Batch reactor with injection system

Abstract

An apparatus and method for injection of one or more chemical components into a reaction chamber are disclosed. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber for receiving one or more libraries in a fixed position relative to the chamber and configured to form a sealed enclosure. An injection manifold is located within the reaction chamber and selectively movable relative to the libraries. The injection manifold is configured for receiving at least one fluid transfer line coupled to an external source for injection of one or more chemical components into the reaction chamber.

1 . A method for injection of one or more chemical components into a reaction chamber configured to withstand a pressure of approximately 5 psig, the method comprising: 
 inserting one or more libraries into a reaction chamber in a fixed position relative to the reaction chamber, each of the libraries comprising two or more samples;    sealing the reaction chamber;    pressurizing the reaction chamber;    positioning an injection manifold over selected samples; and    injecting one or more chemical components onto respective samples of the one or more libraries with the sealed reaction chamber pressurized, wherein said one or more chemical components are injected from a plurality of injectors coupled to the injection manifold.    
     
     
         2 . The method of claim further  1  further comprising allowing the reaction chamber to reach a specified temperature before injecting said one or more chemical components.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising allowing the reaction chamber to reach a specified pressure before injecting said one or more chemical components.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising allowing the reaction chamber to reach pressure and temperature equilibrium before injecting said one or more chemical components.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein pressurizing the sealed reaction chamber comprises pressurizing the chamber to a pressure of approximately 5 psig.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein pressurizing the sealed reaction chamber comprises pressurizing the chamber to a pressure of approximately 60 psig.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising heating said samples.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising stirring said samples.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein stirring said samples comprises stirring said samples with magnetic stirrers.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein injection one or more chemical components comprises injecting a quenching agent.  
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising sampling at least one of the samples with the sealed reaction chamber pressurized.  
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising sampling from an environment of the reaction chamber.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1  wherein injecting one or more chemical components is computer controlled.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising computer controlled monitoring of reactions and storage of data gathered during monitoring.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1  wherein injecting one or more chemical components comprises performing semi-continuous additions to the samples.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said plurality of injectors are configured such that at least two of said injectors are operable to apply said one or more chemical components simultaneously to respective samples.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1  wherein positioning the injector manifold comprises moving the injection manifold in a longitudinal direction relative to the libraries.