A chemical processing system

Abstract

An automated chemical processing system, comprising: at least two modules, a first module of the at least two modules housing a controller configured to: receive a user input indicative of a chemical recipe, and generate, based on the user input, instructions to control one or more components of the automated chemical processing system; a second module of the at least two modules housing a processing vessel, the one or more components including the processing vessel, the processing vessel being configured to produce one or more chemical compounds based at least in part on the instructions from the controller, wherein at least one of the first module or the second module comprises a first coupling mechanism to engage the first module to the second module.

Description

[0001] A CHEMICAL PROCESSING SYSTEM

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to GB 2410307.9, filed on July 15, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a system for performing chemical processing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an automated chemical processing system comprising a modular design.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Chemical production or processing (e.g., chemical synthesis, chemical purification, a combination thereof, and / or the like) often involve repeated execution of chemical reactions. These chemical reactions are configured to physically and / or chemically manipulate one or more reactants, thereby synthesizing or producing products. Traditionally, smaller scale chemical production or chemical processing (e.g., mg to kg scale) was performed manually by a chemist. The output of such chemical production or chemical synthesis depended on the skill of the chemist. For instance, traditionally, a chemist moved reactants from one vessel to another, stirred chemical mixtures by hand or by manually switching on an electrically powered stirrer or magnetic stirrer, and performed other such tasks manually. However, performing chemical production or processing manually has proved to be error-prone, time consuming, and inefficient.

[0008] More recently, some advances have been made towards automating portions of a system that performs chemical processing / chemical production. However, such systems are often large and bulky. Furthermore, some such systems require human intervention (e.g., for physical and / or chemical alteration of parameters, etc.). Therefore, such systems can have barrier to usage. Additionally or alternatively, portability and end-to- end manufacture of such large system can often be challenging. Furthermore, if even a small portion of such existing chemical processing systems is damaged due to wear and tear (e.g., due to corrosion, friction, heat, etc.), then replacing that portion can often impact the working of the entire system. In particular, replacing the damaged portion may require replacing the entire system or may require a skilled person (e.g., an engineer) to perform the replacement.

[0009] Accordingly, there is an unmet need for chemical processing / chemical production system that is easy to manufacture, that is user-friendly, that is portable and that is designed to replace one or more portions of the system with ease and without intervention by a skilled human.

[0010] Stirrers that are used in chemical processing or chemical production are configured to stir, agitate, immerse, spin, and / or mix contents that are in chemical processing vessels. Typically, a stirrer comprises a rotatable shaft that is coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with one or more agitator elements (e.g., blades). Conventional stirrers are not equipped to provide good mixing due to sloshing and splashing. Accordingly, an improved stirrer is desirable.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] Disclosed herein are systems and methods for automated chemical processing. In some variations, an automated chemical processing system comprises at least two modules. A first module of the at least two modules can be communicably coupled to a controller that is configured to: receive a user input indicative of a chemical recipe, and generate, based on the user input, instructions to control one or more components of the automated chemical processing system. A second module of the at least two modules can house a processing vessel. The one or more components can include the processing vessel. The processing vessel can be configured to produce one or more chemical compounds based at least in part on the instructions from the controller. At least one of the first module or the second module comprises a first coupling mechanism to engage the first module to the second module.

[0013] In some variations, the first module and the second module can be enclosed within a frame.

[0014] In some variations, the processing vessel can be a reactor vessel. The at least two modules can further include a third module housing a second processing vessel configured to perform liquid-liquid separation and a fourth module housing a third processing vessel configured to perform filtration and recrystallization. At least one of the second module or the third module can comprise a second coupling mechanism to engage the second module to the third module. At least one of the third module or the fourth module can comprise a third coupling mechanism to engage the third module to the fourth module.

[0015] In some variations, each module of the at least two modules can include a visual indicator to indicate a status of the module. In some variations, the first module can be further configured to house a tray comprising a handle. The handle can be configured to pull the tray in a forward direction and / or push the tray in a backward direction. The tray can be held in position via one or more silicone strips.

[0016] In some variations, each module of the at least two modules can include a door that is configured to be opened or closed via a magnetic latch.

[0017] In some variations, the processing vessel can be a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel can be configured to synthesize one or more chemical substances so as to produce the one or more chemical compounds. The reactor vessel can comprise: a first portion to synthesize the one or more chemical substances of a first volume, and a second portion above the first portion to synthesize the one or more chemical substances of a second volume. The second volume can be greater than the first volume. In some variations, the first volume can be less than 40 millilitres and the second volume can be less than 2 litres.

[0018] In some variations, the processing vessel can be a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel can be further coupled with a stirrer comprising a rotatable shaft and an agitator element. The agitator element can comprise spiral segments that extend helically downwards along a length of the rotatable shaft. In some variations, the stirrer can be coupled to a stirrer controller. The stirrer controller can be configured to rotate the agitator element.

[0019] In some variations, the automated chemical processing system can comprise one or more tubes. Each tube of the one or more tubes can be configured to be attached to one or more components of the automated chemical processing system via a ferrule. Responsive to the tube being attached to the ferrule, the ferrule can be configured to apply compressive forces on the tube, thereby folding the tube in an inward direction and pressing the tube in a downward direction. In some variations, the ferrule is coupled to a bottom end of a ferrule screw. The coupling of the ferrule to the ferrule screw facilitates the folding of the tube in an inward direction. Disclosed herein is a drain valve. In some variations a drain valve can comprise a first disc configured to seal the orifice of a processing vessel, the first disc comprising a first cavity positioned off-centre on the first disc; a second disc comprising a second cavity positioned off-centre on the second disc, the second disc being configured to interface with the first disc; and a motion transfer component coupled to the second disc, the motion transfer component being configured to rotate, via a valve controller, the second disc so as to control a position of the second cavity, wherein aligning the first cavity and the second cavity in a longitudinal direction opens the drain valve.

[0020] In some variations, the drain valve can further comprise a switch that is configured to detect whether the drain valve is open. In some variations, the switch can be configured to detect the position of the second cavity so as to detect whether the drain valve is open. In some variations, the drain valve can further comprise a retaining ring attached to the first disc. The retaining ring can be configured to be mechanically coupled to one or more screws, thereby mounting the drain valve to the orifice of the processing vessel. In some variations, the first disc and the second disc can be Polytetrafluoroethylene discs. In some variations, the drain valve can further comprise a third cavity to collect samples of reactants and / or fluids from a reactor vessel. The third cavity may comprise a L-shaped hole.

[0021] Conventional stirrers are not equipped to provide good mixing in reactor vessels with regions of varying volume. For instance, some reactor vessels may have regions with varying diameters that are equipped for reactions with varying volumes. As an example, a reactor vessel may have a tapering portion such that the diameter of the reactor vessel decreases across the tapering portion of the reactor vessel.

[0022] Conventional stirrers may not be configured to create homogenous mixing regions in such reactor vessels of varying volumes, for example due to sloshing, which is a bulk effect in which substantially the entire corpus of liquid rotates within the vessel at a subharmonic of the stirring frequency. Sloshing significantly reduces mixing efficacy. Conventional stirrers also often cause significant splashing, in which the surface of the liquid is disturbed such that droplets are created and are separated from the bulk of the liquid. Splashing causes significant disturbance, which requires additional cleaning, thus reducing overall processing efficiency. Accordingly, an improved stirrer that can process reactions in a homogenous manner in different regions of a reactor vessel with reduced sloshing effect, reduced splashing effect, and improved cleanability is desirable.

[0023] A stirrer for a chemical processing system comprises a rotatable shaft and an agitator element at one end of the rotatable shaft. The agitator element comprises a blade segment extending radially outwards from the rotatable shaft. The agitator element comprises a first portion and a second portion. The profile of the first portion is different from the profile of the second portion.

[0024] The first portion may be located at a first axial location on the rotatable shaft and the second portion may be located at a second axial location on the rotatable shaft. For example, the second portion may be located at one axial end of rotatable shaft, with the first portion located adjacent, or spaced, from the second portion, closer to a midpoint of the rotatable shaft.

[0025] The combination of the features above allows for a stirrer that is suitable for processing reactions in a reactor vessel with varying diameter. More specifically, the rotatable shaft of the stirrer may be configured to transmit torque from the stirrer controller to the agitator element. Described in detail herein, the stirrer controller may be a rotary device (e.g., a device comprising a drive mechanism that includes one or more of: a gear, a belt, an electric and / or mechanical motor, a combination thereof, and / or the like). Rotation of the agitator element may cause contents of a reactor vessel of the chemical processing system to stir, agitate, immerse, spin, and / or mix, thereby allowing for reactions to be processed in the chemical processing system. The different profiles of the first portion and the second portion of the agitator element allows for homogenous mixing of fluids / reactants in reactor vessels with varying diameters. For example, the profile of the first portion may allow for homogenous processing of reactions in a first region of a reactor vessel with a first diameter and the profile of the second portion may allow for homogenous processing of reactions in a second region of the reactor vessel with a second diameter. The second diameter may be substantially different from the first diameter. For example, the first region of the reactor vessel may be configured to process reactions of less than about 4 litres and the second region of the reactor vessel may be configured to process reactions of less than about 40 millilitres. Accordingly, a same stirrer may be configured to homogenously synthesize chemical substance(s) / reactant(s), and / or fluids in a reactor vessel with varying regions that have varying diameters.

[0026] The different profiles of the first portion and the second portion may allow for the stirrer to have reduced sloshing effect and reduced splashing effect. A “profile” of a portion as used herein may refer to a “physical appearance” of the portion. A “profile” of the portion may comprise one or more physical attributes of the portion including: a shape, a size, a dimension, a form, a contour, an outline, a silhouette, a feature, or a figure of the portion. Therefore, the first portion and the second portion of the agitator element having different profiles may mean that the first portion and the second portion have at least one different physical attribute.

[0027] In one aspect, the first portion comprises a first and second blade segment extending from the rotatable shaft. The second portion comprises a third and fourth blade segment extending from the rotatable shaft. The first and second blade segment each have a first shape. The third and fourth blade segment each have a second shape different from the first shape.

[0028] The first and second blade segments may be opposing blade segments. The third and fourth blade segments may be opposing blade segments.

[0029] The first and second blade segments may project radially outwards from the rotatable shaft. For instance, the first and second blade segments may project radially outwards from a longitudinal axis (i.e. , axis X-X’) of the stirrer. The different shapes of the first and second blade segments and the third and fourth blade segments may allow for the stirrer to have reduced splashing effect. As an example, the geometry of the first and second blade segments may be different from the geometry of the third and fourth blade segments. The different geometries may allow for processing reactions of different volumes (e.g., at regions in a reactor vessel with different diameters) while simultaneously reducing the splashing effect. For example, the shape of the first and second blade segments may be suited to stirring large volumes of liquids with minimal sloshing and splashing, but less well suited to stirring smaller volumes of liquid. The first and second blade segments may be located at a location on the rotatable shaft such that they only engage liquid and provide a mixing effect when a large volume is present. Similarly, the third and fourth blade segment may be better suited to stirring smaller volumes of liquid with minimal sloshing and splashing and may be located to engage and mix smaller volumes of liquid within the reaction vessel.

[0030] While the first portion is described herein as comprising the first and second blade segments, it should be readily understood that the first portion may comprise any suitable number of blade segments. For example, the first portion may comprise two blade segments, three blade segments, four blade segments, five blade segments, six blade segments, etc. Similarly, while the second portion is described herein as comprising the third and fourth blade segments, it should be readily understood that the second portion may comprise any suitable number of blade segments. For example, the second portion may comprise two blade segments, three blade segments, four blade segments, five blade segments, six blade segments, etc. In some examples, the first portion and the second portion may comprise differing number of blade segments. Pairs of blade segments may be opposing.

[0031] Each of the first and second blade segments are defined by a first and second surface connected by an outer edge. The first surface and the second surface may be opposite to each other. The first and second surfaces may be parallel to each other, or may be angled with respect to each other.

[0032] The outer edge may be a continuous edge. The term “continuous” as used herein may mean free of breaks, steps, discontinuities and / or gaps. A continuous edge may be smooth. As an example, the outer edge of each of the first and second blade segments may be free of irregularities. For instance, the outer edge of each of the first and second blade segments may be devoid of sudden or sharp surface changes (e.g., projections, cavities, steep elevations, sharp descents, sharp angles, a combination thereof, and / or the like).

[0033] The first and / or second surface may be planar - i.e. flat. Alternatively, one or both of the first and second surfaces may be curved, for example helical about the axis of the rotatable shaft, or curved to define a cylindrical / curved / arcuate surface about an axis parallel to the rotatable shaft axis (i.e., an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stirrer).

[0034] Each of the third and fourth blade segments may be defined by a third and fourth surface connected by an outer edge.

[0035] The outer edge of the first blade segment may be continuous with the outer edge of the third blade segment and the outer edge of the second blade segment may be continuous with the outer edge of the fourth blade segment. The third surface and the fourth surface may be opposite to each other. The outer edge connecting the third and fourth surface may be a continuous edge. For example, the outer edge(s) may be free of breaks and / or gaps. The continuous outer edge may be smooth. As an example, the outer edge(s) may be free of irregularities. For instance, the outer edge of each of the third and fourth blade segments may be devoid of sudden or sharp surface changes (e.g., projections, cavities, steep elevations, sharp descents, sharp angles, a combination thereof, and / or the like).

[0036] An outer edge of an blade segment in the first portion of the agitator element may be continuous with an outer edge of an blade segment in the second portion of the agitator element. For example, there may not be breaks and / or gaps between the outer edge of the first blade segment and the outer edge of the third blade segment. In a similar manner, there may not be breaks and / or gaps between the outer edge of the second blade segment and the outer edge of the fourth blade segment. The continuity of the outer edges may allow for processing reactions with reduced splashing effect. For instance, an outer edge of an blade segment in the first portion together with an outer edge of an blade segment in the second portion may collectively form an outer edge of the agitator element. Said another way, the outer edge in the first portion may seamlessly transition to the outer edge in the second portion, thereby forming a continuous outer edge of the agitator element. Such seamless transitioning and / or continuity (i.e., without breaks or gaps) may reduce splashing of reactant(s) / chemical substance(s) and / or fluids. Furthermore, the continuity of the outer edges may allow for the stirrer to have enhanced cleanability, as it precludes the existence of areas in which dirt can gather and not readily be accessed.

[0037] In one example, each of the first and second surface is at an angle to the rotatable shaft. Put differently, each of the first surface and the second surface may not be positioned in line with the rotatable shaft. That is, the first surface and the second surface may be offset from the rotatable shaft and / or offset from the longitudinal axis of the stirrer. Accordingly, any point on each of the first surface and the second surface may be at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the stirrer and / or at an angle from the rotatable shaft. As an example, the angle may be greater than 0 degrees. As an additional or alternative example, the angle may be less than about 45 degrees. As yet another additional or alternative example, the angle may be between about 22.5 degrees to about 45 degrees. In some cases, each of the first and second surface is a flat surface. The flat surface may be a continuous surface. For example, the flat surface may be free of breaks and / or gaps. The flat surface may also be a smooth surface. For example, the flat surface may be devoid of irregularities or discontinuities. There may be no sudden or sharp surface changes (e.g., projections, cavities, steep elevations, sharp descents, sharp angles, a combination thereof, and / or the like) on the flat surface. Thus, the flat surface may allow for the stirrer to have enhanced cleanability. Owing to the flat surface, the stirrer does not accumulate sediments or fluids during or after processing reactions.

[0038] The outer edge of each of the first and second blade segments may be arcuate. The outer edge of each of the first and second blade segments may each have a curved shape. The radius of the arcuate outer edge about a longitudinal axis of the stirrer (i.e. , the distance from the rotatable shaft to the outer edge) may change from the first end of the outer edge to a second end of the outer edge, wherein the second end of the outer edge is opposite the first end of the outer edge. More specifically, the radius about the longitudinal axis of the stirrer may change from the first end of the outer edge to an intermediate section of the outer edge. The intermediate section may be in between the first end and the second end. Additionally, the radius about the longitudinal axis of the stirrer may change from the intermediate section of the outer edge to the second end of the outer edge.

[0039] As an example, the radius at the first end of the outer edge may be smaller than the radius at the intermediate section, and the radius at the second end of the outer edge may be smaller than the radius at the intermediate section. Thus, the radius of the arcuate outer edge may increase from the first end to the intermediate section and may decrease from the intermediate section to the second end. In one example, the intermediate section may be the midsection / middle section of the outer edge. In particular, the intermediate section may be a section that contains a midpoint for the outer edge.

[0040] The increase and decrease in the radius may be gradual. In some scenarios, the increase and decrease in the radius may be symmetrical. That is, the curved shape of the outer edge may be symmetrical. As an example, the outer edge of each of the first and second blade segments may be shaped like an arc. As another example, the outer edge of each of the first and second blade segments may be shaped like an arch. As yet another example, the outer edge of each of the first and second blade segments may be shaped like a bow.

[0041] The arcuate shape of the outer edge of the first and second blade segments contributes to homogenous mixing of reactants / fluids. Furthermore, the arcuate shape of the outer edge of the first and second blades contributes to reduced splashing effect. Since the outer edge of the first and second blade segments is free of substantially horizontal surfaces, the rotation of the stirrer may not cause fluid or other reactants to splash or spatter. Additionally, the arcuate shape of the outer edge of the first and second blade segments improves cleanability of the stirrer. Since there are no horizontal surfaces or sharp surface changes on the outer edge, such a stirrer would not accumulate sediments or fluids during or after processing reactions. Furthermore, owing to the arcuate shape, fluid can flow in a downward direction over the outer edge without any impediment when the stirrer is being cleaned or when the reactor vessel is being drained.

[0042] At least a portion of the outer edge of each of the third and fourth blade segments may be substantially rounded. For example, at least a portion of the outer edge of the third and fourth blade segments may be curved about a longitudinal axis of the stirrer. At least a portion of the outer edge may be curved about the rotatable shaft. The radius of the rounded portion of the outer edge about the longitudinal axis of the stirrer may increase from a first end of the outer edge to a section that is close to a second end of the outer edge, wherein the second end is opposite to the first end. That is, the radius of the rounded portion may be smallest at the first end and may be greatest at the section that is close to the second end. The section that is close to the second end may be in between the first end and the second end. As an example, the section “close to the second end” may be about 0 mm from the second end of the outer edge (e.g., implying that “close to the second end” is substantially the same as the second end). As another example, the section “close to the second end” may be about 4.5 mm from the second end of the outer edge. As yet another example, the section “close to the second end” may be greater than about 10mm from the second end of the outer edge. As yet another example, the section “close to the second end” may depend on a diameter of a reactor vessel.

[0043] Moreover, a portion of the outer edge of each of the third and fourth blade segments may be substantially parallel to the rotatable shaft. As noted above, the outer edge may have a section that is close to its second end. The portion of the outer edge of the third and fourth blade segments that is in between the section that is close to the second end and the second end may be substantially parallel to the rotatable shaft. Put differently, the portion of the outer edge between the section close to the second end and the second end may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stirrer. Therefore, in some examples, at least a section of the outer edge of the third and fourth blade segments may be substantially parallel to the rotatable shaft.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the outer edge of each of the third and fourth blade segments may be tapered at one end of the outer edge. For example, the first end of the outer edge of each of the third and fourth blade segments may be closest to the rotatable shaft. More specifically, the outer edge of the third and fourth blade segments may converge towards the rotatable shaft at the first end of the outer edge. That is, the outer edge may converge towards a longitudinal axis of the stirrer at the first end of the outer edge. The outer edge of the third and fourth blade segments may extend away from the rotatable shaft from the first end of the outer edge to the second end that is opposite the first end. Therefore, the third and fourth surface may be narrowest at the first end. The third and fourth surface may widen from the first end to the second end. Accordingly, the outer edge of the third and fourth blade segments may be tapered at its first end.

[0045] The outer edge of the first blade segment and the outer edge of the third blade segment may collectively define a first outer edge of the agitator element. The outer edge of the second blade segment and the outer edge of the fourth blade segment may collectively define a second outer edge of the agitator element.

[0046] The first and second outer edges of the agitator element may each be continuous. A shape of each of the first and second outer edge of the agitator element may comprise a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

[0047] The first outer edge of the agitator element may be opposite the second outer edge of the agitator element. Each of the first and second outer edge of the agitator element may include a first end, a waist section, and a second end that is opposite to the first end. The waist section may be in between the first end and the second end. The outer edge of the first blade segment may intersect with the outer edge of the third blade segment at the waist section of the first outer edge of the agitator element. Similarly, the outer edge of the second blade segment may intersect with the outer edge of the fourth blade segment at the waist section of the second outer edge of the agitator element.

[0048] The shape of each of the first and second outer edges of the agitator element may include an arcuate shape. For instance, as discussed above, the outer edges of the first and second blade segments may comprise an arcuate shape. Therefore, the portion of outer edges of the agitator element (i.e., the first outer edge and second outer edge of the agitator element) that is defined by the outer edges of the first and second blade segments may have an arcuate shape. For example, the portion of outer edges of the agitator element that is in between the first end and the waist section may comprise an arcuate shape. Thus, the first and second outer edges of the agitator element may diverge away from the rotatable shaft from the first end to the intermediate section, and may converge towards the rotatable shaft from the intermediate section to the waist section.

