Catalyst foils and methods and apparatus for the insertion of foils into catalytic reactors

Abstract

An insertion apparatus is provided for inserting at least one catalytic insert into each of a multiplicity of reactor channels. The apparatus comprises a magazine configured to locate a multiplicity of catalytic inserts, a guide element for guiding the movement of a catalytic insert as it is inserted into the reaction channel, and a pushing member to push a catalytic insert out of the magazine, through the guide element, and into a reactor channel. An automated method for inserting catalytic inserts into reactor channels is also provided. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the insert with a reaction channel, and pushing the insert through a guide element into the channel.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to improved catalyst foil configurations, and to processes, apparatus and methods for inserting catalyst foils into catalytic reactors. Background technique [0002] Catalytic reactors provide an environment in which catalysts can be used to increase the speed and efficiency of chemical reactions. Many different types of reactions can be catalyzed, such as combustion, steam reforming of methane, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis; these can all be used in gas-liquid shifting processes. Different types of catalytic reactors are known for gas-liquid shift processes, such as slurry bed reactors, fixed bed reactors and small reactors. The mini-reactor includes a plurality of channels extending through the reactor block. In small reactors, the catalyst is disposed on a surface and the reactants are brought into contact with the surface. It has been proposed to coat the walls of the channels with a catalyst. However, to maximize the ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

This is problematic because the cross-sectional area of ​​the foil to be inserted into the channel is usually similar to that of the channel itself, so the insertion process must be done precisely

Additionally, ceramic-coated foils are highly abrasive and difficult to handle

Furthermore, other problems arise when the channel is to accommodate a number of individual foils forming a foil stack

Images