Hoses for continuous flow reactors
23/12/2025 Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS)
AM Technology has been using Aflex Bioflex Ultra hoses with its continuous flow reactors for their robust, flexible and hygienic design for over a decade.
AM Technology designs and manufactures continuous flow reactors for its customers in the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Its Coflore® Rotating Tube Reactor (RTR) uses active mixing technology to unlock the benefits of continuous flow for a wide range of chemical processes, from benchtop R&D to multi-tonne production plants.
AM Technology’s flow reactors allows companies in the fine chemicals, pharmaceutical and polymer industries to upscale to full production capability. Three Coflore units—ACR, ATR, and RTR—are employed across a wide range of chemical processes. These systems incorporate Aflex hoses, which are also featured in AM Technology’s skid assemblies. The Coflore RTR 100 L production scale continuous flow reactor is capable of processing countless reactor volumes without interruption.
Why Bioflex Ultra?
AM Technology, which has his headquarters in Runcorn, England, selected high-purity, PTFE-lined Aflex Bioflex Ultra hoses for their ability to withstand rigorous testing and continuous operation under high pressure.
In a continuous slurry agitator setup, the hoses operate over 12–72 hour cycles to assess solvent bond consistency and breakdown. All media is highly viscous and requires smoothbore to ensure efficient transfer of material across the drum surface area to replicate full plant operation. The hoses are cleaned via a steam in place (SIP) system after use, ensuring compliance with cleanroom standards.
Bioflex Ultra hoses replaced a generic smoothbore hose with silicone cover with non-lined tri-clover for handling corrosive media. For anything non-corrosive, AM Technology opts for other hoses from Aflex such as Pharmaline N and Hyperline FX.
Russell Hutchinson, UK Sales Engineer for Aflex Hose, said: “AM Technology use Aflex due to the hose construction which can withstand the testing process. The hose is continually flexed during the drum cycle to replicate a full plant situation as the hose does not collapse under vacuum and the high pressure.
“The cleanability of the hose makes it ideal for use in a cleanroom environment and the fact the end connections are lined and sit flush on the face of the connection allow for peace of mind that no corrosion will take place with the harsh chemicals being used.”
AM Technology selected Bioflex Ultra from Aflex Hose for:
- Faster flow rates
- Advanced flexibility
- Robust construction
- Unique liner design
- Ease of cleaning
Print this articleFor more information, please contact:
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS)
Bickland Water Road
Falmouth
Cornwall
TR11 4RU
Tel: +44 (0)1326 370370
Web: https://www.wmftg.com
Share article:
Process and Control Today are not responsible for the content of submitted or externally produced articles and images. Click here to email us about any errors or omissions contained within this article.