Plug Flow System

Abstract

A continuous flow apparatus for causing chemical and / or physical changes to a fluid process material is disclosed. The continuous flow apparatus includes a tube arranged to provide a flow path for the fluid process material, and a mixing assembly disposed within the tube. The mixing assembly includes a stirring mechanism including at least one axial stirring blade configured to generate a tangential flow of fluid, a static baffle assembly arranged to suppress axial dispersion of fluid within the tube, and one or more rotatable baffles configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the tube and to suppress axial dispersion of fluid within the tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for processing process materials, and more particularly to a continuous flow apparatus used to effect chemical or physical changes on a flowing process material, and methods of using and manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] A batch reactor is a stirred vessel used in the process industry for mixing, synthesis, and separation. Thus, a batch system processes a single system volume at a time. In contrast, a continuous flow reactor processes multiple volumes without interruption and processes a small percentage of the total lot quantity at any given time. A continuous flow system can thereby achieve a higher throughput per unit volume of the system per hour.

[0003] However, many in-process materials are susceptible to degradation and reduced yields due to parallel reactions, sequential reactions, or both. Improved control of residence time and temperature in continuous operation contributes to higher quality and yields in such cases.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to addressing the above and other problems.

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure are defined in the independent claims, and optional features are defined in the dependent claims. Aspects of the present disclosure may be provided in combination with each other, and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects.

[0006] In one embodiment, a continuous flow apparatus is provided for causing chemical and / or physical changes to a fluid process material, the continuous flow apparatus comprising a tube arranged to provide a flow path for the fluid process material, and a mixing assembly disposed within the tube, the mixing assembly comprising a stirring mechanism including at least one axial stirring blade configured to generate a tangential flow of fluid, a static baffle assembly arranged to suppress axial dispersion of fluid within the tube, and one or more rotatable baffles configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the tube and configured to suppress axial dispersion of fluid within the tube.

[0007] The at least one axial stirring blade may have a circular cross-section. The at least one axial stirring blade may be configured to generate a tangential flow in the fluid when it rotates, for example, when it rotates around the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

[0008] This allows processing to be carried out with a reduced system size, which can facilitate an improved ratio of heat transfer area to volume and improved mixing characteristics. These factors can further contribute to lower equipment and operating costs with reduced energy consumption. Other advantages may include improved safety through a reduced system size, uniform utility consumption, and reduced building space used.

[0009] The tube may provide a conduit for a fluid process material, for example, for the flow of fluid from an inlet to an outlet. The tube may be made of metal, and may include, for example, stainless steel and / or Hastelloy. In addition or alternatively, the tube may be lined with glass, tantalum and / or nonmetals, such as fluoropolymers. The tube may be sealed and / or rigid. The tube may include one or more connections, such as flanges, for the inflow of fluid into and / or outflow of the tube.

[0010] The stirring mechanism may include a plurality of axial stirring blades extending in the longitudinal direction (axial direction) of the pipe. The stirring blades may preferably be straight in the axial plane. The plurality of stirring blades may be arranged at the same radial distance from the center of the pipe, for example, the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The axial stirring blades may be arranged symmetrically within the pipe. One or more of the axial stirring blades may be arranged near the periphery or outskirts of the pipe and, when rotated, may generate a tangential flow in the fluid inside the pipe, for example, a rotational flow / circular flow in the radial plane. The stirring mechanism may be coupled to a drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to the stirring mechanism. The stirring mechanism may further include a central shaft coupled to the drive mechanism, and the stirring blades may be coupled to the central shaft via stirring blade supports, the supports may be circular, for example, discs with a circular cross-section, or may include spokes.

[0011] The static baffle assembly may be positioned radially inward of the at least one stirring blade. The static baffle assembly may include at least one axial baffle configured to deflect the tangential flow of the fluid, for example, an axial baffle for generating radial mixing, and at least one radial baffle configured to suppress the axial dispersion of the fluid across the radial baffle. The static baffle assembly may include, for example, three or more axial baffles. The static baffle assembly may include a plurality of radial baffles. The radial baffles may be, for example, circular or disc-shaped. Each of the at least one axial baffles may include a slot, and each of the at least one radial baffles may include a corresponding slot. The radial baffles and the axial baffles may be coupled to each other, for example, each of the at least one radial baffles may be coupled to each of the at least one axial baffles. The slots of the at least one radial baffle may overlap with the slots of the at least one axial baffle, for example, to form a rigid three-dimensional structure when pressed together. The radial and axial baffles may be fixed in place by alternative methods such as interference fitting, bonding, welding, keys, lips, or thermal shrinkage. Alternatively, they may be formed as a single unit by three-dimensional printing.

[0012] The at least one stirring blade may be rotatable, for example, in a radial plane, to define a sweeping trajectory. The sweeping trajectory may have an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The sweeping trajectory of the at least one stirring blade may be within the radial range of the at least one rotatable baffle, for example, between or equal to the inner and outer diameters of the rotatable baffle.

[0013] The at least one rotatable baffle may include at least one ring-shaped radial baffle configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the tube. The at least one ring-shaped radial baffle may be flat. The at least one rotatable baffle may include a plurality of such radial baffles. The plurality of rotatable radial baffles may be aligned axially, for example, to form steps and suppress axial dispersion between steps. The at least one rotatable baffle may surround the static baffle assembly.

[0014] The at least one rotatable baffle may be coupled, for example, to the stirring mechanism and fixed, for example, to the at least one stirring blade, and may be fixed, for example, by welding or adhesive. The continuous flow device may include at least one locking element configured to restrict the axial movement of the at least one rotatable baffle relative to the stirring blade. Each of the rotatable radial baffles may include at least one hole for receiving one of the corresponding at least one stirring blade.

[0015] The at least one locking element may include a ring or sleeve surrounding a portion of the at least one stirring blade. The at least one locking element may include tantalum, for example, be made of tantalum or substantially made of tantalum. Alternatively, the at least one locking element may include a tantalum coating layer. Alternatively, the locking element may include other metals or metal alloys, coating metals or nonmetals.

[0016] The apparatus may include, for example, at least two locking elements positioned on each side of the rotatable baffle to hold the rotatable baffle in a fixed position in the longitudinal plane. The locking elements may be fixedly attached to the stirring blade without being fixed to the rotatable baffle. The locking elements may be fixed to at least one of the rotatable baffles and / or at least one of the stirring blades. The fixing may be provided by the locking elements being bonded or welded to the stirring blades. Alternatively, the fixing may be provided by the locking elements (e.g., rings) being heat-shrinkable around a portion of the stirring blades.

[0017] The rotatable baffle may be made of metal, coated metal, or nonmetal, and may include, or be substantially made of, glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0018] The static baffle assembly may include a plurality of radial baffles, e.g., two or more radial baffles, e.g., four or more radial baffles, e.g., eight or more radial baffles. The device may further include a plurality of rotatable radial baffles, e.g., two or more radial baffles, e.g., four or more radial baffles, e.g., eight or more radial baffles. Working volumes, or "stages," may be provided between each pair of adjacent static and / or rotatable radial baffles in the axial plane, and between the two outermost static radial baffles and each end of the tube. The radial baffles reduce axial dispersion between stages, and the axial baffles may result in effective radial mixing, e.g., under plug flow or approximate plug flow conditions. The continuous flow device may include three or more stages, preferably five or more stages, more preferably nine or more stages. Without being constrained by theory, it is understood that the greater the number of stages provided, the closer the fluid flow in the device will be to plug flow.

[0019] The static radial baffle may be aligned with the rotatable radial baffle, for example, in the axial direction. Alternatively, the axial position of the static radial baffle may be offset from the rotatable radial baffle, for example, to provide a channel for flow.

