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6.4.12 Filtration
If using a filter vessel in your Reactor-Ready system, the following points should be noted:
• Filter vessels are designed for optimum use in filtration operations to separate a solid from a liquid.
The temperature-controlled jacket allows this process to be done under either hot or cold
conditions.
In normal use, the biphasic mixture may be added to the vessel from an external source, where it
may be temperature controlled during the filtration operation. In temperature-critical applications, it
may be best to pre-heat or cool the reactor jacket and reaction mixture before adding it to the filter
vessel, to avoid unwanted side effects during any temperature equilibration time.
It is advisable to add the mixture to the vessel with the bottom outlet valve closed initially. This
allows for the mixture to fully equilibrate in the reaction vessel before filtration begins. Once this has
been achieved, vacuum may be applied and the bottom outlet opened, to allow filtration to begin.
Note: Even though the bottom outlet valve is closed, it may be possible for a small amount of liquid
to pass through the filter membrane into the cavity below. This cavity is small, and liquid loss is
minimal.
• The thermal control available on the filter vessel allows the possibility of using it as a reaction vessel
as well. In this way, reaction and filtration processes can be conveniently combined to streamline
operations. It should be noted that during any extended reaction time, even with the bottom outlet
valve closed, it may be possible for a small amount of liquid to pass through the filter membrane into
the cavity below. This cavity is small, and liquid loss is minimal.
• In some circumstances you may require to apply vacuum to the filter vessel from above the filter
base (via a port in the filter vessel lid) during your process. When doing this you may observe small
air bubbles in your reactor contents, either around the filter plate seal, or through the filter
membrane. This is not uncommon, and does not indicate that the filter vessel is leaking.
• Reactor-Ready filter vessels feature a full-length thermal jacket to maximise heat transfer and ensure
uniform temperatures within the vessel. However, the filter plate, outlet valve, and connecting
tubing are not temperature controlled. Particular care should be taken when filtration is performed
whilst the filter vessel is being heated, as precipitation or crystallisation may occur when hot liquid
contacts components at ambient temperature below the filter membrane. This may result in
clogging or blockage of the filtration path.
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