[0049] A shape of each of the first and second outer edges of the agitator element from the waist section to the second end may comprise a substantially rounded shape. For example, at least a portion of the first and second outer edges between the waist section and the second end may be curved about a longitudinal axis of the stirrer. The radius of such a portion of the first and second outer edges may increase from the waist section to a section that is close to the second end of the first and second outer edges of the agitator element. Put differently, the first and second outer edge may diverge away from the rotatable axis from the waist section to the section that is close to the second end. Thus, each of the first and second outer edges may be substantially close to the rotatable shaft at the waist section and may be further apart from the rotatable shaft at the second end.

[0050] As an example, the first and second outer edge may be farthest apart from the rotatable shaft at the intermediate section between the first end and the waist section. As an additional or alternative example, the first and second outer edge may be closest to the rotatable shaft at the waist section. The convergence of the first and second outer edges of the agitator element towards the rotatable shaft from the intermediate section (i.e., between the first end and the waist section) to the waist section and the divergence away from the rotatable shaft from the waist section to the second end may cause the first and second outer edges of the agitator element to form a substantially U-shaped crosssection. The U-shaped cross-section may be formed at the intersection of the first blade segment and the third blade segment. Similarly, the U-shaped cross-section may be formed at the intersection of the second blade segment and the fourth blade segment.

[0051] The arcuate shape, the rounded shape, and / or the U-shaped cross section of the first and second outer edge of the agitator element may contribute towards processing reactions with reduced splashing effect. Furthermore, the arcuate shape, the rounded shape, and / or the U-shaped cross section of the first and second outer edge of the agitator element may assist in the processing of reactions in a homogeneous manner. Additionally, the arcuate shape, the U-shaped cross-section and the rounded shape may improve cleanability of the stirrer. In particular, the U-shaped cross-section may prevent the stirrer from accumulating sediments and fluids. For example, fluid may flow over the first blade segment to the third blade segment, and from the second blade segment to the fourth blade segment without any impediment (e.g., when the stirrer is being cleaned). This allows for improved cleaning of the stirrer.

[0052] Each of the first and second outer edge of the agitator element is substantially smooth. The surface of the first outer edge and the second outer edge of the agitator element may be devoid of surface irregularities. For example, the surface of the first outer edge and the second outer edge may be devoid of sudden or sharp surface changes (e.g., projections, cavities, steep elevations, sharp descents, sharp angles, a combination thereof, and / or the like).

[0053] One or both of the third and fourth surfaces may be curved, for example helical about the axis of the rotatable shaft, or curved to define a cylindrical / curved / arcuate surface about an axis parallel to the rotatable shaft axis.

[0054] In some aspects, each of the third and fourth surface is curved about a longitudinal axis of the stirrer. The third and fourth surface may be curved about a longitudinal axis of the stirrer such that one of the third or fourth surface may be convex-shaped while the other of the third or fourth surface may be concave-shaped. For example, one of the third or fourth surface may curve outwards from the rotatable shaft while the other of the third or fourth surface may curve inwards from the rotatable shaft.

[0055] Each of the third and fourth surface may be a continuous surface. For example, the third and fourth surface may be free of breaks and / or gaps. The third and fourth surface may also be a smooth surface. For example, the third and fourth surface may be devoid of sudden or sharp surface changes (e.g., projections, cavities, steep elevations, sharp descents, sharp angles, a combination thereof, and / or the like). Thus, the third and fourth surface may allow for the stirrer to have enhanced cleanability.

[0056] Furthermore, when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the stirrer, the second portion may have a substantially S-shaped profile. As noted above, the third and fourth surface may be curved about the longitudinal axis of the stirrer such that one of the two surfaces may have a convex shape while the other surface may have a concave shape. The convex and concave shape of the surfaces (e.g., third surface and fourth surface) of each of the blade segments may together define a profile for the second portion that is substantially S-shaped. As an example, the third surface of the third blade segment may be convexshaped and the fourth surface of the third blade segment may be concave-shaped. In this example, the third surface of the fourth blade segment may be concave-shaped and the fourth surface of the fourth blade segment may be convex-shaped. The third surface of the third blade segment and the third surface of the fourth blade segment may collectively form a substantially S-shaped profile. In a similar manner, the fourth surface of the third blade segment and the fourth surface of the fourth blade segment may collectively form a substantially S-shaped profile. Owing to this, when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the stirrer, the second portion of the agitator element may have a substantially S-shaped profile.

[0057] The third and / or fourth surface may be planar - i.e. flat. The third and / or fourth surface may be angled (i.e., not parallel to) with respect to the axis of the rotatable shaft (i.e., a longitudinal axis of the stirrer). For instance, the third and / or fourth surface may be angled with respect to the rotatable shaft. Accordingly, any point on the third and / or fourth surface may be at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the stirrer and / or at an angle from the rotatable shaft. As an example, the third and / or fourth surface may define an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees with the axis of the rotatable shaft. As another example, the third and / or fourth surface may define an angle greater than about 30 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the stirrer. As yet another example, the third and / or fourth surface may define an angle less than about 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the stirrer. As an additional or alternative example, the angle that the third and / or fourth surface define with the rotatable shaft and / or the longitudinal axis of the stirrer may be based on a diameter of the reactor vessel. For example, the angle may be based on the second diameter in the second region of the reactor vessel. The third and / or fourth surface may be substantially rectangular in shape. The outer edge of each of the third and fourth blade segments may comprise substantially straight / flat surfaces. The third and fourth surfaces may be smooth. For example, the third and fourth surfaces may be devoid of sudden or sharp surface changes (e.g., projections, cavities, steep elevations, sharp descents, sharp angles, a combination thereof, and / or the like).

[0058] When viewed along a tangential axis of the stirrer each of the third and fourth blade segments may define a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The tangential axis (i.e., axis Z-Z ) of the stirrer is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The third blade segment may define the L-shaped cross-section at a first height on the second portion while the fourth blade segment may define the L-shaped cross-section at a second height on the second portion, wherein the second height is different from the first height.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, when viewed along a radial axis of the stirrer, the second portion may have a substantially Z-shaped profile. The radial axis (i.e., axis Y-Y’) of the stirrer is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and the tangential axis of the stirrer.

[0060] The outer edge of the first blade segment may continuously connect with the second portion of the agitator element. Similarly, the outer edge of the second blade segment may continuously connect with the second portion of the agitator element. For example, the second portion of the agitator element may comprise a substantially vertical surface. The substantially vertical surface may be a planar surface. The substantially vertical surface may be smooth (i.e., devoid of sudden or sharp surface changes). The substantially vertical surface may gradually transition to the third surface of the third or the fourth blade segment. The continuous connection from the outer edge of the first blade segment to the substantially vertical surface and to the third blade segment and the continuous connection from the outer edge of the second blade segment to the substantially vertical surface and to the fourth blade segment improves cleanability of the stirrer as it precludes the existence of areas in which dirt can gather.

[0061] Moreover, when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the stirrer, the second portion may have a substantially step-shaped profile. For example, the substantially step-shaped profile may comprise a raised platform. The raised platform may be at a midsection of the second portion. More specifically, the second portion may comprise a third end and a fourth end. The section midway between the third end and the fourth end may be the middle portion. The raised platform may be at the midsection of the second portion such that the midsection of the raised platform is the same as the midsection of the second portion.

[0062] As noted above, the third and fourth blade segments may define a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The third and fourth blade segments may define the L-shaped crosssection at different heights. Owing to the difference in height of the L-shaped crosssection, when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the stirrer, the second portion of the agitator element may have a substantially step-shaped profile. The first portion comprises a core. Each of the first and second blade segment may be configured to extend from the core. The core may comprise two planar surfaces. For example, a first planar surface of the two planar surfaces may form a substantially triangular cross-section with the first surface and a second planar surface of the two planar surfaces may form a substantially triangular cross-section with the second surface. In another example, a first planar surface of the two planar surfaces may form a substantially quadrilateral cross-section with the first surface and a second planar surface of the two planar surfaces may form a substantially quadrilateral cross-section with the second surface.

[0063] The stirrer described herein may further comprise a connector that is configured to couple the rotatable shaft to a stirrer controller.

[0064] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0065] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0066] FIG. 1A illustrates an example module (e.g., housing of example module) of an end-to- end automated chemical processing system;

[0067] FIG. 1 B illustrates another example module of an end-to-end automated chemical processing system;

[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates an example hinge that mechanically couples two segments of the module shown in FIG. 1 A and FIG. 1 B;

[0069] FIG. 3A illustrates an example flat shallow portion of the door segment of the module shown in FIG. 1 B;

[0070] FIG. 3B illustrates example parts of the flat shallow portion shown in FIG. 3A;

[0071] FIG. 4A illustrates another example flat shallow portion of the door segment of the module shown in FIG. 1A;

[0072] FIG. 4B illustrates an example cover to enclose cable wires within the flat shallow portion of the door segment shown in FIG. 4A;

[0073] FIG. 4C illustrates an example casing for a display screen;

[0074] FIG. 5A illustrates an example handle to open and close a door segment of the module shown in FIG. 1 A and FIG. 1 B; FIGS. 5B and 5C illustrate example visual indicators on the handle shown in FIG. 5A;

[0075] FIG. 6 illustrates an example mount on the handle shown in FIG. 5A to enable magnetic latching;

[0076] FIG. 7A illustrates an example module of an end-to-end automated chemical system with a door segment in open position;

[0077] FIG. 7B illustrates an example compressible rubber gasket of the example module;

[0078] FIG. 8A illustrates an example pivot arm for a magnetic latch;

[0079] FIG. 8B illustrates an example mount for the pivot arm in FIG. 8A;

[0080] FIG. 8C illustrates an example cover for the pivot arm in FIG. 8A

[0081] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate example instances of the latching mechanism when the door segment is in open state;

[0082] FIGS. 9C and 9D illustrate example instances of the latching mechanism when the door segment is in closed state

[0083] FIG. 10 illustrates an example portion of a housing of the module shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B;

[0084] FIGS. 1 1 A and 1 1 B illustrate example interface panels with a latch mechanism to engage and / or disengage modules;

[0085] FIG. 12 illustrates an example top view of two interface panels that are engaged with each other;

[0086] FIG. 13 illustrates an example fluidic panel included in a module;

[0087] FIG. 14 illustrates an example of one or more glands that enable a tube / pipe to extend from one module to another module via a fluidic panel;

[0088] FIG. 15A illustrates an example partition segment included in a module;

[0089] FIG. 15B illustrates an example gasket surrounding one or more panels of the module 100 ;

[0090] FIG. 16A illustrates an example tray included in a module;

[0091] FIG. 16B illustrates an example tray holder on which a tray in FIG. 16A may be placed;

[0092] FIG. 16C illustrates an example bracket for coupling the tray holder to a handle; FIG. 16D illustrates an example handle coupled to the tray holder in FIG. 16B;

[0093] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D illustrate example reactor vessels included in a module;

[0094] FIG. 18 illustrates an example portion of a module configured to include a reactor vessel;

[0095] FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate a first example of a stirrer included in a module;

[0096] FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a second example of a stirrer included in a module;

[0097] FIG. 21A-21 C illustrate an example processing vessel head;

[0098] FIG. 22 illustrates another example reactor vessel head;

[0099] FIG. 23 illustrates an example portion of a module that includes a processing vessel with a stirrer;

[0100] FIGS.24A-24C illustrate an example coupling mechanism that couples a stirrer controller to a stirrer;

[0101] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate an example first disc of a drain valve;

[0102] FIGS. 25A’ and 25B’ illustrate another example first disc of a drain valve;

[0103] FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate an example second disc of a drain valve;

[0104] FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate an example motion transfer component of a drain valve;

[0105] FIG. 28 illustrates an example first gear of a drain valve;

[0106] FIG. 29 illustrates an example second gear that engages with the example first gear in FIG. 28;

[0107] FIG. 30 illustrates an example third retaining ring of a drain valve;

[0108] FIG. 31 illustrates an example bracket for a drain valve;

[0109] FIG. 31 ’ illustrates another example bracket for a drain valve;

[0110] FIGS. 32A and 32B depict an example drain valve mounted on the bracket shown in FIG. 31 ;

[0111] FIG. 33A illustrates one example of a U-bend pipe connector;

[0112] FIG. 33Billustrates another example of a U-bend pipe connector;

[0113] FIG. 34A is an illustrative example of a valve head; FIG. 34B and 34B’ is an illustrative example of a rotor holder that couples a rotor disk to a pump controller;

[0114] FIG. 34C is an illustrative example of a rotor that is coupled to the rotor holder in FIG. 34B and FIG. 34B’;

[0115] FIG. 34D and FIG. 34D’ illustrates an example interface plate that is configured to interface a pump with the rotor holder shown in FIG. 34B and 34B’, and the rotor shown in FIG. 34C; FIG. 35A is an illustrative example of a ferrule screw;

[0116] FIG. 35B is an illustrative example of a blanking screw;

[0117] FIG. 36 is an illustrative example of a ferrule;

[0118] FIG. 37A is an illustrative example of fluid connectors in a module;

[0119] FIG. 37B is another illustrative example of fluid connectors in a module;

[0120] FIG. 38 is an illustrative example of a drain valve, valve controller, and fluid controllers;

[0121] FIG. 39 is an illustration of an example end-to-end automated chemical processing system;

[0122] FIGS. 40A-40C illustrates an example flexible fluid coupler of the automated chemical processing system;

[0123] FIG. 41 A shows a front view of a third example stirrer;

[0124] FIG. 41 B shows a side view of the third example stirrer;

[0125] FIG. 41 C shows a perspective view of the third example stirrer;

[0126] FIG. 41 D shows a view along a longitudinal direction of the third example stirrer;

[0127] FIG. 42A shows a front view of a fourth example stirrer;

[0128] FIG. 42B shows a side view of the fourth example stirrer;

[0129] FIG. 42C shows a perspective view of the fourth example stirrer;

[0130] FIG. 42D shows a view along a longitudinal direction of the fourth example stirrer.

[0131] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0132] Non-limiting examples of various aspects and variations of the invention are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing automated chemical processing / chemical production. As referred to herein, the term “chemical processing” is used interchangeably with the term “chemical production.” Accordingly, a “chemical processing system” may be a system for performing “chemical production”. In general, a “chemical processing system” as used herein may refer to a system that can repeatedly execute chemical reactions that are configured to physically and / or chemically manipulate one or more reactants, thereby synthesizing or producing products. “Chemical processing” as used herein can encompass chemical purification.

[0133] Disclosed herein are chemical processing systems that can be configured to automate the process of chemical processing / chemical production end-to-end. Put differently, the chemical processing system described herein is configured to obtain a chemical recipe (e.g., a protocol) from a user (e.g., via a user interface). The chemical processing system is configured to automatically execute chemical reactions based on the chemical recipe so as to produce an output (e.g., chemical product). The chemical processing system described herein would not require human intervention to perform the chemical processing / chemical production.

[0134] The end-to-end automated chemical processing system described herein is designed to be portable, flexible, and easy to operate and manage. More specifically, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system described herein comprises a modular design as further described herein. The modular design of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system increases the flexibility of the system. For example, if a portion of the system is damaged (e.g., due to wear and tear) and / or if a portion of the system is to be updated, the modular design of the chemical processing system enables easy replacement of that portion without having to impact the operation of the entire system. Furthermore, modular design enables easy integration of the system and improves the portability of the system. Additionally, the modular design enables a user to build / assemble the chemical processing system as required. For example, needs relating to manufacture and / or research of chemical products can change often. The modular design can provide a user with the flexibility to assemble / build the chemical processing system based on such needs.

[0135] Example Module

[0136] The end-to-end automated chemical processing system described herein can comprise two or more modules. A module as described herein may be a physical (e.g., hardware) unit performing one or more operations to automatically synthesize or produce products. For example, a module may be configured to perform one or more of: processing input(s) from user(s), chemical reaction(s), filtration, recrystallization, liquid-liquid separation, distillation, a combination thereof, and / or the like. In some variations, each module of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be configured to perform operation(s) that may be different from operation(s) that are performed by the other modules. In other variations, at least a subset of operations performed by one module of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be performed by another module of the system. In some variations, two or more modules of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may perform at least a subset of their respective operation(s) simultaneously so as to automatically synthesize, purify, or produce products. Alternatively, two or more modules of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may perform their respective operation(s) serially (e.g., one after another) so as to automatically synthesize or produce products. In some variations, each module may be an individual physical unit that is a part of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. For example, two or more modules may be coupled (e.g., mechanically coupled, fluidly coupled, magnetically coupled, electrically coupled, electronically coupled, etc.) to form the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. As another example, two or more modules may be placed in close proximity to each other to form the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. In other variations, although each module may be an individual physical unit that is a part of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system, some or all of the modules may be enclosed within a frame. Put differently, in some variations, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may comprise a frame to encompass / enclose some or all of the modules of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system.

[0137] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B illustrate an example module 100 of an end-to-end automated chemical processing system. The module 100 may be configured to house one or more components of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. For example, the module 100 may be configured to house one or more of: controller(s), tray(s), container(s), processing vessel(s) (e.g., reactor vessel(s), reaction chamber(s), filtration chamber(s), recrystallization chamber(s), liquid-liquid separation chamber(s), distillation chamber(s), evaporator(s), and / or the like), sensor(s), pump(s), motor(s), tube(s) and / or pipe(s), valve(s), and / or the like. Put differently, the module 100 may be configured to enclose within itself one or more components of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. In some variations, the module 100 may be configured to mount some components of the system 100 such that the components are positioned external to the module 100.

[0138] Housing

[0139] The module 100 may include a housing 101 (e.g., a casing, a cover, an enclosure, and / or the like) to house and / or enclose one or more components of the module 100. The housing 101 can be configured to protect the one or more components of the module

[0140] 100 from an outside environment. Additionally, the housing 101 can be configured to protect the outside environment and users from harmful fumes and / or other substances produced by the chemical processing system. Furthermore, the housing 101 can be configured to control the chemical process and / or chemical synthesis and facilitate reproducibility of the chemical processing and / or synthesis. As an example, the housing

[0141] 101 can control one or more parameters (e.g., control light within the module 100 by means of a light source that is positioned within the housing 101 , etc.). This can facilitate reproducibility of the chemical processing and / or chemical synthesis. The housing 101 may include an outer surface (e.g., a surface that is facing the outside of the module 100) that can be seen in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B and an inner surface (e.g., a surface that is facing the components within the module 100) that is not shown in FIG. 1A and in FIG. 1 B. The housing 101 may include at least two segments. For instance, the housing may include a first segment 102 that provides access to the one or more components within the module 100. In some variations, the first segment 102 may be a door that provides access to the one or more components from a first side (e.g., a front side of the module 100) of the module 100. In some variations, the first segment 102 may be a door that provides access to the one or more components from two sides (e.g., a front side and a top side of the module 100) of the module 100. In some variations, the first segment 102 may be a lid / cover that can be removed to provide access to the one or more components of the module. The first segment 102 can have two states - an open state which provides access to the components within the module 100 and a closed state that does not provide access to the components within the module 100. In the open state, the first segment

[0142] 102 may provide complete access or partial access to the one or more components within the module 100. In some variations, partial access may include the segment 102 being in a position such that the one or more components may be visually inspected but not physically accessed. The housing may also include a second segment 104 that encloses the components within the module 100 from all other sides except the side(s) from which the first segment 102 provides access.

[0143] Door Segment 102

[0144] The first segment 102 may be configured to provide access to the one or more components that the module 100 houses and / or encloses. For instance, the first segment 102 may be a door and / or a removable lid / cover that provides access to the one or more components within the module 100. The door may be a hinged door, a sliding door, an automatic door, and / or the like. In some variations, the first segment 102 may be a door that is mechanically coupled (e.g., via one or more hinges, such as hinge 106) to the second segment 104 of the module 100. The first segment 102 may be configured to rotate relative to the second segment 104 so as to provide an opening to access the components within the module 100 and / or to keep the module 100 closed such that the components within cannot be accessed. In some variations, the first segment 102 may be configured to restrict electromagnetic wavelengths and / or fumes from escaping out from the module 100.

[0145] The first segment 102 and / or the second segment 104 may include a coupling mechanism that allows the first segment 102 to rotate relative to the second segment 104. The coupling mechanism such as for example, a hinge 106 may allow the first segment 102 to rotate about a first axis X-X’ (e.g., vertical axis) relative to the second segment 104. In particular, when a force is applied to an outer edge (e.g., an edge on an outer surface) of the first segment 102, the hinge 106 may be configured to rotate the first segment 102 relative to the second segment 104 such that the rotation may create an opening that allows access to the one or more components within the module 100. The hinge 106 may enable the first segment 102 to rotate between 0 degrees and 270 degrees, including all values and sub-ranges therein, relative to the second segment 104, so as to create an opening to allow access to the one or more components within the module 100 and / or to keep the module 100 closed. In some variations, the coupling mechanism that allows the first segment 102 to rotate relative to the second segment 104 may be a flexible hinge, such as for example, a live hinge.

