Abstract: Esterification and transesterification methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed which increase the efficiency of esterification reactions. The methods comprising utilizing an annular gap reactor comprises a rotor rotating within a stator to provide an annular flow passage comprising a flow path containing a high-shear treatment zone in which the passage spacing is smaller than in the remainder of the zone to provide a subsidiary higher-shear treatment zone. In exemplary embodiments, the reactor is modified to include an evaporator portion including an opening in the stator near the end of the reactor and a series of fins placed in the opening. Increase in the rates due to the annular gap reactor allow for the use of less catalyst, poorer catalysts, lower temperature and reduction in unwanted side reactions at more economically favorable conditions.

Abstract: Esterification and transesterification methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed which increase the efficiency of esterification reactions. The methods comprises utilizing an annular gap reactor comprises a rotor rotating within a stator to provide an annular flow passage comprising a flow path containing a high-shear treatment zone in which the passage spacing is smaller than in the remainder of the zone to provide a subsidiary higher-shear treatment zone. In exemplary embodiments, the reactor is modified to include an evaporator portion including an opening in the stator near the end of the reactor and a series of fins placed in the opening. Increase in the rates due to the annular gap reactor allow for the use of less catalyst, poorer catalysts, lower temperature and reduction in unwanted side reactions at more economically favorable conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provide for methods and apparatus for temperature control of material reactions that take place in a defined area. Exemplary areas comprise the inside of a vessel or a material processing passage defined by a rotor and stator, for example. Control of temperature of material reactions in the area is provided by a counter-current flow/configuration of fluid which conducts energy, such as heat, to and/or from the area/space in which the material reactions take place.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cell-culturing methods, apparatus and systems wherein cells in cell cultures are subjected to novel shear forces, which provide improved and efficient target product production. The shear force is provided by a reactor apparatus connected to a cell culture apparatus by a pump for transporting said cell culture from said cell culture apparatus via a first conduit operably connecting said cell culture apparatus to an inlet of a reactor apparatus. The reactor apparatus includes a chamber wherein the cell culture is received and submitted to a shear force as it passes therethrough. The chamber can include a plurality of filters to retain the cells in the cell culture while collecting cell culture media. A stator and a rotor of the reactor apparatus can define the chamber.