System and method for determining optimal reaction parameters using continuously running process
First Claim
1. An automated reaction system for continuously performing a plurality of optimization experiments to enable at least one optimal reaction parameter for a reaction to be identified, the reaction producing a desired product, comprising:
- (a) a controller, said controller being configured to monitor and control the system while continuously performing a plurality of optimization experiments, such that during each of the plurality of optimization experiments, at least one of a plurality of reaction parameters controlled by the controller is changed according to a predefined protocol, the plurality of reaction parameters including at least the parameters of temperature and reactant concentration, the plurality of optimization experiments enabling optimal reaction parameters to be identified;
(b) a reactant supply source for each reactant required for the reaction;
(c) a solvent supply source coupled in fluid communication with each reactant supply source;
(d) a dilution pump for each reactant, each dilution pump being coupled in fluid communication with a corresponding reactant supply source and with the solvent supply source for a corresponding reactant, and being logically coupled to the controller and operative to vary a concentration of a corresponding reactant using a solvent;
(e) a reaction module having an inlet coupled in fluid communication with each reactant supply source and the solvent supply source to receive each reactant, and an outlet, the reaction module being operative to initiate the reaction of the reactants; and
(f) at least one analytical unit coupled in fluid communication with the outlet and logically coupled with the controller, the analytical unit being configured to analyze the desired product, producing data for the plurality of optimization experiments used to determine at least one optimal reaction parameter.
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Abstract
A reaction system enables a plurality of optimization experiments for a reaction to be performed continuously, to enable optimal reaction parameters to be determined. Dilution pumps are included to automatically vary the solvent mixed with reactants so a concentration of each reactant can be selectively varied. The reactants are introduced into a reaction module selectively coupled to residence time chambers or directly to an analytical unit. The analytical unit determines the yield and/or quality for each optimization experiment, enabling optimal parameters to be determined. Residence time chambers can be employed sequentially to enable total residence time to be varied. The controller performs as many experiments as required to enable each parameter to be varied according to a predefined testing program and can redefine a testing program based on the results from previous experiments. At least two reaction parameters can be varied according to periodic functions to further enhance analytical efficiency.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. An automated reaction system for continuously performing a plurality of optimization experiments to enable at least one optimal reaction parameter for a reaction to be identified, the reaction producing a desired product, comprising:
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(a) a controller, said controller being configured to monitor and control the system while continuously performing a plurality of optimization experiments, such that during each of the plurality of optimization experiments, at least one of a plurality of reaction parameters controlled by the controller is changed according to a predefined protocol, the plurality of reaction parameters including at least the parameters of temperature and reactant concentration, the plurality of optimization experiments enabling optimal reaction parameters to be identified; (b) a reactant supply source for each reactant required for the reaction; (c) a solvent supply source coupled in fluid communication with each reactant supply source; (d) a dilution pump for each reactant, each dilution pump being coupled in fluid communication with a corresponding reactant supply source and with the solvent supply source for a corresponding reactant, and being logically coupled to the controller and operative to vary a concentration of a corresponding reactant using a solvent; (e) a reaction module having an inlet coupled in fluid communication with each reactant supply source and the solvent supply source to receive each reactant, and an outlet, the reaction module being operative to initiate the reaction of the reactants; and (f) at least one analytical unit coupled in fluid communication with the outlet and logically coupled with the controller, the analytical unit being configured to analyze the desired product, producing data for the plurality of optimization experiments used to determine at least one optimal reaction parameter. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification