(23d) Microreactor Technology: a Revolution for the Fine Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry?

50% of reactions in the fine chemical / pharmaceutical industry could benefit from a continuous process based mainly on microreactor technology. However, the frequent presence of a solid phase still hinders the widespread application of such a technology as a multi-purpose solution. For small scale and pilot productions, speed in process R&D as well as avoidance of scale-up issues are the main drivers. On the other hand, for large scale productions, a gain in yield and safety are the main motivation for micoreactor technology. The gain in yield must be significant in order to cope with the increase in capital expenditure associated with the development of a new technology.