The PolyBLOCK range from H.E.L Group comprises compact, automated parallel synthesis platforms designed for general chemical synthesis, R&D and process development. Available with 4 or 8 independently controlled reaction zones, the systems are particularly suited to Design of Experiments (DoE), process screening, optimisation and long-term stability studies.
The modular design enables a range of reactor vessels and application-specific options to be integrated, including solubility and crystallisation monitoring, online calorimetry and catalyst screening. PolyBLOCK High Pressure extends these capabilities to reactions requiring elevated pressures, including hydrogenation and high-pressure process development.
Features and Options:
PolyBLOCK Configurations Comparison
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| PolyBLOCK 8 |
PolyBLOCK High Pressure |
Image Credit: H.E.L Group
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Feature
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PolyBLOCK 4
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PolyBLOCK 8
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PolyBLOCK High Pressure
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Number of reactors
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4
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8
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4 or 8
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Maximum reactor volume
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500 mL
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200 mL
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500 mL (4-reactor), 50 mL (8-reactor)
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Reactor materials
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Glass, stainless steel, Hastelloy
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Glass, stainless steel, Hastelloy
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Stainless steel, Hastelloy
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Operating pressure
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Glass vessels: 0.05–1.1 bara
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Glass vessels: 0.05–1.1 bara
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Up to 200 bar
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Standard sensors
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Reactor temperature, zone temperature, stirring speed
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Reactor temperature, zone temperature, stirring speed
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Reactor pressure, reactor temperature, zone temperature, stirring speed
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Application-specific options
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Crystallisation monitoring, online calorimetry
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Crystallisation monitoring, online calorimetry
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Gas consumption measurement, high-pressure calorimetry
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The following features and options are available across the PolyBLOCK range, unless otherwise specified.
Temperature Control
- Ambient to 200°C without external cooling.
- Optional low-temperature circulator for operation down to −40°C.
- Independent temperature control of each reaction zone, with temperature differences exceeding 100°C between reactors.
- Temperature control accuracy within ±0.1°C.
Independent Stirring
- Magnetic stirring using stirrer bars as standard.
- Optional suspended mechanical stirring for small-scale applications.
- Optional direct overhead stirring for larger reactor vessels.
Application Modules
Depending on the reactor configuration, available application modules include:
- Solubility/crystallization monitoring.
- Online calorimetry.
- Catalyst screening, with gas-consumption measurement available on PolyBLOCK High Pressure.
Intelligent Software Control and Analysis
- H.E.L's WinISO software provides automated data logging, multi-step experimental procedures, parameter control and feedback loops.
- Independent monitoring and control of reactor parameters, with user-configurable experimental sequences.
Safety Features
- Automatic, user-configurable safety limits and shutdown procedures.
- Hardware and software fail-safes on every system.
Condensing Options
Depending on the reactor configuration, available options include:
- Quick-connect condensing and inerting options for larger reactors, with seals allowing condensers to be removed without cooling liquid spillage.
- Reflux and inerting blocks with adaptors for vials, tubes and reactors.
Reactor Options
Depending on the reactor configuration, available options include:
- Reactor Vessels: Interchangeable vessels and adaptors, including compatibility with H.E.L's CAT reactors.
- High-Pressure and Vacuum Systems: Configurations available for applications requiring high-pressure or vacuum operation.
- Reagent Addition: Automated liquid and gas feeding, including volumetric syringe pumps.
- Sampling Systems: Active pumps, manual dip tubes, automated level control and multisampling systems, including the ASU.
- Sensor Options: Additional sensors for pH, turbidity, redox, conductivity and dissolved oxygen.
- Analytical Integration: Third-party analytical probes, including in-situ FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and particle sizing.