Heater mounting structure of high-temperature / high-vacuum reactor and high-temperature / high-vacuum reactor thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a heater mounting structure for a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor and a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor including said structure. By developing a structure that allows a tubular electric heater to be inserted radially from the outside by utilizing the girth flange section of the reactor shell, it is possible to mount a high-output tubular electric heater without spatial constraints, and it is possible to provide a fast response speed and a uniform temperature distribution.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heater mounting structure for a high-temperature and high-vacuum reactor and a high-temperature and high-vacuum reactor including said structure. More specifically, the invention relates to a heater mounting structure for a high-temperature and high-vacuum reactor and a high-temperature and high-vacuum reactor including said structure, which improves the high-speed response electric heater mounting structure in a reactor for performing high-temperature processes such as chemical reactions or nanomaterial synthesis under high temperature and high-vacuum conditions to ensure rapid temperature responsiveness and uniformity of high temperature distribution. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, reactors are devices that perform high-temperature processes, such as chemical reactions or nanomaterial synthesis, under high temperature and high vacuum conditions; high-speed response electric heaters are installed in various processes requiring high temperature and high vacuum conditions, such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalytic reactions, polymer heat treatment, and fine chemical reactions.

[0003] Although temperature control in reactors is performed using jacket-type or external coil heaters, these methods have limitations in precise temperature control due to slow heat transfer rates and have the disadvantage of requiring a long time to reach high temperatures.

[0004] In the case of electric heaters, coil-type electric heaters or flange-mounted immersion heaters with a flange-to-flange structure are generally used, and these structures require a lot of space on the top cover of the reactor, which reduces flexibility in nozzle placement.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of electric heaters, some structures utilize a flange-inserted side-mounted coil heater method; however, since the heater is installed in a confined space, heat transfer within the reactor becomes uneven, resulting in temperature dead zones in areas not reached by the heater. These dead zones can cause reduced reaction efficiency and difficulties in cleaning (CIP limits) due to localized accumulation of reactants or thermal imbalances, and in high-precision reaction processes, they become a factor leading to critical quality degradation. Prior art literature

[0006] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2019-0087780 (July 25, 2019) Korean Registered Utility Model No. 20-0229344 (April 21, 2001) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention was developed to improve upon the aforementioned problems. The first objective of the present invention is to provide a heater mounting structure for a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor and a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor including said structure, which enables the mounting of a high-output tubular electric heater without spatial constraints and provides a fast response speed and a uniform temperature distribution by developing a structure that allows a tubular electric heater to be inserted radially from the outside by utilizing the girth flange section of the reactor shell.

[0009] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the heater mounting structure of a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to the present invention comprises: a reactor shell forming a chamber inside and a top cover installed on the upper part of the reactor shell so as to be separably openable and closable; an outer flange formed integrally protruding along the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the reactor shell for fastening or fixing with the top cover (130); and a heater bundle configured to be inserted from the outside to the inside of the reactor by separating the top cover from the upper side of the reactor shell, inserting it radially into the interior of the reactor shell through the outer flange, and reassembling the top cover back to its original position, and comprising a heater assembly and a plurality of power supply units, wherein a plurality of lead wires extending from the power supply units are arranged radially and the lead wires are configured to be inserted from the outside to the inside of the outer flange.

[0011] delete

[0012] delete

[0013] delete

[0014] delete

[0015] delete

[0016] In the heater mounting structure of a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to the present invention, the heater assembly may be configured to include at least one independently controlled heating zone, thereby enabling individual control and allowing the heating zone to be heated differently depending on the process conditions of the reactor.

[0017] delete

[0018] In the heater mounting structure of a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to the present invention, the power supply unit may be configured to independently supply and control power to each heating area.

[0019] delete

[0020] delete

[0021] In the heater mounting structure of a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to the present invention, the heater assembly may be configured to enable reaction even under conditions without fluid or with a small amount of fluid.

[0022] delete

[0023] delete

[0024] delete

[0025] delete

[0026] delete

[0027] In the heater mounting structure of a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to the present invention, a cooling jacket is additionally provided on the outer side of the reactor shell so as to stably control the temperature of the internal fluid. The high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to the present invention includes any one of the heater mounting structures described above.

[0028] delete

[0029] delete

[0030] delete Effects of the invention

[0031] As explained above, the present invention has the following effects.

[0032] First, by developing a structure that allows a heater bundle (e.g., a tubular electric heater) to be inserted radially from the outside by utilizing the girth flange section of the reactor, it is possible to mount a high-output heater without spatial constraints, and it is possible to provide a fast response speed and a uniform temperature distribution.