[0146] Hinge

[0147] FIG. 2 illustrates an example hinge 106 that mechanically couples first segment 102 and adjacent second segment 104. In some variations, the width of the hinge 106 may be about 10 mm and the thickness of the hinge 106 may be about 3 mm. Hinge 106 may comprise one or more leaves, such as for example, leaf 226a and leaf 226b (collectively referred to as leaves 226). The leaves 226 may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with first segment 102 and the second segment 104. The leaves 226 may enable the first segment 102 to rotate along a X-X’ axis by revolving around a pin 228. The pin 228 may be configured to secure the leaves 226 so that they do not separate from each other. In some variations, the diameter of the pin 228 may be about 8 mm. The hinge 106 may also include one or more hollow circular portions (e.g., knuckles) such as for example, 230a -230g (e.g., collectively referred to as hollow circular portions 230), at the joint of the hinge 106 through which the pin 228 may be inserted. In some variations, the dimensions of the hinge 106 may be such that the hinge provides allowance between the first segment 102 and the second segment 104 to receive a compressible rubber gasket as further described herein. In some variations, when the first segment 102 is in closed state, the leaves 226 of the hinge 106 along with the compressible rubber gasket forms a seal that prevent air flow from inside the module 100 to outside of the module 100, and vice versa.

[0148] Tray Portion

[0149] Referring back to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B, the first segment 102 may be transitioned to an open state so as to allow access to one or more components within the module 100. In some variations, the first segment 102 (e.g., door) may comprise a flat shallow portion with slightly raised edges (e.g., a tray). In some variations, one or more of the raised edges may include an angled portion to the flat shallow portion. For instance, the raised edges may include an angled portion that is angled inwards. For example, the angled portion of the raised edges may be angled at 45 degrees in the inward direction to the flat shallow portion. The angled portion of the raised edges may be configured to engage with a compressible rubber gasket as further described below.

[0150] These trays may be configured to couple the first segment 102 with the second segment 104. FIG. 3A illustrates an example flat shallow portion 332a of the first segment 102. The first segment 102 may be mechanically coupled to the adjacent second segment 104 via the flat shallow portion 332a. More specifically, the first segment 102 may be mechanically coupled to the second segment 104 via the raised edges, such as for example raised edge 334b of the flat shallow portion 332a. The raised edge 334b may include one or more fasteners that couple, attach, or otherwise integrate the first segment 102 to the hinge 106, thereby coupling the first segment 102 to the second segment 104. For example, the raised edge 334b may include fasteners such as for example, fasteners 336a’-336f’ (e.g., collectively referred to as fasteners 336), that couple, attach, or otherwise integrate the first segment 102 to hinge 106. In some variations, the fasteners 336 may be self-clinching fasteners such as clinch nut, press nut, etc.

[0151] As discussed above, the module 100 may be configured to house one or more of: controller(s), tray(s), processing vessel(s) (e.g., reactor vessel(s), reaction chamber(s), filtration chamber(s), recrystallization chamber(s), liquid-liquid separation chamber(s), distillation chamber(s), evaporator(s), etc.). In some of these variations, the module 100 may include a display screen that is configured to obtain input from a user and / or transmit output to the user. For example, a module 100 that houses controller(s) may include a display screen on the outer surface (e.g., surface facing the outside of the module) of the flat shallow portion of the segment 102.

[0152] In other variations, the module 100 may not include a display screen. For example, a module that houses processing vessel(s) (e.g., reactor vessel(s), reaction chamber(s), filtration chamber(s), recrystallization chamber(s), liquid-liquid separation chamber(s), distillation chamber(s), evaporator(s), etc.) may not include the display screen on the outer surface of the flat shallow portion of the segment 102. FIG. 3A is an example of a flat shallow portion 332a of a first segment 102 of a module 100 that does not include a display screen.

[0153] FIG. 4A illustrates another example of a flat shallow portion 332b of a first segment 102 of a module 100. But, unlike in FIG. 3A, the flat shallow portion 332b in FIG. 4A is configured to mount a display screen on an outer surface (e.g., surface facing the outside of the module) of the flat shallow portion of the segment 102. For example, the flat shallow portion 332b in FIG. 4A includes a mechanical mount 338 to mount the display screen. In some variations, the mechanical mount 338 may be a VESA mount. Similar to FIG. 3A, a raised portion 334b of the flat shallow portion 332a may include one or more fasteners (e.g., self-clinching fasteners such as clinch nut, press nut, etc.), such as for example, fasteners 336a’-336f’, that couple, attach, or otherwise integrate the first segment 102 to the hinge 106. Referring to FIG. 3B, in some variations, the flat shallow portion 332a may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a cover on the outer surface (e.g., surface facing the outside of the module) such as for example, cover 342. The cover 342 may provide additional shield and / or protection to the flat shallow portion 332a. One or more plates (e.g., plate 341 ) may be positioned between the cover 342 and the flat shallow portion 332a. The one or more plates can allow users to interact with the first segment 102 in a safe manner. For example, even if the temperature within the module is above a safe temperature threshold, a user may interact with the first segment 102 without being affected by the temperature within the module. In some variations, the one or more plates may be configured to dampen sounds (e.g., generated within the module). In some variations, the one or more plates may be a hollowed aluminum panel. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more plates may be a temperature resistant foam plate.

[0154] As discussed above, the module 100 that includes the flat shallow portion 332b of the segment 102 seen in FIG. 4A may house one or more controllers. The controllers, power sources, etc. may include cable wires to electrically couple the components to one another. FIG. 4B illustrates an example cover 442 to enclose the cable wires within the flat shallow portion 332b in FIG. 4A. The cover 442 is coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the inner surface that is opposite to the outer surface of the flat shallow portion 332b of the first segment 102. The cable wires of the module 100 are encompassed between the flat shallow portion 332b and the cover 442. In some variations, the cover 442 shields the cable wires of the module 100 from the components within the module 100. In some variations, the cover 442 is positioned to cover the opening 331 . The opening 331 along with the cover 442 tucks the cable wires and securely holds the cable wires within the flat shallow portion 332b. In some variations, the display screen may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the outer surface of the flat shallow portion 332b. The display screen may be encased in a casing such as for example, casing 444 in FIG. 4C. Put differently, the casing 444 surrounds the display screen that is coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the outer surface of the flat shallow portion 332b. In some variations, instead of the flat shallow portion shown in FIG. 4A, the flat shallow portion of first segment portion may include a recess and / or a conduit to receive and tuck cables securely.

[0155] Latch

[0156] Referring back to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B, as discussed above, the first segment 102 is configured to rotate relative to the second segment 104 to provide access to the one or more components that are housed within the module 100. More specifically, when the first segment 102 is at 0 degrees relative to the second segment 104, the first segment 102 may be in a closed state. The one or more components within the module 100 may not be accessible when the first segment 102 is in the closed state. However, when the first segment 102 is at an angle that is greater than 0 degrees relative to the second segment 104, the first segment 102 may be in an open state. The first segment 102 (e.g., door) may transition from an open state to a closed state and from a closed state to an open state via a handle.

[0157] FIG. 5A illustrates an example handle 552 to open and close the first segment 102. The handle 552 may be rotated along a third axis Z-Z’ to transition the first segment 102 from an open state to a closed state, and vice versa. For instance, a user may hold a first portion 554 of the handle 552 and may rotate the first portion 554 of the handle to open and close the segment 102. In some variations, the handle 552 may include visual indicators to indicate the transition from open state to closed state, and vice versa, to a user. For example, the handle 552 (e.g., portion 554 of the handle 552) may include visual indicators such as, text representing “open” (e.g., see FIG. 5B) and “closed” (e.g., see FIG. 5C). To transition the first segment 102 into an open state, the handle 552 may be rotated along the third axis Z-Z’ until the text representing “open” appears on the handle 552 when the handle 552 is viewed from a top view on the transverse plane, such as for example Y-Y’ plane (e.g., see FIG. 5B). To transition the first segment 102 into a closed state, the handle 552 may be rotated along the third axis Z-Z’ until the text representing “closed” appears on the handle 552 when the handle 552 is viewed from a top view on the transverse plane, such as for example Y-Y’ plane (e.g., see FIG. 5C).

[0158] When the first segment 102 is in the closed state, the components within the module 100 may not be accessible. The first segment 102 may be held in the closed state via a latching mechanism (e.g., mechanical latching mechanism, magnetic latching mechanism, electrically actuated mechanism, electromagnetic latching mechanism, etc.). For instance, portion 556 of the handle 552 may include a latching mechanism (e.g., mechanical latching mechanism electrically actuated mechanism, electromagnetic latching mechanism, etc.) to hold the first segment 102 in the closed state. As an example, the first segment 102 may be held in the closed state via a magnetic latching mechanism. For instance, portion 556 of the handle 552 may be coupled to, attached to, and / or integrated with a first magnet, via a mount. For example, the first magnet may be inserted in, mounted on, attached to, or otherwise coupled with a mount, such as for example, mount 662 in FIG. 6. The mount 662 in turn may be coupled to, attached to, and / or integrated with portion 556 of the handle 552. For instance, the surface 556a of the portion 556 along the third axis Z-Z’ may include the mount 662 that in turn includes the first magnet.

[0159] To enable the latching mechanism, a second magnet may be provided opposite to the first magnet. The second magnet and the first magnet may be configured such that at least a first portion of the first magnet and at least a second portion of the second magnet are configured to attract each other while other portions of the first magnet and the second magnet are configured to repel each other. Put differently, when the first portion and the second portion are aligned, the first magnet and the second magnet attract each other. However, when the first portion and the second portion are not aligned, the first magnet and the second magnet repel each other. FIG. 7A illustrates an example module 100 of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system with first segment 102 (e.g., door) in open state. As seen in FIG. 7A, the first segment 102 is at an angle that is greater than 0 degrees relative to the second segment 104. A handle 552 that enables the first segment 102 to be opened and closed includes a mount 662 that in turn includes a first magnet. The first segment 102 may be held in the closed state owing to the latching mechanism between the first magnet included in mount 662 and the second magnet 772. Put differently, a second magnet may be provided at an inner surface 104a of the second segment 104. The second magnet 772 may be positioned within the inner surface 104a of second segment 104 such that the second magnet 772 is opposite to the first magnet and such that the second magnet 772 and the first magnet are aligned along the third axis Z-Z’. When the handle 552 is rotated along the third axis Z-Z’ to close the first segment 102 (e.g., until the text representing “closed” appears on the transverse plane from a top view), the second magnet 772 and the first magnet are engaged by magnetic force, thereby holding the first segment 102 in the closed state. However, when the handle 552 is rotated along the third axis Z-Z’ to open the first segment 102 (e.g., until the text representing “open” appears on the transverse plane from a top view), the first magnet and the second magnet 772 repel from each other, thereby breaking the magnetic force that keeps them engaged. In some variations, the first magnet and the second magnet 772 may be configured such that, the first magnet and the second magnet 772 are engaged by magnetic force when the first magnet is at a specific orientation with respect to the second magnet 772. When the first magnet is not at that specific orientation with respect to the second magnet 772, the first magnet and the second magnet 772 repel each other, thereby pushing each other apart. Accordingly, the first magnet and the second magnet 772 may be held together or pushed apart based on the orientation of the handle 552.

[0160] Although FIG. 7A illustrates two magnetic latches and two handles, it should be readily understood that a module may include any suitable number of handles and latches. For example, a module 100 may include one handle and one latch, two handles and two latches, three handles and three latches, etc.

[0161] The second magnet 772 may be mounted on, inserted in, coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a pivot arm, such as pivot arm 886 shown in FIG. 8A. For example, the second magnet 772 may be mounted on, inserted in, coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a circular portion 882a (e.g., the underside of the circular portion 882a in FIG. 8A) of the pivot 886 in FIG. 8A. The pivot arm 886 may comprise a pivot portion 886a and a lever portion 886b. The pivot portion 886a of the pivot arm may be attached to, coupled with, or otherwise integrated with a pivot connector. For instance, the pivot portion 886a of the pivot arm 886 may be attached to, coupled with, or otherwise integrated with the pivot connector via a cavity 889. The pivot connector may be configured to support the lever portion 886b of the pivot arm 886. The lever portion 886b may be configured to turn along the pivot connector when a force is applied to the pivot arm 886. The range of motion of the pivot arm 886 may be between 0 degrees to less than about 90 degrees. Put differently, the pivot arm 886 may turn from a horizontal position to a vertical position when force is applied to the pivot arm 886. Accordingly, when the first segment 102 is in the open state, the pivot arm 886 may be moved from a horizontal position to a vertical position (e.g., from 0 degrees to 90 degrees by applying force) so as to allow a user to interact with other components of the module 100 without the pivot arm 886 being an impediment. When the first segment 102 is to be closed, the pivot arm 886 may be moved from the vertical position to the horizontal position (e.g., from 90 degrees to 0 degrees by applying force) so as to align the second magnet 772 with the first magnet such that the second magnet 772 on the pivot arm 886 engages with the first magnet on the handle 552. The pivot arm 886 may be mechanically linked to the first segment 102 such that the pivot arm rotates around the X-X’ axis when the first segment 102 transitions from the closed state to the open state.

[0162] In some variations, the pivot connector may mechanically couple the pivot portion 886a of the pivot arm 886 to a mount 882 in FIG. 8B and a cover 884 in FIG. 8C. The mount 882 may include a pivot cavity 883b. The pivot connector may be attached to, coupled with, or otherwise integrated with the mount 882 via the pivot cavity 883b. The cover 884 may include a pivot cavity 887b. The pivot connector may be attached to, coupled with, or otherwise integrated with the mount cover 884 via the pivot cavity 887b.

[0163] In some variations, the pivot connector may be inserted through cavity 889 in the pivot arm 886, pivot cavity 883b in the mount 882, and pivot cavity 887b in the cover 884, thereby coupling the pivot portion 886a of the pivot arm 886 to the mount 882 and the cover 884. The pivot connector may couple the pivot portion 886a such that the pivot portion 886a is in between the mount 882 and the cover 884. Put differently, the pivot connector may couple the pivot portion 886a to the mount 882 on a first side of the pivot arm 886 and the pivot connector may couple the pivot portion 886a to the cover 884 on a second side of the pivot arm 886 that is opposite to the first side.

[0164] The mount 882 and the cover 884 may further be coupled together via another mechanical connector. For example, a mechanical connector may be couple the mount 882 via cavity 883a to the cover 884. The mount 882 may be coupled to the cover 884 via another cavity 887a. In some variations, the mechanical connector may be inserted via the cavity 883a in the mount 882 and the cavity 887a in the cover 884, thereby coupling the mount 882 and the cavity 884 together. A first side 885a of the mount 882 may be coupled to the cover 884 and the pivot arm 886. A second side 885a of the mount 882 that is opposite to the first side 885a may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the inner surface 104a of the segment 104. A first side 881 a of the cover 884 may be coupled to the mount 882 and the pivot arm 886. A second side 881 b of the cover 884 that is opposite to the first side 881 b may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the segment 102 (e.g., door). In some variations, one or more components of the module may include a surface that may be configured to turn the pivot arm from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0165] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate example instances of the latching mechanism when the segment 102 is in open state. As seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the handle 552 is rotated until the visual indicator on the handle 552 indicates that the segment 102 is in open state. In the open state, the magnetic force between the first magnet 992 included in the mount 662 of the handle 552 and the second magnet 772 on the pivot arm 886 is broken. As seen in FIG. 9A, in the open state, the pivot arm 886 may turn from a horizontal position to a vertical position to allow a user easy access to the components within the module 100. FIGS. 9C and 9D illustrate example instances of the latching mechanism when the segment 102 is in closed state. As seen in FIGS. 9C and 9D, the handle 552 is rotated until the visual indicator on the handle 552 indicates that the segment 102 is in closed state. The closed state of the segment 102 is held due to the magnetic force between the first magnet 992 and the second magnet 772.

[0166] In some variations, the latching mechanism described here may be configured to provide tactile feedback to a user. For example, when the handle 552 is turned to transition the segment from an open state to the closed state, the magnetic force between the first magnet 992 and the second magnet 772 may facilitate tactile feedback to the user.

[0167] Display Screen

[0168] Referring back to FIG. 1A and FIG. 1 B, some modules 100 (e.g., modules that include one or more controllers) may include a display screen 107. Additionally or alternatively, one or more modules 100 may be communicatively coupled to a display screen that may be structurally and / or functionally similar to display screen 107. The display screen 107 may be configured to obtain input from a user and / or may be configured to transmit output to the user. In some variations, the display screen 107 may be mounted on an outer surface of a flat shallow portion, for example, 332b, of the segment 102. The display screen 107 may include touchscreen buttons, such as for example, widgets, capacitive buttons, resistive buttons, capacitive panels, resistive panels, a combination thereof, and / or the like to obtain input from a user. For example, a user may press and / or touch the touch screen buttons to provide input to the display screen 107. The display screen 107 may be configured to detect contact and movement from on a touch surface of the display screen 107. In some variations, the user may provide a chemical recipe (e.g., a protocol) to the end-to-end automated chemical processing system via the display screen 107. For example, the user may provide a new chemical recipe via the display screen 107. Additionally or alternatively, the display screen 107 may facilitate the user to choose an existing chemical recipe from a database. Additionally or alternatively, the display screen 107 may allow the user to verify, change, and / or amend portions of the chemical recipe (e.g., values such as volume, temperature, speed, etc.). In other variations, the user may provide the chemical recipe via other input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, voice recognition devices, gesture recognition devices, a combination thereof, and / or the like), however, the display screen 107 may be configured to display the user’s input. In yet other variations, the user may provide the chemical recipe via other input devices, however, the display screen 107 may be configured to obtain input from the user to verify, change, and / or amend portions of the chemical recipe. In yet other variations, the display screen 107 may be configured to enable a user to operate the system 100 in maintenance mode. In still other variations, the display screen 107 may be configured to enable a user to diagnose and detect faults that may be occur during operation of the system 100.

[0169] In some variations, the display screen 107 may be configured to display output such as for example, status of operations to be performed by the system, a (chronological) timeline of operations (e.g., actual techniques) to be performed and being performed by the system, current values, historical graphs / values, minimum values, and / or maximum values of properties for chemicals and chemical reactions that may be required to perform the operations, traceability information (e.g., when a component was opened, etc.), timestamp of operations being performed, status of one or more components of the system (e.g., sensors), indication that the chemical processing has been completed, indication that an output is ready, etc. to the user. In some variations, the display screen 107 may allow the user to interact with the output, thereby allowing the user to access additional information relating to the system, operations of the system, components, and / or operations of the components within the system. In some variations, the display screen 107 may allow the user to select previously performed processing to access information relating to these processing. In some variations, the display screen 107 provides access to user management functions (e.g., settings of the display screen 107, information about users, system, etc.). In some variations, the display screen 107 may allow the user to add notes relating to specific time points of the processing. In some variations, the display screen 107 may enable activation and deactivation of users. In some variations, the display screen 107 may enable a user to set default settings of the system. In some variations, the display screen 107 may allow a user to allow one or more processors to perform fault diagnostics of the system.

[0170] Housing Segment 104

[0171] Interface Panels

[0172] As discussed above, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system described herein comprises a modular design to enable improved portability, flexibility, operation, and management. For example, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system comprises two or more modules (e.g., module 100) that are configured to perform one or more operations to automatically process / synthesize or produce products. More specifically, each module 100 of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be an individual physical unit as described herein that is configured to perform one or more operations of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. Each physical unit (i.e., module 100) may perform their respective operations independent of other physical units (i.e., module 100) of the system. As an example, one physical unit (i.e., module 100) may be configured to perform a chemical reaction while another physical unit (i.e., module 100) may be configured to perform liquid-liquid separation. As another example, one physical unit (i.e., module 100) may be configured to perform a sub-task of a process (e.g., distillation process), such as for example, the sub-task of separating chemicals, while another physical unit (i.e., module 100) may be configured to perform another sub-task of the same process (e.g., distillation process), such as for example, the sub-task of collecting the separated chemicals. Accordingly, “operations” as used herein may refer to a complete process (e.g., distillation, filtration, evaporation, recrystallization, liquid-liquid separation, and / or the like) that may be performed to automatically synthesize or produce products or may refer to a sub-task of a process. Although these separate physical units (i.e., module 100) may exchange / transfer reactants, chemicals, fluids, gases, a combination thereof, and / or the like, these separate physical units (i.e., module 100) may be configured to perform their respective operations (i.e., chemical reaction and liquid-liquid separation) independently. To perform operations independent of each other, each physical unit (i.e., module 100) of the end- to-end automated chemical processing system may separately include one or more of: controller(s), tray(s), processing vessel(s) (e.g., reactor vessel(s), reaction chamber(s), filtration chamber(s), recrystallization chamber(s), liquid-liquid separation chamber(s), distillation chamber(s), evaporator(s), and / or the like), sensor(s), pump(s), motor(s), valve(s), and / or the like. That said, some components of the system such as for example, tubes, pipes, and / or cable wires, may be shared between the physical units (i.e., module 100) of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. For instance, a first portion of a pipe to transport fluids / chemicals may be in a first physical unit that performs chemical reaction while a second portion of the same pipe to transport fluids / chemicals may be in a second physical unit that performs liquid-liquid separation. Put differently, some components such as tubes, pipes, and / or cable wires may extend from one module 100 to another module 100.

