Continuous Flow Chemistry
Continuous reactions with maximum process safety, efficiency, and reproducible quality.
Innovative solutions for reactions in continuous flow
The De Dietrich platform enables processes to be carried out safely, efficiently, and scalably across a wide range of operating windows - from cryogenic conditions to high temperatures and pressures. In a very compact footprint, scalable reactions can be run from the g/h up to the kg/h range with high yields - also in GMP- and ATEX-compliant designs.
The advantage lies in precise process control through regulated mass flows and optimised heat transfer, enabling high selectivity. Depending on the application, different reactor types, heat exchangers, and mixing systems can be used, for example:
- Optimised 3D-printed reactors made of stainless steel, titanium, or nickel-based materials
- Tubular (coil) systems
The plug-and-play platform can be integrated into standard process environments and, as a package unit, offers the following features:
- Automated control and data acquisition
- Automated Cleaning in Place (CIP) without interrupting the automated process sequence
- Full process control and visualisation
- Data recording and batch reports
- Custom interfaces to plant control systems
- Optional: GMP- and ATEX-compliant design
The CryoFlowSkid was developed to carry out cryogenic reactions safely, efficiently, and scalably - particularly for organometallic syntheses involving organolithium or Grignard reagents. By switching from batch processes to continuous flow technology, the system enables faster reactions, improved heat transfer, and precise process control.
The optimised reactors of our partners, such as B.V., can be used from –60°C up to 200°C, without icing.
Performance & Safety
Continuous production at kg scale: high-precision control of continuous reactions with stable process operation, scalable throughput, and reproducible product quality.
Maximum safety: closed system architecture for the safe handling of highly reactive substances - minimising risk exposure and ensuring controlled process conditions.
Most flexible process execution: three integrated reaction stages within a single system for complex syntheses and flexible process development (–60°C to 200°C, up to 40 bar).
Fully automated operation: intuitive control and automation system for maximum reproducibility, stable temperature control, and qualifiable process documentation.
Technology for cryogenic high-performance processes
Cryogenic reactions require precise temperature control and rapid heat removal to ensure efficiency, selectivity, and process stability. The CryoFlowSkid combines high-performance materials with optimised reactor designs, delivering superior heat transfer, controlled reaction management, and reliable process quality.
With fully automated control and the highest level of operational safety, the system is ideally suited for research applications, pilot plants, and industrial production where reproducible results, precise temperature control, and maximum safety are critical.
Main Applications
Production of APIs and pharmaceutical intermediates: precise process control for manufacturing high-purity pharmaceutical substances with reproducible quality and qualifiable process parameters.
Synthesis of organolithium and Grignard reagents for fine chemicals: safe, scalable, and continuous reaction management for highly reactive organometallic compounds.
Development of cryogenic reactions for specialty chemicals: optimised process windows for researching and implementing cryogenic syntheses for demanding molecules and specialty chemistry.
Multi-stage continuous synthesis for pilot and production plants: integrated reaction stages within a single system—ideal for scale-up, pilot operation, and industrial production with reproducible results.
Scalable plug-and-play process solutions for cryogenic reactions
The CryoFlowSkid is designed for seamless integration into existing production plants and features a mobile, explosion-protected design for ATEX Zone 2 environments. Thanks to modular scalability and quick connections for utilities, the system can be flexibly adapted to different process requirements and production volumes.
This ensures maximum efficiency, short implementation times, and minimal downtime - while maintaining consistent process safety and reproducible quality.
Looking for an advanced solution for continuous reactions?
We develop scalable, safe, and fully automatable systems for demanding continuous syntheses—from pilot plants to production. Rely on engineering leadership, process safety, and reproducible results.