PolyBLOCK
Compact automated parallel synthesis platform — 4 or 8 zones
PolyBLOCK is a compact automated parallel reactor system designed for chemical synthesis, process development, and design of experiment screening. With 4 or 8 independently controlled reaction zones, it enables efficient parallel experimentation and rapid optimization. Its flexible configuration and small footprint make PolyBLOCK an ideal solution for high throughput laboratory workflows.
Overview
Compact Parallel Reactor Platform
PolyBLOCK is an automated parallel synthesis system designed to maximize laboratory productivity while minimizing space requirements. Available in 4 or 8 reactor configurations, it allows multiple experiments to run simultaneously with independent control, making it ideal for design of experiment studies and process optimization.
Flexible Reactor Configuration
The system supports a wide range of vessel types, from small HPLC vials to larger glass and metal reactors up to 500 milliliters. This flexibility allows users to run different reaction types and volumes on a single platform, supporting diverse applications in chemical synthesis and development.
Enhanced Functionality and Integration
The platform supports a wide range of additional capabilities, including liquid and gas dosing, sampling systems, reflux and inerting options, and integration with analytical tools such as FTIR, Raman, and particle sizing probes. This enables deeper process understanding and real time monitoring.
Scalable and Versatile Design
With its modular and flexible design, PolyBLOCK can be adapted to suit evolving research needs. Its compact footprint combined with high throughput capability makes it a powerful solution for laboratories focused on efficient chemical synthesis and process optimization.
Key specifications
| Reaction zones | 4 or 8, independently controlled |
|---|---|
| Vessel types | Glass, stainless steel or Hastelloy |
| Reactor volumes | HPLC vials up to 500 mL |
| Temperature control | Ambient to 200 °C (−40 °C option, circulator dependent); individual mantles, >100 °C between zones |
| Stirring | Magnetic stirrer bar (standard); suspended mechanical or overhead direct (options) |
| Pressure & vacuum | High-pressure and vacuum systems available |
| Sampling | Active pumps, dip tubes, automated level control or multisampling |
| Reagent addition | Automated liquid & gas feeds, plus volumetric syringe pumps (high & low pressure) |
| Sensors | Temperature, pressure, pH, turbidity, conductivity; third-party probes (in-situ FTIR, particle sizing, Raman) |
| Condensing | Quick-connect condensing & inerting; reflux & inerting block |
Applications
Software, control & safety
PolyBLOCK runs on intuitive control software for automated workflows, multi-step recipes and real-time data logging — consistent, repeatable experimentation with improved process-development efficiency.
Configurable safety features include automatic reaction detection and shutdown procedures, with built-in hardware and software fail-safes on every system.
See our application notes for worked PolyBLOCK examples.
Frequently asked questions
What is PolyBLOCK used for?
How many reactors and what volumes?
What temperature range does it cover?
Can it run high-pressure reactions?
What analytics can it integrate?
Is it customisable to my chemistry?
Selected publications
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Explore the chemical synthesis range
Related reading
Ready to speed up process development?
Talk to a specialist about parallel synthesis, DOE and scale-up with PolyBLOCK.
“H.E.L’s PolyBLOCK is a classic invention that allows process development at the fastest rate. We developed a 9-step carbohydrate project in just 45 days with the help of PolyBLOCK.” — Dr Nikhil Jadhav, Aarti Industries
