REACTOR AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS FOR IT

Abstract

Reactor (1) comprising a reactor vessel (2) and within the reactor vessel (2): - a suspended plate pack (3), - a distributor (7) connected to the plate pack (3), - at least one supply line (8) via which the distributor (7) is connected to a respective cooling fluid inlet (11) of the reactor vessel (2), - a collector (9) connected to the plate pack (3), - at least one outlet (10) via which the collector (9) is connected to a respective cooling fluid outlet (12) of the reactor vessel (2), wherein flow paths for the cooling fluid are formed, and wherein the at least one supply line (8) is curved.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a reactor and a method for producing the same. The reactor can be used in particular for methanol synthesis.

[0002] So-called pillow plate reactors are known for applications such as methanol synthesis. In these, a chemical reaction can be carried out under cooling. For this purpose, pillow plate reactors have a plate pack of pillow plates through which a cooling medium flows. A catalyst can be arranged between the pillow plates, along which a reaction gas can be passed. This allows the reaction gas to be converted. Meanwhile, the reaction gas can be cooled by the cooling medium flowing within the pillow plates. The cooling medium can be introduced into the pillow plates via a distributor and discharged from the pillow plates via a collector. The distributor and collector are usually integrated into a cooling circuit via supply lines and outlet lines, respectively.

[0003] During operation, components of a pillow-plate reactor can expand considerably, sometimes significantly. Not all components have the same coefficient of expansion, and not all components are exposed to the same temperature. Therefore, the individual components of a pillow-plate reactor typically expand to different degrees. This can lead to stresses and ultimately damage. In particular, the reactor shell of a pillow-plate reactor can expand differently than the plate stack. This can lead to significant stresses in the lines that carry the cooling medium to and from the pillow plates.

[0004] Due to the pressures to be taken into account, a flexible solution using a flexible hose is not possible or only possible with great effort.

[0005] The problems described also occur in reactors that resemble a pillow plate reactor, but depending on the definition of the term pillow plate reactor, cannot be considered as such.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to reduce the effects of thermal expansion in a reactor in a simple manner.

[0007] These objects are achieved with a reactor and a method according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims. The features presented in the claims and in the description can be combined with one another in any technologically expedient manner.

[0008] According to the invention, a reactor is presented. The reactor comprises a reactor vessel. Furthermore, the reactor comprises the following elements, each of which is arranged within the reactor vessel: a suspended plate pack which is formed by a plurality of cooling plates through which a cooling fluid can flow, wherein gaps are formed between the cooling plates in which gaps a catalyst is arranged so that a reaction gas can flow through the gaps and come into contact with the catalyst, a distributor connected to the plate pack on an underside of the plate pack, at least one supply line via which the distributor is connected to a respective cooling fluid inlet of the reactor vessel, a collector connected to the plate pack on an upper side of the plate pack, and at least one discharge line via which the collector is connected to a respective cooling fluid outlet of the reactor vessel.

[0009] Flow paths for the cooling fluid are formed, each leading from one of the cooling fluid inlets through the corresponding supply line, the distributor, one of the cooling plates, the collector and one of the discharge lines to the corresponding cooling fluid outlet, wherein the at least one supply line is curved such that, when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel, in a first section of the supply line, an orientation of the supply line changes by at least 135°, preferably by at least 150°, along the course of the supply line, and in a second section of the supply line adjoining the first section in the direction of the distributor, an orientation of the supply line changes by at least 45°, preferably by at least 60°, along the course of the supply line, and wherein the at least one supply line in the first section is curved in the opposite direction to the second section.

[0010] A reactor is a device designed to carry out a chemical reaction. The reactor described is preferably designed for methanol synthesis. However, for the reactor's functionality and advantages described below, the actual chemical reaction for which the reactor is designed and used is irrelevant. The reactor described can be used for a variety of conceivable chemical reactions in which a reaction gas is reacted with a catalyst under cooling.