[0033] Second, since the heater bundle is mounted quickly and securely to the girth flange section, no separate structure is required on the reactor's top cover, increasing the freedom of nozzle placement and facilitating customized designs tailored to the process. In other words, the girth flange mounting structure enables design freedom for the top cover and allows for the optimization of nozzle placement.

[0034] Third, the heater bundle includes a plurality of heater assemblies and a power supply unit, wherein the heater assembly includes at least one independently controlled heating zone, enabling individual control and allowing heating to be varied according to the process conditions of the reactor. Therefore, it can be utilized in various precision processes, such as quantum dot synthesis reactors, high-temperature polymer polymerization reactors, and solid catalyst reactors.

[0035] Fourth, the heater assembly is composed of a tubular heater and is arranged in a coil shape along the interior of the reactor shell, and is configured so that heat reaches the bottom of the reactor shell, thereby increasing thermal conductivity and thermal efficiency.

[0036] Fifth, a cooling jacket is formed on the outer periphery of the reactor shell equipped with a tubular heater, and cooling fluid circulates within the cooling jacket, thereby enabling cooling control inside the reactor shell.

[0037] Sixth, the heater assembly is individually controllable and can respond even under fluid-free or low-fluid conditions.

[0038] Seventh, unlike conventional fixed coil heaters, the heater assembly adopts an insertable structure, allowing it to be mounted non-fixed inside the reactor shell, thereby facilitating installation and maintenance and improving space utilization.

[0039] Eighth, the interior of the reactor shell is composed of a baffle structure, which can induce a uniform and efficient temperature distribution of the liquid inside the reactor shell.

[0040] Ninth, compared to the conventional jacket method, the present invention enables temperature response several times faster, allows for expansion of heater capacity regardless of reactor size, enables precise temperature control even under high temperature and high vacuum conditions, and can flexibly respond to process characteristics such as solid reactions and small-volume fluid reactions.

[0042] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0043] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which there is no fluid inside the reaction chamber. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a fluid is filled inside the reaction chamber. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the top cover is removed from the upper part of the reactor shell. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which heater bundles are arranged radially on the girth flange of the reactor. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of section A of Fig. 4. FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the top cover is separated from the top of the reactor shell. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of section B of Figure 6. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0044] Hereinafter, a heater mounting structure of a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor including said structure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which there is no fluid inside the reaction chamber.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which fluid is filled inside the reaction chamber.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which a top cover (120) is separated from the upper part of the reactor shell (110).

[0048] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a state in which a heater bundle (200) is radially arranged on the outer girth flange (130) of the reactor (100).

[0049] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the state in which the top cover (120) is separated from the top of the reactor shell (110), and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 6.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7, a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a heater mounting structure.

[0051] The above reactor (100) comprises a reactor shell (110) that forms a chamber (reaction space) (S) inside, and a top cover (120) that is installed on the top of the reactor shell (110) so as to be openable and closable.

[0052] An outer girth flange (130) is formed on the outer circumference of the reactor shell (110).

[0053] That is, an outer girth flange (130) is integrally formed protruding along the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the reactor shell (110) for fastening or securing with the top cover (130).

[0054] The above outer flange (130) acts as a major connecting part that reinforces the structural rigidity of the reactor shell (110) and enables precise alignment and a strong connection between the upper and lower parts of the reactor.

[0055] The outer flange (130) is generally formed integrally from carbon steel or stainless steel of the same material as the reactor shell (110) and is made of sufficient thickness to maintain stable airtightness and mechanical strength even under high temperature and internal pressure conditions.

[0056] The outer flange (130) has bolt holes (H) formed at regular intervals so that a plurality of fastening bolts can pass through, and the bolt holes (H) are machined to be precisely aligned.

[0057] A gasket (not shown) for maintaining airtightness is inserted into the joint surface of the outer flange (130), and this can be made of a material that prevents leakage of internal fluid and requires heat resistance and chemical resistance (e.g., PTFE, graphite).

[0058] Additionally, the shape of the outer flange (130) can be selected from a standard flat face flange or a raised face flange shape, and the design specifications may vary depending on the pressure rating (ANSI Class 150, 300, etc.) as needed.

[0059] This external flange (130) structure not only facilitates internal inspection, maintenance, or cleaning of the reactor, but also functions as a key structural element that effectively supports modular assembly and horizontal alignment of the upper and lower shells at the reactor installation site.

[0060] A top cover (120) is installed on the upper part of the reactor shell (110) so as to be openable and closable.

[0061] A stirring blade (30) is installed on the inner bottom of the reactor shell (110). The fluid in the reactor shell (110) is configured to be uniformly stirred by the stirring blade (30).

