PolyBLOCK 4: A Bench-Top, Compact 4 Reactor Automated Parallel Synthesis Platform

The PolyBLOCK 4 is a highly versatile, compact 4-reactor, automated parallel synthesis platform, for use in general chemical synthesis within R&D and process development, and more bespoke applications, such as long-term stability studies.  The four independently controlled reaction zones make PolyBLOCK 4 especially well-suited for DoE campaigns and the platform’s modular design enables its capabilities to be easily expanded and adapted as research interests evolve.  

Application modules that can be added include:

  • Solubility/crystallization monitoring
  • Online calorimetry option
  • Catalyst screening

It supports reactor volumes of up to 500 ml, and is equipped with adaptors to support a range of reactor types and sizes, including integration with H.E.L’s catalyst screening CAT reactors.  Additional functionality modules include:

  • Liquid dosing
  • Gas feed
  • Liquid sampling, including integration with the ASU
  • Quick-connect refluxing option
  • Quick-connect inerting solution
  • pH monitoring

The system is also available in a high-pressure variant.

Features and Options:

Temperature Control

  • Ambient to 250 ⁰C (without external cooling)
  • Options to decrease the range down to -40 ⁰C (circulator dependent)
  • Separate mantle around each reactor allows the temperature to be controlled individually, with a range/difference of over 100 °C between the reactors

Independent Stirring

  • Indirect agitation with magnetic stirrer bar as standard.
  • Suspended mechanical agitation for efficient mixing on small-scale and non-viscous samples.
  • Optional Overhead direct agitation for larger vessels.

Intelligent Software Control and Analysis

  • labCONSOL software control enables regular data logging, multi-step recipes, parameter control, and feedback loops. The software adds a responsive intelligence to the PolyBLOCK 4 system and still delivers an intuitive interface that needs only minimal training to run quickly.

Safety Features

  • Include automatic user-configurable reaction detection and shutdown procedures, to ensure user safety.
  • Automatic hardware and software fail-safes are installed on every system.

Condensing Options

  • Easy quick-connect solution for condensing and inerting in larger reactors. Seals allow condensers to be removed without cooling liquid spillage. 
  • Also available reflux and inerting block, with adapters for vials, tubes, and reactors

Reactor Options

  • Vessel types are available in Glass, Stainless Steel, or Hastelloy. With reactor volumes up to 500 ml.
  • High Pressure and Vacuum Systems available, more details on our high-pressure system can be found via PolyBLOCK High Pressure.
  • Sampling Systems through active pumps, manual dip tubes, automated level control, or multisampling units, like the ASU.
  • Reagent Addition through fully automated liquid and gas feeds as well as volumetric syringe pumps. These solutions can be applied to both high and low-pressure systems.
  • Control Options all relevant inputs can be logged, enabling automated monitoring and, where appropriate, feedback control of the reactor system.
  • Sensor Options
    • Temperature, pressure, pH, turbidity, conductivity.
    • Integration of third-party probes is possible, such as in-situ FTIR, particle sizing probes and Raman probes. 
 

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