The stainless steel reactor is a generic type of vessel widely used in the process industries. Its name is a misnomer since they are used for various process operations like solid dissolution, product mixing, chemical reactions, batch distillation, crystallization, liquid/liquid extraction and polymerization. However, in some cases, they are not known as reactors; instead, a name which reflects the role they perform. A typical stainless steel reactor has a tank with an agitator and integral heating or cooling system. Although, these vessels may vary in size from less than 1 liter to more than 1500 liters.
Usually, solids and liquids are charged through connections in the top cover of the reactor from which vapors and gases are also discharged. Liquids are discharged out of the bottom of it. Stainless steel reactors are versatile, and a single vessel can carry out a sequence of various operations without the need to break containment. It is especially very useful during processing toxic or highly potent compounds. Different types of stainless steel reactors use in various industries and for different purposes. Below are some of the major uses of stainless steel reactors.
Uses of Stainless Steel Reactor:
Stainless steel reactors are widely used in various industries to store different materials, whether solid or liquid. However, a huge variety of stainless steel reactors are available in the market that has been useful for various industries. In addition, Stainless steel jacketed reactor is used for application in mixing that requires a large vacuum or pressure rating.
They are mostly used in pharmaceutical industries for storing and processing liquids and solids. They are one of the best choices for certain heating and cooling as it provides and keeps the material safe and secure. Stainless steel lab reactor mix and store different materials such as chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and many others. In the chemical industry, stainless steel reactors mix cleaning agents, lubricants, polishing agents, colors, wax emulsion, etc.
In the pharmaceutical industry, Stainless steel jacketed reactor is also widely used for ointment, gels, cough syrup, vaccines, lotions, antiseptics etc. and simultaneously used for various purposes in the cosmetic industry. Stainless steel lab reactors are used to make chemicals in industry. Moreover, they are used for most of the reactions that carry out in the laboratory.
They are especially used when a company wants to produce a range of products that involve different reactants and reactor conditions. Automated and customized stainless steel reactor guarantee a controlled cleaning and sterilization of all the required elements, including tanks, pipes and pumps, in a reliable, repetitive and verifiable manner. Some of the well-known types of stainless steel reactors along with their uses are as follows:
Bio-Reactors:
They are used to handle batches of acidic and highly corrosive materials, like chemicals used in the Chemical and Pharmacy industry.
Mixing Stainless Steel Reactors:
They are also a well-known type of stainless steel reactor used for specific customer requirements, and CAD drawings are used to ensure all specifications are met.
Trickle Bed Reactors:
They are most commonly used for hydrogenation reactions. They have solid phases, a catalyst for carrying out gas-liquid reactions.
Fixed Bed Reactors:
It is especially used to carry out heterogeneous catalyzed gas-phase reactions. It can be built on single or numerous tubes as per the requirements.
Fluidized Bed Reactors:
A bed of solid particles is supported with a pull of gas or liquid that floats upward at a velocity so that the solid bed behaves as a fluid. A fluidized Bed and Fluidized Bed Reactor are used in this process.
Life Cycle Benefits of Stainless Steel Reactors:
Stainless steel reactors are highly cost-effective over the equipment’s entire life cycle. A properly maintained Stainless steel lab reactor can operate for decades. This feature makes it a very economical material selection compared to other available materials. Some of the common benefits of Stainless steel jacketed reactor are as follows:
- They deliver many years of economical service life.
- Stainless steel reactors eliminate expensive downtime due to equipment failure.
- It is really helpful to provide outstanding corrosion resistance.
- They can accommodate high steam pressure.
- Greatly provide high resistance to uniform attack and outstanding localized corrosion resistance.
- It prevents stress cracking and also minimizes the possibility o processing fluid leaks.
Conclusion:
Stainless steel reactors are widely used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural, petrochemical, fertilizer and power industries. In addition, various types of reactors are used in various industries. Stainless steel jacketed reactor is commonly used in those industries that use salts, acids and other chemicals. A stainless steel lab reactor is used for chemical processing. However, the stainless steel reactors provide excellent resistance to corrosion with very high mechanical strength.