[0173] To perform a specific chemical processing, the modules 100 that are required for that chemical processing may be engaged (e.g., physically engaged) together (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, fluidly, electrically, a combination thereof, and / or the like) such that a physical connection may exist between two adjacent modules. More specifically, one or more modules may comprise a physical connection to engage the one or more modules with other modules. The physical connection can be include for example, at least one of: a mechanical coupling mechanism (e.g., latch, fasteners, friction fit, etc.), a magnetic coupling mechanism (e.g., one or more magnets), a fluid coupling mechanism (e.g., pipes, tubes, fluid connectors, etc.), and / or an electrical coupling mechanism (e.g., electrical connectors, cable wires, etc.). As a non-limiting example and solely for illustrative purpose, consider a chemical processing that requires the operations of chemical reaction, liquid-liquid separation, and filtration. For such a processing, a first module for chemical reaction, a second module for liquid-liquid separation, and a third module for filtration may be engaged together (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, electrically, fluidly, a combination thereof, and / or the like) by means of a physical connection between the first module and the second module and / or the third module, and between the second module and the first module and / or the third module. The physical connection may be a mechanical coupling mechanism, a magnetic coupling mechanism, a fluid coupling mechanism (e.g., pipes, tubes, fluid connectors, etc.), and / or an electrical coupling mechanism. Now consider a chemical processing that requires the operations of chemical reaction and liquid-liquid separation only. For such a processing, only the first module for chemical reaction and the second module for liquid-liquid separation may be engaged together (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, electrically, fluidly, a combination thereof, and / or the like) by means of a physical connection such as for example, a mechanical coupling mechanism, a magnetic coupling mechanism, a fluid coupling mechanism (e.g., pipes, tubes, fluid connectors, etc.), and / or an electrical coupling mechanism between the first module and the second module.

[0174] Accordingly, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be installed / assembled by engaging together (e.g., mechanically, magnetically, electrically, fluidly, a combination thereof, and / or the like) two or more suitable modules as needed. In particular, during installation of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system, each module (e.g., module 100) of the system may be transported individually. Each individual module may be engaged / coupled with other module(s) in a suitable manner so as to install / assemble the automated chemical processing system. In this manner, the portability of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system can be improved. Furthermore, the flexibility of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system can be improved. For example, a user can assemble the modules based on the user’s present needs and can modify this assembly as the needs change.

[0175] Furthermore, the modules (e.g., module 100) of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be disengaged or decoupled from each other as needed. As discussed above, each module may be configured to individually perform one or more operations of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. Therefore, after installation of the system, if one module is damaged (e.g., due to wear and tear, accidents, etc.), the damaged module can be disengaged / decoupled from the other module(s) of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. The damaged module may be replaced or repaired as needed without impacting the other modules of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. In this manner, the flexibility, management, and operation of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system can be improved.

[0176] In some variations, each module 100 may include one or more panels (e.g., interface panels) to facilitate engagement (and / or coupling) and disengagement (and / or decoupling) of modules. Put differently, the interface panels may include a coupling mechanism to engage one module 100 to another module. The interface panels may be configured to couple one module to another module and to decouple one module from the other module. For example, a first module may include a first interface panel that is configured to mechanically, magnetically, fluidly, and / or electrically engage or disengage with a second interface panel that is included in a second module. When the first interface panel and the second interface panel are engaged (and / or coupled) with each other, the first module and the second module are engaged (and / or coupled) with each other. When the first interface panel and the second interface panel disengage (and / or decouple) from each other, the first module and the second module disengage (and / or decouple from each other). In this manner, the interface panels couple two modules together or decouple the two modules from each other.

[0177] The one or more interface panels may be attached to, inserted in, or otherwise integrated with the module 100. For example, the housing 101 of the module 100 may include side walls with one or more cavities. More specifically, the second segment 104 of the module 100 may include partition segments with one or more cavities. These partition segments may be positioned on either side of the module 100. The partition segments may separate a module from another module to which it is mechanically, magnetically, fluidlly, and / or electrically engaged. In variations in which a module is an end module (i.e., a module 100 is positioned on either end of the chemical processing system), the module may include a first partition segment that is at the end of the chemical processing system and a second partition segment opposite to the first partition segment that separates this module from an adjacent module. In variations in which a module is not an end module (i.e., the module is positioned between a first adjacent module and a second adjacent module), the module may include a first partition segment that separates the module from the first adjacent module and a second partition segment opposite to the first partition segment that separates the module from the second adjacent module. The interface panels may be attached to, inserted in, or otherwise integrated with the cavities in the second segment 104 (e.g., with the cavities in the partition segments of the second segment 104).

[0178] FIG. 10 illustrates an example portion of a housing 101. The first segment 102 (e.g., door) of the housing 101 is not shown in FIG. 10. The second segment 104 of the housing 101 includes a first partition segment 104f and a second partition segment 104g opposite the first partition segment 104f . If a module 100 is an end module, then either the first partition segment 104f or the second partition segment 104g may be positioned at an end of the system (i.e., not adjacent to another module). If a module 100 is not an end module, then both the first partition segment 104f and the second partition segment 104g may be positioned adjacent to another module to which the module 100 can be mechanically, magnetically, fluidically, and / or electrically coupled. The first partition segment 104f and the second partition segment 104g may include cavities such as for example, cavity 1092a, cavity 1092b, and cavity 1092c. The interface panels may be inserted in or otherwise integrated with the cavity 1092a, cavity 1092b, and cavity 1092c. For instance, a first interface panel may be inserted in or otherwise integrated with cavity 1092a, a second interface panel may be inserted in or otherwise integrated with cavity 1092b, and a third interface panel may be inserted in or otherwise integrated with cavity 1092c. FIG. 10 depicts three cavities for three panels solely for illustrative purposes. It should be readily understood that the partition segments may include any suitable number of cavities for any suitable number of interface panels. In some variations, the interface panels and the second segment 104 may comprise the same material. Alternatively, the interface panels and the second segment 104 may comprise different materials. In some variations, the one or more interface panels may comprise aluminum. In some variations, a blanking panel may be inserted in or otherwise integrated with a cavity of the partition panel so as to restrict physical engagement between two adjacent modules 100.

[0179] The one or more interface panels may be configured to mechanically, magnetically, fluidly, and / or electrically engage with each other. For instance, the interface panel(s) may include a coupling mechanism such as for example, a fastener, a latch, a joint, one or more magnets, one or more electrical connectors, one or more fluidic connectors, friction fit, a combination thereof, and / or the like. As an example, the interface panel(s) may include a latch mechanism to couple modules together and / or decouple modules from each other.

[0180] FIGS. 1 1 A and 1 1 B illustrate example interface panels with a latch mechanism to engage and / or disengage modules 100. A first module may include interface panel 1 192a and a second module may include interface panel 1192b. Interface panel 1192a may include a cutout or recessed portion 1194a on a first side 1196a of the panel 1 192a. Interface panel 1192a may be attached to and / or integrated with the first module such that the first side 1 196a aligns with the outer surface (e.g., surface facing the outside of the module) of the second segment 104 of the first module and a second side opposite to the first side 1196a aligns with the inner surface (e.g., surface 104a) of the second segment 104 of the first module. Interface panel 1 192b may include a protruding arm 1194b on a first side 1196b of the interface panel 1 192b. Interface panel 1 192b may be attached to and / or integrated with the second module such that the first side 1196b aligns with the outer surface (e.g., surface facing the outside of the module) of the second segment 104 of the second module and a second side opposite to the first side 1196b aligns with the inner surface (e.g., surface 104a) of the second segment 104 of the second module.

[0181] A force may be applied to a first end 1197a of the interface panel 1 192a along the direction 1 198a and / or a force may be applied to a first end 1197b of the interface panel 1 192b along the direction 1 198b so as to slide the protruding arm 1 194b on the first side 1 196a of the interface panel 1192a such that the protruding arm 1 194b engages the cutout or recessed portion 1 194a of the interface panel 1 192a. Such an engagement may releasably lock interface panel 1 192a to interface panel 1192b, thereby releasably locking the first module to the second module. To disengage the interface panels 1 192a and 1 192b, a force may be applied to the first end 1 197a of the interface panel 1 192a along a direction opposite to the direction 1198a and / or a force may be applied to the first end 1 197b of the interface panel 1192b along a direction opposite to the direction 1 198b such that the protruding arm 1 194b is forced to disengage from the cutout or recessed portion 1 194a of the interface panel 1192a. This may release the interface panel 1192b from the interface panel 1192a, thereby disengaging the first module from the second module. In this manner, the interface panels 1 192a and 1 192b may engage with or disengage (e.g., mechanically) from each other, thereby engaging and / or disengaging the first module with / from the second module.

[0182] Although the coupling mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 11 A and 11 B is a latch mechanism, it should be readily understood that any suitable coupling mechanism (e.g., a fastener, a joint, one or more magnets, friction fit, one or more electrical connectors, one or more fluidic connectors, a combination thereof, and / or the like) may be used to engage and / or disengage the panels. For instance, the first side 1196a of the first interface panel 1192a may include a first magnet and the first side 1 196b of the second interface panel 1 192b may include a second magnet. When force is applied to move the first interface panel 1 192a and / or to move the second interface panel 1192b towards each other, the first magnet may engage with the second magnet due to magnetic forces, thereby releasably locking the first interface panel 1192a to the second interface panel 1 192b. When force is applied to pull the first interface panel 1 192a and / or the second interface panel 1 192b away from each other, the first magnet and the second magnet disengage from each other, thereby disengaging the first interface panel 1192a from the second interface panel 1192b. In this manner, the interface panels 1192a and 1192b may engage with or disengage (e.g., magnetically) from each other, thereby engaging and / or disengaging the first module with / from the second module. In some variations, the coupling mechanisms described herein may seal the modules 100 such that the air and / or gasses trapped inside the module 100 are not allowed to escape via the one or more cavities (e.g., cavity 1092a and cavity 1092b) in the modules 100. More specifically, in some scenarios, it may be advantageous to fill the inside of the modules 100 with gas such as nitrogen. The coupling mechanism in the interface panels that are inserted within the cavities of the module may seal the module such that nitrogen is not allowed to escape from the module 100 to outside the module.

[0183] The interface panels described herein are configured to be attached to and / or integrated with side walls (e.g., partition segments 104f and 104g) of the module 100. For example, the interface panel 1 192a may be attached to and / or integrated with a first partition segment positioned on a right side of a first module 100 while the interface panel 1 192b may be attached to and / or integrated with a second partition segment positioned on a left side of a second module 100, thereby engaging the right side of the first module with the left side of the second module. FIG. 12 illustrates an example top view of a portion of a first module 1200a and a portion of a second module 1200b that are engaged with each other. As seen in FIG. 12, a first interface panel 1292a that is attached to and / or integrated with a first module 1200a that engages with a second interface panel 1292b that is attached to and / or integrated with a second module 1200b. The first interface panel 1292a is integrated with or otherwise attached to a first partition segment 1204f of the first module 1200a and the second interface panel 1292b is integrated with or otherwise attached to a second partition segment 1204g’ of the second module 1200b.

[0184] Fluidic Panels

[0185] In addition to the interface panels described herein, in some variations, the modules 100 may include fluidic panels. In some variations, the fluidic panels may be configured to engage and / or disengage one module 100 from another module 100. Put differently, the fluidic panels may include a coupling mechanism, such as for example, providing a means for a fluid connection, to engage and / or disengage one module to another module. For example, in some variations, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may include interface panels as described above to engage and / or disengage one module from another module. Additionally or alternatively, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may include fluidic panels as described herein to engage and / or disengage one module from another module. Furthermore, as described above, while each module 100 of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system includes separate components, some components such as tubes and / or pipes may be shared between the modules 100. Put differently, one or more tubes and / or pipes may extend from one module 100 to another module 100. To accommodate for seamless extension of tubes and / or pipes from one module to another, the modules 100 may include fluidic panels.

[0186] FIG. 13 illustrates an example fluidic panel 1392 that enables seamless extension of tubes and / or pipes. The fluidic panel 1392 may include a cavity 1394 through which one or more glands may be inserted in, coupled to, attached to, and / or fitted into. One or more pipes and / or tubes may extend in and / or out of the module 100 through the one or more glands. Similar to the interface panels, the fluidic panel 1392 may be attached to, inserted in, or otherwise integrated with the module 100. For example, the housing 101 of the module 100 may include side walls, rear walls, or top segment, with one or more cavities. More specifically, the second segment 104 of the module 100 may include partition segments (e.g., partition segment 104f and / or 104g in FIG. 10) with one or more cavities.

[0187] The fluidic panel 1392 may be attached to, inserted in, or otherwise integrated with the cavities in the partition segment such that a first side 1396 of the fluidic panel 1392 aligns with an outer surface (e.g., surface facing the outside of the module) of the second segment 104 and a second side that is opposite to the first side 1396 of the fluidic panel 1292 aligns with an inner surface (e.g., surface 104a) of the second segment 104. FIG. 14 illustrates an example of one or more glands that enable a tube and / or a pipe to extend from a first module 1400a to a second module 1400b. The first module 1400a includes fluidic panel 1492a and a gland 1495a. The gland 1495a is attached to, coupled to, inserted in, and / or fitted into the fluidic panel 1492a (e.g., the cavity of the fluidic panel). The second module 1400b includes fluidic panel 1492b and a gland 1495b. The gland 1495b is attached to, coupled to, inserted in, and / or fitted into the fluidic panel 1492b (e.g., the cavity of the fluidic panel). A pipe and / or tube may extend via gland 1495a and gland 1495b and though the fluidic panel 1492a and fluidic panel 1492b.

[0188] In some variations, instead of the fluidic panels, the modules 100 may include one or more connectors to seamlessly extend the tubes and / or pipes from one module to another. For example, the modules may include fluidic connectors, fluidic glands, fluidic tubing, fluidic paths, a combination thereof, and / or the like that may be directly integrated with the second segment 104 of the module so as to extend the tubes and / or pipes from one module to another.

[0189] Partition Segments

[0190] FIG. 15A illustrates an example partition segment1592 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to partition segment 104f and 104g in FIG. 10). The partition segment 1592 includes one or more cavities such as for example, 1594a-1594d, to receive interface panels and / or the fluidic panels. For example, in FIG. 15A, the cavities 1594a, 1594c, and 1594d may be configured to receive interface panels (e.g., interface panel 1 192a in FIG. 1 1 A and / or interface panel 1192b in FIG. 11 B). For instance, cavity 1594a may be configured to receive a first interface panel, cavity 1594c may be configured to receive a second interface panel, and cavity 1594d may be configured to receive a third interface panel. The cavity 1594b may be configured to receive fluidic panels (e.g., fluidic panel 1392 in FIG. 13). The partition segment shown in FIG. 15A may be a partition segment that is positioned next to an adjacent module. In variations in which the partition segment is positioned at the end of the chemical processing system, the cavities such as for example, 1594a-1594d, may be configured to receive blank panels. Although FIG. 15A depicts four cavities, it should be readily understood that the partition segment may include any suitable number of cavities to receive any one or more of the interface panels, fluidic panels, and / or blank panels. FIG. 15B illustrates an example gasket that may surround one or more cavities in the partition segment of the module 100.

[0191] Status and Progress Indicators

[0192] Referring back to FIG. 1 A and FIG. 1 B, in some variations, the housing 101 of the module may include one or more visual indicators to indicate one or more of: (1 ) an indication that the system is starting up / booting up; (2) a status of a module 100; (3) a progress of a module 100; (4) a progress of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system; (5) an indication of a measurable parameter, such as for example, temperature, pressure, and / or the like within the module; (6) and a warning. The visual indicator(s) may be provided on an outer surface (e.g., surface facing the outside of the module 100) of the module 100. For instance, the visual indicator(s) may be provided on a top portion / top side of the outer surface of the segment 104. FIG. 1A, FIG. 1 B, and FIG. 7A include example visual indicator(s) 1 12 that is provided on a top side of the module 100. It should be readily understood that visual indicator(s) described herein may be provided at any suitable location on the outer surface of the module 100 such that the indicator(s) is easily visible to a user. In some variations, a visual indicator(s) may be restricted to a single module. Alternatively, a visual indicator(s) may extend from one module to another (e.g., extend from one end of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system to the opposite end). In some variations, the visual indicator(s) may be positioned near the module (e.g., the visual indicators may be a projection such as for example, a holographic projection on a surface near the module). In some variations, the visual indicator(s) may be physical indicators (e.g., mechanically actuated flags, etc.).

[0193] In some variations, the visual indicator(s) may configured to be visible from a distance (e.g., distance from the end-to-end automated chemical processing system). For example, a user may be at a distance (e.g., not close or far) from the end-to-end automated chemical processing system during the operation of the system. The visual indicator(s) may enable the user to determine progress of the operations performed by a module, progress of the entire system, status of a module 100, temperature within a module, issues and / or problems with a module and / or the system, etc. without having to go near or close to the end-to-end automated chemical processing system.

[0194] As an example, visual indicator(s) may comprise any suitable light source to provide indication(s) disclosed above. For example, the visual indicator(s) may comprise LED lights to provide the indication(s) disclosed above. For instance, the visual indicator(s) may comprise LED lights to indicate a status of the module 100. For example, when a module 100 is active, the visual indicator(s) may be configured to display a first color, such as for example, green color, indicating that the module 100 is active. Similarly, when a module 100 is idle, the visual indicator(s) may be configured to display a second color, such as for example, blue color, indicating that the module 100 is idle. Similarly, when there is an error and / or when there is an issue with a module, the visual indicator(s) may be configured to display a third color, such as for example, red color, indicating that the module 100 is in an error-mode.

[0195] As another example, visual indicator(s) may comprise illuminated patterns to provide the indications disclosed above. For instance, the visual indicator(s) may comprise illuminated patterns to indicate a temperature within the module and / or within a part of the module. In some variations, such illuminated patterns can be in the form of text. For example, if the temperature within a module 100 is too high, the visual indicator(s) may be configured to illuminate a first pattern, such as for example, a fire symbol, indicating that the temperature within the module 100 is too high. Similarly, if the temperature within a module is too low, the visual indicator(s) may be configured to illuminate a second pattern, such as for example, an ice symbol, indicating that the temperature within the module 100 is too low. In some variations, after providing a warning (e.g., an indication that the temperature is too high or too low), the visual indicator(s) may indicate a value representative of the temperature within the module and / or within a part of the module. In some variations, the system may be configured to remotely transmit warnings to a user (e.g., via a short messaging service, Email, etc.).

[0196] As yet another example, visual indicator(s) may comprise graphical control elements and / or animated bars to provide indications disclosed above. For instance, a graphical control element and / or animated bar that extends from one end of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system to the opposite end of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be provided. Such visual indicator(s) may visually indicate progress of operations within the system. As yet another example, visual indicator(s) may comprise lights that are configured to flash. For example, the visual indicator(s) may flash lights to indicate a warning to a user.

[0197] Air-Flow devices

[0198] In some variations, one or more air-flow devices may be positioned at the top and / or at the bottom of the housing 101 to control the air-flow within the module. For example, a device such as a fan may be positioned at the bottom of the housing 101 . When the door segment 102 is in a closed-state, the closed state may cause a negative pressure in the module. The gases in the module 100 may raise from the bottom of the housing 101 to the top of the housing 101. The segment 102 may include one or more outlets (e.g., a hole, an aperture, a cavity, etc.) through which the gases may be removed from the module 100. In some variations, one or more air-flow devices may be positioned near the outlets to remove gases and other harmful vapors from the module.

[0199] Compressible rubber gasket

[0200] In some variations, a compressible rubber gasket may be fitted along the housing segment portion 104 or along the edge of the door segment portion 102 such that the compressible rubber gasket is between the housing segment portion 104 and the door segment portion 102. The compressible rubber gasket may be configured to control an environment within the module 100. For example, the compressible rubber gasket may seal the module 100 and may minimize unintentional air flow from the module 100 and into the module 100. In some variations, the compressible rubber gasket may enable sound dampening. The compressible rubber gasket may be fitted in the housing segment 104 such that when the module 100 is in closed state, the compressible rubber gasket surrounds the door segment portion 102 on four sides. Although, the compressible rubber gasket is described herein to surround the door segment portion 102 on four sides, it should be readily understood that the compressible rubber gasket may surround the door segment portion 102 on any suitable number of sides. FIG. 7B illustrates a housing segment portion 104 that includes a compressible rubber gasket 729. As seen in FIG. 7B, the compressible rubber gasket 729 may extend along an inner edge of the housing segment 104 on all four sides of the housing segment 104. In some variations, the compressible rubber gasket 729 facilitates tactile feedback to a user when the module 100 transitions from an open state to the closed state. For example, the door segment 102 may push against the compressible rubber gasket 729 when the module transitions to the closed state, thereby providing the user with tactile feedback. Module Components

[0201] Described herein are one or more components within the module(s) 100. As discussed above, in general, each module 100 may include separate components that may be housed within the modules. Each component of the one or more components may be included in any suitable number of modules, such as for example, one module, two modules, three modules, four modules, etc. As a non-limiting example, a first component may be included in one module, a second component may be included in three modules, a third component may be included in two modules, etc.

