Development of Continuous Production and Process Technologies of Fine Chemicals

This project uses catalyst technology to replace the energy-intensive and waste-producing batch process in the growing field of functional chemicals with an energy-saving and efficient connected flow process. In addition, NEDO will develop synthesis process design technology using process information, reaction data, etc. NEDO will promote this research and development through industry-academia collaboration and create production process innovations that are different from conventional ones.

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  Continuous precision production process

Based on the research and development described below, catalyst technology will be advanced, and various modules will be improved in the future. A multi-stage system capable of flow production and synthesis process design technology will be established. Additionally, a single-step system using targeted compounds will be validated.

Development of High-efficiency Reaction Technology

Catalysts and reactions for connected flow are being developed.

• More than 20 types of highly efficient flow reactions using excellent solid catalysts have been developed, and the practical application of some of them has been considered.
• Three types of reactors (one-phase system, two-phase system, and reaction separation) have been developed, and preparations are being made for the commercialization of the one-phase system reactor.
• The principle of a highly sensitive online ICP analysis method has been established.

Development of Continuous Separation and Purification Technology

This technology separates the target substance produced by a reaction.

• Basic technology for separation and purification, such as extraction separation, membrane separation, and compact horizontal distillation columns, was developed.
• Prototype modules and the coupling of multiple modules were discussed.

Development of Synthesis Process Design Technology

PI (Process Informatics) significantly reduces design time.

• Development of synthesis process design technology has begun.
• Improvement of the computational environment, expansion of the database, selection of target compounds, and demonstration of device design simulations were conducted.

Development Example

The one-phase reaction module (8g/h) achieved the same reaction results as the small reactor (0.2g/h), and the temperature inside the reactor was successfully equalized.

One-phase system reactor

• FY2022 Development of continuous precision production process technology for functional chemicals - Interim results report meeting
• Development of continuous precision production process technology for functional chemicals (flow synthesis PJ) Interim results report meeting - Program/Presentation Materials (41.0MB)

• FY2021 Interim evaluation report
• Development of continuous precision production process technology for functional chemicals (16.6MB)

• FY2018 Technology Strategy Center Report TSC Foresight Vol.31
• Toward the Formulation of Technology Strategies in the Field of Functional Chemicals Manufacturing Processes (1.3MB)