Chemical Process Reactor

Chemical Process Reactor Manufacturer in India — SV Industries

Custom-engineered reactors for precise mixing, heat transfer, and process control.
From pilot to large-scale production, we design and build industrial reactors that deliver consistent quality, safer operation, and faster batch cycles—backed by engineering support and on-site commissioning.

💡 Why Choose SV Industries

  • Process-driven design: Agitation, heat-load, and residence-time engineered for your chemistry.
  • Thermal options: Jacketed & Limpet-coil builds for efficient heating/cooling — explore SS Jacketed Vessel and Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.
  • Mixing expertise: Correct impeller selection (Anchor, PBT, Hydrofoil) for viscosity & shear → see our Agitator.
  • Built to standards: Material traceability, WPS/PQR, hydrotest, documentation for audits & GMP-ready environments.
  • End-to-end support: Design assistance, fabrication, installation, and after-sales across India.

What is a Chemical Process Reactor?

A chemical process reactor is an engineered vessel where raw materials are transformed into desired products under controlled mixing, temperature, pressure, and residence time. It can be batch, semi-batch, or continuous (CSTR/PFR), and typically integrates agitation and heat-transfer features for safe, repeatable performance.

Detailed explanation:

A chemical process reactor combines mechanical design (shell, heads, nozzles) with process control (agitation, heating/cooling, instrumentation) to drive reactions efficiently and safely. In industry, most reactors are built in SS304/SS316 for corrosion resistance and hygiene, sized by required volume and heat load, and rated for the necessary temperature/pressure regime. Thermal management is provided by jackets or limpet coils to add/remove heat during exothermic or endothermic reactions—see our SS Jacketed Vessel and Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.
Inside the vessel, an agitator ensures uniform mixing, mass transfer, and temperature homogeneity; impeller selection depends on viscosity and shear needs (e.g., Anchor Impeller, Pitch Blade Turbine, Hydrofoil). With the right residence time and process control, the reactor achieves consistent conversion, quality, and cycle time. Learn more on our overview pages: Chemical Process Reactor and Industrial Chemical Reactor.

⚙️ Common Reactor Modes

Reactor Type Flow Regime Best For Key Advantages
Batch / Semi-batch Time-bound charges (feeds can be staged) Multi-product flexibility, scale-up trials High recipe control, easier cleaning/validation
CSTR (Continuous Stirred-Tank) Steady-state with active mixing Uniform quality at steady throughput Good temperature control, simple to operate
PFR (Plug-Flow Reactor) Near plug flow along a tube/pipe High conversions at long residence times Compact, efficient for suitable kinetics

How Does a Chemical Process Reactor Work?

A chemical process reactor converts raw materials into products by controlling mixing, temperature, pressure, and residence time. Agitation ensures uniformity, while a jacket or limpet coil adds/removes heat; instrumentation and automation keep the reaction on-spec and safe.

🔄 Typical Process Flow (Step-by-step)

  1. Charging: Feed liquids/solids/solvents via nozzles or manway; inerting if required.
  2. Heating/Cooling: Bring the batch to target temperature using jacket/limpet coil with steam, hot oil, or chilled water—see SS Jacketed Vessel and Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.
  3. Agitation & Mass Transfer: Agitator + impeller create bulk flow, shear, and gas–liquid/solid–liquid contact; choose impeller based on viscosity and shear sensitivity—see Agitator.
  4. Reaction Control: Meter feeds (semi-batch if exothermic), maintain setpoints via PID loops (T, P, RPM).
  5. Hold / Conversion: Maintain residence time to reach target conversion/yield; sample/validate.
  6. Discharge & Cleaning: Cool to safe temperature, drain/filter as needed; CIP/SIP or manual cleaning.

🌡️ Heat Transfer & Temperature Control

  • Jacketed designs offer uniform coverage and are easy to clean; ideal for multi-product use.
  • Limpet coils provide higher allowable pressures/ΔT on the service side and modular repairs.
  • Correct U × A (overall coefficient × area) sizing prevents hotspots and reduces cycle time.
    Explore: SS Jacketed Vessel · Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.

