FlowCAT

A bench-top, high-pressure continuous-flow catalysis platform

FlowCAT is an automated continuous flow high pressure reactor system designed for process development, catalyst evaluation, and reaction optimization. It enables precise control of temperature, pressure, and gas and liquid feed rates for reproducible operation under demanding conditions. Its flexible and compact design supports continuous flow chemistry development and scale up.

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FlowCATFlowCAT
Continuous flow
Fixed-bed tubular
Up to 200 bar
Pressure (100 std)
Ambient to 300 °C
Temp (550 tailored)
Automated
Unattended operation
Hastelloy / SS
Reactor material
GC-MS / FTIR
Inline analytics

Overview

Continuous Flow Reactor Platform

FlowCAT is a high performance continuous flow reactor system designed for developing and optimizing chemical processes under high pressure conditions. Typically configured with fixed bed tubular reactors, it supports both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

High Throughput Process Development

The platform allows multiple process conditions to be explored sequentially within a single automated run. Parameters can be pre programmed or adjusted in real time, enabling rapid screening, yield optimization, and catalyst evaluation without the need for constant operator input.

Compact and Automated Design

FlowCAT combines a compact footprint with high levels of automation, making it easy to integrate into laboratory environments. Its unattended operation capability improves efficiency while maintaining precise control over complex reaction systems.

Scale Up and Production Capability

The system supports seamless transition from laboratory development to small scale continuous production. This makes FlowCAT a valuable tool for bridging the gap between research and industrial application in continuous flow chemistry.

Key specifications

Reactor typeTubular reactors, Hastelloy or stainless steel
Reactor dimensions6, 12 or 18 mm diameter; 150, 280 or 410 mm length
Working volume~4 mL to ~38 mL (150 mm reactors)
Temperature controlAmbient to 300 °C (tailored: sub-ambient, or up to 550 °C)
PressureAmbient to 100 bar (option to 200 bar)
Back-pressure regulationComputer-controlled valve for single & multiphase liquids and gases
Reaction analyticsIntegrates with GC-MS or FTIR probes for on-line evaluation

Applications

HydrogenationOxidationCarbonylationFischer–Tropsch synthesisBiofuel researchPetrochemical processing

Software, control & safety

FlowCAT runs on H.E.L’s WinISO software — data logging, multi-step recipes, parameter control and feedback loops, with full control of pressure, temperature and liquid/gas feed rates. Conditions can be edited at any time without stopping, and a computer-controlled back-pressure regulation valve handles single and multiple phases of liquids and gases automatically. Reaction output can be integrated with GC-MS or FTIR probes for on-line evaluation.

Automatic, user-configurable reaction-detection and shutdown procedures protect the operator, and automatic hardware and software fail-safes are installed on every system.

See our application notes for worked FlowCAT examples.

Frequently asked questions

What is FlowCAT used for?
FlowCAT is an automated continuous-flow high-pressure reactor system for process development, catalyst evaluation and reaction optimization, supporting both homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions.
What reactions is it suited to?
Applications such as hydrogenation, oxidation, carbonylation and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, including biofuel research and petrochemical processing.
What temperature and pressure can it reach?
Ambient to 300 °C as standard (tailored solutions for sub-ambient operation or heating to 550 °C), and ambient to 100 bar with an option to increase to 200 bar.
What reactors are available?
Tubular reactors in Hastelloy or stainless steel, in 6, 12 or 18 mm diameters and 150, 280 or 410 mm lengths — the 150 mm reactors give approximately 4–38 mL working volume.
Can it connect to analytics?
Yes — reaction output can be integrated with analytical tools such as GC-MS or FTIR probes for on-line reaction evaluation.
Is it customisable to my process?
Yes. Reactor material and size, temperature and pressure range, and analytics are all configured to your process. Customisation is central to H.E.L’s approach.

Selected publications

Hydrodeoxygenation of Guaiacol over Ni–Mo₂C Catalysts: Effect of Synthesis Strategy on Activity and SelectivityDavit Davtyan et al. · Energy & Fuels · 2026Evaluation of Sponge Metal Catalysts in a Trickle Bed Reactor for the Continuous Hydrogenation of an Aliphatic Nitro IntermediateAntonella Carangio et al. · Org. Process Res. Dev. · 2020Evaluation and Screening of Spherical Pd/C for Use as a Catalyst in Pharmaceutical-Scale Continuous HydrogenationsEneritz Fernandez-Puertas et al. · Org. Process Res. Dev. · 2020

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Explore the catalysis range

ChemSCANChemSCANAutomated parallel high-pressure catalyst screeningView →Catalyst ScreeningCatalyst ScreeningManual & automated parallel screeningView →

Related reading

Emerging Trends in Flow Chemistry: Efficiency, Optimization, and InnovationRead article →Exploring the pitfalls of Flow Chemistry – industry and academic insightRead article →Hydrogenation: How we can make it saferRead article →

Ready to develop your flow process?

Talk to a catalysis specialist about continuous-flow process development and scale-up.

“The H.E.L FlowCAT is a very robust, compact and flexible apparatus for high pressure heterogeneous catalytic processes. Its small footprint and versatility, along with reliable safety features, make it an excellent piece of equipment to use.” — University of Cambridge

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