Changzhou University in Changzhou, Jiangsu. [Photo/CFP]

China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology recently announced the first list of advanced and applicable technologies, with a research achievement from Professor Zhang Yue's team at the Institute of Inherent Safety in Chemical Engineering, Changzhou University, making the list.

Their innovation, "New Integrated Continuous Flow Microchannel Reactor System and Its Application in Nitration Reactions", has provided urgent solutions for many enterprises.

Traditional chemical production often involves several tons of materials in large reaction vessels, where exothermic reactions and high pressure pose significant safety risks. In contrast, the microchannel reactor developed by Zhang's team features millimeter-scale channels for efficient heat and mass transfer. With a liquid holding capacity of only a few kilograms, the reactor enables continuous feeding and discharging, enhancing safety and efficiency.

"In the past month since the list was published, around 50 to 60 factories have contacted us, interested in adopting microchannel reaction technology," Zhang said.

Despite the straightforward principles behind microchannel reaction technology, its industrial application remains challenging due to the lack of ready-made equipment. The key difficulty lies in integrating process design with equipment. Zhang emphasized that each factory has unique product types and reaction conditions, requiring tailored microchannel reactor designs and process modifications for optimal heat and mass transfer.

Currently, the technology has been successfully industrialized in over 30 enterprises across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Liaoning, and Ningxia. The technology enables the continuous, safe, and efficient production of over 20 chemical products, driving technological upgrades in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, dye, pesticide, and food industries.