High‐speed continuous flow calorimetry in a nonadiabatic environment

Abstract

Many rapid and strongly exothermic reactions have transitioned to continuous flow reactors for safety considerations. However, data from batch calorimeters often fall short in guiding these processes due to substantial differences in transfer characteristics, and the adiabatic components of calorimeters significantly escalate equipment costs and dimensions. Inspired by the human body's thermoregulatory mechanism, we developed the Dynamic Tracking Reference Continuous Calorimeter (DTRCC). This novel device enables rapid and precise calorimetry in continuous‐flow reactions under nonadiabatic conditions and variable external temperatures. The measurement time can be reduced to 110 s with a low difference of 0.5%. The DTRCC proves versatile across various reaction types, including nitrification and photoreaction. It can also determine solutions' heat capacity and reactions' selectivity according to calorimetry. Implementing the DTRCC provides crucial data that enhance the design and optimization of continuous flow reactors, significantly boosting chemical process safety and efficiency.