[0020] The continuous flow device may further include one or more inlet connections for supplying process material fluid into the pipe and one or more outlet connections for discharging process material fluid from the pipe.

[0021] The continuous flow apparatus may be configured to provide a continuous chemical reaction. In addition, or alternatively, the continuous flow apparatus may be configured to provide a continuous process, such as a chemical, physical, or biological change to a process material, including but not limited to chemical reactions, polymerization, crystallization, cell proliferation, extraction, and heating or cooling processes. The process material may be a fluid liquid comprising one or more components, which may include miscible or immiscible liquids, gases, and solids. The process material described herein may be a chemical, a food, other natural product, a diluent, and a catalyst.

[0022] The continuous flow apparatus may be configured to provide radial mixing of the fluid process material under plug flow conditions.

[0023] The static baffle assembly and the at least one rotatable baffle (e.g., multiple rotatable baffles and / or stirring blades) may each be independently removable from the tube. For example, the static baffle assembly may be removable from the first axial end of the tube, and the at least one rotatable baffle may be removable from the second axial end opposite to the first end.

[0024] The continuous flow apparatus may further include a sleeve or jacket surrounding the tube. The sleeve or jacket may be configured to heat and / or cool the process fluid.

[0025] In another embodiment, a method is provided for continuous processing of a fluid process material under plug flow conditions, the method comprising supplying the fluid process material into a pipe, mixing the fluid process material, and discharging the fluid process material from the pipe, wherein the mixing of the fluid process material comprises rotating the stirring blade and the at least one rotatable baffle in the pipe around a static baffle assembly positioned radially inward of the stirring blade and the at least one rotatable baffle.

[0026] The at least one rotatable baffle may include at least one ring-shaped or disc-shaped radial baffle configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the tube. The stirring blade may be fixed to the at least one rotatable baffle. The axial position of the at least one rotatable baffle may be fixed relative to the stirring blade. The continuous processing method may include a continuous chemical reaction. In addition, or alternatively, the processing may include, but is not limited to, chemical, physical or biological changes to the process material, including, chemical reactions, polymerization, crystallization, cell proliferation, extraction and heating or cooling processes. The process material may be a fluid liquid comprising one or more components that may include miscible or immiscible liquids, gases and solids.

[0027] The method may further include heating and / or cooling the fluid process material.

[0028] In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a continuous flow apparatus for causing chemical and / or physical changes to a fluid process material is provided, the method comprising coupling at least one agitation blade to a drive system for rotation of the agitation blade, attaching at least one rotatable radial baffle to the agitation blade, and inserting the rotatable baffle and the agitation blade into a tube, the tube including an inlet connection for supplying a process material fluid into the tube and an outlet connection for discharging the process material fluid from the tube.

[0029] Attaching the at least one rotatable radial baffle to the agitation blade may include fixing the axial position of the rotatable radial baffle relative to the agitation blade. For example, the method may include fixing a locking element to the at least one agitation blade to inhibit axial movement of the rotatable baffle. The method may include attaching one or preferably two locking elements to the agitation blade, the locking elements surrounding a portion of the agitation blade and being disposed on opposite sides of the rotatable baffle. The method may further include fixing the locking element to the at least one agitation blade, for example by heat shrinkage. Attaching the at least one rotatable radial baffle to the agitation blade preferably includes attaching the rotatable radial baffle to two or more agitation blades to fix the position of the rotatable radial baffle in a radial plane.

[0030] The devices and methods described herein can generate radial mixing of fluid process materials in a flow while reducing axial dispersion. The systems and methods according to the present disclosure can provide a scalable continuous system for single-phase and multiphase materials where mixing and plug flow are substantially decoupled from residence time. Thereby, for a similar range of applications, better performance and greater production capacity can be provided than in a batch process. The material passes through the system axially under plug flow conditions. If desired, mixing and heating or cooling conditions can be applied. Chemical, physical, biological, or temperature changes can occur as the material progresses through the system. Materials of different densities can move at different axial velocities or move in opposite axial directions. Intermediate injection points and withdrawal points along the system body can also be used.

