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Technology

Innovative technology for heterogeneous catalysis and adsorption processes

Revolutionize your reactions

The SpinChem® Rotating Bed Reactor (RBR) is a patented technology designed to enhance chemical reactions and processes by optimizing mass transfer between the solid phase and the reaction solution. 

Diagram showing four stages of SpinChem's rotating bed reactor (RBR) process in glass vessels. From left to right: (1) RBR unit with perforated housing being lowered into solution, (2) RBR submerged with flow arrows showing liquid entering housing, (3) internal flow pattern within RBR showing efficient media contact, and (4) RBR lifting process with clean solution. Blue arrows indicate liquid flow direction through the system.

New approach to reactions and processes

The SpinChem® Rotating Bed Reactor (RBR) eliminates slow reaction kinetics caused by poor mass transfer between your solution and solid phase. It works by holding the solid phase as a packed bed inside a rotating cylinder, creating a continuously circulating flow. This design rapidly aspirates the reaction solution from the vessel's bottom, percolates it through the solid phase, and quickly returns it to the vessel. The result is maximized axial mixing and convective transport.

This innovative design enhances mass transfer, reduces reaction time, and boosts yields. The RBR's efficiency extends to challenging scenarios, including reactions with immiscible liquids, liquids of different viscosities, and those requiring dissolved gases.

3D rendering of a SpinChem Rotating Bed Reactor (RBR) unit showing detailed fluid dynamics. A cylindrical perforated housing with multiple circular holes generates symmetrical flow patterns, visualized by light blue arrows radiating outward. The flow visualization demonstrates the efficient mass transfer achieved through the RBR's unique design, with fluid being drawn through the perforated walls and expelled radially

Smart design

The SpinChem® Rotating Bed Reactor (RBR) features a flexible design that allows its use in various industries. Implementing the SpinChem® RBR typically leads to faster processes, higher yields, or reduced reagent consumption, depending on the specific application.

Moreover, the SpinChem® RBR extends the lifespan of solid phase particles by minimizing grinding and fines production. It also simplifies the collection and recycling of the solid phase.

Top-down view of a SpinChem Rotating Bed Reactor (RBR) unit with red spherical media visible through transparent compartments. The circular housing is divided into four sections by internal separators, and a central shaft mount is visible. The red catalyst beads are evenly distributed throughout the compartments

Versatile and Easy to Integrate

The SpinChem® RBR is versatile, accommodating various heterogeneous reactions with diverse solid phases. These include immobilized enzymes, encapsulated cells, and ion exchangers. It's also effective for purification processes using metal scavengers, activated carbon, and water adsorbents.

The RBR's flexible design allows for seamless integration into existing production lines and processes, causing minimal disruption. This adaptability caters to diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, water treatment, fine chemicals, and renewable energy production.

Thanks to its versatility, the RBR can address specific industry challenges—from meeting high-purity requirements in pharmaceuticals to efficiently removing pollutants in water treatment.

Time-lapse photograph showing the dynamic dispersion of red spherical catalyst beads against a white background. The beads transition from a dense cluster on the left to increasingly scattered individual particles moving towards the right, demonstrating the gradual separation and distribution pattern of SpinChem's media during operation.

Cost-efficient

The SpinChem® RBR technology significantly enhances mass transfer rates compared to traditional fixed-bed or stirred tank reactors. This results in faster reaction times, higher yields, or reduced reagent consumption—depending on the specific process—and lower operational costs.

Additionally, due to the RBR's design, the lifetime of solid-phase particles is extended.

These benefits translate into more efficient processes, reduced cycle times, and decreased energy consumption, making the RBR an attractive investment for industries seeking to optimize their chemical processes.

A black and white product lineup showing seven SpinChem Rotating Bed Reactors (RBRs) arranged in ascending size from left to right. The units range from small laboratory-scale to large industrial-scale models, each featuring a vertical shaft and cylindrical housing with progressively larger diameters. The smallest units have compact perforated housings while the largest units show extensive stacked disc designs

Scalable Solution

The SpinChem® technology is fully scalable, enabling a seamless transition from laboratory to production scale. This adaptability makes it suitable for diverse industry sizes and needs, from small-scale experiments to full-scale industrial processes.

The scalability allows processing volumes ranging from 150 mL to 100,000 L with standard RBR models—and even larger volumes, up to thousands of cubic meters, with the ProRBR.

Big volume, big impact: our large-scale solutions deliver

S2 0.1 L
S3 1 L
S4 10 L
S5 100 L
ProRBR >1 m3

With a SpinChem® Rotating Bed Reactor (RBR) you can eliminate slow reaction kinetics caused by poor mass transfer between your solution and solid phase.

Rotating bed reactor S2 with a grey background Rotating bed reactor S2 with a grey background Rotating bed reactor S2 with a grey background

  • Short reaction time

    Due to faster mass transfer

  • Long catalyst lifetime

    Due to protected solid phase

  • No filtration required

    Due to the product design

Sustainability Impact 

Is Rotating Bed Reactor technology a sustainable solution? Discover the environmental benefits of implementing it in your industry.

Applications

Look through the examples of different applications covering various topics and industries where SpinChem® Rotating Bed Reactor technology can be used.

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