Abstract
Desktop 3D printing is a rapid, low-cost, and flexible method for fabricating chemical reactors for low temperature geochemical investigations and engineering tests. Reactor designs can be easily shared between research groups. Here we demonstrate how a mixed flow reactor (MFR) designed to measure mineral precipitation rates is fabricated by desktop additive manufacturing (3D printing). Models of the MFR top and base were created by computer-aided design software and used to generate stereolithography input files. These files were converted to physical models using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology. Comparison of the model input files to actual prototypes showed that the manufactured reactor parts matched the model as closely as machined parts match mechanical drawings. Although this reactor was designed to measure mineral precipitation rates, it can be easily modified for use in mineral dissolution experiments. The reactor can also be used to synthesize large quantities of solids from a solution with a fixed composition and be combined with in situ scattering and spectroscopic methods for real time studies of mineral growth/dissolution processes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
