Amagasaki, Hyogo Japan — Corning Incorporated, one of world leaders in materials science, and NARD Institute, Ltd., a contract synthesis and research company, have recently established an Advanced-Flow™ reactor (AFR) application-qualified lab (AQL) at NARD’s headquarters facility in Japan. Application qualified labs enable AFR customers to effectively access continuous-flow demonstrations, experimental trials, feasibility testing, and chemical reaction process development. The collaboration will allow Corning and NARD to expand continuous-flow process development capabilities in Japan’s pharmaceutical and specialty chemical markets and meet the growing needs of these industries.

This lab facility, the first in Japan, will offer AFR testing, experimental trials, process development services, and continuous-flow demonstrations for customers. Additionally, the lab will feature Corning’s Lab Reactor and G1 reactor systems, allowing current and potential customers to evaluate Corning Advanced-Flow reactor systems and identify appropriate processes that can be transferred seamlessly to industrial production. Corning’s AFR business currently has 14 AQLs at customer locations around the world.  

“NARD has extensive chemical engineering expertise in various markets, including pharmaceutical, fine, and specialty chemical industries,” said Kevin Jia, general manager, Corning Advanced-Flow Reactor Technology Co., Ltd. “Their broad customer base and commitment to continuous flow technology will enable us to broaden our reach of AFR technology in region and provides current and future customers with geographical convenience.”

As part of Corning’s AQL network, NARD will evaluate new and existing processes and provide tailored recommendations for implementations. The company also offers engineering services, including all aspects of process development. NARD employs highly skilled chemical engineers who apply the principles of mass and heat transfer, key for the appropriate use of AFR technology. 

“NARD was formed to offer its customers ‘solutions that scale,’” said Yukio Dohi, president of NARD. “NARD’s experience in flow reaction development technology coupled with Corning Advanced-Flow Reactors are an obvious extension of our engineering services. We are humbled to be part of such a great team.”

Corning’s distribution partner for AFR in Japan, Wako Chemical, Co. Ltd., worked closely with NARD to install AFR units in its facility. 

“NARD is a well-known contract research company in Japan,” said Tadashi Nakajo, chief executive officer of Wako Chemical Co. “We are excited by this collaboration which should bring positive results, and we look forward to seeing faster growth of the flow reactor market in Japan.” 

Corning’s AFR business has more than two decades of experience in continuous flow manufacturing in fine chemical, pharmaceutical, and new materials industries - with more than 800 global equipment installations to date. Compared to traditional batch chemical processing, Corning’s AFR technology is an inherently safer technology that can drive higher-quality chemical processing and a reduced risk of process hazards. Additional benefits include energy savings, increased efficiency of chemical synthesis, lower production costs, and reduced environmental impact.