Methanol reformer with detachable oxidation chamber catalyst
By designing a methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber and large-particle tailpipe, the problem of catalyst non-removability and regeneration is solved, improving catalytic efficiency and extending the service life of the reformer, while reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510952449.6
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-10
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-02
AI Technical Summary
The catalysts in existing methanol reformers cannot be disassembled and regenerated, resulting in decreased catalytic efficiency, shortened service life, and high replacement costs.
Design a methanol reformer with a detachable catalyst in the oxidation chamber. The catalyst in the oxidation zone can be detached and regenerated through a flange connection. A tail discharge hole larger than the particle size of the catalyst is set in the reforming chamber to facilitate the replacement and discharge of the catalyst.
It effectively avoids catalyst poisoning and aging, improves catalytic efficiency, extends the service life of the reformer, and reduces replacement and maintenance costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN121041941A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the field of new energy technology, specifically relating to a methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing depletion of traditional fossil fuels and the growing severity of environmental pollution, the development and utilization of clean, inexpensive, and renewable hydrogen energy has attracted widespread attention. However, hydrogen, as a carrier of hydrogen energy, currently faces challenges in production, storage, and transportation. The combination of green hydrogen and carbon dioxide to produce liquid methanol can solve the problems of hydrogen storage and transportation, as well as carbon dioxide neutralization. Methanol produced in this way is also known as "liquid sunshine," essentially transferring hydrogen energy into methanol. Once the liquid methanol hydrogen storage solution is realized, the construction of charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations may no longer be a bottleneck for development, thus avoiding the application difficulties caused by the excessively high construction costs of hydrogen refueling stations.
[0003] A methanol reformer is a new energy device that uses the methanol-water reforming reaction as its principle, employing an aqueous methanol solution as a hydrogen source for on-site hydrogen production and use. Small-scale methanol reformers are typically designed as a single, welded unit, meaning the catalyst cannot be disassembled, replaced, or regenerated. Therefore, after a period of use, catalyst poisoning and aging lead to a decrease in the catalytic methanol oxidation efficiency of the reformer, shortening its long-term lifespan and necessitating complete replacement. However, replacing a methanol reformer is prohibitively expensive. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this application provides a methanol reformer with a removable oxidation chamber catalyst, which prevents the decrease in catalytic methanol oxidation efficiency caused by catalyst poisoning and aging in the reformer, improves the long-term service life of the reformer, realizes catalyst replacement and regeneration and the reuse of the reformer, thereby reducing the cost of use.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution.
[0006] A methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst includes a reformer shell, an oxidation chamber, a reforming chamber, an air inlet, a fuel inlet, a methanol inlet for oxidation, an vent, a methanol inlet for reforming, and a reformed hydrogen outlet; the oxidation chamber and the reforming chamber are located inside the methanol reformer and are connected by a heat-conducting wall.
[0007] The oxidation chamber includes a vaporization zone, a gas distribution zone, a mixing zone, an oxidation zone, and a heat exchange zone. The vaporization zone is sequentially connected to the gas distribution zone, the mixing zone, the oxidation zone, and the heat exchange zone.
[0008] The oxidation zone is filled with a methanol oxidation catalyst, and the gas distribution zone and the mixing zone are detachably connected.
[0009] The reforming chamber is filled with methanol reforming catalyst, and the reforming chamber is provided with a methanol inlet and a reforming hydrogen outlet; the pore size of the tail outlet at the reforming hydrogen outlet is larger than the particle size of the methanol reforming catalyst.
[0010] In this application, both the oxidation chamber and the reforming chamber are located inside the reformer shell. The gas distribution zone and the mixing zone are connected by a detachable flange, allowing the methanol oxidation catalyst filled in the oxidation zone of the oxidation chamber to be disassembled, replaced, or regenerated. This effectively avoids catalyst poisoning or aging, which leads to decreased catalytic oxidation efficiency, shortened service life, and excessively high operating costs. In the reforming chamber, the diameter of the tail outlet hole at the reformed hydrogen outlet is larger than the particle size of the methanol reforming catalyst, facilitating the removal and refilling of the methanol reforming catalyst, thereby enabling the methanol reforming catalyst to be disassembled, replaced, or regenerated.