[0202] Trays

[0203] The module(s) 100 described herein may include one or more trays to hold components such as for example, one or more: reaction vessel(s), reaction bottle(s), controller(s), power source(s), sensor(s), etc. In some variations, a tray in the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be non-removable. Put differently, such a tray may be affixed at a specific position inside the module 100 and may not be manually removable. Alternatively, a tray in the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be removable. Put differently, although the tray may be coupled to the module 100, the tray may be configured to be manually removed (e.g., by a user). FIG. 16A illustrates an example tray 1612. The tray 1612 may include a flat portion with raised edges. The flat portion may be designed to securely hold the components. The raised edges may prevent the components from falling out of the tray 1612 and into other portions of the module 100. In some variations, the tray 1612 may comprise aluminum. In some variations, an inner surface 1614a of the tray 1612 may be coated with one or more materials that may be non-stick, resistant to high temperatures, resistant to corrosion, and / or resistant to chemical or biological spills. For example, the inner surface 1614a of the tray 1612 may be coated with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Alternatively, the inner surface 1614a of the tray 1612 may be coated with any suitable material, such as for example, glass. In some variations, the tray 1612 may include a drain (not shown in FIG. 16A) to drain fluids and / or reactants. The drain may be positioned at the bottom of the flat portion or on one or more sides of the tray 1612.

[0204] These trays 1612 may be placed on a tray holder such as for example, tray holder 1616 in FIG. 16B. For example, the tray 1612 may be placed on the surface 1618a of the tray holder 1616. In some variations, a volume of the tray holder 1616 may be large enough such that the tray holder 1616 may be configured to hold an entire reaction volume in case of catastrophic reactor vessel failure. The tray holder 1616 may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a travel mechanism that enables the tray holder 1616 to move back and forth. In some variations, the travel mechanism may be an electrically actuated mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the travel mechanism may be mechanically actuated mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, the travel mechanism may be pneumatically actuated mechanism. The travel mechanism may be any suitable type of travel mechanism such as for example, a sliding mechanism, a swing mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a lead screw mechanism, a combination thereof, and / or the like. For example, the tray holder 1616 may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a sliding mechanism such as for example, slides, glides, runners, a combination thereof, etc. For instance, the tray holder 1616 may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a sliding mechanism on a side opposite to the side 1618a. The sliding mechanism may be configured to primarily move the tray holder in the third Z-Z’ direction.

[0205] The tray holder 1616 may include a raised edge 1615 which in turn may include a vertical portion 1616a that may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a handle. For example, the vertical portion 1616a may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with handle 1622 in FIG. 16D. In some variations, the vertical portion 1616a may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with handle 1622 via a bracket 1620 in FIG. 16C. The handle 1622 may enable the tray holder 1616 to move in the Z-Z’ direction via the sliding mechanism. For example, a user may apply force on the handle 1622. Applying this force may cause the sliding mechanism to move the tray holder out of a module 100. This may give the user access to the tray 1612 and the components that are held on the tray 1612. After accessing the components, the user may push the handle 1612 to move the tray holder 1616 back into the module 100 (e.g., via the sliding mechanism). In this manner, a user may access components on the tray 1612 as needed. In some variations, the vertical portion 1616a may be configured to turn the pivot arm shown in FIG. 8A from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0206] The back and forth movement of the tray holder 1616 may cause the tray 1612 to move, thereby causing the components that are held on the tray 1612 to move. This may lead to chemical and / or biological spills. To avoid this, one or more strips of anti-slipping material may be positioned between the tray 1612 and the tray holder 1616. For example, silicone strips may be positioned between the tray 1612 and the tray holder 1616 to hold the tray 1612 in position. For example, the silicone strips may be magnetically and / or otherwise mechanically be coupled to the tray holder 1616. In this manner, improved access to the components within the module 100 may be provided without chemical and / or biological spills.

[0207] In some variations, the tray holder 1616 may be integrated with a locking mechanism that is configured to lock the tray holder 1616 in predetermined positions. For instance, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the tray holder 1616 when the tray holder 1616 and / or the tray 1612 is moved out of the module such that a user has access to the tray 1612. As another example, the locking mechanism may be configured to lock the tray holder 1616 when the tray holder 1616 and / or the tray 1612 is moved to a specific position within the module such that the first segment 102 can be transitioned to the closed state without damaging any of the components.

[0208] Reactor vessel

[0209] A reactor vessel as described herein may be configured to perform one or more of: chemical reactions, liquid-liquid separation, filtration, recrystallization, dialysis, freeze- drying, and / or distillation. In some variations, one or more chemical substances may be synthesized and / or one or more chemical compounds may be produced in the reactor vessel (e.g., based on instructions received from one or more controllers). In some variations, during operations such as chemical reactions, separation, filtration, recrystallization, and / or distillation, the contents from the reactor vessel may be transferred to an analytical equipment (e.g., a spectrophotometer, etc.) for analysis. The operations may be adjusted or terminated based on an outcome of the analysis. In some variations, one or more sensors may monitor (e.g., in a discrete manner or continuous manner) physical properties of the contents in the reactor vessel.

[0210] FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D illustrate example reactor vessels 1742. The reactor vessel 1742 can include different portions configured to synthesize different volume of chemical substances. For example, the reactor vessel 1742 comprises two portions - a first portion to synthesize one or more chemical substances of a first volume and a second portion to synthesize one or more chemical substances of a second volume. For example, the reactor vessel 1742 comprises a top portion 1744a to synthesize one or more chemical substances of a first volume. The first volume may be between about 4 liters and about 40 milliliters, including all values and sub-ranges therein. For example, the first volume may be between about 4 liters and about 3.5 liters, between about 3.5 liters and about 3 liters, between about 3 liters and about 2.5 liters, between about 2.5 liters and about 2 liters, between about 2 liters and about 1 .5 liters, between about 1 .5 liters and about 1 liter, between about 1 liter and about 500 milliliters, between about 500 milliliters and about 100 milliliters, between about 100 milliliters and about 40 milliliters, etc. Additionally, the reactor vessel 1742 comprises a bottom portion 1744b to synthesize one or more chemical substances of a second volume that is less than the first volume. The second volume may be less than about 40 milliliters, including all values and subranges therein. For example, the second volume may be less than about 35 milliliters, less than about 30 milliliters, less than about 25 milliliters, less than about 20 milliliters, less than about 15 milliliters, less than about 10 milliliters, less than about 5 milliliters, etc. Accordingly, a same reactor vessel 1742 may be configured to synthesize chemical substance(s) of a large volume (e.g., less than about 2 liters) and a small volume (e.g., less than about 40 milliliters). In some variations, the reactor vessel 1742 may be configured to yield approximately the same performance for synthesizing chemical substance(s) of both large volumes and small volumes. In some variations, the first portion and the second portion may be separate vessels that are positioned adjacent to each other and / or are integrated together.

[0211] The reactor vessel 1742 may be configured such that the reactor vessel 1742 flares open in an upward direction from the bottom portion 1744b to the top portion 1744a. For example, the side walls of the reactor vessel 1742 may continuously diverge from the bottom portion 1744b to the top portion 1744a. The bottom portion 1744b may have a relatively small diameter in comparison to the top portion 1744a. The flare-up from the bottom portion 1744b to the top portion 1744a may provide the reactor vessel 1742 a funnel-shaped design with substantially curved faces. Put differently, the side walls of the reactor vessel 1742 may be substantially curved. In some variations, the flare-up from the bottom portion 1744b to the top portion 1744a may be in a gradual manner.

[0212] In some variations, the reactor vessel 1742 may be a jacketed vessel that may be designed to control a temperature of the one or more chemical substances in the reactor vessel 1742. Put differently, the reactor vessel 1742 may include an outer jacket that surrounds an inner vessel. Chemicals may be synthesized inside the inner vessel. The outer jacket of the reactor vessel 1742 may be configured to circulate a heating fluid and / or a cooling fluid around the inner vessel to control the temperature of the contents within the inner vessel. The outer jacket may include an inlet jacket pipe 1746 and an outlet jacket pipe 1748 to circulate and / or transport the heating fluid and / or the cooling fluid around the inner vessel. In some variations, the inlet jacket pipe 1746 and the outlet jacket pipe 1748 may be coupled to a temperature controller (e.g., a thermostat). In some variations, the inlet jacket pipe 1746 and the outlet jacket pipe 1748 may comprise a flexible material. In some variations, the inlet jacket pipe 1746 and the outlet jacket pipe 1748 may be connected to other pipes of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system via a coupler such as for example, a quick connector, a quick connect hose fitting, and / or the like. In some variations, the inlet jacket pipe 1746 and the outlet jacket pipe 1748 may be connected to other pipes of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system via one or more non-drip quick connectors, thereby enabling disconnection of the reactor vessel 1742 without draining the heating fluid and / or cooling fluid from the outer jacket 1748. Accordingly, the heating fluid and / or the cooling fluid may be drained from the reactor vessel 1742 by simply decoupling the pipes from the inlet jacket pipe 1746 and the outlet jacket pipe 1748. The reactor vessel 1742 may include an outlet orifice 1750 that may be configured to release fluid and / or chemical substances from the inner vessel of the reactor vessel 1742. The fluid and / or chemical substances may be released into one or more pipes or tubes via a drain valve as further described herein.

[0213] In some variations, the reactor vessel 1742 may include a removable filter (e.g., a glassfrit filter) (not shown in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D) that may be configured to filter particle from chemicals, reactants, and / or fluids. The removable filter can be removed or exchanged as needed. For example, the removable filter can be replaced in case of blockage or wear and tear. Additionally or alternatively, the removable filter can be exchanged for a different removable filter if different porosity is desired. The removable filter may comprise any suitable material, such as for example, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or similar chemically resistant material.

[0214] FIG. 18 illustrates an example portion of a module 1800 that is configured to include a reactor vessel, such as for example, reactor vessel 1742. The reactor vessel 1742 may be held in position via a clamp 1852. The clamp 1852 may encircle the reactor vessel 1742. The clamp 1852 may be configured to securely grip and / or hold the reactor vessel 1742. In some variations, the clamp 1852 may prevent the reactor vessel 1742 from moving or falling. The clamp 1852 may include one or more portions 1852a that comprise anti-slipping material such as for example, silicone. For example, one half of the clamp 1852 (e.g., a front portion of the clamp 1852) may include one or more silicone strips that may be wrapped around a corresponding portion of the reactor vessel 1742. As another example, the entire clamp 1852 may include one or more silicone strips that may be wrapped around the entire portion of the reactor vessel 1742. In yet another example, the clamp 1852 may comprise silicone strips at discrete points instead of a continuous strip. The clamp 1852 coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a travel mechanism. The travel mechanism may be a mechanically actuated mechanism, an electrically actuated mechanism, an electro-mechanically actuated mechanism, or a pneumatically actuated mechanism. In some variations, the travel mechanism may be a sliding mechanism such as for example, slides, glides, runners, a combination thereof, etc. The sliding mechanism may be configured to move the clamp 1852 in the third Z-Z’ direction. The clamp 1852 may also be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a handle 1822 to move the reactor vessel 1742 back and forth. For example, a user may apply force on the handle 1822 to pull the reactor vessel 1742 forward out of the module 1800 (e.g., via the sliding mechanism), thereby providing the user access to the reactor vessel 1742. Furthermore, after accessing the reactor vessel 1742, the user may apply force on the handle 1822 to push the reactor vessel 1742 backward into the module 1800. The handle 1822 may be structurally similar to the handle 1622 in FIG. 16D. In some variations, the travel mechanism may include a portion such as 1854 to turn the pivot arm shown in FIG. 8A from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

[0215] In some variations, the module 1800 may include U-shaped trays such as tray 1824. A U-shaped Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seat (not shown in FIG. 18) may be positioned above the U-shaped tray 1824. The U-shaped seat may be positioned such that the U- shaped seat interfaces with an outer curved surface of the reactor vessel 1742. The U- shaped 1824 may prevent fluids (e.g., moisture) on the outer surface of the reactor vessel 1742 to flow / drip down. In some variations, the U-shaped tray 1824 may be configured to thermally insulate the reactor vessel 1742, thereby preventing heat dissipation. In some variations, the reactor vessel 1742 may be held on the U-shaped tray 1824.

[0216] Stirrer

[0217] In some variations, a reactor vessel, such as for example reactor vessel 1742, may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a stirrer. The stirrer may be configured to stir, agitate, immerse, spin, and / or mix one or more contents in the reactor vessel. For example, the stirrer may be configured to rotate at specified rotations per minute along the first axis X-X’ (e.g., vertical axis). The stirrer may be configured to rotate via a stirrer controller as further described herein. A stirrer may comprise a rotatable shaft that is attached to or integrated with one or more agitator elements (e.g., blade). The rotatable shaft may be configured to transmit torque from a stirrer controller to the one or more agitator elements. Rotation of the agitator element(s) may cause the contents in the reactor vessel to stir, agitate, immerse, spin, and / or mix.

[0218] FIGS. 19A-19C illustrate a first example of a stirrer 1962 that may be included in a module 100. The stirrer 1962 may comprise a rotatable shaft 1964 that is coupled to, attached to, integrated with, or otherwise fitted with an agitator element 1966 (e.g., at a lower end of the rotatable shaft 1964). In some variations, the agitator element 1966 may be a series (e.g., one or more) of discrete paddles positioned on the rotatable shaft 1964 at different heights. In some variations, the agitator element 1966 may be a helical blade member that extends downwards along the lower length of the rotatable shaft 1964. In some variations, the helical blade member may extend until the lower end of the rotatable shaft 1964. Alternatively, the helical blade member may extend beyond the lower end of the rotatable shaft 1964. The helical blade member may comprise curved spiral segments that extend radially outwards (e.g., in a radial direction from the rotatable shaft 1964). The radius of the curved spiral segments may vary from the top portion of the helical blade member to the bottom portion of the helical blade member. For example, the radius of the curved spiral segments may be greatest at the top most portion of the helical blade member and the radius of the curved spiral segments may be lowest at the bottom most portion of the helical blade member.

[0219] In some variations, a top portion 1966a of the helical blade member may have curved spiral segments with a first radius. The first radius may be substantially same for each of the curved spiral segments at the top portion 1966a of the helical blade member. A bottom portion 1966b of the helical blade member may have curved spiral segments with a second radius. The second radius being less than the first radius. The second radius may be substantially same for each of the curved spiral segments at the bottom portion 1966b of the helical blade member. In other variations, the radius of the curved spiral segments of the helical blade member may change uniformly in a descending manner from the top portion of the helical blade member to the bottom portion of the helical blade member.

[0220] The rotatable shaft 1964 may include a top portion 1964a and a bottom portion 1964b. The bottom portion 1964b of the rotatable shaft 1964 may be coupled to, attached to, integrated with, or otherwise fitted with the agitator element 1966. As discussed above, the bottom portion 1964b of the rotatable shaft 1964 may extend downwards until the tip of the bottom portion 1966b of the helical blade member. Alternatively, the bottom portion 1964b of the rotatable shaft 1964 may extend until the top portion 1966a of the helical blade member. Put differently, the top portion 1966a of the helical blade member may encircle the rotatable shaft 1964 while the bottom portion 1966b of the helical blade member may not encircle the rotatable shaft 1964. The top portion 1964a of the rotatable shaft may be attached to, coupled to, or otherwise integrated with a stirrer controller. The stirrer controller may cause the rotatable shaft to rotate, thereby transmitting torque from the rotatable shaft to the helical blade member.

[0221] The helical blade member may be configured to extend from the top portion 1744a of the reactor vessel 1742 to the bottom portion 1744b of the reactor vessel 1742. Owing to the radius of the curved spiral segments descending from the top portion 1966a to the bottom portion 1966b, the stirrer 1962 may be facilitate improved stirring, agitating, immersing, spinning, and / or mixing in the reactor vessel 1742. More specifically, the helical blade member extends continuously from the top portion 1744a to the bottom portion 1744b of the reactor vessel 1742 with the radius of the curved spiral segments descending from the top portion 1744a to the bottom portion 1744b. This continuity allows the stirrer 1962 to be well suited for large volume processing and / or reactions on the top portion 1744a of the reactor vessel 1742 as well as for small volume processing and / or reactions on the bottom portion 1744b of the reactor vessel 1742. In particular, the continuity may reduce sloshing effect and the varying radius may allow large volumes and small volumes to be stirred thoroughly.

[0222] In some variations, the stirrer controller may be configured to rotate the stirrer 1962 in a clockwise direction. Rotating the stirrer 1962 in a clockwise direction may improve the performance of stirring. Furthermore, rotating the stirrer 1962 in the clockwise direction may reduce splashing of the reactants in the reactor vessel 1742. In some variations, the stirrer controller may be configured to switch between rotating the stirrer 1962 from a clockwise direction to a counter-clockwise direction, and vice versa, as needed.

[0223] FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a second example of a stirrer 2062 that may be included in a module 100. The stirrer 2062 may comprise a rotatable shaft 2064 that is coupled to, attached to, integrated with, or otherwise fitted with an agitator element 2066 (e.g., at a lower end of the rotatable shaft 2064). Unlike the stirrer 1962 in FIGS. 19A-19C, the agitator element may not extend along the lower length of the rotatable shaft 2064. Instead, the agitator element may be attached or otherwise fitted to the lower end of the rotatable shaft 2064 such that the agitator element 2066 extends from the lower end of the rotatable shaft 2064 in a downward direction. The agitator element may be a helical blade member with curved spiral segments that extend radially outwards. As seen in FIGS. 20A and 20B, the radius of the curved spiral segments at the top end 2066a of the helical blade member may be greater than the radius of the curved spiral segments along the rest of the helical blade member. Put differently, the helical blade member is attached to or otherwise fitted to the lower end of the rotatable shaft 2064 at a top end 2066a of the helical blade member. The curved spiral segments at just this top end 2066a may have a first radius. The curved spiral segments at the rest of the helical blade member may have a second radius. The second radius may be substantially same for each of the curved spiral segments along the rest of the helical blade member. Put differently, other than at the top end 2066a, the radius of the curved spiral segments of the helical blade member is substantially the same. Owing to the continuity of the helical blade member, the stirrer 2062 reduces sloshing effect. Additionally, the top end 2066a of the helical blade member may be configured for large volumes while the other portions of the helical blade member may be configured for small volumes.

[0224] FIGS. 41 A -41 C show a front view, a side view, and a perspective view respectively of a third example stirrer 4162. The third example stirrer 4162 can comprise a rotatable shaft 4164 and an agitator element 4166 at one end of the rotatable shaft 4164. The agitator element 4166 may be a blade member that extends radially outwards from the rotatable shaft 4164. The agitator element comprises a first portion 4166a and a second portion 4166b.

[0225] The first portion 4166a comprises a first blade segment 4151 a and a second blade segment 4151 b. The first blade segment 4151 a and the second blade segment 4151 b extend from the rotatable shaft. Each of first 4151 a and second 4151 b blade segments are defined by a first surface 4153a (shown in FIG. 41 C) and a second surface (not shown in the figures) connected by an outer edge 4155. The second surface is opposite the first surface 4153a. and, in the example of FIG. 41 , parallel to the first surface 4153a. The second surface is substantially similar to the first surface 4153a.

[0226] In the example of FIG. 41 , the first surface 4153a and second surface are flat, planar surfaces. The first 4153a and second surface may be at an angle to the rotatable shaft 4164. As seen in the FIGS. 41A-41 C, the first 4153a and second surface may be offset from the rotatable shaft 4164. The first 4153a and second surface can be a flat surface. In other examples, the first and second surfaces may be curved, for example helical about the rotatable shaft axis.

[0227] The outer edge 4155 of each of the first 4151 a and second 4151 b blade segments is arcuate. For example, the radius of the arcuate outer edge 4155 can vary from a first end 4163 of the outer edge 4155 to a second end 4167 of the outer edge 4155. For instance, the radius about the longitudinal axis of the stirrer 4162 may increase from the first end 4163 to an intermediate section 4165 of the outer edge 4155. The radius about the longitudinal axis of the stirrer 4162 may reduce from the intermediate section 4165 to the second end 4167. As seen from FIG. 41 A, the intermediate section 4165 is in between the first end 4163 and the second end 4167. In one example, the intermediate section 4165 may be a midsection (e.g., midpoint or section comprising the midpoint) of the outer edge 4155. Although FIGS. 41 A-41 C depict the outer edge 4155 of one blade segment of the first 4151 a and second 4151 b blade segments, it should be readily understood that the outer edge 4155 of the other blade segment is substantially similar to the outer edge 4155 that is depicted in FIGS. 41 A-41 C.