[0011] The reactor comprises a reactor vessel. The reactor vessel is preferably designed as a pressure vessel. The reactor vessel preferably comprises a reactor jacket, which can also be referred to as a pressure jacket. Within the reactor vessel, a reaction gas can be chemically converted under pressure. For example, the reaction gas can be introduced into an interior of the reactor vessel via a reaction gas inlet, chemically converted in the interior of the reactor vessel, and discharged from the reactor vessel through a reaction gas outlet. Due to the chemical reaction taking place within the reactor vessel, the reaction gas at the reaction gas outlet generally has a different chemical composition than at the reaction gas inlet. In the case of methanol synthesis, the reaction gas is preferably a synthesis gas formed on the one hand from carbon monoxide and / or carbon dioxide and on the other hand from hydrogen.

[0012] A catalyst is located within the reactor vessel. The catalyst can initiate and / or accelerate the chemical reaction. The reaction gas can be passed around the catalyst within the reactor vessel. By choosing the catalyst material, the reactor can be configured for a specific chemical reaction. In the case of methanol synthesis, the catalyst is preferably a copper-zinc catalyst.

[0013] The reaction gas can be cooled within the reactor vessel, especially while the chemical reaction is taking place. This is particularly useful in the case of an exothermic chemical reaction. Cooling can be achieved via a plate pack formed by several cooling plates. The cooling plates are preferably arranged parallel to one another and spaced apart such that gaps form between the cooling plates. The catalyst is preferably arranged within these gaps. This allows the reaction gas to flow through the gaps between the cooling plates and come into contact with the catalyst there.

[0014] Cooling via the cooling plates is possible if a cooling fluid flows through the cooling plates. The cooling fluid can be liquid or gaseous. Preferably, the cooling fluid is provided in liquid state and evaporates during cooling. The cooling fluid is preferably H2O. The use of the chemical symbol H2O is to clarify that the cooling fluid can also be in gaseous form. The cooling fluid can therefore be water or water vapor. If H2O is used as the cooling fluid, the cooling fluid can also be referred to as boiler feed water when it is fed into the reactor. When it leaves the reactor, the cooling fluid can be in the form of vapor. However, for the cooling function described, neither the chemical composition nor the state of aggregation of the cooling fluid is generally important.

[0015] The cooling plates through which the cooling fluid can flow each have at least one cooling channel, within which the cooling fluid can flow through the cooling plates. The cooling channel can have multiple branches. For example, the cooling plates can each be formed by connecting two metal sheets to one another at multiple connection points, for example by welding points. The connection points are preferably distributed over the surface of the cooling plate, in particular at regular intervals, so that the connection points form a grid. Between the connection points, the cooling fluid can flow between the metal sheets. To facilitate this, the metal sheets can be bent such that contact between the metal sheets only exists at the connection points. The at least one cooling channel is formed between the metal sheets outside the connection points.

[0016] The cooling plates designed as described can also be referred to as pillow plates. The reactor described can accordingly be referred to as a pillow plate reactor. However, it is irrelevant what exactly falls under the definition of a pillow plate or pillow plate reactor. Irrespective of these terminology, the reactor is essentially defined by the explicitly stated characteristics.

[0017] The plate pack is suspended. In suspended mounting, the plate pack is supported on a top surface of the plate pack. For example, the plate pack can be suspended by connecting the plate pack to the reactor vessel at the top via a support, particularly via bracing. In suspended mounting, the thermal expansion of the plate pack occurs downward.

[0018] The counterpart to the described suspended mounting of the plate pack is a vertical mounting. The fact that the plate pack of the described reactor is described as suspended means, in particular, that the plate pack of the described reactor is not mounted vertically. With vertical mounting, the plate pack would be mounted on an underside of the plate pack. For example, the plate pack could be supported on supports at the bottom. With vertical mounting of the plate pack, the thermal expansion of the plate pack would occur upwards.

[0019] Hanging storage is advantageous over standing storage, especially when steam production rates are high.

[0020] The following describes the elements of the reactor through which the cooling fluid can be introduced into and discharged from the cooling plates.

