FloWorks
SIEF supports industrial flow chemistry research
Background
FloWorks, a state-of-the-art technology transfer facility, has been advancing flow chemistry technologies since its launch in October 2019. Supported by diverse funding streams from both government and industry, including the Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF) – Medium Equipment Program (MEP), FloWorks has developed specialised technologies in continuous flow chemistry such as controlled polymerisation and catalysis. The facility offers services such as designing flow chemistry processes, installing and commissioning systems, training, and equipment testing.1
Industry Challenge (claims)
Traditional batch methods in chemical and pharmaceutical production face limitations like low efficiency, lack of scalability, high costs, and inconsistent product quality. The absence of dedicated infrastructure has been a major barrier, leading to logistical challenges, low efficiency, and productivity issues, thus hindering Australia’s growth in flow chemistry research and development.
CSIRO’s Response
To address these challenges, CSIRO established FloWorks, a state-of-the-art centre for industrial flow chemistry research, with a $4.5 million investment, supported significantly by SIEF with additional funds for equipment. Launched in October 2019 in Clayton, Victoria, this 400 m² facility centralises infrastructure, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for researchers. FloWorks aims to revolutionise chemical manufacturing with cleaner, more sustainable, and efficient processes and advance automation through smart monitoring and online analysis.
Prospective TBL Impacts
FloWorks has significantly enhanced Australia’s flow chemistry capabilities, driving research and innovation, commercial success, environmental sustainability, and social benefits. The facility’s advanced infrastructure has enabled high-quality research and international collaborations with partners like the University of Melbourne, Research Institute Juelich, Germany and Imperial College London. Commercially, FloWorks has facilitated the development of new products and markets through partnerships with industry leaders such as Boron Molecular and Precision Catalysts, leading to innovations like the MS3 varnish and commercial RAFT agents, thus boosting economic growth. Environmentally, projects like the Movable Hydrogen Generator, in collaboration with Advanced Carbon Engineering, have potential to support critical national agenda to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Socially, FloWorks has advanced public health and safety through safer manufacturing processes and provided extensive training, enhancing the workforce’s technical skills and supporting energy security with innovative hydrogen solutions.
SIEF’s Role
SIEF’s MEP grant has been instrumental in advancing the FloWorks initiative by providing essential financial support for the purchase of critical equipment that enabled the development and success of high-impact projects. This support has enhanced R&D capabilities in areas such as Catalytic Static Mixer (CSM) technology, Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs), and Flow Chemistry Polymerisation. Additionally, the SIEF-MEP facilitated strategic planning and resource management within FloWorks, helping to outline an ideal future equipment portfolio and attract further funding. Overall, SIEF has been a crucial enabler for both large-scale and smaller projects, significantly impacting FloWorks’ strategic research capabilities and its ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities.