A method for reacting a plurality of materials in parallel within a
reactor vessel having a plurality of reaction wells formed therein. Each
of the reaction wells has an open end exposed to a common pressure
chamber defined by the reactor vessel. The method includes opening a
cover of the reactor vessel, inserting components into the reaction
wells, closing the cover of the reactor vessel to create a sealed
chamber, supplying a gas substantially above atmospheric pressure that
reacts with the components within the reaction wells, and releasing
pressure from the reactor vessel.