The R&D workflow of IConIC will address the key scientific, technical, and commercial challenges of continuous manufacturing along the innovation chain: organized into three work packages (WPs) starting with a ‘first idea’ at the bench, optimization and scale-up, as well as the development of decision tools to provide, what is needed for an informed investment decision into flow chemistry assets. All three WPs will be underpinned by digital technologies; for e.g. modelling will be used for the chemical reaction and the reaction kinetic network as well as of the reactors and separation units – verified by experimental data. Data science will be used for the optimization of process parameter sets, flow sheets, and value and supply chains. A seamless data flow will combine the different digital elements, harnessing the full potential of “R&D 4.0” and making it available for the operation of a future production process. 

Workpackages

WP1 Enabling Chemistries

WP1 seeks to exploit emerging technologies to overcome hurdles in the discovery, processing and scaling-up of new flow reactions, to reduce waste, energy consumption and CO2 emission.

WP2 From grams to kilograms

WP2 addresses the challenges in operating continuous processes at the ‘Miniplant’ (kg’s/day) and production scale

WP3 Industrial Implementation

WP3 aims at providing the digital tools required for unlocking investment decisions. The chemical industry can be rather conservative and risk-averse when it comes to investment into disruptive flow technology.

IConIC

  • £17.8 million Prosperity Programme
  • IConIC to develop modern chemical manufacturing methods
  • 5 year plan supported by EPSRC’s Prosperity Partnership programme 
  • Flow chemistry - a production technique that could revolutionise chemical manufacturing
  • Addresses pressing chemical industry challenges such as achieving net zero and supply chain resilience

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