Apparatus and method for preparing a defined monomer sequence polymer

An apparatus for preparing a defined monomer sequence polymer, comprising:

• a reactor vessel for synthesis of the defined monomer sequence polymer in liquid phase therein, the reactor vessel having one or more first inlets each for receiving one or more solvents and/or one or more reagents;
• and
• a first membrane assembly in fluid communication with an outlet of the reactor vessel, the first membrane assembly being configured to separate synthesised defined monomer sequence polymer from by-products of the synthesis and/or excess solvents and/or or excess reagents;
• wherein a first outlet of the first membrane assembly is in fluid communication with a second inlet of the reactor vessel so that separated defined monomer sequence polymer may be circulated back to the reactor vessel through the second inlet;
• and
• wherein a second outlet of the first membrane assembly is in fluid communication with a third inlet of the reactor vessel so that separated solvent may be circulated back to the reactor vessel through the third inlet;
• the apparatus further comprising:
• a primary loop, the primary loop being a closed loop of first conduits that define a first fluid flow path, wherein the first fluid flow path includes the reactor vessel and the first membrane assembly;
• a second membrane assembly fluidly connected between the second outlet of the first membrane assembly and the third inlet of the reactor vessel, the second membrane assembly having a first outlet and a second outlet and is configured to separate excess solvents from other products such that the separated excess solvents pass through the first outlet of the second membrane assembly and the other products pass through the second outlet of the second membrane assembly;
• an intermediate vessel having a first inlet in fluid communication with the second outlet of the first membrane assembly, a first outlet in fluid communication with the second membrane assembly, and a second inlet in fluid communication with the second outlet of the second membrane assembly;
• and
• a secondary loop, the secondary loop being a closed loop of second conduits defining a second fluid flow path, wherein the second fluid flow path includes the intermediate vessel and the second membrane assembly.