Multiautoclave with Set of Vessels for Combinatorial Synthesis of Zeolites and Other Materials

Abstract

A vessel arrangement having a base and multiple vessels suited for simultaneously conducting a plurality of isolated experimental reactions or treatments at atmospheric process conditions or elevated temperatures and pressure condition has been developed. A component of a first material is introduced into one independent vessel through an opening in its top of the first vessel and another component of a second material is introduced into a different independent vessel through its top. Both vessels are removably located about a base at different first locations. Transformation of the components in the vessels then occurs to produce different materials therein. After completion of the experiments a displacement medium simultaneously urges the vessels from their respective locations about the base for discard or reuse after any necessary cleaning. Typically at least one property of the materials from the vessels is determined either within the vessel or after recovery of the materials.

1 . A method of making an array of materials in quantities suitable for research and development experiments comprising: 
 a) introducing at least one component of a first material into an independent first vessel through a top opening of the first vessel;    b) introducing at least one component of a second material into an independent second vessel through a top opening of the second vessel;    c) removably locating the independent first vessel about a first opening in a framework at a first location for contact of a first portion of the vessel with the framework and removably locating the independent second vessel about a second opening in the framework at a second location for contact of first portion of the second vessel with the framework;    d) positioning a first trapping surface for contact with a second portion of the first vessel when the first vessel is located in the framework and a second trapping surface for contact with a second portion of the second vessel when the second vessel is located in the framework;    e) urging the first and second trapping surfaces in unison into contact with the first and second vessels to create trapping contact between the first and second vessels and the framework thereby fixing the location of the first and second vessels relative to the framework; and,    f) urging the first and second trapping surfaces out of contact with the first and second vessels to permit withdrawal of the first and second vessels from the framework.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the framework is provided by a base and the base defines bores that retain the vessels and a least a portion of the bore provides the first trapping surface.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the first and second trapping surfaces move in opposite directions along parallel paths to engage the vessels.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the second trapping surface comprises a retaining plate that covers the open end of the vessels, clamping of the retaining plate over the base engages the plurality of vessels and optionally the tops of the vessels extend above the bores and pressure from the retaining plate seals the interior of the vessels.