[0031] The design principles described herein can facilitate the use of baffles made of non-metallic materials that are resistant to high temperatures and corrosive materials. Standard industrial materials including metals, non-metals, alloys, and lined metals can be used. The present disclosure can provide a system having a rotatable radial baffle that substantially covers the radial region between the static radial baffle and the tube wall. Thereby, axial dispersion can be further reduced so that the observed residence time approaches the nominal residence time. The rotatable baffle can be attached to the agitation blade by a locking ring or sleeve.

[0032] The present invention relates to activities within the plug flow length. Non-plug flow sections can also be used.

[0033] In the context of this disclosure, the meaning of certain terms is understood. For example, “radial” refers to a plane spanning the diameter of the system body, which is a tube. “Axial” refers to a plane along the longitudinal axis of the tube. “Stage” refers to the working volume between adjacent static radial baffles in the axial plane, and between a static radial baffle and the end of the tube. “Plug flow” refers to a fluid of the same density flowing through the system at a substantially uniform axial velocity, which may correspond to at least three randomly mixed stages coupled together in substantially unidirectional flow. “Radial mixing” refers to mixing within the radial plane. “Tangential flow” refers to rotational flow within the radial plane. “Nominal residence time” refers to the system volume divided by the volumetric flow rate. “Axial dispersion” refers to reverse mixing in the axial plane, which is undesirable except in specific cases. “Elapsed time” refers to the time the material remains in the system. “Residence time distribution” refers to the elapsed time distribution of material leaving the system. “Residence time control” refers to the discharge of material with a narrow residence time distribution. "Plug flow length" refers to the axial length of the area affected by plug flow.

[0034] Without being constrained by theory, generally speaking, the more stages used, the closer the conditions approach ideal plug flow. Materials of different densities, such as gases, solids, or immiscible liquids, can move at different axial velocities or in opposite axial directions. Good residence time control is preferred, which means discharging materials with a narrow residence time distribution. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] Some examples of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In drawings, the same reference numeral is used to indicate identical or corresponding elements. [Figure 1] This is an external view of an example of a continuous flow apparatus. [Figure 2] An example of a static baffle assembly for use in a continuous flow apparatus is shown. [Figure 3] An example of an axial stirring mechanism for use in a continuous flow apparatus is shown. [Figure 4] This shows an example of a rotatable baffle assembly for use in a continuous flow apparatus. [Figure 5] An example of a rotatable baffle assembly attached to a drive shaft is shown. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a cross-section of a continuous flow apparatus. [Figure 7] This is an exploded view of an example of a continuous flow apparatus. Detailed explanation

[0036] The apparatus and systems described below are configured to provide plug flow within a single containment vessel, as opposed to, for example, a series-connected agitated tank having interconnected transfer channels. Process material can pass through the apparatus described below by the action of a pump or by a pressure difference generated throughout the system. Flow rate can be controlled by a pump, a flow control valve, or a pressure loss in the system. Immiscible materials of different densities can be added from opposing ends of the system body for counterflow.

[0037] This apparatus is used for continuous operations requiring a combination of plug flow and radial mixing. The apparatus is scalable and can maintain radial mixing, plug flow, and heating or cooling even with large system body diameters, such as those exceeding 100 millimeters. Applications of the described apparatus include, but are not limited to, continuous reactors, continuous crystallizers, and continuous extractors. The apparatus can also be used for continuous heating or cooling where controlled residence times are required.

