What is an Industrial Reactor?
An industrial reactor is a vessel specifically designed to contain and control chemical reactions. Reactors provide the controlled environment—temperature, pressure, mixing, and atmosphere—necessary for chemical transformations to proceed safely and efficiently. Unlike simple processing vessels or stirring vessels, reactors are optimised for the demands of reaction processes including heat removal, mass transfer, and safe handling of reactive materials.
Reactor design addresses the unique challenges of chemical reactions: managing heat release (exothermic) or heat input (endothermic), ensuring adequate mixing for reaction uniformity, maintaining safe containment of hazardous materials, and providing precise control over reaction conditions. These requirements drive reactor features including robust agitation systems, efficient jacket designs, pressure capability, and sophisticated instrumentation.
Why Choose a Used Industrial Reactor?
Purchasing a used industrial reactor offers compelling advantages for process manufacturers. Pre-owned reactors from premium manufacturers deliver equivalent performance at significantly lower investment compared to new equipment. Used reactors are immediately available, eliminating lengthy manufacturing lead times that can extend to many months for custom reactor systems.
Industrial reactors from established manufacturers like Pfaudler and De Dietrich are built for decades of reliable operation. Glass-lined reactors maintain their corrosion resistance; stainless steel reactors preserve their mechanical integrity over extended service life. The robust construction ensures excellent value from quality used reactors.
Types of Industrial Reactors
Glass-Lined Reactors
Glass-lined reactors feature a glass (enamel) coating fused to steel, providing excellent corrosion resistance for handling strong acids, oxidising agents, and many organic chemicals. Glass-lined reactors are workhorses for pharmaceutical synthesis and fine chemical production. Pfaudler and De Dietrich dominate this technology. Explore our glass-lined reactor inventory.
Stainless Steel Reactors
Stainless steel reactors offer versatility and durability for processes compatible with stainless steel chemistry. These reactors handle a wide range of organic solvents, basic conditions, and many pharmaceutical processes. Stainless steel construction enables higher pressure and temperature capability than glass-lined alternatives. View our stainless steel reactor selection.
Hastelloy Reactors
Hastelloy reactors provide superior corrosion resistance for the most demanding chemical environments where both glass-lined and stainless steel are inadequate. Hastelloy C22 handles mixed acid environments; Hastelloy B handles reducing acids. These specialty reactors suit pharmaceutical and fine chemical production with aggressive process chemistry.
Pressure Reactors
Pressure reactors operate at elevated pressures for reactions requiring high pressure or for containing volatile components. Autoclave-type reactors handle high-pressure hydrogenation, polymerisation, and specialty reactions. Pressure ratings and design codes ensure safe operation.
Glass Reactors
Laboratory and pilot glass reactors from Büchi, Juchheim, and QVF enable visual process observation and suit corrosive applications at moderate pressures. Glass reactors serve process development, kilo-lab production, and small-scale manufacturing.
Reactor Applications
Reactors for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Pharmaceutical reactors conduct API synthesis, intermediate production, and formulation processes. Glass-lined reactors handle corrosive synthesis steps; stainless steel reactors serve many organic transformations. GMP-compliant reactors feature hygienic design, validated cleaning, and documentation for regulatory compliance. Reactor products proceed to filters or centrifuges for product isolation.
Reactors for Chemical Processing
Chemical reactors produce intermediates, fine chemicals, and specialty products. Reactor selection matches process chemistry—glass-lined for acidic conditions, stainless steel for organic synthesis, Hastelloy for aggressive environments. Reactors connect to distillation columns for product purification and heat exchangers for temperature control.
Reactors for Specialty Manufacturing
Specialty reactors serve polymerisation, resin production, and advanced material synthesis. Reactor design addresses specific process requirements including high viscosity handling, precise temperature profiles, and specialised agitation.
Reactor Manufacturers at Foeth
Our reactor stock features equipment from leading manufacturers:
Pfaudler – Industry-leading glass-lined reactors with RA and AE agitator systems
De Dietrich – Glass-lined and metallic reactors for pharmaceutical and chemical industries
Büchi – Glass and stainless steel reactors for laboratory and pilot applications
Juchheim – Glass reactors and process equipment
QVF – Borosilicate glass reactors and systems
Tycon – Stainless steel and specialty alloy reactors
Mueller – Stainless steel reactors and process vessels
Why Buy Reactors from Foeth?
Extensive Reactor Selection
Foeth offers Europe's largest stock of used reactors with equipment available for immediate delivery. Our reactor inventory covers glass-lined, stainless steel, Hastelloy, and glass construction in capacities from laboratory scale to large production vessels.
Quality Tested Reactors
Every reactor undergoes thorough inspection including pressure testing, glass condition assessment (for glass-lined), agitator evaluation, and seal verification. We provide detailed condition reports with photographs.
Expert Reactor Support
Our technical team understands reactor technology and can recommend equipment based on your process requirements. Contact us for reactor selection advice and competitive quotations.
Explore Our Reactor Inventory
Browse our complete selection of reactors by type:
Looking for related equipment? Explore our processing vessels for storage and mixing, stirring vessels for agitated applications, and nutsche filters for product isolation after reaction.
Request a Reactor Quote
Find the ideal reactor for your chemical processing needs. Browse our reactor inventory and request a quote online. Our technical sales team responds within 24 hours with detailed specifications and competitive pricing. Reach our team by phone or start a chat on our website.
