The K1 is a unique, patented reaction system that operates on the principle of high, precision shear rate control.
By precisely controlling shear rates at magnitudes as high as 1,000,000 inverse seconds, the annular flow reactor enables precise manipulation of nanoparticle formation dynamics and mixing.
This results in precision synthesis of targeted particle size, crystallinity, morphology and other critical characteristics of nanomaterials.
High yet precise shear rate is achieved by accessing a fluid dynamic regime known as “multiphase annular flow”. In this regime, liquids and gases flow through a pipe with high differences in relative velocity. A high velocity gas forces liquids to the very edges of the pipe, leaving a gaseous annulus core.
In the thin film that the liquids occupy (10 – 200 um), there is a very high yet uniform distribution of shear rates. At these high shear rates, fluid forces can significantly affect the formation of particles less than 10 nm in size.
Chaotic mixing also occurs at the gas and liquid interface due to a phenomenon known as “Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities”.
Supplementing the reactors are auxiliary modules, including pumps and sensors designed to maximise precision and control. Up to four reagents can be delivered to the K1 simultaneously, enabling multistep reactions and inline concentration/dilution.
Three separate dosing modules will be offered: the Start, Pro and Max modules, each providing increasing levels of automation.
Our bespoke accompanying software, AMLearn provides powerful machine learning-driven process optimization tools, easy-to-setup automated workflows, real-time reaction monitoring, and comprehensive data collection.
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