[0038] Figure 1 shows an external view of a continuous flow system, specifically a continuous flow apparatus for causing chemical and / or physical changes to a fluid process material. The system includes a drive system 1, which includes a seal or magnetic coupling configured to rotate a stirring shaft 11 in one direction. A first end flange 2 seals the system body 3 at one axial end and preferably supports the drive system 1. The system body 3 is a sealed rigid tube, preferably having a circular cross-section and a preferred length between 2 and 10 times the inner diameter. The angle of the system body 3 is set as needed. One or more heating / cooling jackets or sleeves 4 may be arranged around the system body, along with connections that allow the passage of heat transfer fluid. A second end flange 5 seals the system at the opposite axial end of the system body 3 and preferably supports a static assembly. The end flanges 2 and 5 have connections for the process material to flow into or out of the system. Wall penetrations in the tube 3 may also be used.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a static baffle assembly that may be used in the continuous flow system of Figure 1. One or more static axial baffles 9 are positioned in the axial plane and are located from the central longitudinal axis of the tube 3 at a radial distance shorter than the sweep trajectory of the rotating stirring blades. These baffles 9 are linear in the axial plane to promote radial mixing and preferably to minimize unwanted axial flow effects. The static axial baffles 9 extend the plug flow length, except for the clearance required for the rotation of the stirring mechanism. Two or more static radial baffles 10 divide the system into stages and reduce axial dispersion between stages. The radial baffles 10 can minimize the effects of turbulence by restricting turbulence within the stage volume. The static axial baffles and static radial baffles may be fixed to each other by thermal shrinkage and preferably slidably mounted on a static assembly support shaft 8. Other assembly methods may also be used.

[0040] Figure 3 shows an example of an axial stirring mechanism. The stirring mechanism includes a central shaft 11 coupled to a stirring drive system / mechanism 1. A stirring blade support 12 connects the central shaft 11 to stirring blades 13. One or more axial stirring blades 13 are configured to rotate at the periphery of the pipe when the drive system is in operation, generating tangential flow and extending the plug flow length except for the clearance required for rotation. The stirring blades 13 are preferably straight in the axial plane to minimize unwanted axial flow. The preferred cross-sectional shape of the stirring blades 13 is circular.

[0041] Figure 4 shows a portion of a rotatable baffle assembly. The rotatable baffle assembly includes two or more radial baffles 14. The rotatable radial baffles 14 are flat ring-shaped and mounted on the stirring blades 13. Each of the rotatable radial baffles 14 in the tube extends over the radial distance between the static radial baffle 10 and the system tube wall 3. A radial clearance is provided between each rotatable radial baffle 14 and the tube wall 3 and the static baffle 10 to allow rotation and passage of material across the baffle (see also Figure 6). The rotatable radial baffles 14 can be made of metal or nonmetal. When used with a system body (tube) 3 lined with glass or fluoropolymer, glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is preferred as the rotatable baffle 14. Various methods can be used to secure the rotatable radial baffles. However, a sleeve or ring 15 on the stirring blades 13 is preferred, as shown in Figure 4. Different fastening means can be used. Fixation by thermal shrinkage is preferred. A circular ring is preferred. The lock ring can be made from different materials, but tantalum is preferred when used in a system body lined with glass or fluoropolymer.

[0042] Figure 5 shows the rotatable assembly, including the rotatable radial baffle 14 shown in Figure 4, mounted on the drive shaft that forms part of the drive system 1. The stabilizing ring 16 may be used to support the stirring blade 13 and may be attached to the stirring blade 13 by heat shrinkage or other means.

[0043] Figure 6 shows a cross-section of the system body (pipe) 3. As shown in the figure, the system has an internal clearance 17 between the outer edge of the static radial baffle and the inner edge of the rotatable radial baffle. The system also has an external clearance 18 between the outer edge of the rotatable radial baffle and the inner edge of the pipe wall.

