Buchi reactor technology: The heart of the process

At Büchi AG, we design high-performance glass reactor systems tailored for seamless process scale-up and demanding chemical syntheses. The chemReactor BR 60 and our nutsche filter featured in this case study represent our commitment to highest quality Swiss engineering and manufacturing. Built for durability, visibility, and safety, our reactor setups provide unmatched chemical resistance, vacuum tightness, and flexible integration with advanced thermal and automation systems, ensuring reproducible results from lab through pilot to production scale. 

Establishing In-house production for patented tracers at RESMAN Technology AS

Buchi chemReactor BR 60 Buchi chemReactor BR 60

RESMAN Energy Technology is a global leader in providing sub-surface reservoir data utilizing advanced chemical tracer technology. To gain better operational control, lower costs, and increase flexibility, RESMAN made the strategic decision to transition its entire production line in-house.

Partnering with our Norwegian distributor, Nerliens Meszansky (NMAS), RESMAN successfully designed and installed a highly customized, energy-efficient pilot plant solution at their headquarters in Trondheim.

The production process: seamless component integration

The core of RESMAN's new high-tech manufacturing facility relies on the perfect synergy between premium laboratory and process equipment:
 

  • Synthesis & reaction: The manufacturing process begins in the Buchi chemReactor BR 60. The synthesis takes place under an inert atmosphere and deep vacuum to protect the reaction from moisture and oxygen.
  • Precise temperature control: To manage reaction kinetics and guarantee product stability, the Buchi reactor is coupled with high-precision Huber Unistat (405, 410, and 510w) dynamic temperature control systems.
  • Advanced process automation: The entire production line is monitored and controlled in real-time via the Systag FlexyMIX-3 process control system featuring the RemoteX interface. This allows RESMAN’s engineering team to securely monitor and adjust all critical process parameters directly from a tablet.
  • Filtration & downstream processing: Once the synthesis is complete, the mixture is transferred to a Buchi nutsche filter 50L to efficiently isolate solid particles, before the raw product undergoes gentle drying in vacuum ovens supported by Vacuubrand chemical vacuum pumps.
From left: Engineers Petter Alstad, Raymond Trohjell, Philipp Ehlert, and Team Lead Erland Nordgård From left: Engineers Petter Alstad, Raymond Trohjell, Philipp Ehlert, and Team Lead Erland Nordgård

"It wasn’t just about buying off-the-shelf products, we needed a partner who understood our chemical processes and could help us build a fully integrated solution."  — Erland Nordgård, Tracer Production Manager at RESMAN

Key benefits & results

By choosing the high-performance combination of Buchi reactor systems, Huber temperature control, and Systag automation, RESMAN successfully achieved their strategic goals:

  • Enhanced flexibility: The Trondheim site safely operates reactors ranging from 100 mL for R&D up to 60 L for full-scale production.
  • Cost & time efficiency: Shorter lead times for customers and significantly reduced overall production costs.
  • Operational reliability: High-standard, safe laboratory operations with precise, digitized workflow logging.

Today, RESMAN’s patented tracer molecules deliver vital, wireless subsurface insights to energy sectors worldwide, expanding efficiently into geothermal energy and carbon capture verification (CCUS).

Read the full story: Interested in the deeper technical details of this installation? You can read the original case study published by our partner Nerliens Meszansky here.