[0228] The second portion 4166b comprises a third blade segment 4157a and a fourth blade segment 4157b. The third 4157a and fourth 4157b blade segments are each defined by a third surface 4159a and a fourth surface 4159b connected by an outer edge 4161 . The third surface 4159a is opposite the fourth surface 4159b. As seen from FIGS. 41 A-41 C, at least a portion of the outer edge 4161 is substantially rounded. For example, the portion of the outer edge 4161 from a first end 4167 to a section 4169 may be substantially rounded. The section 4169 may be close to a second end 4171 opposite the first end 4167. The radius of the substantially rounded portion of the outer edge 4161 about a longitudinal axis of the stirrer 4162 may increase from the first end 4167 to the section 4169. In one example, the radius of the substantially rounded portion of the outer edge 4161 about a longitudinal axis of the stirrer 4162 may be the smallest at the first end 4167. Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer edge 4161 is substantially parallel to the rotatable shaft 4164. For example, the portion of the outer edge between the section 4167 to the second end 4171 can be substantially parallel to the rotatable shaft 4164. Thus, the outer edge 4161 is tapered at the first end 4167. The outer edge 4155 of the first blade segment 4151 a is continuous with the outer edge 4161 of the third blade segment 4157a. The outer edge 4155 of the first blade segment 4151 a and the outer edge 4161 of the third blade segment 4157a collectively define a first outer edge of the agitator element 4166. In a similar manner, outer edge 4155 of the second blade segment 4151 b is continuous with the outer edge 4161 of the fourth blade segment 4157b. The outer edge 4155 of the second blade segment 4151 b and the outer edge 4161 of the fourth blade segment 4157b collectively define a second outer edge of the agitator element 4166.

[0229] As seen from FIGS. 41A-41 C, the shape of each of the first and second outer edge of the agitator element 4166 includes a substantially U-shaped cross-section. The outer edge 4155 of the first blade segment 4151 a may intersect the outer edge 4161 of the third blade segment 4157a at section 4167. Similarly, the outer edge 4155 of the second blade segment 4151 b may intersect the outer edge 4161 of the fourth blade segment 4157b at section 4167. The section 4167 is referred to herein as the “waist section” of each of the first and second outer edge of the agitator element 4166. As discussed above in relation to the outer edge 4155 of the first 4151 a and second 4151 b blade segments, the outer edge can have an arcuate shape between end 4163 to the waist section 4167. As discussed above in relation to outer edge 4161 of the third 4157a and fourth 4157b blade segments, the outer edge can have a substantially rounded shape that tapers at the waist section 4167. Thus, the intersection of the outer edges 4155 of the first 4151 a and second 4151 b blade segments with the outer edges 4161 of the third 4157a and fourth 4167b blade segments may cause the outer edge of the agitator element to have a substantially U-shaped cross-section at the waist section 4167. The outer edge of the agitator element may be substantially smooth.

[0230] FIG. 41 D shows a view along a longitudinal direction of the third example stirrer. As seen in FIG. 41 D, when viewed along a longitudinal axis of the stirrer 4162, the second portion 4166b of the agitator element 4166 has a substantially S-shaped profile. In particular, the third surface 4159a and fourth surface 4159b of the third 4157a and fourth 4157b blade segments curve about the longitudinal axis. For example, in the third 4157a blade segment, the third surface 4159a may be curved such that the third surface 4159a is substantially convex-shaped. The fourth surface 4159b of the third 4157a blade segment may be curved such that the fourth surface 4159b is substantially concave-shaped. In contrast, in the fourth 4157b blade segment, the third surface 4159a may be curved such that the third surface 4159a is substantially concave-shaped. The fourth surface 4159b of the fourth 4157b blade segment may be curved such that the fourth surface 4159b is substantially convex-shaped. Thus, the second portion 4166b may have a substantially S-shaped profile.

[0231] Additionally, the first portion 4166a of the agitator element 4166 can comprise a core 4173. The first 4151 a and second 4151 b blade segments are configured to extend from the core 4173. For example, the first 4151 a and second 4151 b blade segments may extend radially from the core 4173. The core comprises two opposing planar surfaces. The FIGS. 41A-41 C depict one opposing planar surface 4173a. It should be readily understood that the other opposing planar surface may be substantially similar to the planar surface 4173a depicted in FIG. 41 A. In one example, a first of the two opposing planar surfaces may form a substantially triangular cross-section with the first surface 4153a and a second of the two opposing planar surfaces may form a substantially triangular cross-section with the second surface (not shown in FIGS. 41A-41 C). In another example, a first of the two opposing planar surfaces may form a substantially quadrilateral cross-section with the first surface 4153a and a second of the two opposing planar surfaces may form a substantially quadrilateral cross-section with the second surface (not shown in FIGS. 41A-41 C).

[0232] The stirrer 4162 can further comprise a connector 4181 to couple the rotatable shaft 4164 to a stirrer controller (e.g., the stirrer controller described in detail herein). The connector may be a mechanical connector such as for example, a shaft, a key, a thread, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the connector may be a magnetic connector. In this manner, the stirrer controller may transmit torque to the agitator element 4166 via the rotatable shaft 4164. As can be seen from FIGS. 41A-41 C, the profile of the first portion 4166a of the agitator element 4166 is different from the profile of the second portion 4166b of the agitator element 4166. For example, the shape of the first portion 4166a is different from the shape of the second portion 4166b. The arcuate shape of the outer edge 4155 of the first portion 4166a, the U-shaped cross-section of the outer edge of the agitator element 4166 at the intersection of the first portion 4166a and the second portion 4166b, and the substantially rounded portion of the outer edge 4161 of the second portion 4166b, alone or in combination, allow for the stirrer 4162 to have homogenous mixing effect. Moreover, since the first portion 4166a is continuous with the second portion 4166b (e.g., these portions are not separate or discrete), the stirrer 4162 may have reduced splashing effect. Furthermore, one or more of these features allow for the stirrer to have improved cleanability. The first portion 4166a of the agitator element 4166 can be configured to process large volume reactions while the second portion 4166b of the agitator element 4166 can be configured to process small volume reactions.

[0233] FIGS. 42A-42C show a front view, a side view, and a perspective view respectively of a fourth example stirrer 4262. The fourth example stirrer 4262 can comprise a rotatable shaft 4264 and an agitator element 4266 at one end of the rotatable shaft 4264. The agitator element 4266 may be a blade member that extends radially outwards from the rotatable shaft 4264. The agitator element comprises a first portion 4266a and a second portion 4266b.

[0234] The first portion 4266a is substantially similar to the first portion 4166a in FIGS. 41 A- 41 D. Therefore, the description relating to the first portion 4266a is not repeated here for brevity. For example, as in FIGS. 41 A-41 D, the first portion 4266a comprises a first blade segment 4251 a and a second blade segment 4251 b. Each of the first 4251 a and second 4251 b blade segment are defined by a first surface 4253a and a second surface (not shown in figures) connected by an outer edge 4255.

[0235] The second portion 4266b comprises a third blade segment 4257a and a fourth blade segment 4257b. When viewed along the tangential axis of the stirrer (i.e. , axis Z-Z’), the third blade segment 4257a defines a substantially L-shaped cross-section at a first height on the second portion 4266 while the fourth blade segment 4257b defines a substantially L-shaped cross-section at a second height on the second portion 4266. The second height is different from the first height. When viewed along the radial axis of the stirrer (i.e., axis Y-Y’), the second portion 4266b may have a substantially Z-shaped profile.

[0236] The third 4257a and fourth 4257b blade segments are each defined by a third surface 4259a (shown in FIG. 42C) and a fourth surface 4259b connected by an outer edge 4261. The third surface 4259a and the fourth surface 4259b are angular surfaces. The third surface 4259a and the fourth surface 4259b may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stirrer. The third 4259a and fourth 4259b surfaces may be flat surfaces.

[0237] The first blade segment 4251 a and the third blade segment 4257a intersect at the waist section 4267 of the outer edge. Similarly, the second blade segment 4251 b and the fourth blade segment 4257b intersect at the waist section 4267. The first opposing blade segment 4251 a may continuously connect with a substantially vertical surface 4283 of the second portion 4266b. The substantially vertical surface 4283 may gradually transition to the third surface 4259a of the third opposing blade segment 4257a. Similarly, the second opposing blade segment 4251 b may continuously connect with a substantially vertical surface (not shown in the figures) of the second portion 4266b. The substantially vertical surface (not shown in the figures) may gradually transition to the third surface 4259a of the fourth opposing blade segment 4257b.

[0238] Furthermore, as seen in FIG. 42D, when viewed along the longitudinal axis of the stirrer 4262, the second portion 4266b may have a substantially step-shaped profile. For example, the step-shaped profile may comprise a raised platform 4295.

[0239] As with the third example stirrer in FIGS. 41 A-41 D, the first portion 4266a of the agitator element 4266 can comprise a core 4273. The core 4273 is substantially similar to the core 4172 in FIGS. 41 A-41 D. Therefore, the description relating to the core 4273 is not repeated here for brevity.

[0240] The stirrer 4262 can further comprise a connector 4281 to couple the rotatable shaft 4264 to a stirrer controller (e.g., the stirrer controller described in detail herein). In this manner, the stirrer controller may transmit torque to the agitator element 4266 via the rotatable shaft 4264. As can be seen from FIGS. 42A-42C, the profile of the first portion 4266a of the agitator element 4266 is different from the profile of the second portion 4266b of the agitator element 4266. For example, the shape of the first portion 4266a is different from the shape of the second portion 4266b. Since the first portion 4266a is continuous with the second portion 4266b (e.g., these portions are not separate or discrete), the stirrer 4262 may have reduced splashing effect. The first portion 4266a of the agitator element 4266 can be configured to process large volume reactions while the second portion 4266b of the agitator element 4166 can be configured to process small volume reactions.

[0241] In some variations, the stirrer may include two agitator elements. For example, the stirrer may include a first agitator element that is positioned in the top portion 1744a of the reactor vessel 1742 and a second agitator element that is positioned in the bottom portion 1744b of the reactor vessel 1742. The first agitator element and the second agitator element may be propeller blade members. Each agitator element may include blade members that extend outwards from a center of the agitator element. The blade members may be substantially the same (e.g., same length) and may be integrated together at the center of the agitator element. Processing Vessel Lid

[0242] FIGS. 21A-21 C illustrate an example processing vessel lid 2172 that may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a top end of a processing vessel, such as for example the reactor vessel 1742. Throughout this application, “reactor vessel head” is sometimes referred to as “reactor vessel lid”. Similarly, throughout this application, “processing vessel head” is sometimes referred to as “processing vessel lid”. The processing vessel lid 2172 may include one or more orifices, such as for example, orifices 2174a-2174f in FIGS. 21A-21 C. In some variations, some of the orifices 2174a- 2174f may allow inflow and / or outflow of one or more chemical substances, reactants, coolants, solids, and / or other fluids. In some variations, some of the orifices 2174a-2174f may hold solids or may include one or more mechanisms that are configured to hold solids. The other orifices may be configured to hold components such as sensors, stirrer, and / or condenser. More specifically, the one or more of orifices 2174a-2174f may be: a) coupled to tubes / pipes, condenser, and / or other components of the system, etc., or, b) configured to hold sensors, valves, stoppers, stirrers, analytical devices, etc., or, c) sealed (e.g., gas-tight seals), depending on the functionality of the processing vessel, such as for example reactor vessel 1742. One or more connectors, such as for example, connectors 2178a-2178e may be configured to: a) couple the orifices to the tubes / pipes, condenser etc., or b) hold one or more sensor or stirrers in position, or c) seal the orifices. The one or more connectors 2178a-2178e may include a fastener portion to affix the connectors 2178a-2178e to the orifices 2174a-2174f. For example, the one or more connectors 2178a-2178e may comprise a head portion and a threaded portion (e.g., fastener portion), such as for example, a screw. The one or more orifices 2174a-2714f may be configured to receive the threaded portion of the connectors 2178a-2178e, thereby affixing the connectors 2178a-2178e to the orifices 2174a-2174f. The head portion of the connectors 2178a-2178e may be configured to receive tubes / pipes, condenser, stirrer, sensor, or may be configured to seal the orifices 2174a-2174f. For example, the head portion of the connector 2178d may be a coned-shaped to receive a condenser or other suitable component. Similarly, the head portion of connector 2178c may be configured to receive a stirrer. In a similar manner, the head portion of the connector 2178a may be configured to receive tube / pipe and the head portion of the connector 2178e may be configured receive a sensor, such as for example, a temperature controller. The head portion of the connector 2178b may be configured to seal an orifice of the processing vessel head 2172. Accordingly, a same processing vessel head 2172 may be used to different applications. For example, for chemical processing, the connector 2178c may be used to connect an orifice of the processing vessel head 2172 to a condenser. However, for applications such as liquid-liquid separation which do not need a condenser, the orifice of the processing vessel head 2172 may be sealed off with the connector 2178b. In this manner, orifices 2174a-2174f may be opened and closed as needed. In some variations, the processing vessel lid 2172 may be a substantially circular plate with a substantially small height. FIG. 21 C shows the processing vessel head 2172 that is coupled to a condenser, a tube / pipe, a temperature controller, and a stirrer controller.

[0243] FIG. 22 illustrates another example reactor vessel lid 2272 that may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with a top end of the reactor vessel 1742. As seen in FIG. 22, the reactor vessel lid 2272 may include one or more orifices 2274a-2274e to allow inflow and outflow of one or more chemical substances, reactants, coolants, and / or other fluids. Additionally, some of the orifices 2274a-2274e may be configured to hold a sensor and / or a stirrer. For example, in FIG. 22, the diameter of the orifice 2274b may be less than the diameter of other orifices on the reactor vessel lid 2272. The orifice 2274b may be configured to hold one or more sensors such as for example a temperature controller. In FIG. 22, the diameter of the orifice 2276 is greater than the diameter of the other orifices on the reactor vessel lid 2272. The orifice 2276 is positioned at a center of the reactor vessel lid 2272. The orifice 2276 may be configured to hold the stirrer. For example, the stirrer may be positioned in the orifice 2276 such that a top portion (e.g., top portion 1964a) of the stirrer extends out of the orifice 2276 in an upward direction. The orifices 2274a-2274e may be in an upright position or the orifices 2274a- 2274e may be in an angled position with respect to the Y-Y’ axis. For example, in FIG. 22, the orifices 2274a and 2274d are in an angled position and the orifices 2274b, 2274c and 2274e are in an upright position. These orifices 2274a, 2274c, 2274d, and 2274e may allow inflow and outflow of one or more chemical substances, reactants, coolants, and / or other fluids. It should be readily understood that the reactor vessel lids described herein can comprise any suitable material, such as for example Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), glass, a combination thereof, and / or the like.

[0244] Stirrer controller

[0245] A stirrer controller may be configured to rotate a stirrer in a specific manner. For example, a stirrer controller may receive instructions from one or more controllers of the end-to- end automated chemical processing system. The stirrer controller may be configured to control the rotation of the stirrer based on the instructions from the one or more controllers. For instance, the stirrer controller may be configured to rotate the stirrer such that the stirrer achieves a specific torque (e.g., based on the instructions). Additionally or alternatively, the stirrer controller may be configured to rotate the stirrer at a specific rotation per minute (e.g., based on the instructions). Additionally or alternatively, the stirrer controller may be configured to rotate the stirrer at a specific acceleration (e.g., based on the instructions). Additionally or alternatively, the stirrer controller may be configured to rotate the stirrer in a specific direction (e.g., based on the instructions). Additionally or alternatively, the stirrer controller may be configured to rotate the stirrer for a specific time duration (e.g., based on the instructions). In some variations, the stirrer controller may be configured to switch between rotating the stirrer from a clockwise direction to a counter-clockwise direction, and vice versa, as needed.

[0246] The stirrer controller may be a rotary device (e.g., a device comprising a drive mechanism that includes one of more of: a gear, a belt, an electric and / or mechanical motor, a combination thereof, and / or the like) that is configured to interpret instructions from the one or more controllers and generate a rotary motion based on the instructions. The stirrer controller may be coupled to the stirrer via a coupling mechanism (e.g., Oldham coupling mechanism, gear mechanism, etc.). The coupling mechanism may be configured to translate the rotary motion that is generated by the stirrer controller into a rotational motion of the stirrer.

[0247] FIG. 23 illustrates an example portion 2300a of a module 100 that includes a processing vessel, such as for example reactor vessel 1742 with a stirrer 2362. As discussed above, the reactor vessel 1742 may be held in position via a U-shaped tray 1824 and / or a clamp 1852. The stirrer 2362 may be configured to extend out of an orifice via the connector 2178c of the reactor vessel lid 2172. The stirrer 2362 may be coupled to a stirrer controller 2235 via a coupling mechanism 2356. The stirrer controller 2355 may be an electric motor such as for example, a stepper motor, an AC motor, a DC motor, a servo motor, a brushless motor, an induction motor, a combination thereof, and / or the like. The stirrer controller 2235 may receive instructions from one or more controllers. The instructions may include data that indicates a torque at which the stirrer is to be rotated, a time interval at which the rotations are to occur, a number of rotations per minute for the stirrer, a combination thereof, and / or the like. The stirrer controller 2235 may generate suitable rotary motion based on these instructions. The coupling mechanism 2356 may translate this rotary motion into a rotational motion of the stirrer 2362.

[0248] FIGS.24A-24C illustrate an example coupling mechanism 2356 (e.g., Oldham coupling mechanism) that couples a stirrer controller 2355 to a stirrer 2462. For example, the coupling mechanism 2356 couples a first shaft 2465 of the stirrer controller (e.g., shaft of the rotary device of the stirrer controller) to a top end of the stirrer 2462. In some variations, the stirrer controller may be coupled to a sliding mechanism such that the stirrer controller may be coupled and decoupled from the stirrer 2462.

[0249] The coupling mechanism 2356 may include a first flange 2467 that is coupled to the first shaft 2465 of the stirrer controller 2356. For example, a top portion of the first flange 2467 may include a circular slot that is configured to receive the first shaft 2465 of the stirrer controller 2356. A bottom portion of the first flange 2467 that is opposite to the top portion includes two protruding arms that fit into a first rectangular slot of a center disc 2479. The center disc 2479 includes a first rectangular slot on a first side of the center disc 2479 to receive the protruding arms of the first flange 2467. The center disc 2479 also includes a second rectangular slot on a second side opposite to the first side of the center disc 2479 to receive protruding arms of a second flange 2481 . The second flange 2481 includes two protruding arms on a top portion of the second flange 2481 that fit into the second rectangular slot of the center disc 2479. The second flange 2481 includes a circular slot that is configured to receive the stirrer 2462. The second flange 2481 may receive the stirrer 1962 via a spacer 2483 and a bearing 2485.

[0250] In some variations, (e.g., in variations in which there is a misalignment between the stirrer controller and the stirrer), the first flange 2467, the center disc 2479, and the second flange 2481 form a sliding joint. Put differently, in such variations, a sliding motion occurs between the first flange 2467, the center disc 2479, and the second flange 2481 when the coupling mechanism 2356 is in motion. More specifically, when the stirrer controller 2355 generates a rotary motion, thereby making the first shaft 2465 rotate, the rotary motion is translated from the first shaft 2465 to the first flange 2467. The first flange’s 2467 rotary motion is in turn translated to the center disc 2479 which both slides and rotates at the same time owing to the movement of the protruding arms in the first and second rectangular slots. The rotary motion of the center disc 2479 is translated to the rotary motion of the second flange 2481 which in turn rotates the stirrer 2462. In this manner, the stirrer 1962 may be rotated as needed. The second flange 2481 may be coupled to the stirrer 1962 via the spacer 2483. The spacer 2483 may clamp to the stirrer 1962 such that the second flange 2481 may be mechanically coupled to the stirrer 1962 via the spacer 2483. The spacer 2483 may be a shell-like member that fits the stirrer 1962 to the coupling mechanism 2356. In some variations, the coupling mechanism 2356 may account for misalignments that may arise due to the tolerance of one or more components, thereby increasing the flexibility of the stirrer controller.

[0251] In some variations, the stirrer 2462 may be rotated via one or more gears (e.g., bevel gear). For instance, a first gear may be mounted on a top end of the stirrer 1962 (e.g., top portion 1964a). A second gear may be mounted on a shaft such that the shaft is perpendicular to the stirrer 1962 or in-plane to the stirrer. The shaft in turn may be connected to a rotary device. When the first gear and the second gear are engaged, rotary motion from the rotary device is translated to the second gear via the shaft. The second gear rotates the first gear that in turn rotates the stirrer 2462.

[0252] Although the stirrer is described herein to be coupled to the stirrer controller via a coupling mechanism, in some variations, the stirrer may be directly coupled to the stirrer controller. In some variations, the stirrer controller may be coupled to the reactor vessel lid which in turn is configured to receive the stirrer.

[0253] Drain Valve

[0254] Referring back to FIGS. 17A-17D, the reactor vessel 1742 described herein may include an outlet orifice 1750 that may be configured to release fluid and / or chemical substances from the reactor vessel 1742. In some variations, a drain valve may be mounted on, coupled to, or otherwise attached to the outlet orifice 1750 to control the release of fluid and / or chemical substances. The drain valve may be opened and / or closed via a valve controller. The valve controller may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise mounted on the drain valve. The valve controller may be configured to receive instructions from one or more controllers of the module 100. The instructions may include an indication of frequency of opening the drain valve, time period for which the drain valve is to be open, number of times the drain valve is to be opened, a specific time at which the drain valve is to be opened, a direction of rotation of one or more parts of the drain valve, a combination thereof, and / or the like. The valve controller may be configured to control opening and / or closing of the drain valve based on instructions from the one or more controllers of the module 100. The drain valve can be any suitable type of drain valve such as for example, a ball valve, a carrot valve, a gate valve, a pinch valve, and / or the like.