⚙️ Core Subsystems (What They Do)

  • Agitation system (motor–gearbox–shaft–impeller): Creates uniform mixing, shortens mixing time, improves heat/mass transfer. Choose from Anchor, Pitch Blade Turbine, Hydrofoil, or Helical based on rheology.
  • Thermal system (jacket/limpet + utilities): Controls ramp-up, exotherm removal, and cooldown.
  • Instrumentation: RTD/thermocouple, pressure gauge/transmitter, level, flow, pH (if applicable).
  • Automation: VFD for RPM, temperature/pressure PID, interlocks, alarms, data logging (PLC/HMI).
  • Safety: Rupture disk/safety valve, earthing, emergency vents; hydrotest and NDT as per practice.

🌀 Mixing & Impeller Selection

  • Low–medium viscosity: Hydrofoil/PBT for high pumping and good heat transfer.
  • High viscosity / shear-sensitive: Anchor or helical for bulk circulation with gentle shear.
  • Baffles reduce vortexing and improve axial mixing. More options on our Agitator page.

Reactor Designs We Build: Batch, Semi-Batch, CSTR & PFR

From flexible batch systems to high-throughput continuous reactors, we engineer the right chemical process reactor around your kinetics, heat load, and quality targets.

🔁 Core Reactor Configurations

  • Batch / Semi-batch: Maximum recipe flexibility, staged feeds for exotherms, ideal for multi-product plants and scale-up trials.
  • CSTR (Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor): Steady-state production with active mixing; excellent temperature control and consistent quality.
  • PFR (Plug-Flow / Tubular): Near plug-flow behavior along the length; compact footprint and high conversions for suitable reactions.

Thermal options: Jacketed or limpet-coil designs based on utility pressure/ΔT → see SS Jacketed Vessel and Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.
Mixing solutions: Impeller selection by viscosity/shear → Agitator, Anchor, Pitch Blade Turbine, Hydrofoil.

Chemical Process Reactor for Industrial Mixing & Heat Transfer | High-Quality Stainless Steel Reactor

📊 Quick Comparison

Type Operation Mode Typical Scale Heat-Transfer Options Flow / Agitation Best For Key Advantages Considerations
Batch Time-bound lots Pilot → Large Jacket / Limpet Agitated (Anchor/PBT/Hydrofoil) Multi-product, variable recipes High control, easier cleaning/validation Non-steady throughput
Semi-batch Staged feeding Pilot → Large Jacket / Limpet Agitated Exothermic/controlled additions Safer heat removal, better selectivity Feed strategy complexity
CSTR Continuous Medium → Large Jacket / Limpet Agitated, baffled Steady quality & throughput Uniform temperature, simple control Residence-time distribution (RTD)
PFR Continuous Small → Very large (modular) Jacketed tubes / coils Axial flow (near plug-flow) High conversion for suitable kinetics Compact, efficient Fouling & temperature gradients
Note: Values/choices are indicative; final design is engineered to your chemistry and utilities.

Materials & Construction for Chemical Process Reactors

Built for corrosion resistance, cleanability, and safe operation. SV Industries engineers each chemical process reactor from the inside out—choosing the right material of construction (MOC), weld procedure, surface finish, and thermal envelope (jacket/limpet) to suit your chemistry and utilities.

🛡️ Materials (MOC) — When to choose what

  • SS304: Cost-effective stainless for mildly corrosive media and hygiene needs.
  • SS316 / SS316L: Added molybdenum for chlorides/stronger chemicals and better pitting resistance. Preferred for pharma/food contact and CIP.
  • MS (Rubber-Lined / FRP-Lined): For highly corrosive acids/solvents that do not attack the lining; economical for large volumes.
  • Clad/duplex/special alloys (on request): For aggressive or high-temperature environments where standard grades fall short.

🔩 Fabrication & Finish

  • Welding: Qualified WPS/PQR, certified welders; full-penetration welds where required, with controlled heat input.
  • Surface finish: Internal Ra as specified (e.g., 0.8–1.6 μm typical), pickling & passivation for stainless; mirror finish on request.
  • Nozzles & internals: Baffles, dip pipes, CIP/SIP lances, thermowells—laid out for process access and cleanability.
  • Thermal envelope: Jacket for uniform coverage or limpet-coil for higher service pressures/ΔT → see SS Jacketed Vessel and Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.

