Elastomeric Septum Reactor Closure for High-Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for pressurizing parallel batch reactors are complex, often require moving parts, shared headspaces leading to cross-contamination, and struggle to maintain elevated pressures without leaking, making them unsuitable for high-throughput screening and comparative testing under varying pressures.
Innovation Solution
A system using a removable reactor closure system with an elastomeric septum and a rigid member, where the septum is pierced by a hollow needle to introduce pressurized gas, allowing reactors to maintain elevated pressures without moving parts, and enabling individual analysis of each reactor's content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a removable reactor closure system with an elastomeric septum and rigid member is used, then the system complexity is reduced and no moving parts are required, but the ability to maintain elevated pressure without leaking becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric septum acts as a flexible sealing membrane that can be pierced by a hollow needle to introduce pressurized gas, then seals the opening when the needle is removed. This flexible film approach eliminates the need for complex mechanical valves or moving parts while maintaining pressure containment capability.
2Device complexity
If multiple reactors share a common headspace, then the system complexity is reduced, but cross-contamination between reactors occurs and individual pressure control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Each reactor is equipped with its own removable closure system comprising an elastomeric septum and rigid member, creating individual sealed compartments. This segmentation allows each reactor to be independently pressurized and controlled, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized reusable components.
3Reliability
If O-rings and separate gas leads are used for pressurization, then pressure-tight closure is ensured, but the system complexity increases and the system becomes more difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system merges multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the elastomeric septum provides both the sealing surface and the pressurization interface, while the rigid member with its small hole provides structural support and defines the gas introduction point. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate O-rings, thread locks, and gas leads, simplifying both the system structure and operational procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively pressurizes reactors to up to 100 barg for extended periods with minimal leaking, allowing for comparative testing under varying pressures and reducing operational complexity, while eliminating the need for O-rings and minimizing fluid connections between reactors.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric septum having a thickness of at least 200% of the diameter of the hollow needle
Implementation Method 2
allowing reactors to maintain elevated pressures without moving parts
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system for pressurising parallel batch reactors, and a process for using such to pressurize batch reactors to a pressure of between 20 and 150 barg. The reactors are closed by a removable reactor closure system for covering the mouth of such reactor, wherein the closure system comprises an elastomeric septum and a rigid member with a small hole covering the septum. The septum may be pierced with a specific hollow needle, e.g. to force pressurized gas in the reactor, which pressure can be maintained for prolonged periods after withdrawing the needle. The closure system does not require moving parts.