20 Ton Stainless Steel Jacketed Reactor for Chemical Processing

We build this 20-ton jacketed reactor for chemical plants that need reliable batch processing under demanding conditions. It is not a one-size-fits-all vessel; it is designed around the realities of heat transfer, agitation, and material compatibility.

The vessel is constructed from 304 or 316L stainless steel, depending on your process media. For chloride-containing or highly corrosive environments, we recommend 316L. The inner shell thickness is calculated based on your working pressure and temperature, not guessed. All welds are fully penetrated and autogenously welded where possible, followed by pickling and passivation. Interior surfaces are mechanically polished to Ra ≤ 0.6 µm, which makes cleaning and product changeover straightforward.

Heating and cooling are handled through a welded external jacket. You can choose from steam heating, thermal oil circulation, or electric heating, depending on your plant\’s utility setup. For cooling, chilled water or brine can be circulated through the same jacket. If your process demands faster heat-up or cooling rates, we can add internal coils or an external heat exchanger loop.

Agitation is where most reactors fail to meet expectations. We offer anchor, paddle, turbine, or helical ribbon impellers, selected based on your product\’s viscosity and mixing requirements. For high-shear applications, we can integrate a high-speed disperser. The top-entry mechanical seal is double-balanced and flushed with a compatible barrier fluid to prevent leaks and extend seal life.

This reactor is used across organic synthesis, polymer production, resin manufacturing, and pharmaceutical intermediate processing. In practice, customers run esterifications, polymerizations, and neutralization reactions with batch sizes from 15 to 20 tons. The vessel handles pressures up to 10 bar and temperatures up to 250°C, but we always confirm the exact design envelope before fabrication.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose between 304 and 316L?
A: If your process involves chlorides, acids, or salt solutions, 316L offers better corrosion resistance. For neutral or organic media, 304 is more economical.

Q: Can this reactor handle vacuum operation?
A: Yes, but the shell thickness and stiffening rings must be calculated for full vacuum. We need to know your minimum operating pressure.

Q: What is the lead time?
A: Typically 6–8 weeks after approval of drawings, depending on the complexity of the agitation system and accessories.

Q: Do you provide installation support?
A: We provide detailed installation drawings and can arrange on-site supervision if required.

Buying Guidance

Before you request a quote, prepare the following:

• Chemical composition and concentration of the materials being processed
• Required batch size and working volume
• Operating temperature and pressure (including vacuum)
• Viscosity and solids content of the reaction mixture
• Heating/cooling requirements and available utilities
• Mixing intensity and the type of agitation you need
• Any cleaning or sealing standards you must meet

Send these details to our engineering team, and we will recommend the right configuration with a clear quote. We are not here to sell you a standard tank—we are here to build the vessel your process actually needs.