FLUID CONNECTORS FOR MICROREACTOR MODULES

An end-face sealing fluidic connector [20] for fluidic connection and/or interconnection of glass, glass-ceramic and/or ceramic fluidic modules [12] in a microreactor [10] and includes a connector body [22] having a circular first end face [26] with a recess [28] for retaining one or more O-rings [30]. The connector body [22] has a first end section [32] having a circular cylindrical outer surface [34] having a diameter [36] in the range of from 3 to 25 mm extending along the connector body [22] from the first end face [26]. The outer surface [34] of the first end section [32] is having a circumferential recess [38] dividing the first end section [32] into a proximal portion [40] adjacent the first end face [26] and a distal portion [42] separated from the proximal portion [40] by the circumferential recess [38]. A retaining ring [48] is seated in the circumferential recess and a circular cylindrical circumferential reinforcing and/or protecting ring [50] surrounds the proximal portion [40] of the first end section [32], the ring [50] being comprised of a high-compression-strength polymer. A circular cylindrical sleeve [58] surrounds the first end section [32] and the reinforcing and/or protecting ring [50], the sleeve [58] including a circumferentially extending inside bearing surface for engaging the retaining ring [48] on the distal side thereof. The circular cylindrical sleeve [58] further comprises an external thread [66] on a proximal outer surface [68] thereof and a gripping surface [70] on a distal outer surface [72] thereof.