separated by inter cell conduits and having a means of causing agitation within the cells which does not require a mechanical connection of the agitating mechanism within the cell to a drive mechanism which is outside the cell.

Abstract: A system for the control of the contents of a reactor which employs a control element of variable area containing flowing heat transfer fluid. The area available for the for the control of the contents of the reactor is controlled is changed by opening and closing a bank of conduits in a cascade and the conduits are opened and closed according to a temperature measurement device in the medium whose temperature is to be controlled.

Abstract: Multi-port flow control valves are provided wherein the outlet ports may be opened in cascade fashion to allow fluid to flow through the outlet ports into at least two conduits in which the opening of the outlet ports is controlled by a signal indicating the need for fluid in the conduits. The valves are particularly useful for controller the supply of heating/cooling fluid to multiple heating/cooling coils employed to control reactions. In a preferred embodiment the opening of the ports is controlled according to the heat measured in the reaction.

Abstract: A process involving heat exchange that employs heat exchangers where the process material flows over a heat transfer surface in which a process material passes through the process conduit of a heat exchanger wherein the desired velocity profile of the process material passing through the process conduit is achieved by varying the cross sectional area of the process conduit in 3 or more locations along the path length of the process conduit which allows better regulation of heating or cooling within the system which, for some processes, will result in improved temperature control.