[0011] Optionally, in the oxidation chamber, the gas distribution zone and the mixing zone are detachably connected via flanges.
[0012] Optionally, a high-temperature resistant sealing ring may be used for sealing the flange connection.
[0013] Optionally, the tail outlet hole at the reformed hydrogen outlet is a circular hole.
[0014] Optionally, in the oxidation chamber, the vaporization zone is sequentially connected to the gas distribution zone, the mixing zone, the oxidation zone, and the heat exchange zone. The vaporization zone is connected to the methanol inlet for oxidation, the gas distribution zone is connected to the gas inlet and the fuel inlet, and the heat exchange zone is connected to the vent. The reforming chamber is provided with a methanol inlet for reforming and a reformed hydrogen outlet. The fuel for catalytic oxidation enters the gas distribution zone through the fuel inlet.
[0015] Optionally, the fuel used for catalytic oxidation includes hydrogen-rich gas or high-purity hydrogen.
[0016] Optionally, the vaporization zone is also connected to the oxidation zone via a heat-conducting wall, which is used to heat the methanol aqueous solution entering the vaporization zone for oxidation by utilizing the high temperature generated by the catalytic oxidation of methanol in the oxidation zone, so as to vaporize the methanol aqueous solution.
[0017] Optionally, the gas distribution area includes a T-shaped air inlet pipe.
[0018] In this application, under room temperature and normal pressure conditions, air enters the gas distribution zone through the air inlet and the air inlet pipe (e.g., a T-shaped air inlet pipe), and fuel for catalytic oxidation (such as hydrogen-rich gas or high-purity hydrogen) enters the gas distribution zone through the fuel inlet.
[0019] Optionally, the inner wall of the vaporization zone of the oxidation chamber is provided with one or more fins to promote forced gas convection, thorough mixing and enhanced heat transfer.
[0020] Optionally, the inner wall of the gas distribution area of the oxidation chamber is provided with one or more (or several) gas guide fins.
[0021] In this application, in the oxidation chamber, the methanol-water solution enters the vaporization zone through the methanol inlet for oxidation, vaporizes, then enters the interior of the gas distribution zone, and then enters the mixing zone through the gas guide fins inside the gas distribution zone, where it is fully mixed with air; the inner wall of the oxidation chamber is provided with multiple temperature sensor sockets for monitoring the temperature distribution and changes in the oxidation chamber.
[0022] Optionally, the inner wall of the heat exchange zone of the oxidation chamber is provided with one or more heat exchange fins to promote forced gas convection, thorough mixing and enhanced heat exchange.
[0023] Optionally, the mixing zone is provided with methanol atomizing holes to uniformly disperse methanol in the mixing zone so that methanol is uniformly mixed with air in the gas distribution zone.
[0024] Optionally, the methanol atomizing orifice is a circular orifice.
[0025] Optionally, the number of methanol atomizing holes is multiple, and they are dispersed around the inner wall of the mixing zone (or in a circle).
[0026] Optionally, the inner wall of the reforming chamber is provided with a flow equalization plate (e.g., one) or multiple fins, as well as multiple temperature sensor sockets, for monitoring the temperature distribution and changes in the reforming chamber.
[0027] In this application, the inner wall of the gas distribution zone is provided with one or more gas guide fins, and a ring of methanol atomizing holes is opened inside the mixing zone behind the gas guide fins for uniform dispersion of methanol and uniform mixing of methanol with air guided by the gas guide fins.
[0028] Optionally, in the oxidation zone, the methanol oxidation catalyst includes a support and an active component; the main component of the support is ceramic cordierite; and the active component mainly includes noble metals.