🧪 Testing & Documentation

  • Hydrotest, leak test, NDT (as applicable), MTC for plates/pipes, and traceability records.
  • Protocols aligned to audit needs; IQ/OQ and FAT support available.

📊 Quick Selection Guide

MOC Corrosion Resistance (typical) Cleanability / Finish Thermal Compatibility Typical Use Cases
SS304 Mild acids, neutral salts, low chlorides Good; Ra 0.8–1.6 μm achievable Steam/hot water/chilled media General chemicals, food-grade utilities
SS316/316L Better pitting & chloride resistance Excellent; pharma-grade finishes Broader temp/window; CIP-friendly Pharma, dyes/intermediates, fine chem
MS (Rubber-Lined) Excellent where lining is compatible Lining dictates cleaning method Limit by lining’s temp/ΔT Strong acids/solvents (lining-safe)
Special Alloys (on request) For aggressive/oxidizing media Process-dependent High temp/pressure envelopes Challenging chemistries, critical duty
Note: Table is indicative. Final MOC and finish are engineered to your chemistry, utilities, and validation needs.

Thermal Management: Jacketed vs Limpet-Coil Reactors

Efficient heating & cooling decide batch safety, quality, and cycle time. We engineer your reactor’s thermal envelope—jacketed or limpet-coil—to deliver the right U×A (overall heat-transfer coefficient × area), stable temperature control, and safe exotherm management.

🔥 What this system does

  • Ramp to setpoint quickly without hotspots
  • Hold temperature during reaction (exothermic/endothermic)
  • Cool-down to discharge safely and repeatably

Jacketed vs Limpet-Coil (quick comparison)

Aspect Jacketed Reactor Limpet-Coil Reactor (Half-Pipe/Coil)
Overall Coefficient (U) ~150–600 W/m²·K (service & flow dependent) ~200–800 W/m²·K (often higher on service side)
Service Pressure & ΔT Moderate; uniform coverage, lower service pressure Higher allowable service pressures & ΔT on coil side
Cleanability Smoother surface; easy CIP/SIP; hygienic finishes Excellent process-side cleanability; external coil access
Maintenance Fewer external welds; easy insulation/cladding Modular repairs possible coil-by-coil
Best Use Cases Multi-product, pharma/food, frequent cleaning High heat flux, fast ramp/cool, rugged chemical duty
Indicative values. Final design depends on media, fouling, viscosity, utility limits, and safety margins.

🔧 U×A sizing (simplified)

  • Required duty Q ≈ U × A × ΔTlm.
  • As volume increases, U may drop (mixing & area/volume effects) → compensate with higher A and adequate utility flow.
  • Agitation matters: better pumping (e.g., Hydrofoil/PBT) can raise U by improving film coefficients—see our Agitator.

💧 Utility & control tips

  • Choose service: steam/hot oil for heating; chilled/brine/glycol for cooling.
  • Prefer cascade/PID loops (process temp as master, utility valve as slave) to avoid overshoot.
  • For strong exotherms, use semi-batch feeds and higher coil flow to keep ΔT in the safe zone.

Agitation & Mixing: Impeller Selection, RPM & Torque Sizing

Efficient mixing cuts cycle time, stabilizes temperature, and improves conversion. We size the agitator–gearbox–shaft–impeller package to your viscosity, solids/gas load, and heat-transfer targets—so you hit the right mixing time at safe torque and power.

⚙️ Impeller Options (when to use what)

  • Hydrofoil (Axial): High pumping, low shear; best for low–medium viscosity and heat transfer → Hydrofoil.
  • Pitch Blade Turbine: Balanced shear + flow; versatile for blends, dispersions → PBT.
  • Anchor / U-Anchor: Wall sweeping, gentle shear; viscous and heat-sensitive systems → Anchor Impeller.
  • Helical Ribbon/Spiral: Very high viscosity, uniform top–bottom circulation → Helical.
  • Specials: Rushton (gas–liquid), Paddle (shear-gentle) → Rushton · Paddle · Concave Disc.

