Orb Pilot Reactor

Modular pilot-scale jacketed reactor

The Orb Pilot is a modular, floor-standing jacketed reactor system designed for scaling up batch processes. Developed with input from scale-up chemists and chemical engineers, it combines flexibility, ease of use and modularity in a single platform. The system supports multiple reactor configurations within one footprint, making it suitable for laboratories that require different vessel sizes and process setups.

Flexible reactor platform for scale-up

Orb Pilot supports multiple reactor configurations on the same frame. Both jacketed and vacuum-jacketed vessels from 10 L to 50 L can be installed without changing the support structure.

An optional accessory tower can be mounted alongside the reactor to support additional equipment such as:

• Pumps
• Collection vessels
• Reflux assemblies
• Other process configurations

This modular design enables users to adapt the reactor to different process requirements while maintaining a compact laboratory footprint.

Quick vessel changes

Changing reactor vessels on many pilot systems can take a significant amount of time. Orb Pilot reduces setup time so users can spend more time on process development.

Features that support rapid vessel changes include:

• Tool-free vessel clamp
• Spring-loaded base frame
• Quickly removable stirrer motor

Together, these features allow vessel changes in under one hour. The tool-free clamp also keeps the vessel securely in place even when fully loosened, enabling in-place vessel cleaning.

Designed for scale-up

Orb Pilot vessels are designed to mimic the length-to-diameter (L/D) ratios of production-scale reactors, simplifying process transfer from pilot to production. The system supports multiple stirrer designs, including industry-standard hydrofoil impellers, allowing users to match the mixing characteristics required for different applications.

Optimized mixing performance

Removable glass baffles and a wide choice of stirrer configurations provide efficient mixing.

The system offers:

• Easily removable top-loaded glass baffles for improved mixing and simplified cleaning
• High- and low-shear baffle geometries
• Multiple stirrer options, including PBT, hydrofoil and anchor designs
• Custom stirrers available for specific applications

Powerful stirring

Orb Pilot is compatible with stirrer motors from major manufacturers without requiring different mounting hardware.

Available stirrer motors provide:

• Stirring speeds up to 500 rpm
• Continuous torque up to 400 Ncm

An integrated motor lift system allows the stirrer motor to be positioned or moved aside quickly during setup and maintenance.

Reactor protection and ease of maintenance

Several design features help protect reactor components while simplifying maintenance.

Het force-limited vessel clamp reduces the risk of glass breakage caused by overtightening and enables rapid vessel and stirrer changes.

Het detachable spring-loaded bottom outlet valve (BOV) prevents overtightening and can be removed easily for cleaning or replacement if accidental damage occurs.

Key features

• Modular pilot-scale jacketed reactor for 10 L to 50 L vessels
• Compatible with both jacketed and vacuum-jacketed vessels
• Multiple reactor configurations on one support frame
• Vessel changes in under one hour
• Tool-free force-limited vessel clamp
• Spring-loaded base frame
• Reactor geometry designed to mimic production vessels
• Top-loaded removable glass baffles for improved mixing
• Choice of PBT, hydrofoil, anchor and custom stirrers
• Compatible with stirrer motors from major manufacturers
• Stirring up to 500 rpm and 400 Ncm continuous torque
• Detachable spring-loaded bottom outlet valve for easy cleaning
• Optional reflux kit
• Optimized oil distribution within the vessel jacket
• Optional accessory tower for pumps, dosing systems and additional process equipment