Planta Piloto ELA 50

Overview

ELA 50 is a pilot plant for process development at a scale of 50 l and is intended preferably for applications that are highly viscous. The unit comprises a reactor with a coaxial agitator system that permits operation of a central impeller and an impeller near the wall. Working volume 60 liters. Operating ranges include temperatures 20 to 200 °C, pressure 40 mbar (abs) to 4 bar (abs), and viscosity up to 1.000 Pa s. The plant includes a vacuum station with condenser for degassing and solvent recovery and is installed in an explosion-proof area; the plant is explosion-proof (T3, IIB) and suitable for operation with flammable liquids. A variety of impeller systems is available, from central impellers to near-wall impellers, and these are also suitable for parallel coaxial installation. Modifications are possible for steam injection into the vessel and for achieving lower temperatures. Process and equipment monitoring provided on the unit include temperatures (vessel and jacket), pressure, impeller speed, and impeller torque/power input. EKATO provides specialist support including tests in EKATO laboratories, scale-up experience, guarantees for key process parameters, and analytical services (density, viscosity, GC, HPLC). Processes can be investigated in ELA 50 under well-defined fluiddynamic conditions in batch or semi-batch mode and with single- or multi-phase systems. The unit supports a wide range of process types explicitly listed: low to high viscosities, suspension, degassing, dispersion, and solvent evaporation. Agitation on ELA 50 can be optimized to minimize mixing times, maximize mass transfer, provide efficient solids suspension, and increase heat transfer; vacuum and condenser capability enable degassing and solvent recovery. The plant’s explosion-proof design and installation in an explosion-proof area allow operation with flammable liquids.