📊 Quick Selection Guide

Process / Viscosity Typical Range Recommended Impeller RPM (indicative) Notes
Blending, heat transfer (low μ) 1–300 cP Hydrofoil / PBT 80–300 High pumping; great U-value improvement
Suspending light solids 1–500 cP Hydrofoil (larger D/T) / PBT 120–280 Target Njs (just-suspension); add baffles
Viscous batches, heat-sensitive 500–10,000 cP Anchor / Helical 20–120 Wall sweep; maintain small tip clearance
Very high viscosity / pastes >10,000 cP Helical ribbon / Dual-shaft 10–60 Consider scrapers; torque-limited drive
Indicative values; final selection is engineered to tank geometry, rheology, and duty.

Technical Specifications & Typical Ranges

Parameter Typical Range / Options Notes & Customization
Working Volume 100 – 20,000 L (larger on request) Aspect ratio (H/T) ~1.0–1.5 for good mixing & heat transfer
Design Pressure (Vessel) FV to ~10 bar(g) (process-dependent) Higher ratings on request; hydrotested as per QAP
Design Temperature −20°C to 250°C Limited by MOC, seal, lining, and utilities
Material of Construction (MOC) SS304, SS316/316L, MS (Rubber-Lined), specials on request Choose by corrosion/cleanability; see **Materials & Construction**
Shell/Head Thickness ~6 – 25 mm (indicative) Engineered for P–T; corrosion allowance per spec
Head Type Torispherical / Ellipsoidal Dish-end geometry chosen for pressure & fabrication efficiency
Thermal Envelope Jacketed or Limpet-Coil (half-pipe/coil) See SS Jacketed Vessel and Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel
Service (Jacket/Coil) Pressure ~3 – 16 bar(g) Depends on utility (steam/hot oil/chilled/brine) & coil spec
Overall Heat-Transfer Coefficient (U) ~150 – 800 W/m²·K Varies with media, fouling, agitation, and utility side
Agitation System Hydrofoil / PBT / Anchor / Helical Impeller per rheology & duty → Agitator, Anchor, PBT, Hydrofoil, Helical
RPM (VFD-controlled) ~20 – 300 RPM Sized for mixing time, torque limits, and shear sensitivity
Motor Power ~0.75 – 45 kW (typical) Duty-based; service factor & start-up torque considered
Sealing Mechanical seal (single/dual) or packing Chosen for pressure, solvent duty, and hygiene
Nozzles & Instrumentation Manway, charging, vent, dip pipe, RTD/TC, PG/PT, level Additional ports for pH/flow/pressure; rupture disc/safety valve
Finish (Internal / External) Ra ~0.8–1.6 μm / 2B or matt Pickling & passivation; mirror finish on request
Insulation & Cladding Mineral wool + SS cladding Thickness per temperature profile & energy targets
Testing & QA Hydrotest, leak test, NDT (as applicable) MTC, WPS/PQR, QAP, FAT; audit-ready documentation
Mounting / Supports Legs / Skirt / Lugs As per foundation, seismic/wind, and access needs
Controls & Automation VFD, PID loops, PLC/HMI (optional) Data logging, interlocks, alarms as per URS
Note: Specs are for a chemical process reactor. If you’re evaluating classic “reactor vessel” builds, see Reactor Vessel and our overview on Industrial Chemical Reactor.

Applications & Industries We Serve

Where our chemical process reactors deliver results: from lab-scale validation to full-scale production, we engineer for conversion, safety, and cycle time across diverse sectors in India.

Industry / Sector 🏭 Typical Processes ⚗️ Media / Conditions 💧🌡️ Recommended Design Highlights 🔧
Chemicals & Specialty Chemicals Esterification, nitration, sulfonation, neutralization Corrosive acids/alkali, exotherms Limpet coil for high ΔT, baffles + Hydrofoil/PBT, SS316
Pharmaceuticals / APIs Crystallization, hydrogenation, acetylation Solvents, pressure, GMP needs Jacketed, mechanical seal, IQ/OQ docs, polished Ra
Dyes & Intermediates Diazotization, coupling, sulfonation Strong acids, temperature ramps SS316/MS-RL as compatible, semi-batch feeds, robust cooling area
Agrochemicals Neutralization, formulation, condensation Suspensions, shear sensitivity PBT/Hydrofoil for pumping, VFD control, CIP-friendly nozzles
Polymers / Resins / Adhesives Polymerization, condensation, curing High viscosity, heat removal Anchor/Helical, wall-sweep, high-area coils
Paints & Coatings Dispersion, let-down, blending Pigments, thixotropy PBT with baffles, bottom clearance tune, Njs focus
Surfactants & Home Care Saponification, ethoxylation (downstream) Foaming, heat release Axial impellers, anti-foam provisions, cascade temperature control
Food & Flavours Emulsification, extraction, blending Hygienic finishes Jacketed SS316L, CIP/SIP ports, mirror/internal Ra as specified
Biofuels / Oleochemicals Transesterification, washing, drying Solvents, phase separation Jacketed + decant nozzles, controlled agitation, seal selection
ETP/STP / Water Treatment pH correction, coagulation, flocculation Continuous duty, abrasives Agitator duty sizing, rugged bearings, Agitator integration
Indicative pairings; final MOC, agitation, and U×A are engineered to your chemistry and utilities.