[0062] A bolt (not shown) is fastened to the bolt hole (H) of the above girth flange (130) so that a top cover (120) is assembled on the upper part of the reactor shell (110).

[0063] A chamber (reaction space) (chamber) (S) is filled with fluid to perform various processes requiring high temperature and high vacuum conditions, such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalytic reaction, polymer heat treatment, and fine chemical reaction, and the fluid is heated by a heater bundle (200), for example, a high-speed response electric heater device.

[0065] Hereinafter, a heater mounting structure for a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0066] In a heater mounting structure of a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a heater bundle (200) is arranged radially on a girth flange (130) of a reactor (100), and the heater bundle (200) is configured to be inserted from the outside into the inside of the reactor (100).

[0067] For example, FIG. 6 illustrates a configuration in which six heater bundles (200) are arranged radially on the girth flange (130) (see JB-A to JB-J).

[0068] Unexplained reference numeral 131 illustrates a holder that secures a heater bundle (200) to an outer girth flange (130). The heater bundle (200) can be securely fixed to the outer girth flange (130) by means of the holder (131).

[0070] The heater bundle (200) comprises a plurality of heater assemblies (210) and power supply units (220).

[0071] The heater assembly (210) includes a coil portion (212) and a lead wire (211), and the lead wire (211) is formed flexibly so that a power supply portion (220) can be electrically connected to the coil portion (212).

[0072] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate a plurality of lead wires (e.g., four lead wires).

[0073] The heater assembly (210) is configured to include at least one independently controlled heating zone, allowing for individual control, so that the heating zone can be heated differently depending on the process conditions of the reactor (100).

[0074] The power supply unit (220) is configured to independently supply and control power to each heating area. As an example of the power supply unit (220), it may be configured to include a junction box (shown in FIG. 4).

[0075] The aforementioned junction box, also known as a terminal box, is a metal or plastic enclosure used to protect electrical wiring connections and serves as a central point for safely connecting multiple wires or cables.

[0076] The interior of the reactor shell (110) is configured with a baffle structure to maintain a uniform temperature distribution of the fluid.

[0077] Here, a baffle structure refers to a structure in which partitions (baffles) are installed within the reaction space of a reactor shell to control fluid flow, reduce vibration, or for specific effects.

[0079] The heater assembly (210) is composed of a tubular heater and is arranged in a coil shape along the interior of the reactor shell (110), and can be configured so that heat reaches the lower region of the reactor shell (110).

[0080] A tubular heater refers to a heater used to heat the fluid inside a reactor shell by placing a heating element, such as a nichrome coil, inside a tube. Tubular heater coils are configured to withstand high temperatures and generate heat efficiently by utilizing the high resistance and non-oxidizing properties of nichrome coils.

[0081] A cooling jacket is formed on the outer periphery of a reactor shell equipped with a tubular heater, and cooling control inside the reactor shell is possible by circulating a cooling fluid within the cooling jacket.

[0083] The heater assembly (210) of the present invention can be configured to be capable of reacting even under conditions without fluid or with a small amount of fluid.

[0085] In addition, after separating the top cover (120) from the upper side of the reactor shell (110), the heater bundle (200) is inserted radially into the reactor shell (110) through the outer flange (130), and after insertion is complete, the top cover (120) is reassembled back to its original position to stably fix the position of the heater bundle (200) (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0087] A cooling jacket (140) is further installed on the outside of the reactor shell (110) to perform internal temperature control.

[0088] A cooling jacket ensures reaction efficiency and quality by maintaining the fluid temperature at a constant or specific level. In exothermic reactions, it removes heat by circulating cooling water, while in endothermic reactions, it controls the reaction rate by introducing hot water. Since excessive heat generated during a reaction can lead to risks such as explosions if not controlled, the cooling jacket enables the prevention of overheating and ensures safety. Overheating can be effectively prevented by using external refrigerants (e.g., cooling water, glycol, etc.) introduced through the cooling jacket, thereby maintaining product quality. Furthermore, it can assist in process optimization to control reaction rates, prevent reverse reactions, and improve yield.

[0089] Furthermore, the heater bundle (200) of the present invention includes a heat pipe-based heat transfer element and can efficiently transfer heat generated in a high-temperature region to a specific region within the reactor. By applying heat pipe technology for high-temperature environments, the temperature transfer efficiency within the reactor can be significantly improved.

[0090] The baffle structure of the present invention disperses the heat radiation of a radial heater and induces convective flow of the fluid inside the reactor, thereby promoting the uniformity of the temperature distribution within the reactor; thus, the heating baffle structure can contribute to ensuring thermal uniformity within the reactor.

