Flow Chemistry has a smaller impact upon our environment in several areas.
Energy
- Energy requirements are lower than for a similar batch process.
- Temperature control takes place faster, requiring less energy.
- Reactions tend to require less time, further reducing energy requirements.
Waste
- Volumes tend to be less than for batch.
- Product tends to be of higher purity and yield, leading to reduced purification requirements.
- System cleaning can be done in-situ requiring less effort and solvent.
- Photochemistry, particularly suited to flow conditions, consumes less solvent and produces less waste.
- The use of microfluidics further reduces development time with associated reductions in waste and cost.
Cost
- Flow systems tend to be physically smaller than comparable batch systems.
- Reduced investment costs for the equipment and space requirements for the equipment and chemical storage.
- Flow system designs frequently utilise “off-the shelf” components. These can be reused in new designs.