ChemTron EZChem Glass Reactor System
| Brand | ChemTron |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | EZChem |
| Reactor Volumes | 10 L, 20 L, 30 L, 50 L (two configurations), 100 L |
| Material | High-quality borosilicate glass (DIN/ISO 3585 compliant) |
| Temperature Range | −60 °C to +200 °C |
| Pressure Rating | Suitable for ambient, vacuum, and mild positive pressure operation (up to 0.5 bar gauge) |
| Stirring Speed | Continuous operation up to 500 rpm |
| Stirrer Shaft | Stainless steel core with PTFE or PFA coating |
| Jacket Inlet/Outlet | DN15 (10–30 L), DN25 (50–100 L) |
| Flange Standards | DN200 (10 L), DN300 (20–50 L), DN400 (100 L) |
| Bottom Valve | Adjustable PTFE-lined valve, 0–25 mm port |
| Condenser Length | 300 mm (10 L), 400 mm (20–100 L) |
| Collection Vessel Capacity | 5 L to 20 L |
| Feed Funnel Volume | 1 L to 2 L |
| Temperature Probe Length | 600 mm to 1200 mm |
| Overall Dimensions (W × D × H) | 720 × 600 × 2080 mm (10 L) to 890 × 716 × 2980 mm (100 L) |
| Compliance | Designed per ISO 15500-2 (glass vessel safety), EN 61000-6-3 (EMC), and DIN 12574 (laboratory glassware) |
Overview
The ChemTron EZChem Glass Reactor System is a modular, bench- to pilot-scale process reaction platform engineered for reproducible, safe, and scalable chemical synthesis under controlled thermal, mechanical, and atmospheric conditions. Built around high-purity borosilicate glass (DIN/ISO 3585), the system operates across a wide temperature range (−60 °C to +200 °C) and supports ambient, reduced-pressure (vacuum), and low-positive-pressure (≤0.5 bar gauge) reaction environments. Its open stainless-steel support frame provides structural rigidity and rapid reconfiguration, while standardized flanged connections (DN200–DN400) ensure interchangeability of glass components—reactor vessels, condensers, feed funnels, and bottom valves—across volume classes (10 L to 100 L). The system integrates top-driven magnetic or mechanical stirring with precise speed control (0–800 rpm), enabling homogeneous mixing in viscous, heterogeneous, or gas-evolving reactions without seal leakage risks typical of traditional gland-packed shafts.
Key Features
- Modular architecture with tool-free assembly/disassembly using ChemTron’s proprietary clamp-and-lock bracket system, minimizing setup time and alignment error.
- Borosilicate glass reactor bodies manufactured to ISO 3585 specifications, with full traceability documentation including hydrostatic test certificates.
- Multi-port reactor heads (5–8 ports) configured with standardized ground-glass joints (45/40, 29/32, DN60/DN100 SN-45°) to accommodate reflux, distillation, inert gas purging, pH/temperature monitoring, and sampling interfaces.
- Integrated jacketed design compatible with external circulators (e.g., Huber, Julabo, Lauda); DN15/DN25 jacket ports support uniform heat transfer via thermal oil or coolant.
- PTFE- or PFA-lined bottom discharge valves with adjustable flow control (0–25 mm opening), rated for cryogenic to high-temperature service and resistant to aggressive solvents and acids.
- Stirrer shafts constructed from corrosion-resistant stainless steel (AISI 316L) with chemically inert polymer sheathing (PTFE/PFA), available in multiple lengths (600–1600 mm) and diameters (16–28 mm) to match vessel geometry and viscosity requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The EZChem system is compatible with organic solvents (e.g., THF, DMF, chlorinated hydrocarbons), aqueous bases/acids (pH 0–14), and reactive intermediates (Grignards, organolithiums, diazo compounds) when operated within its validated thermal and pressure envelope. All wetted parts—glass, PTFE, PFA, and FKM O-rings—meet USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR 177.1550 compliance for pharmaceutical process development. The system supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows: optional audit-trail-enabled digital loggers (temperature, stir speed, pressure) comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated software. Mechanical design conforms to EN 13445-3 (unfired pressure vessels) and ISO 15500-2 for glass vessel safety under thermal cycling and vacuum stress.
Software & Data Management
While the base EZChem system operates manually via analog controls, it is fully compatible with third-party process monitoring and automation platforms—including LabVIEW, DeltaV, and Siemens Desigo—via 4–20 mA, 0–10 V, or Modbus RTU interfaces on optional digital modules. Temperature sensors (Pt100, Class A) and pressure transducers (0–1 bar absolute, ±0.25% FS) output calibrated signals traceable to NIST standards. Optional ChemTron DataLink™ software (v3.2+) enables synchronized acquisition of up to 16 channels, automated report generation (PDF/CSV), and electronic signature support for regulated environments. All data files are timestamped, user-authenticated, and stored with SHA-256 checksum integrity verification.
Applications
- Process optimization of exothermic hydrogenations, nitrations, and Friedel–Crafts acylations under controlled addition and cooling rates.
- Scale-up studies from lab-scale (10 L) to pre-pilot (100 L) for API intermediate synthesis, adhering to ICH Q5A and Q7 guidelines.
- Development of continuous-flow hybrid batch processes—e.g., semi-batch crystallization with in situ PAT (FTIR, FBRM) integration via auxiliary ports.
- Material compatibility testing of catalysts, polymers, and battery electrolytes under extended thermal cycling (−40 °C ↔ +180 °C, 500+ cycles).
- Educational use in advanced organic chemistry and chemical engineering laboratories for teaching reaction kinetics, mass/heat transfer, and safety protocols (e.g., RC1e-style calorimetry integration).
FAQ
Is the EZChem system suitable for high-vacuum applications (e.g., <1 mbar)?
Yes—when equipped with vacuum-rated PTFE/FKM gaskets and a certified vacuum pump, the system maintains integrity down to 0.1 mbar absolute. Glass thickness and flange design meet ISO 15500-2 vacuum fatigue requirements.
Can I retrofit my existing EZChem unit with a digital temperature controller?
Yes—ChemTron offers the TC-ModKit, which includes DIN-rail-mounted PID controllers, Pt100 input modules, and relay outputs for heater/circulator control, fully retrofittable without vessel modification.
What is the maximum allowable stirring torque at 500 rpm for the 100 L configuration?
At 500 rpm, the standard 28 mm PTFE-sheathed shaft delivers up to 4.2 N·m continuous torque (tested per DIN EN ISO 527-2); higher-torque variants (up to 8.5 N·m) are available upon request.
Are spare parts—especially custom-ground glass joints—available with documented dimensional certification?
Yes—ChemTron maintains a full spares inventory with metrology reports (calibrated CMM data) for all ground-glass joints, condensers, and adapters, supplied with ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration certificates.
Does ChemTron provide validation documentation (IQ/OQ) for GMP environments?
Yes—Factory-issued IQ/OQ protocols (per ASTM E2500 and EU Annex 15) are available as optional deliverables, including sensor calibration records, leak-test reports, and operational boundary verification.