Why Choose SV Industries for Chemical Process Reactors

Engineered for performance, built for reliability. Here’s why process manufacturers across India trust SV Industries for their chemical process reactors:

  • ⚙️ Process-first design: We size your reactor from first principles—U×A for heat load, mixing time/torque for rheology, and safe P–T margins—so batches hit conversion and cycle-time targets.
  • 🌡️ Thermal expertise: Jacketed and limpet-coil envelopes tuned to your utilities and ΔT. Explore options: SS Jacketed Vessel · Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.
  • 🌀 Mixing that works: Correct impeller + RPM for uniformity and heat removal—Hydrofoil, PBT, Anchor, Helical. See: Agitator, Anchor, PBT, Hydrofoil, Helical.
  • 🛡️ Materials & construction: SS304/SS316/MS-RL per corrosion profile; qualified WPS/PQR, controlled heat input, pickling/passivation, and audit-friendly finishes.
  • 📁 QA & documentation: MTC, hydrotest, leak/NDT (as applicable), QAP, FAT support, and IQ/OQ assistance for regulated environments.
  • 🔌 Automation-ready: VFDs, interlocks, and PID temperature/pressure control; PLC/HMI integration on request.
  • 🧩 True customization: Nozzle maps, CIP/SIP, insulation & cladding, mechanical seals, skids, and instrumentation tailored to your SOPs.
  • 🚚 Pan-India delivery & install: GA drawing reviews, site coordination, commissioning, and operator training—plus responsive spares/support.
  • 🧭 Transparent collaboration: Clear design reviews (P–T envelope, nozzle layout, agitation spec) and proactive risk notes for exotherms, fouling, or shear-sensitive media.
  • 📷 Proof of work: Browse real builds and finishes in our Gallery and technical explainers on our Blog.

Ready to engineer your reactor around your chemistry?
Talk to an engineer → Contact Us · Learn more → Chemical Process Reactor · Related hardware → Storage Tank.

How to Choose the Right Chemical Process Reactor

Pick a chemical process reactor by matching your chemistry & kinetics with the right operation mode (Batch/Semi-batch/CSTR/PFR), material of construction (MOC), thermal envelope (jacket or limpet-coil), and agitation. Size for your heat load (U×A), viscosity/mixing time, and safe pressure–temperature limits—then validate cleanability and documentation.

✅ Quick Checklist (what to decide first)

  • Process mode: Batch/Semi-batch for flexibility; CSTR/PFR for steady throughput.
  • MOC: SS304/SS316/MS-RL based on corrosion & hygiene (cleanability/finish).
  • Thermal design: Jacket (hygienic, uniform) vs Limpet-coil (higher service pressure/ΔT).
  • Agitation: Hydrofoil/PBT (low–medium μ) vs Anchor/Helical (high μ); baffles for vortex control.
  • P–T envelope: Design pressure & temperature with margin; choose seal (mechanical/packing).
  • QA & docs: MTC, hydrotest, NDT (as applicable), QAP/FAT, IQ/OQ readiness.
  • Scale-up: Account for U drop with volume; compensate with area, flow, and impeller sizing.

