You are correct. It clear some people misinterpret automation to mean continuous flow. Which is clearly not the case.
For continuous flow, you do need automation and control systems to allow the processing of fluids from one stage of reactions to the next.
The difference between this and what Nanosys or Nanoco has IP for, in my understanding, is that they process things in batches from one stage to the next. Basically, start the reaction one chamber, stop the reaction, then pump the contents to the next chamber. This could be completely automated by having systems that start and stop the reaction then having valves that open and pumps that run to push the reactants to the next stage. However, fluid flow is actually stopped between stages for a period of time while reactions occur.
What I understand as continuous flow is that the fluid is circulates directly through the chamber, reacts as it passes through, and continues on to next stage. Fluid flow continues from one stage to the next so that mass flow rate is maintained constant. This is fully automated as well, but the key here is precise control of reactants and time in reaction chambers by regulating pressure, temperature, and flow through the chambers using system pumps, flow control valves, or orifices, etc.
Someone please correct me if my understanding is flawed.
AI
