Reactor system allows scale-up of functionalised silicas

PhosphonicS has developed a range of functionalised silicas for pharmaceutical purification and heterogeneous catalysis operations.

The materials enable metal residue levels in drug substances (APIs) to be reduced to very low, regulated levels and precious metals to be effectively scavenged from spent catalysis reactions.

Michael Suggate, Laboratory Production Manager at PhosphonicS. said: “Traditionally our scientists relied upon 5-litre heating mantles to scale-up production of our functionalised silicas from tens of grams to initial kilo quantities. However this technology suffered in terms of the initial scale-up speed we desired”.

He added that implementing the Asynt ReactoMate system has given them the benefits of greater comparison to pilot scale chemistry, better heat and mass transfer and far greater control than heating mantles.

“The unique stand that the ReactoMate reactor sits on allows for complete access to the filter port and the adjustable height allows us to filter our solids with far greater control (under gravity) than by lifting and pouring from large round bottomed flasks,” he said.