[0091] The heater assembly described above includes a low-power standby mode capable of operating even in an ultra-high vacuum environment, and in this mode, it may include a control circuit that automatically adjusts the amount of heat generated by the heater when the internal pressure of the reactor is below a set threshold.

[0092] As explained above, the present invention has the following effects.

[0093] First, by developing a structure that allows a heater bundle (e.g., a tubular electric heater) to be inserted radially from the outside by utilizing the girth flange section of the reactor, it is possible to mount a high-output heater without spatial constraints, and it is possible to provide a fast response speed and a uniform temperature distribution.

[0094] Second, since the heater bundle is mounted quickly and securely to the girth flange section, no separate structure is required on the reactor's top cover, increasing the freedom of nozzle placement and facilitating customized designs tailored to the process. In other words, the girth flange mounting structure enables design freedom for the top cover and allows for the optimization of nozzle placement.

[0095] Third, the heater bundle includes a plurality of heater assemblies and a power supply unit, wherein the heater assembly includes at least one independently controlled heating zone, enabling individual control and allowing heating to be varied according to the process conditions of the reactor. Therefore, it can be utilized in various precision processes, such as quantum dot synthesis reactors, high-temperature polymer polymerization reactors, and solid catalyst reactors.

[0096] Fourth, the heater assembly is composed of a tubular heater and is arranged in a coil shape along the interior of the reactor shell, and is configured so that heat reaches the bottom of the reactor shell, thereby increasing thermal conductivity and thermal efficiency.

[0097] Fifth, a cooling jacket is formed on the outer periphery of the reactor shell equipped with a tubular heater, and cooling fluid circulates within the cooling jacket, thereby enabling cooling control inside the reactor shell.

[0098] Sixth, the heater assembly is individually controllable and can respond even under fluid-free or low-fluid conditions.

[0099] Seventh, unlike conventional fixed coil heaters, the heater assembly adopts an insertable structure, allowing it to be mounted non-fixed inside the reactor shell, thereby facilitating installation and maintenance and improving space utilization.

[0100] Eighth, the interior of the reactor shell is composed of a baffle structure, which can induce a uniform and efficient temperature distribution of the liquid inside the reactor shell.

[0101] Ninth, compared to the conventional jacket method, the present invention enables temperature response several times faster, allows for expansion of heater capacity regardless of reactor size, enables precise temperature control even under high temperature and high vacuum conditions, and can flexibly respond to process characteristics such as solid reactions and small-volume fluid reactions.

[0103] Meanwhile, the present specification and drawings disclose preferred embodiments of the present invention. Although specific terms have been used, they are used merely in a general sense to facilitate the explanation of the technical content of the invention and to aid in understanding the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0104] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that, in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein, other variations based on the technical concept of the present invention are possible. Explanation of the symbols

[0105] 100: Reactor 110: Reactor shell 120: Top Cover 130: Outer flange 140: Cooling jacket 200: Heater Bundle 210: Heater assembly 220: Power supply unit

Claims

Claim 1 A reactor (100) comprising a reactor shell (110) forming a chamber inside, and a top cover (120) installed on the upper part of the reactor shell (110) so as to be separably openable and closable; an outer flange (130) integrally formed to protrude along the circumferential direction on the outer circumference of the reactor shell (110) for fastening or fixing to the top cover (120); A heater mounting structure for a high temperature and high vacuum reactor, characterized by comprising: a heater bundle (200) configured to be inserted from the outside into the inside of the reactor (100) by separating the top cover (120) from the upper side of the reactor shell (110), inserting it radially into the inside of the reactor shell (110) through the outer flange (130), and reassembling the top cover (120) back to its original position; and comprising a heater assembly (210) and a plurality of power supply units (220), wherein a plurality of lead wires (211) extending from the power supply units (220) are arranged radially, and the lead wires (211) are configured to be inserted from the outside into the inside of the outer flange (130). Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A heater mounting structure for a high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor, characterized in that, in claim 1, the heater assembly (210) includes at least one independently controlled heating zone, allowing for individual control, so that the heating zone can be heated differently depending on the process conditions of the reactor (100). Claim 5 A heater mounting structure for a high temperature and high vacuum reactor, characterized in that, in claim 1, the power supply unit (220) is configured to independently supply and control power to each heating area. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A heater mounting structure for a high temperature and high vacuum reactor, characterized in that, in claim 1, the heater assembly (210) is configured to be capable of reacting even under conditions without fluid or with a small amount of fluid. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A heater mounting structure for a high temperature and high vacuum reactor, characterized in that, in claim 1, a cooling jacket (140) is further installed on the outside of the reactor shell (110). Claim 12 A high-temperature, high-vacuum reactor comprising a heater-mounted structure as described in any one of claims 1, 4, 5, 9, or 11.

Images