Catalysts enable or accelerate chemical reactions. CE 380 is designed for the decomposition reaction of dissolved saccharose in glucose and fructose.

A peristaltic pump transports the reactant (saccharose solution) into bottom of the reactor from a tank. The catalyst takes the form of a fixed bed in the reactor. The saccharose solution flows through the fixed bed. In the process, saccharose is decomposed into glucose and fructose. The catalyst accelerates the reaction and so increases the yield of the product (glucose/fructose mixture). The product is collected in a tank.

Three reactors allow various catalyses to be compared. The chemical catalyst used is exchanger resin. The recommended biological catalyst is the enzyme invertase. A regulated heating water circuit additionally permits analysis of the influence of temperature on the reaction.

To determine the glucose concentration in the product, a photometer specifically adapted to the unit is supplied. The photometer data are transferred to a PC and evaluated by software. The flow injection analysis (FIA) CE 380.01 is available as an optional accessory. The FIA enables a larger number of measurements to be performed during the experiment compared to manual analysis, while at the same time reducing the effort involved and improving reproducibility.