[0255] In some variations, the drain valve may include a first disc that is configured to seal the outlet orifice 1750 of the reactor vessel 1742. For example, a first side of the first disc may press-fit against the outlet orifice 1750, thereby sealing the outlet orifice of the reactor vessel 1742.The first disc may comprise a first cavity that may be positioned at a position that is off-center (e.g., at a distance from the center of the first disc) on the first disc. The first disc may be configured to interface with a second disc. A motion transfer component that is integrated with, attached to, mounted on, or otherwise coupled to the valve controller may be coupled to the second disc. The second disc may comprise a second cavity that may be positioned at a position that is off-center (e.g., at a distance from the center of the second disc) on the second disc. The valve controller may generate a rotary motion that is translated to the motion transfer component. The rotary motion of the motion transfer component may translated to the second disc. The valve controller may open and close the drain valve by controlling the position of the second cavity (e.g., controlling the position of the second cavity relative to the position of the first cavity) on the second disc. Aligning the second cavity and the first cavity in a direction along the first axis X-X’ (e.g., along a vertical direction) opens the drain valve. In some variations, the first disc may be attached to and / or fitted into a first retaining ring that is configured to mount the drain valve to the orifice 1750 of the reactor vessel. The second disc may be attached to and / or fitted into a second retaining ring.

[0256] FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate an example first disc 2555 of a drain valve. The first disc 2555 may comprise a material that is resistant to high temperatures and / or that is nonwetting. For example, the first disc 2555 may comprise Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The first disc 2555 may include a first cavity 2557. In some variations, the first cavity 2557 may be a through hole that extends through from a first end on a first side 2556a of the first disc 2555 to a second end on a second side 2556b that is opposite to the first side 2556a. Put differently, the first cavity 2557 may go through from the first side 2556a of the first disc 2555 to the second side 2556b that is opposite to the first side 2556a. In other variations, the first cavity may not extend from the first side 2556a to the second side 2556b. Instead, the first cavity may extend from a first end on a first side 2556a and merge into another cavity. The other cavity may extend from another end on a side of the first disc that is not the first side 2556a or the second side 2556b of the first disc 2555. The first cavity 2557 may be positioned at a position that is off-center to the first disc 2555. More specifically, the first cavity may be positioned at a distance from the center of the first disc 2555. In some variations, the first disc 2555 may include a hole 2558 that is configured to receive a sensor (e.g., a temperature probe). The sensor may be configured to measure one or more parameters (e.g., temperature) of reactants and / or fluids that interface with the drain valve. The first side 2556a of the first disc 2555 may be configured to press-fit against a reactor orifice, thereby sealing the reactor orifice.

[0257] Other than for the first cavity 2557, the first side 2556a of the first disc 2555 may include a substantially even surface. For example, the first side 2556a of the first disc 2555 may include a fine machined surface.

[0258] The first disc 2555 may be substantially circular in shape. The second side 2556b of the first disc 2555 may include a substantially circular portion 2559a that projects out of the first disc 2555. A diameter of the substantially circular portion 2559a may be less than the diameter of the first disc 2555. The substantially circular portion may project out of the first disc 2555 such that a center of the substantially circular portion 2559a may be the same as a center of the first disc 2555. Put differently, the substantially circular portion 2559a may not project out of the circumferential portion of the first disc 2555. Rather, the substantially circular portion 2559a may project out of a central portion of the first disc 2555.

[0259] The second side 2556b of the first disc 2555 interfaces with a second disc as further described below. The first side 2556a of the first disc 2555 interfaces with the orifice 1750 of the reactor vessel. Furthermore, the first disc 2555 may be attached to, mounted on, coupled to, and / or otherwise fitted with a first retaining ring on a second side 2556b. For example, the second side 2556b of the first disc 2555 may be coupled to the first retaining ring via friction fit (e.g., press fit, slip fit, interference fit, etc.). For instance, the first retaining ring may include a receiving cavity to receive the substantially circular portion 2559a of the first disc 2555. The substantially circular portion 2559a may fit into the receiving cavity via friction fit. More specifically, a diameter of the receiving cavity of the first retaining ring may be such that substantially circular portion 2559a fits into the receiving cavity of the first retaining ring.

[0260] The first retaining ring may include a mounting mechanism (e.g., screws, screw holes, etc.) to mount the first disc 2555 and the first retaining ring to the orifice 1750 of the reactor vessel. For example, the first retaining ring may include one or more screw holes to mount the first retaining ring to the orifice 1750 of the reactor vessel. Once mounted, the substantially circular portion 2559a may fit into the first retaining ring such that the first retaining ring and the first disc 2557 (via the first side 2556a) seal the orifice 1750 of the reactor vessel. In particular, when the drain valve is closed, the first retaining ring and the first disc 2557 forms a fluid-tight seal at the orifice 1750 of the reactor vessel.

[0261] FIGS. 25A’ and 25B’ illustrate another example first disc 2555 of a drain valve. Unlike, the first disc in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the first disc 2555 in FIGS. 25A’ and 25B’ includes a further cavity 2599 that extends from the second side 2556b of the first disc 2555 to merge into cavity 2597. Put differently, cavity 2597 may merge with cavity 2599 to form an extended hole. The extended hole connecting cavity 2597 with cavity 2599 may be a L-shaped hole. The other features of the first disc 2555 in FIGS. 25A’ and 25B’ may be substantially similar to the features of the first disc 2555 in FIGS. 25A and 25B.

[0262] The first disc 2555 may be configured to interface with a second disc. FIG. 26A and 26B illustrate an example second disc 2655 of a drain valve. The second disc 2655 may comprise a material that is resistant to high temperature and / or is non-wetting. For example, the second disc 2655 may comprise Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The second disc 2657 may include a second cavity 2657. The second cavity 2657 may extend from a first end on a first side 2656a of the second disc 2655 to a second end on a second side 2656b that is opposite to the first side 2656a. For example, the second cavity 2657 may extend from the first side 2656a into a large cavity 2654 on the second side 2656b. In some variations, a diameter of the large cavity 2654 may be the same as a diameter of fluid connectors (e.g., ferrule screw and blanking screw) as further described herein. More specifically, the second cavity 2657 may open into a larger cavity 2654 on the second side 2656b. Accordingly, the second cavity 2657 may go through from the first side 2656a to the second side 2656b that is opposite the first side 2656a. The second cavity 2657 may be positioned at a position that is off-center to the second disc 2655. More specifically, the second cavity 2657 may be positioned at a distance from the center of the second disc 2655.

[0263] The second disc 2655 may be substantially circular in shape. The first side 2656a of the second disc 2655 may comprise a raised ring portion 2658. The raised ring portion 2658 may be a ring-shaped protrusion that protrudes out of the first side 2656a of the second disc 2655. The height of the ring-shaped protrusion may be substantially small. The raised ring portion 2657 may be at a central portion of the first side 2656a of the second disc 2655. More specifically, a center of the raised ring portion 2657 may be the same as a center of the second disc 2655.

[0264] The second side 2656b of the second disc 2655 includes raised edges along a circumference of the second disc 2655. Additionally, the second disc 2655 comprises a protruding arm 2659. The protruding arm 2659 includes that large cavity 2654 that narrows down as cavity 2657 on the first side 2656a. The protruding arm 2659 may be positioned at a distance from the center of the second disc 2655. More specifically, the protruding arm 2659 may be positioned at a position that is off-center on the second disc 2655. The protruding arm 2659 may comprise a same material as the second disc 2655.

[0265] The second side 2656b of the second disc 2655 couples with a motion transfer component as further described below. In particular, the second side 2656b of the second disc 2655 couples with the motion transfer component via a second retaining ring. The second disc 2655 along with the protruding arm 2659 may be coupled to the second retaining ring via friction fit (e.g., press fit, slip fit, interference fit, etc.). The second retaining ring and the first retaining ring are positioned such that the first disc 2555 and the second disc 2655 are configured to interface with each other. In particular, the second side 2556b of the first disc 2555 may be configured to interface with the first side 2656a of the second disc 2655. More specifically the raised ring portion 2658 of the second disc 2655 is configured to interface with portion 2559a of the first disc 2555. The interface between the first disc 2555 and the second disc 2655 may form a fluidic seal (e.g., when the cavity 2557 in the first disc and the cavity 2657 second disc are not aligned). The raised ring portion 2658 of the second disc 2655 increases a local pressure on the seal, thereby tightening the seal.

[0266] FIGS. 27A and 27B illustrate an example motion transfer component 2720. The motion transfer component2720 comprises a cylinder portion 2726a and a disc portion 2726b. The disc portion 2726b may be integrated with the cylinder portion 2726a. For instance, the cylinder portion 2726a may comprise a first top cylinder that is integrated with a first flat face of the disc portion 2726b and a second bottom cylinder that is integrated with a second flat face opposite to the first flat face of the disc portion 2726b. A height of the first top cylinder portion may be different from a height of a second bottom cylinder portion. Alternatively, the disc portion 2726b may include a flat ring with a hollow center. The cylinder portion 2726a may be fitted into and / or integrated within the hollow center of the disc portion 2726b. The disc portion 2726b may be integrated with the cylinder portion 2726a such that the disc portion 2726a is not at a center of the curved face of the cylinder portion 2726a. Instead, the disc portion 2726b may be integrated to be substantially closer to a first end of the cylinder portion 2726a (e.g., closer to a first side 2272a).

[0267] The cylinder portion 2726a of the motion transfer component 2720 may include a cavity 2724. The cavity 2724 may be a through hole that extends from a first side 2722a of the cylinder portion 2726a to a second side 2722b opposite the first side 2722a. In variations in which the disc portion 2726b does not include a hollow center, the cavity 2724 may extend from the first side 2722a of the cylinder portion 2726a through the disc portion 2726b through to the second side 2722b of the cylinder portion 2726a. The cavity 2724 may be positioned at a position that is off-center on the cylinder portion. For example, the cavity 2724 may be positioned at a distance from a center of the cylinder portion 2726a.

[0268] The first side 2722a of the cylinder portion 2726a of the motion transfer component 2720 may be configured to couple with the second disc 2655. In some variations, the first side 2722a of the cylinder portion 2726a may be coupled with the second disc 2655 such that a rotation of the cylinder portion 2726a would translate into a rotation of the second disc 2655. For example, the protruding arm 2659 of the second disc 2655 may be configured to extend from the first side 2722a to the second side 2722b through the cavity 2724. For instance, the protruding arm 2659 may be inserted through the cavity 2724 such that the protruding arm 2659 extends from the first side 2722a to the second side 2722b. The diameter of the cavity 2724 may be such that the cavity 2724 is configured to receive the protruding arm 2569. Additionally, the diameter of the cavity 2724 may be such that once the protruding arm 2659 is inserted, the protruding arm 2659 fits in the cavity 2724 in a snug-manner. The second disc 2655 may be coupled to the motion transfer component 2720 via friction fit (e.g., interference fit). In particular, the interaction between the outer surface of the protruding arm 2659 and the inner surface of the cavity 2724 may cause friction in a manner such that the second disc 2655 is coupled to the motion transfer component 2720.

[0269] The cylinder portion 2726a of the motion transfer component 2720 may be configured such that the end of the cylinder portion 2726a on the second side 2722b of the cylinder portion may comprise two flat edges (e.g., edge 2732 in FIG. 27B) that are opposite to each other and two curved edges (e.g., edge 2734 in FIG. 27B) that are opposite to each other. The two curved edges may include slots to receive a fastener (e.g., a ring, a circlip, and / or the like), such as for example, fastener 3204 in FIG. 32B. A linkage mechanism, such as for example a gear is configured to be received above the slots. The fastener may be configured to restrain axial movement of the gear in a downward direction. Put differently, the fastener may be configured to hold the gear in position.

[0270] FIG. 28 illustrates an example linkage mechanism such as for example, a gear 2892 that is coupled to, attached to, or otherwise mounted on the motion transfer component 2720. As seen in FIG. 28, the example gear 2892 may comprise a hollow center. The hollow center may include two curved edges (e.g., edges 2834 in FIG. 28) that are opposite to each other and two flat edges (e.g., edge 2832 in FIG. 28) that are opposite to each other. The two curved edges 2834 may be configured such that the curved edges may be received by the cylinder portion 2726a above the slots of the curved edges (e.g., edge 2734 in FIG. 27B) at the end of the cylinder portion 2726a on the second side 2722b of the motion transfer component 2720. The flat edges 2832 may interface with the flat edges 2732 when the curved edges are received within the slots. In this manner, the gear 2892 may fit around the cylinder portion 2726a of the motion transfer component 2720 on the second side 2722b. The gear 2892 may include a cavity 2835 to couple, attach, or otherwise integrate an optical sensor.

[0271] The gear 2892 may be coupled to, attached to, integrated with, or otherwise mounted on a valve controller. In some variations, the gear 2892 may be configured to engage with another linkage mechanism such as gear (e.g., gear 2992 in FIG. 29) which in turn may be coupled to attached to, integrated with, or otherwise mounted on a valve controller. For example, the gear 2992 may be configured to be mounted on a shaft of the valve controller (e.g., motor shaft). The gear 2992 may be configured to move a substantially small distance (e.g., less than a mm) in the axial direction. As discussed above, an axial movement of the gear 2892 may be restricted owing to the fastener 3204. Accordingly, configuring gear 2992 to move in the axial direction may enable the gear 2992 to be aligned with gear 2892. The valve controller (e.g., an electric motor such as a stepper motor) may be configured to rotate the gear 2892 (e.g., via gear 2992). The rotational motion of the gear 2892 translates into a rotational motion of the motion transfer component 2720. The rotational motion of the motion transfer component 2720 causes the second disc 2655 to rotate. Accordingly, the valve controller may generate rotary motion that may be translated into rotation of the second disc 2655. The valve controller may generate the rotary motion based on instructions from one or more controllers as discussed above. In particular, the valve controller may open and / or close the drain valve by rotating the second disc 2655. For example, the drain valve may be opened when the first cavity 2557 on the first disc 2555 aligns with the second cavity 2657 on the second disc 2655 in a longitudinal direction. Put differently, the drain valve may be opened when the second disc 2655 is rotated such that the second cavity 2657 is positioned on a same straight line as the first cavity 2557 (e.g., in a longitudinal direction). To close the drain valve, the valve controller may rotate the second disc 2655 such that the second cavity 2657 is not positioned on a same straight line as the first cavity 2557. The drain valve can be configured such that the drain valve can be opened and closed in a quick manner (e.g., about 0.5 second to about 1.5 seconds). Accordingly, when the second disc is rotated such that the second cavity 2657 on the second disc 2655 aligns with the first cavity 2557 on the first disc 2555 in a longitudinal direction, the drain valve is in an “open position.” Similarly, when the second disc is rotated such that the second cavity 2657 is not aligned with the first cavity 2557 in the longitudinal direction, the drain valve is in a “closed position.” In variations in which the first disc 2555 includes further cavities that merge into an extended hole (e.g., L-shaped hole), such as for example, the first disc shown in FIGS. 25A’ and 25B’, in addition to an “open position” and a “closed position”, the drain valve may have a “sample position.” In the “sample position”, samples of reactants and / or fluids in the reactor vessel may be collected via cavity 2597 in the first disc 2555 of the drain valve. In particular, the second disc 2655 may be rotated such that the second cavity 2657 aligns with cavity 2599 in the first disc 2555 (FIGS. 25A’ and 25B’) in the longitudinal direction. When second cavity 2657 aligns with cavity 2599, the drain valve may be in a “sample position”.

[0272] For instance, the second disc 2655 of the drain valve may be rotated such that the drain valve is in an “open position” (i.e. , second cavity 2657 is aligned with the first cavity 2557 in the longitudinal direction). A certain amount of reactant and / or fluid may be extracted from the reactor vessel via a tube when the drain valve is in the “open position.” This amount may be a predetermined amount for a sample. Additionally or alternatively, this amount may be less than a volume of the tube. The second disc 2655 of the drain valve may be rotated such that the drain valve is in a “sample position” (i.e., second cavity 2657 is aligned with cavity 2599 in a longitudinal direction). As noted above, when the drain valve is in the “sample position” the second cavity 2657 is not aligned with the first cavity 2557. Therefore, the drain valve is closed or is also in a “closed position.” In this “sample position”, the contents from the tube may be pushed out of cavity 2597 in the first disc 2555 into a sample collection vessel (e.g., a vial, an auto sampler, and / or the like). In this manner, the sample may be collected in the sample collection vessel. In some examples, air and / or inert gas may be subsequently pushed out of cavity 2597 so as to ensure that the sample is pushed into the sample collection vessel. Once the sample is collected, the second disc 2655 may be rotated such that the second cavity 2657 is not aligned with either the first cavity 2557 or cavity 2599 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the drain valve is in just the “closed position”.

[0273] In some variations, the drain valve may be configured to be chemical resistant. Although gear 2892 and gear 2992 are described herein as being in physical contact to translate the rotational motion, it should be readily understood that any suitable linkage mechanism can be used to translate the rotational motion from the valve controller to the second disc 2655.

[0274] In some variations, the drain valve may comprise an optical sensor (e.g., an optical switch) that may be configured to detect whether the drain valve is open. For example, the optical switch may be configured to detect a position of the second cavity to detect whether the drain valve is open. In particular, the optical switch may detect a position of the second cavity 2657 relative to the first cavity 2557. The optical sensor may be mounted on a mount such that the optical sensor is static relative to the second disc 2655. The mount may have adjustable height and adjustable radial distance. The optical sensor may enable precise and repeatable location of the second cavity relative to the first cavity. The height and distance of the mount may be adjusted such that the optical sensor is configured to detect an open position and closed positions of the drain valve. In some variations, the drain valve may include a third retaining ring such as for example, retaining ring 3015 in FIG. 30. The third retaining ring 2015 may be configured to force the motion transfer component 2720 to the second disc 2655, and the motion transfer component 2720 and the second disc 2655 to the first disc 2555, thereby sealing the orifice of the reactor vessel. For example, the third retaining ring 3015 may include a coupling mechanism (e.g., pin holes) that is configured to couple the third retaining ring to the second retaining ring.

[0275] In some variations, the drain valve may be mounted on a bracket, such as for example, bracket 3117 in FIG. 31 or FIG. 3T. For example, the bracket 3117 may comprise a clamp that couples, affixes, and / or otherwise attaches the drain valve to a reactor vessel (e.g., reactor vessel 1742). The first disc 2555 and the second disc 2655 of the drain valve may be positioned within the bracket 3117. For example, the bracket 3117 may include one or more recess to receive the first disc 2555 and / or the second disc 2655. The valve controller may be coupled to and / or otherwise mounted on the bracket 31 17. For example, FIGS. 32A and 32B depict a drain valve that is mounted on a bracket 31 17.

[0276] U-bend Pipe Connector

[0277] Referring back to FIGS. 17A-17D, the reactor vessel 1742 includes an inlet pipe 1746 and an outlet pipe 1748. The inlet pipe 1746 and the outlet pipe 1748 may be connected to, or otherwise coupled to a U-bend pipe connector. The U-bend pipe connector may be configured to redirect fluid(s) (e.g., thermofluid(s)). In particular, the U-bend temperature controller may be configured to redirect fluid(s). For example, in some variations, the U-bend temperature controller may be configured to redirect fluid(s) by 180 degrees.

[0278] FIG. 33A illustrates one example of a U-bend pipe connector and FIG. 33B illustrates another example of a U-bend pipe connector. The U-bend pipe connector may include a first portion 3239a in FIG. 33A and 3239b in FIG. 33B. The first portion may be a substantially V-shaped portion. The V-shaped portion may be connected to the inlet pipe 1746 and / or the outlet pipe 1748. For example, the V-shaped portion may be connected via one or more clamps. For example, the clamps may be connected to the inlet pipe 1746 and / or outlet pipe 1748 using spring-loaded screws. In some variations, a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seal may be positioned between the inlet pipe and / or outlet pipe and the U-bend pipe connector. The U-bend pipe connector may include a curved pipe portion 3237a in FIG. 33A and 3237b in FIG. 33B. The curved pipe portion may include a sharp 90 degree turn. The U-bend pipe connector may include a cylindrical portion 3235a in FIG. 33A and 3235b in FIG. 33B. The cylindrical portion may be coupled to one or more pipes and / or tubes in a module 100. The cylindrical portion may be connected via one or more connectors. In some variations, the cylindrical portion may be tapered.

[0279] The U-bend pipe connector may be coupled to the reactor vessel 1742 such that the curved pipe portion of the U-bend pipe connector may be positioned at a front of the module 100. More specifically, the U-bend pipe connector may be positioned such that the curved pipe portion may be close to the door segment 102. This may allow a user easy access to the U-bend pipe connector. The user may be able to couple and decouple the U-bend pipe connector easily without having to reach inside the module 100. In some variations, the U-bend pipe connector may be manufactured using additive manufacturing.