[0029] Optionally, in the oxidation zone, the methanol oxidation catalyst is honeycomb-shaped.
[0030] In this application, the oxidation zone is internally loaded (or filled) with a honeycomb methanol oxidation catalyst, and the gas distribution zone is detachably connected to the mixing zone, thereby facilitating the replacement of the honeycomb methanol oxidation catalyst.
[0031] Optionally, the oxidation zone is cylindrical in shape.
[0032] Optionally, in the reforming chamber, the methanol reforming catalyst mainly comprises copper oxide and zinc oxide. Optionally, the methanol reforming catalyst is in granular form.
[0033] Optionally, in the oxidation chamber, the feed concentration of the methanol aqueous solution used for oxidation is 10% vol to 100% vol (e.g., 20% vol, 30% vol, 40% vol, 50% vol, 60% vol, 70% vol, 80% vol or 90% vol).
[0034] Optionally, in the reforming chamber, the feed concentration of the methanol aqueous solution used for reforming is 20% vol to 80% vol (e.g., 30% vol, 40% vol, 50% vol, 60% vol or 70% vol).
[0035] Optionally, the reformer housing is made of materials including aluminum alloy or stainless steel, which is beneficial for heat transfer and improving heat exchange efficiency. Furthermore, aluminum alloy and stainless steel have advantages such as light weight, high structural strength, ease of machining, and ease of integration, all of which are beneficial for heat transfer and improving heat exchange efficiency.
[0036] Optionally, multiple temperature sensor sockets are provided on the reformer housing and inside the reforming chamber and the oxidation chamber for monitoring the temperature distribution and changes in the oxidation chamber and the reforming chamber within the methanol reformer.
[0037] In this application, the above technical solutions can be freely combined to form new technical solutions, provided that they do not conflict with each other.
[0038] The technical solution of this application has the following beneficial technical effects compared with the prior art:
[0039] (1) The methanol reformer with detachable oxidation chamber catalyst provided by the present invention adopts a design in which the gas distribution zone and the mixing zone in the oxidation chamber are connected by flanges, so that the catalyst in the oxidation zone can be detached, replaced or regenerated, avoiding the problems of catalyst poisoning or aging leading to catalytic performance degradation and reduced methanol oxidation efficiency of the reformer, as well as excessive use costs caused by replacing the entire reformer, and finally achieving the purpose of cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
[0040] (2) The methanol reformer with detachable oxidation chamber catalyst provided by the present invention adopts a design in which the diameter of the tail discharge hole at the outlet of reforming hydrogen in the reforming chamber is larger than the particle size of methanol reforming catalyst, which facilitates the pouring out and refilling of methanol reforming catalyst particles, avoids the problem of excessive use cost caused by replacing the entire reformer, and ultimately achieves the purpose of cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Attached Figure Description
[0041] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.
[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
[0044] Figure 2 The following is a three-dimensional side view of the overall structure of a methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, including (a) a three-dimensional side view and (b) a three-dimensional side view.
[0045] Figure 3 The diagram shows the front (a), flange connection (b), and back (c) of the overall structure of a methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
[0046] The numbers are labeled as follows: 1-Air inlet, 2-Fuel inlet, 3-Methanol inlet for oxidation, 4-Removable flange, 5-Vacuum outlet, 6-Methanol inlet for reforming, 7-Reformed hydrogen outlet, 8-Temperature sensor socket. Detailed Implementation
[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0048] Unless otherwise specified, all raw materials, reagents, instruments and equipment used in this application can be purchased from the market or prepared by existing methods; technical solutions not described in detail in this application can be obtained by conventional technical means in this field.
