Julabo ChemTron Glass Vacuum Filtration Reactor

Overview

The Julabo ChemTron Glass Vacuum Filtration Reactor is a fully integrated, modular laboratory-scale reaction system engineered for controlled synthesis, crystallization, distillation, and in-situ solid–liquid separation under variable pressure and temperature conditions. Built upon the principle of simultaneous process control and physical isolation, it combines high-purity borosilicate glass 3.3 vessel construction with vacuum-assisted filtration capability, enabling direct post-reaction solid isolation without system disassembly. Unlike conventional jacketed reactors limited to heating/cooling and agitation, this platform integrates standardized ACE-Thred® port architecture, chemically inert wetted-path materials (Class I borosilicate glass per USP , PTFE, and PFA), and dynamic thermal management via Julabo’s purpose-built circulation units—ensuring reproducible thermodynamic profiles across exothermic, endothermic, or isothermal processes.

Key Features

• Monolithic borosilicate glass 3.3 (DIN ISO 3585) reactor body with CTE of (3.3 ± 0.1) × 10⁻⁶/K—minimizing thermal stress during rapid ramping or cryogenic operation
• Vacuum-integrated bottom filtration assembly with sintered glass frit (porosity grades G3–G4) and PTFE-coated valve manifold for pressure-controlled solid harvesting
• ACE-Thred® standardized conical thread interface (60 mm to 300 mm diameters) ensuring leak-tight, repeatable, tool-free assembly of condensers, addition funnels, gas inlets, and sensors
• Dynamic temperature control using Julabo’s EHC (Enhanced Heat Capacity), E-PT100 sensor integration, TCF (Temperature Control Feedback), ACC (Adaptive Cooling Compensation), and ICC (Intelligent Circulation Control) technologies
• Structural compatibility with Julabo PRESTO, F26, or V200 series circulators—supporting sustained operation from −170 °C (liquid nitrogen assist) to +250 °C (high-temp silicone oil)
• GMP-aligned mechanical design: certified pressure equipment manufacturer status (PED 2014/68/EU), CE-marked, ISO 9001-certified production, and full traceability of raw material certifications (e.g., ASTM E438, DD-G-541B)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The reactor’s all-glass, PTFE/PFA–sealed fluid path ensures compatibility with aggressive reagents including concentrated acids (HNO₃, H₂SO₄), halogenated solvents (CH₂Cl₂, CCl₄), organometallics, and moisture-sensitive intermediates. Its Class I borosilicate composition meets USP requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturing contact surfaces and complies with ASTM E438 Type I specifications for hydrolytic resistance (Class HGB). Full documentation packages—including Material Certificates (EN 10204 3.1), PED Declaration of Conformity, and GMP readiness assessment—are provided. The system supports IQ/OQ/PQ execution per ICH Q7 and FDA guidance, with FAT/SAT protocols available for regulated environments requiring 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic records.

Software & Data Management

AUTO-REACTOR™ software provides centralized orchestration of temperature setpoints, stirring speed (via integrated DC motor controller), vacuum level (via digital pressure transducer feedback), and filtration timing—all synchronized with timestamped data logging. The platform implements ALCOA+ principles: attributable, legible, contemporaneous, original, accurate, complete, consistent, enduring, and available. Audit trails record user actions, parameter changes, and system events with immutable timestamps. Optional integration with LIMS or MES systems is supported via OPC UA or Modbus TCP. All firmware and software versions are version-controlled and validated per GAMP 5 guidelines.

Applications

• Multi-step batch synthesis requiring intermediate isolation (e.g., Grignard additions followed by vacuum filtration of magnesium salts)
• Cryogenic lithiation or deprotonation reactions where thermal inertia must be minimized and solids handled under inert atmosphere
• Crystallization studies with real-time slurry monitoring and controlled anti-solvent addition
• Distillation–filtration coupling for purification of thermally labile APIs without exposure to ambient air
• Process development for continuous flow hybrid setups—used as a stop-flow reactor with automated discharge cycles
• Academic and industrial scale-up studies where geometric similarity and material consistency between 50 mL and 200 L vessels reduce translation risk

FAQ

Is the glass vessel certified for vacuum service down to −1 bar?
Yes—the borosilicate glass 3.3 body and ACE-Thred® sealing system are validated for full vacuum (−1 bar gauge) per EN 15950 and tested during factory acceptance testing.
Can the reactor be used for hydrogenation under elevated pressure?
Standard configurations support up to +3.1 bar gauge; for higher-pressure hydrogenation, custom ASME-coded metal-clad variants or reinforced glass–metal hybrid lids are available upon engineering review.
Does AUTO-REACTOR™ support electronic signature and role-based access control?
Yes—role definitions (Operator, Supervisor, Administrator), electronic signatures, and 21 CFR Part 11–compliant audit logs are enabled by default in licensed installations.
What validation documentation is included with delivery?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Conformance, Material Test Reports (MTRs), Calibration Certificates for integrated sensors, and a FAT report; IQ/OQ protocol templates and PQ support services are offered separately.
Are spare parts such as frits, O-rings, and threaded adapters stocked globally?
Yes—Julabo ChemTron maintains regional spares hubs in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific with standard lead times under 5 business days for consumables and 10 days for machined components.