MULTIPLE VESSEL ARRAY

An apparatus, such as laboratory reaction apparatus, comprises a multiple array of reaction vessels 40 (indicates a single such vessel), each of which has a flange 42 at or adjacent, and seal 43 associated with, an opening or a rim defining an opening of each vessel. The multiple vessel array is supported by a support member 30, relative to which is moveable, a closure member 20, which can be urged towards the rim of each reaction vessel 40, generally simultaneously to effect a fluid tight union between the reaction vessels 40 and the closure member 20. The apparatus may feature a plurality of such arrays and supporting features, shown in their closed configurations 2,3,4. Additional supporting features may include a temperature control block 50 with a hole 51 for each reaction vessel 40 and a gas manifold 26 and actuator 28 associated with the closure member 20. Several variations in the configuration of the flange 42 and seal 43 are disclosed across figures 2b-2h, which may additionally include a septum (23, fig.2g) enabling sampling / dosing of a reaction, or a safety bursting disc (24, fig.2h) mounted in a recess (25, fig.2h) of the closure member 20. The invention extends to physical and chemical processes carried out using the aforementioned apparatus comprising such steps as orbital shaking, stirring with rods, use of ultrasound, and heating or cooling.