[0044] The inner clearance 17 and outer clearance 18 allow the rotatable and static assemblies to be inserted or removed independently from opposing ends of the system body 3. The inner clearance 17 and outer clearance 18 in the radial plane also form passages for axial flow across the radial baffle. Furthermore, channels can be formed in the axial plane by offsetting the axial position of the static radial baffle 10 relative to the rotatable radial baffle 14. In addition, the radial baffle may be perforated or mesh-shaped. Small channel dimensions are desirable as they can reduce turbulence and increase the opening area across the baffle, thereby reducing backmixing between stages. However, in practice, the channel clearance dimensions must take into account the movement of the stirring blades, the presence of solids, pressure loss, and the use of bidirectional flow. The degree to which the channel oversized is required is determined by the mechanical design and operating conditions.

[0045] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a continuous flow apparatus such as the one shown in Figure 1. The apparatus includes a static baffle assembly 7 and a rotatable baffle assembly 6, and it is shown that the rotatable assembly 6 and the static assembly 7 can be independently inserted into or withdrawn from opposing ends of the system body 3. In this apparatus, unwanted axial flow is minimized by the combination of axial stirring blades and axial baffles. The radial baffles can minimize their effects by restricting turbulence within the stepped volume. The system uses three or more steps, preferably five or more, and more preferably nine or more.

[0046] The apparatus includes one or more inlets near the first end of the pipe body 3 for process fluid to flow into the pipe 3. The apparatus also includes one or more outlets near the second end of the pipe body 3 for fluid to be discharged from the pipe 3. For example, inlet and outlet flanges may be provided as described above.

[0047] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the system body 3 is a tube containing internal axial stirring blades 13 configured to rotate around the periphery of the tube, thereby generating tangential flow in the fluid. Static axial baffles 9 are positioned inside the sweep trajectory of the stirring blades to deflect the tangential flow and generate radial mixing. Static radial baffles 10 are positioned inside the sweep trajectory of the stirring blades to divide the tube into sections and reduce axial dispersion. Rotatable radial baffles 14 substantially cover the radial region between the static radial baffles and the tube wall, further reducing axial dispersion. Inner clearances 17 and outer clearances 18 allow the rotatable elements and static baffles to be removed independently from the opposing ends of the tube 3. Static axial baffles 9 and static radial baffles 10 may be supported by static assembly support shafts 8. Rotatable radial baffles 14 may be secured to the stirring blades by lock rings 15. The supply material flows into the pipe 3 at one end in the axial plane and passes through under plug flow. The processed material is discharged from the opposite axial end. One or more external jackets or sleeves (not shown in the figure) may be used to surround the pipe to apply or remove heat as needed. Intermediate addition points or extraction points and measuring instruments may be positioned at any axial location within the system pipe 3 using piping or probes that pass through openings in the static radial baffle and are inserted into the second end flange 5.

[0048] As can be understood from the above description, the examples shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and include features that may be generalized, deleted, or replaced as described herein and in the claims. Throughout the drawings, functional block diagrams or schematic diagrams are used to illustrate the functionality of the systems and apparatus described herein.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that each example described herein can be implemented in a variety of different ways within the context of this disclosure. Any feature of any aspect of this disclosure can be used in combination with other aspects. For example, an aspect relating to a method can be implemented in combination with an aspect relating to an apparatus, and a feature described relating to the operation of a particular apparatus element can also be provided in a manner that does not involve such an apparatus. Furthermore, each feature of each example is intended to be separable from the features described in combination with it, unless it is expressly stated that the other features are essential to its operation. Each of these separable features can, of course, be combined with any other feature of the example in which it is described, or with any other feature of any other example described herein, or with any combination of features. Furthermore, equivalents and variations not described above can also be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0050] It will be understood that certain features of the methods described herein may be implemented as hardware, and that one or more functions of the apparatus may be implemented as steps of the method. It will also be understood that the methods described herein do not need to be carried out in the order described or shown in the drawings. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure described in relation to a product or apparatus are also intended to be carried out as methods, and vice versa.

[0051] Other examples and variations of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the context of this specification.

