Modular 3D Printed Compressed Air Driven Continuous‐Flow Systems for Chemical Synthesis

Abstract

In this present study, we describe the development of a low‐cost, small‐footprint and modular 3D printed continuous‐flow system that readily attaches to existing stirrer hotplates. Flow‐rates are controlled by compressed air that is typically present in all fume hoods, making it suitable for use by synthetic chemists. The length of the flow‐path and reaction residence time is regulated by control of the air‐flow and pressure and by addition of one or more 3D printed polypropylene (PP) circular disk reactors that were designed to fit a DrySyn Multi‐E base, which is found in most synthetic laboratories. The ease of use of the system, the facile control of flow‐rates and the solvent resistance of the PP reactors was demonstrated in a range of SNAr reactions to produce substituted ether derivatives highlighting the utility and modularity of the system.

Supporting‐Electrolyte‐Free Electrochemical Methoxymethylation of Alcohols Using a 3D‐Printed Electrosynthesis Continuous Flow Cell System

“…Our aim was to reach both experts and new‐comers in the electrosynthesis field and demonstrate that any batch based system could readily be converted into a continuous flow one . Following our previous studies on developing a continuous flow system for use with stirrer hotplates using 3D printing, we first measured the Electrasyn 2.0 using Vernier calipers and then modified our previously designed flow system to take into account the reduction in size of each of the components. In addition, the flow electrode section was also designed to be attachable to any power supply via the electrode connectors (Figure B).…”

“…Once continuous flow was no longer required, it could be easily removed from the system and stored (Supporting Information). The system is designed around our previously described flow system and is comprised of five units, covering the dock for the electrochemistry cell (direct electrical connection to the Electrasyn 2.0), base unit (for compressed air control), flow control unit (to set pressure), injection unit (for addition of reagents) and solvent block (to hold and provide solvent for the reaction) (Supporting Information) . These are analogous to HPLC stacks where units can be varied to match individual requirements (Figure ).…”

“…The continuous flow electrochemistry system was designed to be powered by compressed air and the flow rates mediated by restricted capillary flow as per our previous investigations to reduce the cost of the overall system . Individual components were 3D printed using PLA (for structural components) or polypropylene (PP) for solvent exposed components as required (Supporting Information) . The system is comprised of a solvent block, injection block for reagents, flow control and base block for connection as well as a holder for the flow electrochemistry reactor (Figure ).…”

Extending practical flow chemistry into the undergraduate curriculum via the use of a portable low-cost 3D printed continuous flow system

“…As a result of these challenges, along with the growing 3D printing research in our group in both batch and flow, we set out to develop an adaptable, portable, modular, small footprint, low-cost 3D printed continuous flow system that could incorporate a number of flow paths as per user requirements that could be used by undergraduates in practical classes and also by research groups which was described recently [6][7][8][9] (Fig. 1).…”

Design and development of a 3D-printed back-pressure regulator

“…Recent publications in the field have highlighted the advantage that 3D printing has provided chemists with the ability to design, prototype and print functional devices for laboratory applications. 2,3,4 There are several engineering aspects to consider when making the transition from a traditional batch reactor to a flow system. One essential component a chemist would need is a back-pressure regulator (BPR).…”