ChemSCAN

Automated parallel high-pressure catalyst screening — up to 8 reactor zones

ChemSCAN is an automated parallel high-pressure reactor system designed for catalyst screening, reaction optimization and high-throughput experimentation. It enables up to eight independently controlled reactors with real-time gas-consumption measurement for each vessel. Its compact design and advanced automation support efficient catalytic research and rapid identification of optimal reaction conditions.

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ChemSCANChemSCANChemSCAN
Up to 8
Independent reactors
Automated
Advanced automation
Up to 200 bar
Pressure
−40 to 200 °C
Temperature
Real-time
Gas uptake per vessel
From 3 mL
Working volume

Overview

Real-Time Gas Uptake Measurement

Each reactor provides real time measurement of gas consumption, enabling accurate monitoring of reaction kinetics. This is particularly valuable for reactions involving gases such as hydrogen, where understanding gas uptake is critical to evaluating catalyst performance and reaction efficiency.

Flexible Reaction Control

ChemSCAN enables precise control of key reaction parameters including temperature, pressure, catalyst loading, and concentration. This flexibility allows researchers to rapidly explore a wide experimental space and identify optimal reaction conditions with confidence.

High Throughput and Efficiency

By running multiple independent reactions in parallel within a single experiment, ChemSCAN significantly reduces development time. All experiments are initiated and monitored within one streamlined run, with data collected in a unified format for efficient comparison and analysis.

Compact and Automated Design

The system features a compact footprint and user friendly automation, making it easy to integrate into laboratory workflows. Its high specification design supports reliable operation for demanding high pressure catalytic reactions, improving productivity while maintaining safety and control.

Key specifications

Typical applicationsCatalyst screening (e.g. hydrogenation), process optimization, scale-up
Vessel material316 stainless steel and Hastelloy C276
Vessel volume options16, 25, 50, 75, 150, 300 or 500 mL — compatible with H.E.L CAT systems (CAT 18 & 24)
Working volume3 mL to 400 mL (reactor dependent)
Temperature control−40 °C to 200 °C (sub-ambient depends on external circulator)
Pressure range100 bar standard, 200 bar optional
AgitationIndirect magnetic stirrer bar (standard); suspended mechanical for small-scale / non-viscous samples; optional overhead direct for larger vessels

Applications

Catalyst screeningHydrogenationProcess optimisationScale-up

Software, control & safety

ChemSCAN runs on a user-friendly interface designed for both new and experienced users, with real-time monitoring and automation via live sensor data and feedback control. A predefined gas-uptake workflow is included for quick setup and consistent analysis, and a flexible protocol builder lets you save custom workflows — from simple runs to complex sequences.

Automatic, user-configurable reaction-detection and shutdown procedures protect the operator, with a compact manifold for easy manual purge and pressurization. Automatic hardware and software fail-safes are installed on every system.

See our application notes for worked ChemSCAN examples.

Frequently asked questions

What is ChemSCAN used for?
ChemSCAN is an automated parallel high-pressure reactor system for catalyst screening, reaction optimization and high-throughput experimentation — running up to eight independently controlled reactors at once.
Is it automated?
Yes — ChemSCAN is a fully automated system, with advanced automation and feedback control for efficient, reproducible research. (H.E.L also offers manual high-pressure screening via the separate CAT reactor range.)
How many reactions can it run in parallel?
Up to 8 independently controlled reactor zones, each with real-time gas-consumption measurement.
What pressure and temperature can it reach?
Up to 200 bar (100 bar standard) and −40 to 200 °C.
What volumes does it handle?
Vessels from 16 to 500 mL, with working volumes from 3 mL to 400 mL — ideal for material-limited or early-stage screening.
Is it customisable to my chemistry?
Yes. Vessel material (316 stainless steel or Hastelloy C276), volumes, agitation and compatibility with H.E.L CAT systems are all configured to your process. Customisation is central to H.E.L’s approach.

Selected publications

Benzene hydrogenation utilizing organometallic early transition metal precursorsReece Johnson et al. · Catalysis Science & Technology · 2024First Total Synthesis and Structural Confirmation of C13-Butylrubber OligomersFabrizio Minicone et al. · European Journal of Organic Chemistry · 2018Production of Biomass-Based Automotive Lubricants by Reductive EtherificationJadhav et al. · ChemSusChem · 2017

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Explore the catalysis range

FlowCATFlowCATContinuous-flow high-pressure reactorView →Catalyst ScreeningCatalyst ScreeningManual & automated parallel screeningView →

Related reading

Catalysis Accelerated: How the H.E.L ChemSCAN is Revolutionizing High-Pressure ResearchRead article →Why Supported Catalyst Screening Systems Matter More Than Ever in 2026Read article →Hydrogenation: How we can make it saferRead article →

Ready to accelerate your catalysis research?

Talk to a catalysis specialist about your screening and process-development needs.

“…we are very satisfied… the handling and programming is quite easy. It is for this reason that we bought a second HP ChemSCAN.” — Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse (LIKAT Rostock), 8 years

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