Unlike standard jacketed glass reactors, the Canty system is primarily known for its (often using fiber optics or borescopes) combined with a non-invasive illumination system . This allows for real-time visual analysis of reactions without opening the vessel.

The cantilevered agitator is designed with hydrodynamic bearings. As the agitator spins, the fluid forces help stabilize the shaft. The impeller configurations are typically pitched blade turbines or hydrofoils, designed to provide axial flow for mixing high-viscosity fluids or slurry suspensions.

While highly effective, the Canty Glass Reactor has limitations that must be managed:

| Feature | Canty Glass Reactor | Standard Glass-Lined Steel Reactor | Standard Borosilicate Reactor | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Full transparency | Limited to sight glasses | Full transparency | | Bottom Bearing | None (Cantilevered) | Usually present (metal) | Often present (PTFE) | | Contamination Risk | Very Low | Moderate (due to repairs/glass chips) | Moderate (crevices at bearing) | | Pressure Capability | Medium (rated) | High | Low (atmospheric mostly) | | Thermal Shock | Resistant | Sensitive | Resistant | | Maintenance | Easy shaft removal | Complex | Easy but fragile |