[0280] Flexible Fluid Couplers

[0281] The U-bend pipe described above may be configured to redirect fluids from the reactor vessels (e.g., reactor vessels shown in FIGS. 17A-17D) to fluidic panels such as for example, fluidic panel 1392 in FIG. 13 or fluidic panel 1492a or 1492b in FIG. 14. In particular, the fluids may be redirected from the fluidic panels to outside of the module 100. As discussed above, the reactor vessel may include inlet and output pipes that comprise glass. In a similar manner, the U-bend pipe may comprise metal. Put differently, the material of these pipes are not flexible. Therefore, pipes and / or tubes that connect to the U-bend pipe and consequently the reactor vessel may have to be aligned precisely to ensure that the fluidic pathway (e.g., pathway connecting the reactor vessel, the U-bend pipe, and pipe and / or tube connecting to the fluidic panel) is sealed. But, in reality, substantially small misalignments may occur owing to manufacturing tolerances. The flexible fluidic coupler described herein compensate for such misalignments and manufacturing tolerances while ensuring that the fluidic pathway is sealed. FIG. 40A illustrates an example flexible fluid coupler 4044 that is coupled to, attached to, and / or received by fluidic panel 4092 (e.g., structurally and / or functionally similar to fluidic panel 1392, 1492a, or 1492b). The fluid coupler 4044 may be configured to swivel (e.g., rotate) as well as may be configured to move back and forth (e.g., axial displacement). This allows for flexibility in connection. In particular, the pipe and / or tube that connects the fluidic panel 4092 to the U-bend pipe may be connected to the fluidic panel 4092 via the fluidic coupler 4044. The flexible fluidic coupler 4044 owing to the axial displacement and rotation, can be enabled to receive the pipe and / or tube that connects the fluidic panel 4092 to the U-bend pipe at an angle. The swivel mechanism of the flexible fluidic coupler is shown in FIG. 40B which may be enabled by a bearing such as for example, bearing 4093. FIG. 40C illustrates the U-bend pipe connector that is connected to 4046 which connects to the fluidic panel 4092 via the flexible fluidic coupler 4044.

[0282] Fluid Connectors

[0283] The modules 100 described herein may include one or more fluid connectors to connect one or more components described herein to tubes and / or pipes of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. Put differently, the fluid connectors may be configured to interface any suitable component of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system to tubes and / or pipes of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system.

[0284] Valve Head

[0285] For example, the fluid connectors may include valve head(s) to connect tubes and / or pipes to one or more valves within the module(s) 100. FIG. 34A is an illustrative example of a valve head 3345 that may be included in the module(s) 100. The valve head 3345 may comprise Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The valve head 3345 may include one or more openings to receive tubes and / or pipes of the automated chemical processing system. More specifically, the openings may be configured to receive tubes and / or pipes via a ferrule and a ferrule screw as further described below. For example, FIG. 34 illustrates opening 3347a, 3347b, and 3347c. In some variations, the valve head 3345 may include a substantially curved su32rface that includes the one or more openings. It should be readily understood that the valve head 3345 may include any suitable number of openings.

[0286] In some variations, the valve head 3345 may be attached to a syringe pump. The syringe pump may be controlled by a pump controller such as for example a stepper motor. The valve head 3345 may be coupled to the pump controller via a rotor holder 3345. For instance, a rotor holder 3343 shown in FIG. 34B and FIG. 34B’ may couple a rotor disk to a pump controller (e.g., stepper motor). The rotor holder 3345 may comprise any suitable metal. The rotor holder 3343 may be configured to receive a shaft of the pump controller (e.g., stepper motor shaft) via the opening 3349 of the first rotor 3343. The rotor holder 3343 may comprise a first chasm 3353a and a second chasm 3353b (e.g., a first cut and a second cut at the rim of the first rotor 3343) to receive a rotor 3355 shown in FIG. 34C. For instance, the rotor 3355 may be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the rotor holder 3343 via the first chasm 3353a and the second chasm 3353b. In some variations, the rotor 3355 may be clipped in to the first chasm 3353a and the second chasm 3353b, thereby coupling the rotor 3355 to the rotor holder 3343. As seen in FIG. 34B and in FIG. 34B’, the size of the first chasm 3353a may be different from the size of the second chasm 3353b. This may enable the rotor to be coupled to, attached to, or otherwise integrated with the rotor holder 3343 suitably without difficulty or confusion.

[0287] The rotor 3355 may comprise Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The rotor 3355 may be chemical resistant and may be configured to withstand high temperatures. The rotor 3355 may comprise a first element 3357a that can clip into the first chasm 3353a of the rotor holder 3343 and a second element 3357b that can clip into the second chasm 3353b of the rotor holder 3343. In this manner, the rotor 3355 may be coupled to the pump controller via the rotor holder 3343.

[0288] FIG. 34D and FIG. 34D’ illustrates an example interface plate 3363 that is configured to interface the body of the pump with the rotor holder 3343 and the rotor 3335. The opening 3361 may be configured to receive the shaft of the pump controller (e.g., stepper motor shaft). The interface plate may comprise screw holes 3362a and 3362b, each configured to receive a screw that couples the interface plate 3363 to the body of the pump. The interface plate 3363 may also comprise openings 3363a, 3363b, 3363c, and 3363d to enable coupling to the valve head 3345. In particular, each of these openings may be configured to receive a screw that couples the valve head 3345 to the interface plate 3363. The rotor holder 3343 may be configured to sit on the interface plate 3363. More specifically, the interface plate 3363 may be configured to receive the rotor holder 3343.

[0289] Ferrule Screw

[0290] FIG. 35A is an illustrative example of a ferrule screw 3415A that may be received in the one or more openings of various components described herein, such as for example in one or more openings of the valve head 3345, a cavity of the drain valve, and / or the like. The ferrule screw 3415A may comprise Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The ferrule screw 3415A may include a screw head portion 3417A and a screw thread portion 3419A. The screw thread portion 3419A may be configured to be received within the one or more openings of the valve head or other suitable component. In particular, the screw thread portion 3419A may include one or more thread to secure the ferrule screw into the one or more openings of the valve head. For example, the screw head portion 3417A may be held and rotated by applying a force. The rotation of the screw head portion 3417A may fasten the screw thread portion 3419A within the one or more openings and / or unfasten the screw thread portion 3419A from the one of more openings. The ferrule screw 3415A may be configured to be received in the one or more openings such that the screw thread portion 3419A of the ferrule screw is substantially inside the one or more openings while the screw head portion 3417A of the ferrule screw is substantially outside the one or more openings. The ferrule screw 3415A may include a through hole 3420A that may be configured to receive the pipes and / or tubes. For example, a pipe may be inserted through the through hole 3420A from one side of the ferrule tube such that the pipe extends out of the ferrule tube from the a side opposite to that side of the ferrule tube. In this manner a pipe and / or a tube may be inserted into the valve head via a ferrule screw.

[0291] Blanking Screw

[0292] FIG. 35B is an illustrative example of a blanking screw 3415B that may be received in the one or more openings of the valve head 3345. The blanking screw 3415B may comprise Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The blanking screw 3415B may include a screw head portion 3417B and a screw thread portion 3419B. The screw thread portion 3419B may be configured to be received within the one or more openings of the valve head. In particular, the screw thread portion 3419B may include one or more thread to secure the blanking screw into the one or more openings of the valve head. For example, the screw head portion 3417B may be held and rotated by applying a force. The rotation of the screw head portion 3417B may fasten the screw thread portion 3419B within the one or more openings and / or unfasten the screw thread portion 3419B from the one or more openings. The blanking screw 3415B may be configured to be received in the one or more openings such that the screw thread portion 3419B of the blanking screw is substantially inside the one or more openings while the screw head portion 3417B of the blanking screw is substantially outside the one or more openings. Unlike the ferrule screw 3415A, the blanking screw 3415B does not include a through hole to receive pipes and / or tubes. Therefore, fastening the screw thread portion 3419B of the blanking screw 3415B within the one or more opening of the drain valve may seal that opening of the drain valve. In this manner, openings of a drain valve that do not receive the ferrule screw 3415A may be sealed using the blanking screw 3415B.

[0293] Ferrule

[0294] A ferrule such as ferrule 3520 in FIG. 36 may be positioned at a bottom end of the ferrule screw. For example, the ferrule 3520 may be positioned at a bottom end of the screw thread portion 3419A of the ferrule screw. The ferrule 3520 may include a cavity 3521 to receive a pipe and / or a tube. The pipe and / or tube may extend from a top end of the ferrule 3520 through to a bottom end of the ferrule 3520 via the cavity 3521 . The side walls of the ferrule 3520 may be configured such that the side walls approach substantially closer at the top end relative to the bottom end. Put differently, a diameter of the cavity at the top end of the ferrule may be relatively smaller than a diameter of the cavity at the bottom end of the ferrule. The side walls may be configured to approach closer gradually at the top end of the ferrule. Therefore, when a pipe and / or a tube is attached and / or inserted through the ferrule screw into the ferrule, the top end of the ferrule may be configured to apply compressive forces on the pipe and / or tube. This may fold the pipe and / or tube in an inward direction and may press the pipe and / or tube in a downward direction, thereby securing the pipe and / or tube into the valve head. In some variations, the coupling and / or positioning of the ferrule to the ferrule screw may facilitate the folding of the pipe and / or tube in the inward direction and / or the pressing of the pipe and / or tube in the downward direction. FIG. 37Ais an illustrative example of fluid connectors showing valve head 3345, ferrule screw 3415A, and ferrules 3420. The channels within the valve head, such as for example, channel 3799a, 3799b, etc. have a diameter such that these channels allow movement of suspensions to and from the valve head 3345.

[0295] FIG. 37B is an illustrative example showing valve head 3345, ferrule screw 3415A, pump 3798, and interface plate 3363. The pump 3798 can connect into a channel 3790 of the valve head 3345. The diameter of the channel 3790 may be larger than the diameter of the opening of the pump 3798. The ferrule screw 3415A connect a tube and / or pipe into the channel 3799a. As discussed above, the diameter of the ferrule screw 3415A may be substantially same as the diameter of the channel 3799a.

[0296] In some variations, the ferrule screw 3415A may be configured to fit into the cavity 2654 of the second disc 2655 of the drain valve, such that the ferrule screw 3415A is snugly fit into the cavity 2654. Put differently, the diameter of the cavity 2654 may be substantially same as the diameter of the screw head portion 3417A of the ferrule screw 3415A such that the threaded portion 3419A of the ferrule screw 3415A fits into the cavity 2654. In a similar manner, the diameter of the screw head portion 3417A of the ferrule screw 3415A may be substantially same as diameter of openings 3347a, 3347b, and 3347c of the valve head 3345 such that the threaded portion 3419 of the ferrule screw fits into the openings 3347a, 3347b, and 3347c.

[0297] FIG. 38 illustrates the orifice 1750 of a reactor vessel 1742 that is sealed with a first disc 2555 of a drain valve. The protruding arm 2659 of the second disc 2655 of the drain valve is configured to receive a ferrule screw 3415A via a screw 3788. A pipe / tube may extend to the first disc via the ferrule screw 3415A. A valve controller 371 1 may be configured to rotate the second disc 2655 so as to open and close the drain valve.

[0298] Controllers As discussed herein, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system be communicably coupled to one or more controllers to automate the process of synthesizing chemical and / or producing products. For example, the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may include one or more controllers, such as for instance, a module of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may house the one or more controllers. Additionally or alternatively, the one or more controllers may be external to the end-to-end chemical processing system but may be communicably coupled (e.g., via a network such as Internet, Local Area Network (LAN), Wider Area Network (WAN), and / or the like) to the end-to-end automated chemical processing system. The controllers may be configured to receive a chemical recipe (e.g., via a user interface), process the chemical recipe, and transform the chemical recipe into a machine readable instructions. In some variations, the controllers may be configured to receive instructions from a database that stores previously used instructions (e.g., by loading the previously used instructions from the database). More specifically, the controllers may be configured to generate instructions for one or more components of the system. These components may obtain instructions from the controller(s) to automate the process of chemical processing and / or production.

[0299] The one or more controllers may include a processor (e.g., CPU). The processor may be any suitable processing device configured to run and / or execute a set of instructions or code, and may include one or more data processors, image processors, graphics processing units, physics processing units, digital signal processors, and / or central processing units. The processor may be, for example, a general purpose processor, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and / or the like. The processor may be configured to run and / or execute application processes and / or other modules, processes and / or functions associated with the system and / or a network associated therewith. The underlying device technologies may be provided in a variety of component types (e.g., MOSFET technologies like complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter- coupled logic (ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., Silicon-conjugated polymer and metal- conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, and / or the like.

[0300] Example System

[0301] An end-to-end automated system may comprise one or more module(s) 100 as described herein. Each module(s) may include a housing 101 to enclose one or more components described herein within the module(s) 100. Some module(s) may include a same and / or a similar component as another module(s). For example, one or more module(s) may include a processing vessel (e.g., reactor vessel) as described herein. The processing vessel in one module may be identical to the processing vessel in another module. Additionally or alternatively, the processing vessel in one module may be similar to the processing vessel in another module. For instance, a module(s) 100 that performs the operation of chemical reaction and / or chemical processing may include a reactor vessel as described in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C or17D. However, a module(s) that performs the operation of filtration may include a processing vessel similar to the reactor vessels described in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C or 17D. But, the processing vessel may include a glass frit between the lower portion 1744b and outlet 1750. Some components may be housed in only one module(s) 100 and identical and / or similar variations of that component may not be in any other module(s) 100. Some components may be shared between the modules. For instance, some components such as pipes and / or tubes, cable wires, etc. may be configured to extend from one module to another module.

[0302] FIG. 39 is an illustrative example of an end-to-end automated system. The end-to-end automated system comprises a first module 3800a that performs the operation receiving user input, generating machine readable instructions for various components of the system, transmitting machine readable instruction, and displaying outputs to a user. The first module 3800a may include a display screen and one or more controllers. The end- to-end automated system further comprises a second module 3800b that performs the operation of chemical processing and / or chemical reaction. This module 3800b may include a processing vessel such as for example, a reactor vessel (e.g., without a glass frit). The end-to-end automated system may further comprise a third module 3800c that performs the operation of liquid-liquid separation. This module 3800c may include a processing vessel that is similar but not identical to reactor vessels in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, or 17D. The end-to-end automated system may further comprise a fourth module 3800d that performs the operations of filtration and recrystallization. This module may include a processing vessel that is similar but not identical to reactor vessels in FIGS. 17A, 17B, 17C, or 17D (e.g., with a glass frit).

[0303] Although FIG. 39 illustrates four modules, it should be readily understood that an end- to-end automated system may include any number of modules with housing 101 that houses one or more components described herein. For example, an end-to-end automated system may include a fifth module that performs the operation of evaporation / distillation. Similarly, an end-to-end automated system may include a sixth module that performs column chromatography.

[0304] It should be readily understood that one or more components and / or the controller of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be electrically coupled (e.g., via cable wires). Additionally or alternatively, one or more components and / or the controller of the end-to-end automated chemical processing system may be communicably coupled via any suitable wireless technology.

[0305] Enumerated Examples

[0306] Example 1 : An automated chemical processing system, comprising: at least two modules, a first module of the at least two modules housing one or more components of the automated chemical processing system; a second module of the at least two modules housing one or more components of the automated chemical processing system, wherein at least one of the first module or the second module comprises a first coupling mechanism to engage the first module to the second module.

[0307] Example 2: A housing for a module, comprising a first segment, the first segment comprising: a tray portion configured to be transitioned from an open state to a closed state, and vice versa; and a handle configured to transition the tray portion from the open state to the closed state, and vice versa, the handle comprising a portion of a latching mechanism to hold the tray portion in the closed state, wherein the latching mechanism is a magnetic latching mechanism.

[0308] Example 3: An interface panel to engage or disengage a first module from a second module, the interface panel comprising: a recessed portion configured to receive a protruding arm of another interface panel, wherein applying a force to the interface panel can cause the protruding arm to slide into the recessed portion, thereby releasably locking the interface panel to the other interface panel, wherein the first module includes the interface panel and the second module includes the other interface panel.

[0309] Example 4: A fluidic panel to provide a means for a fluid connection from a first module to a second module.

[0310] Example 5: A reactor vessel to synthesize one or more chemical substances, the reactor vessel comprising: a first portion to synthesize the one or more chemical substances of a first volume, and a second portion above the first portion to synthesize the one or more chemical substances of a second volume, wherein the second volume is greater than the first volume.

[0311] Example 6: A stirrer for a reactor vessel, comprising: a rotatable shaft; and an agitator element, wherein the agitator element comprises spiral segments that extend helically downwards along a length of the rotatable shaft.

[0312] Example 7: A fluid connector comprising, a ferrule screw comprising a through hole to receive a tube; and a ferrule positioned at a bottom end of the ferrule screw, wherein the tube is configured to extend from the ferrule screw through the ferrule, wherein the ferrule is configured to apply compressive forces on the tube, thereby folding the tube in an inward direction and pressing the tube in a downward direction.

[0313] Whilst certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the devices, methods and products described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . An automated chemical processing system, comprising: at least two modules, wherein each module of the at least two modules is a physical unit enclosed within a respective frame, a first module of the at least two modules communicably coupled to a controller, the controller being configured to: receive a user input indicative of a chemical recipe, and generate, based on the user input, instructions to control one or more components of the automated chemical processing system; a second module of the at least two modules housing a processing vessel, the one or more components including the processing vessel, the processing vessel being configured to produce one or more chemical compounds based at least in part on the instructions from the controller, wherein at least one of the first module or the second module comprises a first coupling mechanism to engage the first module to the second module.

2. The automated chemical processing system of claim 1 , wherein the processing vessel is a reactor vessel, and wherein the at least two modules further includes: a third module housing a second processing vessel configured to perform liquid-liquid separation; and a fourth module housing a third processing vessel configured to perform filtration and recrystallization, wherein at least one of the second module or the third module comprises a second coupling mechanism to engage the second module to the third module, and wherein at least one of the third module or the fourth module comprises a third coupling mechanism to engage the third module to the fourth module.

3. The automated chemical processing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each module of the at least two modules include a visual indicator to indicate a status of the module.

4. The automated chemical processing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first module is further configured to house a tray comprising a handle,wherein the handle is configured to pull the tray in a forward direction and / or push the tray in a backward direction, wherein the tray is held in position via one or more silicone strips.

5. The automated chemical processing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each module of the at least two modules includes a door that is configured to be opened or closed via a magnetic latch.

6. The automated chemical processing system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing vessel is a reactor vessel, and wherein the reactor vessel is configured to synthesize one or more chemical substances so as to produce the one or more chemical compounds, and wherein the reactor vessel comprises: a first portion to synthesize the one or more chemical substances of a first volume, and a second portion above the first portion to synthesize the one or more chemical substances of a second volume, wherein the second volume is greater than the first volume.

7. The automated chemical processing system of claim 6, wherein the first volume is less than 40 millilitres and the second volume is less than 4 litres.

8. The automated chemical processing system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the processing vessel is a reactor vessel, and wherein the reactor vessel is further coupled with a stirrer comprising a rotatable shaft and an agitator element, wherein the agitator element comprises spiral segments that extend helically downwards along a length of the rotatable shaft.

9. The automated chemical processing system of claim 8, wherein the stirrer is coupled to a stirrer controller, the stirrer controller being configured to rotate the agitator element.

10. The automated chemical processing system of any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more tubes, wherein each tube of the one or more tubes is configured to be attached to one or more components of the automated chemical processing system via a ferrule.11 . The automated chemical processing system of claim 10, wherein, in response to the tube being attached to the ferrule, the ferrule is configured to apply compressive forces on the tube, thereby folding the tube in an inward direction and pressing the tube in a downward direction.

12. A drain valve, comprising: a first disc configured to seal the orifice of a processing vessel, the first disc comprising a first cavity positioned off-centre on the first disc; a second disc comprising a second cavity positioned off-centre on the second disc, the second disc being configured to interface with the first disc; and a motion transfer component coupled to the second disc, the motion transfer component being configured to rotate, via a valve controller, the second disc so as to control a position of the second cavity, wherein aligning the first cavity and the second cavity in a longitudinal direction opens the drain valve.

13. The drain valve of claim 12, further comprising a switch configured to detect whether the drain valve is open.

14. The drain valve of claim 13, wherein the switch is configured to detect the position of the second cavity so as to detect whether the drain valve is open.

15. The drain valve of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a retaining ring attached to the first disc, the retaining ring being configured to be mechanically coupled to one or more screws, thereby mounting the drain valve to the orifice of the processing vessel.

16. The drain valve of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the first disc and the second disc are Polytetrafluoroethylene discs.

17. A stirrer for a chemical processing system, comprising: a rotatable shaft; and an agitator element at one end of the rotatable shaft, the agitator element comprising a blade segment extending radially outwards from the rotatable shaft, wherein the agitator element comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein a profile of the first portion is different from a profile of the second portion.

18. The stirrer of claim 17, wherein: the first portion comprises a first and second blade segment extending from the rotatable shaft; and the second portion comprises a third and fourth blade segment extending from the rotatable shaft; wherein the first and second blade segment each have a first shape, and the third and fourth blade segment each have a second shape different from the first shape.

19. The stirrer of claim 18, wherein each of the first and second blade segments are defined by a first and second surface connected by an outer edge.

20. The stirrer of claim 19, wherein each of the third and fourth blade segments are defined by a third and fourth surface connected by an outer edge, wherein the outer edge of the first blade segment is continuous with the outer edge of the third blade segment and the outer edge of the second blade segment is continuous with the outer edge of the fourth blade segment.

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