Future Production Concepts in the Chemical Industry: Modular – Small‐Scale – Continuous

TLDR

Modular continuous production concepts are already successfully applied in research, development, and piloting of fine chemistry and pharmaceutical compounds. The study aims to prove the applicability of these concepts in a broader range and to develop a platform that simplifies scale‑up from laboratory to container scale. The approach employs a franchise model involving BTS, INVITE, Ehrfeld Mikrotechik BTS, and partners, using micro‑ and milli‑structured devices that enhance transport and reduce holdup in continuous‑flow processes, and a TU Dortmund University platform that streamlines scale‑up across flow rate, temperature, and other conditions. First industrial‑scale case studies demonstrate the application of modular continuous production concepts.

Abstract

Abstract Modular continuous production concepts are already successfully applied in research, development, and piloting of a series of chemical compounds in the markets of fine chemistry and pharmaceutical products. Besides, first case studies for the application of those concepts in industrial scale are reported. Current European research projects focus to proof their applicability in a broader range. The elaborated know‐how will be commercially used in a franchise between BTS, INVITE, Ehrfeld Mikrotechik BTS, and further partners in the product Flonamic®. One core element of these production concepts are micro‐ and milli‐structured devices assisting continuous‐flow processes due to their superior transport characteristics and small holdup. In small‐scale production concepts, these special devices have to be considered together with conventional technology. The platform concept developed by TU Dortmund University for chemical manufacturing simplifies the scale‐up process from lab to container scale and beyond on different levels in flow rate, temperature, or other process conditions.