Flow chemistry engineering specialist Vapourtec is investing in the future of flow chemistry through a partnership with the organic chemistry team at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), headed up by Professor Varinder K Aggarwal.

Over the next five years a minimum of 70 PhD candidates will have access to Vapourtec’s R-Series and E-Series flow chemistry systems in the first year of their doctorates as part of a scheme that is supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

CDT provides world-leading training in synthetic chemistry research enhanced by incorporating the power of modern techniques in machine learning and automation.

The ESPRC is a British Research Council that provides government funding for grants to undertake research and postgraduate degrees in engineering and the physical sciences.

Professor Aggarwal explained: "Vapourtec are leaders in the field of flow chemistry, having developed user-friendly and versatile equipment that can be used for different types of chemistry from cryogenic chemistry with reactive intermediates to photo- and electrochemistry. That makes them ideal for use in our department where we can explore a range of different chemistry in flow and we are looking forward to training the next generation of students on this state-of-the-art equipment."

Vapourtec founder and MD Duncan Guthrie commented: “We are delighted to be playing our part in ensuring the chemists of the future discover the incredible potential and scope of flow chemistry.

“The systems and reactors supplied to CDT have all been upgraded to the latest specifications and include the incorporation of software.   

“For instance, with the recently launched E-Series automation software, this will give the system the ability to run automated reactions and to log all data. It will also allow automated reaction optimisation and an OPC-UA interface.

“For the duration of the agreement Vapourtec will also loan an R-Series system featuring two acid resistant piston pumps and the latest software. 

“The R-Series RS-200 is a highly flexible system that can be combined with the E-Series system to configure a platform of five pumps and six reactor positions.

“The modularity of the R-Series also means it can be expanded at a later stage with the addition of an autosampler or fraction collector, a UV detector (or other in-line analytical tools) and any of Vapourtec’s 16 reactor options. We will support research activities at the CDT with some of these add-ons over the duration of this partnership” added Duncan.

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