Imagine switching from baking one cake at a time in a big oven to a continuous conveyor belt of perfectly baked treats. Instead of stirring giant vats by hand, this system uses sound waves and microwaves to mix and heat chemicals instantly and precisely. It allows factories to make high-value plastics and medicines in a steady stream rather than in slow, separate batches.
Specialty chemical and pharma production relies on batch-type processes with poor heat transfer and mixing control. This leads to inefficiencies, higher waste, and a lack of flexibility in production.
A pilot-scale prototype for continuous modular flow operation. It combines Reactive Extrusion (REX) and Continuous Oscillatory Baffled Reactors (COBR) with ultrasound and microwave energy.
If you are a drug manufacturer dealing with poor process control in batch-type production — this project developed a modular flow technology that enables continuous production of high-value products. This shift improves consistency and sustainability in synthesis.
If you are a polymer producer dealing with viscous products that are hard to mix — this project developed a system combining reactive extrusion and ultrasound that handles thick streams. It moves the process from TRL5 to TRL7 for industrial demonstration.
If you are a coatings manufacturer dealing with inefficient heat transfer in large tanks — this project developed microwave-actuated flow reactors. This allows for localized heating and faster, more sustainable production of particles and resins.
Based on available project data, the specific commercial price is not listed, though the EU provided a contribution of EUR 9,406,833 for the development and demonstration phase.
The project is demonstrating the first pilot-scale system prototype designed for long-term uninterrupted modular flow operation of solids-laden and viscous process streams.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not provided, but the consortium includes 2 technology suppliers and 4 end-user chemical companies to facilitate exploitation.
The project includes a dedicated SME experienced in modular automation to ensure the continuous flow equipment integrates into industrial environments.
The project runs from 2022-10-01 to 2026-09-30, with the goal of advancing the technology from TRL5 to TRL7 by the end of the period.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward industrial application, with an industry ratio of 62%. It consists of 13 partners, including 8 industry players (4 end-users and 2 technology suppliers) and 4 universities, ensuring that the transition from lab-scale research to a TRL7 industrial demonstration is supported by actual market users and automation experts.
Contact Katholieke Universiteit Leuven regarding the SIMPLI-DEMO pilot results.
Contact us to connect with the SIMPLI-DEMO consortium for pilot integration.
