Cipla Ltd. successfully commissioned a multi-step flow chemistry plant for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates. The plant was engineered by AM Technology, Chemtrix BV, Fuji Techno, and PI Process Intensification to be flexible for multiple products and process steps. Compared to existing batch technologies, the flow chemistry plant allows for faster scale-up from research to production. The collaboration demonstrates that multi-step continuous processes can be implemented within months to add flexible production capabilities to existing facilities.

1. AM Technology
Engineering Chemistry
Cipla Ltd. Successfully Commissions Multi-step Flow Chemistry Plant
for API’s & Intermediates!
Background : AM Technology (UK), Chemtrix BV (NL), Fuji Techno (Japan) & Pi Process Intensification (India) are proud to an-
nounce their collaboration on a multi-step flow chemistry based plant for API’s & Intermediates at Cipla Ltd. (India).
Project Scope : The multi-product, multi-step flow chemistry production plant was
engineered to be flexible in terms of products, number of process steps & process types.
The compact, small footprint system was designed to be retrofitted into an existing asset base.
This typically results in additional flexible production capabilities within an existing facility.
Compared to the use of existing technologies, fast process scale-up from R&D to
production drove the innovation within this project & was realised by combining Plant-
rix® silicon carbide (SiC) reactors from Chemtrix BV & a Hastelloy Coflore® Agitated Tube
Reactor (ATR) reactor/extractor from AM Technology. Smooth operation of the continuous
flow system was ensured by using super metering pumps from Fuji Techno which afforded
precise, pulse-free reagent dosing.
Why Combine Technologies ? Combining technologies allows users to successfully
implement continuous flow technology at both the research & production-scale, identifying
a range of advantages which include;
• Process flexibility & safety
• Speed of scale-up
• Enhanced process control via automation
• Higher production output from same facility
• Reduced inventory of hazardous reagents
• Reduced batch to batch variation
Mr Robert Ashe (CEO AM Technology) Commented;
“This project demonstrates that multi-step flow processes can be successfully implemented within a matter of months subject to the
right input. The project was led by a strong multi-disciplinary Team within Cipla, working in close collaboration with PI,
AM Technology & Chemtrix. The system employs a small number of hardware elements which can be configured to suit a wide range
of chemistries. The inherent benefits of this approach over batch methods are substantial in terms of greater safety, emissions reduction,
performance, reduced plant footprint & energy costs“.
Dr Charlotte Wiles (CEO Chemtrix BV) stated; “We are proud to work together with PI & AM Technology to realise this
multi-product plant for API’s at Cipla, based on the use of complementary flow technologies avaialble at the lab & production scale.
Central to the success of a multi-purpose system is to combine static & active flow reactors, facilitating the performance of a series of
challenging steps that often involve highly exothermic transformations, short-lived intermediates, corrosive reagents & extraction steps”.
Thanks to Pi Process Intensification Experts LLP for bringing all Parties together & for providing local support (www.pi-inc.co)
AM Technology
Mr Robert Ashe
CEO
robert.ashe@amtechuk.com
Fuji Techno
Mr Haruyuki Morikawa
Manager
more@fuji-techno.co.jp
Chemtrix BV
Dr Charlotte Wiles
CEO
c.wiles@chemtrix.com
PI Process Intensification
Mr Vijay Kirpalani
CEO
vk@pi-inc.co
+44 (0)1928 237420 sales@amtechuk.com www.amtechuk.com