In addition to continuous systems used primarily for moderate-pressure liquid-phase reactions, the EERC also houses a number of batch autoclave systems ranging in size from 250 cc up to 2 gallons. These reactors are used when very high pressures are required or when the feed is a solid or slurry. The reactors ranging in size from 250 cc to 1 liter can be used at pressures and temperatures up to 5000 psig and 932°F (500°C). The 1-gallon autoclave is rated to 5100 psig and 950°F (510°C), and the 2-gallon autoclave is rated to 5500 psig and 650°F (340°C).

The 250-, 500-, and 1000-cc reactors are all equipped with magnetically driven mixing impellers and baffles; diptubes for gas inlet or liquid sampling; PID-controlled water cooling; headspace ports for gas venting and liquid addition; thermocouples for monitoring the heater, liquid, and gas temperatures; condensers; and inline vent traps for bubbling product gas through liquid scrubbing solutions. The 1-liter reactor is also equipped with a bottom drain for removing liquid without opening or lifting the reactor. All gas and liquid feed can be metered into the reactors manually or by computer control from behind a blast wall. Gas can be automatically metered into the reactor to maintain a pressure set point when constant pressure is required in a gas-consuming reaction.

The 1- and 2-gallon reactors are equipped with heaters, gas fill and vent lines, and a vacuum pump to assist in venting or to run reactions at below atmospheric pressure. Vent lines run to a water-cooled condenser for collecting volatile product. The 2-gallon autoclave is heated in four separate bands to help maintain constant temperature throughout. This reactor is stirred by a belt-driven water-cooled mixer with two propellers and an impeller along the shaft length. The 1-gallon autoclave is heated by a single-zone heater. The 1-gallon reactor can be run with or without a mixer and is equipped with a bottom drain for liquid removal. Both reactors are equipped with thermocouples at top and bottom for monitoring the temperature of both the vapor and liquid phases.