Key Differences between AE and CE Reactors

The Standard Group of Companies is a leading supplier of equipment in the pharmaceutical and chemical industry.

Part of the portfolio includes stainless steel and exotic alloy reactors in materials such as 304 S/S, 316 S/S and Hastelloy C276.

With bespoke customer requirements, glass lined vessels are also available which can provide greater flexibility and additional anti corrosive properties.

The two main types of reactor which are available slightly differ in design and are called the following:-

The CE Reactor Type:-

S2 Engineering Services are part of the Standard Group of Companies and manufacture the groups Stainless Steel CE range with a mono-block (single piece) construction and manufactured to all international standards and specifications.

Dimensionally designed to DIN 28136, these flexible reactors allow a number of optional variations for bespoke critical requests.

The CE type will usually have the following:-

• Impeller agitator
• Leg supports

The series of CE Reactors is a multipurpose range of reactor in one-piece construction, eliminating the large main joint which is normally found on the AE Reactors.

Key parts of the technical specification

• Design & Construction: ASME Sec.VIII, Division-I, Latest Edition
• Main Dimensions: Designed to suit specific applications.
• Capacity: Typically supplied from 63L to 30,000L
• Operating Pressure: 0-6 Barg (0-90 psig)
• Operating Temperature: -28 to 200 Deg.C (-18 to 390 Deg F). Jacketed versions can be supplied with heating fluid 0-300 Deg.C (0-570 Deg F.)

AE Type:- 

The AE reactors are a multipurpose range of reactors in a 2-piece construction with the main cover clamped to the base unit.

This type also includes an in-line motor or gearbox driven shaft pending customer specific requirements.

The AE Reactor types will usually have the following:-

• Impeller agitator
• Anchor agitator
• Paddle baffles
• Leg supports

Key parts of the technical specification:-

• Design & Construction: ASME Sec.VIII, Division-I, Latest Edition
• Capacity: Typically supplied from 63L to 1,000L
• Operating Pressure: 0-6 Barg (0-90 psig)
• Operating Temperature: 0-200 Deg.C (0-390 Deg F). Jacketed versions can be supplied with heating fluid 0-300 Deg.C (0-570 Deg F.)
• Propeller agitating system: Min 90rpm, Max 300rpm (typical values, depending on vessel size)

Typical applications for both AE and CE reactors:-

• Chemical industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Biotechnology
• Food processing

Key features and benefits:-

• cGMP equipment design and construction
• Robust, safe construction
• Sealed single piece optional heating jacket
• Manufactured in accordance with international specifications
• Easy to clean
• Mechanical seal for shaft to housing seal
• Motor: Flange Mounted Flame proof design (ATEX designs are optional)

The Standard Group will accommodate all requests including the design, manufacture, installation and commissioning of all types of reactors.

For more information click here or contact our UK and Indian offices.