What are reactors? A guide to types, uses, and sourcing options

Chemical reactors provide the environment for controlled reactions, making them essential to process plants across multiple industries.

Industrial reactors are central to chemical, pharmaceutical, and process manufacturing

Reactors are essential components in industrial processing, where raw materials are transformed through chemical reactions into finished products. Found across industries like pharmaceuticals, chemicals, petrochemicals, food processing, and polymers, reactors facilitate critical reactions such as synthesis, hydrolysis, neutralization, polymerization, and more.

At a basic level, a reactor provides the right environment—temperature, pressure, agitation, and sometimes catalysts—to allow a desired chemical change to occur efficiently and safely. Their design is dictated by the process requirements, which makes selecting the right type of reactor a key decision in any process plant.

Industrial reactors come in many forms, each suited to different materials and reaction conditions. Some of the most common reactor types include:

• Stainless steel reactors: Versatile and corrosion-resistant, used across a wide range of industries
• Glass-lined reactors: Ideal for corrosive or high-purity applications such as pharmaceutical and fine chemical processing
• High-pressure autoclaves: Used when elevated pressure and temperature are required for reaction kinetics
• Loop reactors and continuous stirred-tank reactors (CSTRs): Common in large-scale continuous processes
• Pilot reactors and lab-scale reactors: Used for testing, R&D, and scaling up

Materials of construction depend on the process chemistry. While stainless steel is popular for its durability and cleanliness, Hastelloy, titanium, and glass-lined steel are often chosen for their corrosion resistance in more aggressive applications.

Because reactors are often customized to specific chemistries, sourcing the right equipment requires technical knowledge. Working with a company that understands process needs can save time, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure regulatory compliance.

That’s why many plant operators turn to IPP’s global reactor inventory or to Gale Process Solutions, which offers custom-engineered solutions and new equipment for critical reactor applications.

IPP has 47+ years of experience helping companies source, install, and operate reactors safely and efficiently. With more than 15,000 pieces of used and new process equipment across 20 complete plant sites, IPP is a global leader in sourcing reactors and other processing systems. As reported in Binje, IPP is the world’s largest seller of used process plants and equipment.

Whether you’re engineering a new process, expanding your facility, or replacing obsolete equipment, start by reviewing IPP’s full used reactor inventory. You can also learn more about new reactor solutions from GPS.

External resource: Learn more about reactor design principles (ScienceDirect)

What is an industrial reactor used for?

An industrial reactor facilitates chemical reactions in a controlled environment, turning raw inputs into products.

What types of reactors does IPP offer?

IPP offers glass-lined, stainless steel, alloy, pressure-rated, and specialty reactors in sizes from lab scale to 10,000+ gallons.

Can I buy new reactors through IPP?

Yes. IPP’s affiliate, Gale Process Solutions, offers new and custom-built reactors.

Where can I find more FAQs?

Visit IPP’s FAQ page for more answers.