[0049] Example 1
[0050] A methanol reformer with a removable oxidation chamber catalyst, such as Figures 1-3 As shown, the system includes a reformer housing, an oxidation chamber and a reforming chamber, an air inlet 1, a fuel inlet 2, a methanol inlet 3 for oxidation, a detachable flange 4, an vent 5, a methanol inlet 6 for reforming, a reformed hydrogen outlet 7, and temperature sensor sockets 8. The oxidation chamber includes a vaporization zone, a gas distribution zone, a mixing zone, an oxidation zone, and a heat exchange zone. The vaporization zone is sequentially connected to the gas distribution zone, the mixing zone, the oxidation zone, and the heat exchange zone. The vaporization zone is connected to the methanol inlet 3 for oxidation. The gas distribution zone is connected to both the air inlet 1 and the fuel inlet 2. The gas distribution zone is connected to the mixing zone via the detachable flange 3. The heat exchange zone is connected to the vent 5. The oxidation chamber and the reforming chamber are connected by a heat-conducting wall. The reforming chamber has a methanol inlet 6 for reforming and a reformed hydrogen outlet 7. Multiple temperature sensor sockets 8 are located on the reformer housing and inside the reforming chamber and the oxidation chamber. A detailed structural description follows.
[0051] The oxidation chamber includes a vaporization zone and a gas distribution zone (such as...). Figure 1 The reactor consists of a mixing zone, a cylindrical oxidation zone (where the honeycomb catalyst is located in the oxidation zone of the oxidation chamber inside the reformer shell), and a heat exchange zone. The gas distribution zone has multiple gas guide fins and is detachably connected to the mixing zone via a detachable flange 4. The connection of the detachable flange 4 is sealed with a high-temperature resistant special sealing ring. The oxidation zone is filled with a honeycomb methanol oxidation catalyst. When the methanol oxidation catalyst needs to be replaced, the cavity of the oxidation chamber can be opened by removing the flange 4, and the methanol oxidation catalyst can be removed and replaced with a new one. The sidewalls of the vaporization zone and the heat exchange zone have multiple fins to promote forced gas convection, thorough mixing, and enhanced heat exchange.
[0052] Furthermore, in the methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst in this embodiment, the gas distribution zone in the oxidation chamber is connected to a T-shaped inlet pipe (through inlet 1 and fuel inlet 2) and a vaporization zone, respectively. The vaporization zone is connected to a methanol inlet 3 for oxidation. The methanol-water solution enters the vaporization zone through the methanol inlet 3 for oxidation, vaporizes, and then enters the gas distribution zone. Through the gas guide fins in the gas distribution zone, it is thoroughly mixed with air and fuel (such as hydrogen-rich gas or high-purity hydrogen) entering the gas distribution zone through the fuel inlet 2 in the mixing zone. The mixing zone is equipped with a ring of methanol atomizing holes to uniformly disperse the vaporized methanol and to uniformly mix it with air. In this embodiment, the feed air is at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, the feed concentration of the methanol-water solution used for the catalytic oxidation reaction is 10–100% vol, and the fuel is hydrogen-rich gas or high-purity hydrogen. The oxidation chamber discharges the tail gas generated by the catalytic oxidation through the exhaust port 5.
[0053] The reforming chamber is filled with methanol reforming catalyst particles, mainly composed of copper oxide and zinc oxide. The chamber has a methanol inlet (6) and a reforming hydrogen outlet (7). Multiple fins are installed on the sidewalls of the chamber to promote methanol evaporation and vaporization, ensure thorough mixing, and enhance heat exchange. The feed concentration of the methanol-water solution used for reforming is 20–80% vol. The tailpipe at the reforming hydrogen outlet (7) is a circular hole with a diameter larger than the particle size of the reforming catalyst particles, facilitating the removal and refilling of the methanol reforming catalyst particles.
[0054] Reformed hydrogen outlet 7 is used to transport reformed hydrogen generated from methanol steam reforming to the hydrogen collection device; vent outlet 5 is used to discharge high-temperature tail gas from methanol and fuel catalytic oxidation.
[0055] The reformer casing is made of aluminum alloy or stainless steel, which is beneficial for heat transfer and improves heat exchange efficiency. In addition, aluminum alloy and stainless steel have advantages such as light weight, ease of machining, and ease of integration.
[0056] Multiple temperature sensor sockets are installed on the reformer shell, as well as in the reforming chamber and oxidation chamber, to monitor the temperature distribution and changes in the oxidation chamber and reforming chamber within the reformer.
[0057] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein. The terms "a plurality of" or "several" refer to two or more unless otherwise expressly defined. The terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "attachment," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.
[0058] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "front", "rear", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.
[0059] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "specific embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.
Claims
1. A methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst, characterized in that, It includes a reformer shell, an oxidation chamber, a reforming chamber, an air inlet, a fuel inlet, a methanol inlet for oxidation, an air outlet, a methanol inlet for reforming, and a reformed hydrogen outlet; wherein the oxidation chamber and the reforming chamber are located inside the methanol reformer and are connected by a heat-conducting wall. The oxidation chamber includes a vaporization zone, a gas distribution zone, a mixing zone, an oxidation zone, and a heat exchange zone. The vaporization zone is sequentially connected to the gas distribution zone, the mixing zone, the oxidation zone, and the heat exchange zone. The oxidation zone of the oxidation chamber is filled with a methanol oxidation catalyst, and the gas distribution zone and the mixing zone are detachably connected. The reforming chamber is filled with methanol reforming catalyst. The reforming chamber is provided with a methanol inlet and a reforming hydrogen outlet. The diameter of the tail discharge hole at the reforming hydrogen outlet is larger than the particle size of the methanol reforming catalyst.
2. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the oxidation chamber, the gas distribution zone and the mixing zone are detachably connected by a flange; The tail discharge hole at the reformed hydrogen outlet is a round hole; The gas distribution area includes a T-shaped air inlet pipe.
3. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The flange connection is sealed with a high-temperature resistant sealing ring.
4. The methanol reformer with a removable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, In the oxidation chamber, the vaporization zone is sequentially connected to the gas distribution zone, the mixing zone, the oxidation zone, and the heat exchange zone. The vaporization zone is connected to the methanol inlet for oxidation. The gas distribution zone is connected to the gas inlet and the fuel inlet. The heat exchange zone is connected to the vent. The reforming chamber is provided with a methanol inlet for reforming and a reformed hydrogen outlet. The fuel for catalytic oxidation enters the gas distribution zone through the fuel inlet.
5. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Fuels used for catalytic oxidation include hydrogen-rich gas or high-purity hydrogen; The vaporization zone is also connected to the oxidation zone through a heat-conducting wall.
6. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the vaporization zone of the oxidation chamber is provided with one or more heat exchange fins. The inner wall of the gas distribution area of the oxidation chamber is provided with one or more gas guide fins. The inner wall of the heat exchange zone of the oxidation chamber is provided with one or more heat exchange fins. The inner wall of the reforming chamber is provided with one flow equalization plate or multiple fins.
7. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The mixing zone is provided with methanol atomization holes; In the oxidation zone, the methanol oxidation catalyst includes a support and an active component; the main component of the support is ceramic cordierite; the active component mainly includes precious metals. The methanol reforming catalyst mainly consists of copper oxide and zinc oxide.
8. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The methanol atomizing holes are multiple and are respectively arranged around the inner wall of the mixing zone; In the oxidation zone, the methanol oxidation catalyst is honeycomb-shaped; The methanol reforming catalyst is in granular form.
9. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 4, characterized in that, In the oxidation chamber, the feed concentration of the methanol aqueous solution used for oxidation is 10% vol to 100% vol; In the reforming chamber, the feed concentration of the methanol aqueous solution used for reforming is 20% vol to 80% vol.
10. The methanol reformer with a detachable oxidation chamber catalyst as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The reformer housing is made of materials including aluminum alloy or stainless steel; Multiple temperature sensor sockets are provided on the reformer housing and inside the reforming chamber and oxidation chamber.