🧪 Decision Matrix

Factor Why it matters What to share Design implications Typical choices / Links
Reaction mode & kinetics Determines residence time & control strategy Target conversion, exotherm/endotherm, selectivity Batch/Semi-batch vs Continuous (CSTR/PFR) See Design types
Corrosion & hygiene Material life, surface finish, cleanability pH, chlorides, solvents, cleaning method MOC & finish spec (Ra), passivation SS304 / SS316 / MS-RL — Reactor Vessel
Heat load (kW) & ΔT Cycle time & safety for exotherms Duty (kW), utility temps, fouling tendency Size **U×A**; pick jacket or limpet Jacketed · Limpet-coil
Rheology (μ, SG, solids%) Impeller type, RPM, motor/torque Viscosity range, solids %, gas load Axial vs wall-sweep; VFD; baffles Agitator · Anchor · PBT · Hydrofoil · Helical
Pressure–Temperature Safety envelope & seal choice Max/min T, design P, vacuum? Shell/head thickness, seal spec See Materials section; compliance docs
Validation & cleaning Downtime & audit readiness CIP/SIP need, sampling, documentation Nozzle map, Ra, doc pack (IQ/OQ) Industrial Chemical Reactor
Indicative guidance; final design is engineered to your chemistry, utilities, and SOPs.

🌡️ Jacket vs Limpet — quick rule-of-thumb

  • Choose Jacketed when hygiene/CIP, multi-product flexibility, and uniform coverage matter → SS Jacketed Vessel.
  • Choose Limpet-coil when you need higher service pressure/ΔT and faster ramp/cool → Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.

🌀 Agitator Selection (at a glance)

  • Low–medium viscosity: Hydrofoil/PBT at moderate RPM for strong pumping & heat transfer.
  • High viscosity / shear-sensitive: Anchor/Helical with wall-sweep and tight tip clearance.
    Explore: Agitator.

🧰 “Spec Pack” — minimum info to get your design right

  • Capacity (working & total), media & solids %, viscosity range (cP), SG
  • Heat load (kW), target heat-up/hold/cool times, utility temps/pressures
  • Design P–T (incl. vacuum), cleaning/validation needs, hazardous area (if any)
  • Preferred mode (Batch/Semi-batch/CSTR/PFR), CIP/SIP, automation level (VFD/PLC/HMI)

Need help choosing? Share your “Spec Pack” and we’ll propose the right chemical process reactor with U×A and agitator sizing.
📞 Talk to an Engineer: Contact Us · 🔍 See builds: Gallery · 📚 Learn more: Chemical Process Reactor.

FAQs: Technical Answers on Chemical Process Reactors

Use Q = U × A × ΔTₗₘ. Start from duty (kW) and realistic U (150–800 W/m²·K); then select A and confirm utility flow/pressure.

Pick ΔTₗₘ from utility/product curves, assume conservative U (fouling + mixing). Scale A via jacket/limpet geometry and re-check ramp, hold, cool times. See: SS Jacketed Vessel · Limpet Coil Reactor Vessel.

Limpet-coil often handles higher service pressure/ΔT and rapid heat removal; jacketed offers uniform coverage and hygienic cleanability for multi-product plants.

Use Anchor or Helical ribbon with wall-sweep and tight tip clearance; run lower RPM with a torque-capable gearbox/VFD.

As volume increases, U typically drops due to poorer film coefficients and longer diffusion paths—compensate with more area, better pumping, and higher utility flow.

For chlorides or pitting-risk media, SS316/316L is safer than SS304; for aggressive acids, consider MS-rubber-lined or special alloys.

Semi-batch (staged feeds) improves safety/selectivity; CSTR stabilizes temperature at steady throughput; PFR suits suitable kinetics and high conversions.

For strong exotherms, staged dosing plus high U×A reduces spikes. See Reaction Time vs Reactor Type chart and our overview: Chemical Process Reactor.

Use tₘ ∝ (T/N·φ) as a thumb-rule: higher RPM (N), optimized impeller diameter D/T, and baffles reduce tₘ; confirm with trials.

Use mechanical seals for pressure/solvent duty and emission control; packing is acceptable for low-pressure, non-hazardous services.

Use cascade/PID control with process temperature as master, limit steam valve opening rate, and pre-tune utility flow/pressure.

Share capacity, media/viscosity, heat load (kW), target times (heat/hold/cool), utilities, design P–T, cleaning/validation needs, and preferred mode.

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