Claims

1. A continuous flow apparatus for causing chemical and / or physical changes in a fluid process material, The continuous flow device is, A tube arranged to provide a flow path for a fluid process material, Includes a mixing assembly disposed inside the aforementioned pipe, The aforementioned mixed assembly is A stirring mechanism including at least one axial stirring blade configured to generate a tangential flow of fluid, A static baffle assembly is arranged to suppress axial dispersion of the fluid within the pipe, One or more rotatable baffles configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the tube and to suppress axial dispersion of fluid within the tube, A continuous flow apparatus, including a continuous flow apparatus.

2. The continuous flow apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the static baffle assembly is positioned radially inward of at least one stirring blade.

3. The continuous flow apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one stirring blade is rotatable to define a sweeping trajectory, and the sweeping trajectory of the at least one stirring blade is within or equal to the radial range of the at least one rotatable baffle.

4. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the at least one rotatable baffle includes at least one ring-shaped baffle configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the pipe.

5. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of the claims, further comprising at least one locking element configured to restrict the axial movement of the at least one rotatable baffle relative to the stirring blade.

6. The continuous flow apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the at least one locking element includes a ring surrounding a portion of the at least one stirring blade.

7. The continuous flow apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the at least one locking element includes tantalum.

8. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the locking element is fixed to at least one stirring blade.

9. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the at least one locking element includes first and second locking elements spaced apart in the axial direction, the first locking element being positioned adjacent to the first side of the at least one rotatable baffle, and the second locking element being positioned adjacent to the second side of the at least one rotatable baffle, opposite to the first side.

10. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the rotatable baffle is made of glass-filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

11. The static baffle assembly, At least one axial baffle configured to deflect the tangential flow of a fluid, A radial baffle configured to suppress axial dispersion of the fluid and A continuous flow apparatus as described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, including the one described above.

12. The continuous flow apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the static baffle assembly includes at least two radial baffles.

13. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of the above claims, further comprising an inlet connection for supplying process material fluid into the pipe and an outlet connection for discharging process material fluid from the pipe.

14. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the continuous flow apparatus is configured to provide radial mixing of a fluid process material under plug flow conditions.

15. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of the above, wherein the static baffle assembly and the at least one rotatable baffle are each independently removable from the pipe.

16. The continuous flow apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the static baffle assembly is removable independently from the first axial end of the tube, and the at least one rotatable baffle is removable independently from the second axial end of the tube, opposite to the first end.

17. The continuous flow apparatus according to any one of the above claims, further comprising a sleeve surrounding the tube, wherein the sleeve is configured to heat or cool the process fluid.

18. A method for continuously processing a fluid process material under plug flow conditions, Supplying fluid process materials into a pipe, Mixing the aforementioned fluid process materials, and Discharging the aforementioned fluid process material from the pipe. Includes, A method for mixing the fluid process material, comprising rotating the stirring blade and the at least one rotatable baffle within the tube around a static baffle assembly positioned radially inward of the stirring blade and the at least one rotatable baffle.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the at least one rotatable baffle includes at least one ring-shaped or disc-shaped radial baffle configured to rotate around the longitudinal axis of the tube.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the axial position of at least one rotatable baffle is fixed with respect to the stirring blade.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the continuous processing method includes a continuous chemical reaction.

22. A method for assembling a continuous flow apparatus for causing chemical and / or physical changes in a fluid process material, To rotate the stirring blades, at least one stirring blade must be connected to the drive system. At least one rotatable radial baffle is attached to the stirring blade, and Insert the rotatable baffle and the stirring blade into the pipe. Includes, A method wherein the pipe includes an inlet connection for supplying a process material fluid into the pipe and an outlet connection for discharging the process material fluid from the pipe.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein attaching the at least one rotatable radial baffle to the stirring blade includes attaching a plurality of rotatable radial baffles spaced apart in the axial direction to the stirring blade.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein attaching the rotatable radial baffle to the stirring blade includes fixing the axial position of the rotatable radial baffle with respect to the stirring blade.

25. The method according to claim 24, comprising fixing a locking element to at least one of the stirring blades.

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