[0021] A distributor is attached to the plate pack on the underside. The distributor is connected to a respective cooling fluid inlet of the reactor vessel via at least one supply line. The cooling fluid can thus be introduced into one of the cooling fluid inlets, routed through the corresponding supply line to the distributor, and distributed to the cooling plates via the distributor. For this purpose, the distributor is connected to the cooling channels of the cooling plates. Within the distributor, the cooling fluid is preferably liquid, in particular liquid water.

[0022] The reactor can have one or more supply lines. In the case of a single supply line, the supply line connects the single cooling fluid inlet to the manifold. In the case of multiple supply lines, each supply line connects a coolant inlet to the manifold. The reactor has exactly one cooling fluid inlet per supply line.

[0023] A collector is connected to the top of the plate pack. The collector is connected to a respective cooling fluid outlet of the reactor vessel via at least one outlet. The cooling fluid can thus be collected from the cooling plates via the collector, routed through one of the outlets to the corresponding cooling fluid outlet, and discharged through this outlet. For this purpose, the collector is connected to the cooling channels of the cooling plates. The function of the collector is thus opposite to that of the distributor. Within the collector, the cooling fluid is preferably gaseous, especially water vapor. The collector can therefore also be referred to as a steam collector.

[0024] The reactor can have one or more branches. In the case of a single branch, the branch connects the single cooling fluid outlet to the collector. In the case of multiple branches, each branch connects a coolant outlet to the collector. The reactor has exactly one cooling fluid outlet per branch.

[0025] The fact that the distributor is located at the bottom of the plate pack and the collector at the top refers to the intended orientation of the reactor.

[0026] The cooling fluid can be introduced from outside the reactor vessel into the corresponding supply line via the cooling fluid inlet(s). The cooling fluid can therefore pass through a reactor shell at the cooling fluid inlet(s). The cooling fluid can be led out of the reactor vessel from the corresponding discharge line via the cooling fluid outlet(s). The cooling fluid can therefore pass through the reactor shell at the cooling fluid outlet(s). However, the cooling fluid only reaches the interior of the reactor vessel to the extent that it reaches the supply line(s), the distributor, the cooling plates, the collector, and the discharge line(s). The cooling fluid does not come into contact with the reaction gas inside the reactor vessel.Only between the reaction gas and the cooling fluid there is a heat exchange in the manner of a heat exchanger, especially in the area of ​​the cooling plates.

[0027] Flow paths are therefore formed for the cooling fluid, each leading from one of the cooling fluid inlets through the corresponding supply line, the distributor, one of the cooling plates, the collector, and one of the discharge lines to the corresponding cooling fluid outlet. In the case of a single supply line, all flow paths lead together from one cooling fluid inlet through the supply line to the distributor. In the case of multiple supply lines, each of the flow paths leads from one of the cooling fluid inlets through the corresponding supply line to the distributor. In any case, the flow paths in the distributor are divided among the cooling plates. Each flow path leads through exactly one of the cooling plates. The flow paths are collected in the collector. In the case of a single discharge line, all flow paths lead together from the collector to one cooling fluid outlet. In the case of multiple discharge lines, each of the flow paths leads from the collector to the corresponding cooling fluid outlet.

[0028] Outside the reactor vessel, the cooling fluid can be removed from the cooling fluid outlet(s) and cooled. The cooling fluid can then be reintroduced into the cooling fluid inlet(s) or into one of the cooling fluid inlets. In this way, a cooling circuit can be formed. The flow paths then lead outside the reactor vessel from the at least one cooling fluid outlet to the at least one cooling fluid inlet, so that the flow paths are closed. In the case of a cooling circuit, the cooling fluid can therefore be reused in whole or in part. However, this is not required. It is also conceivable that fresh cooling fluid is always introduced into the at least one cooling fluid inlet and that the cooling fluid removed from the at least one cooling fluid outlet is disposed of.

[0029] The cooling fluid can be cooled outside the reactor vessel using a cooling device. The cooling device is preferably designed as a steam drum. The cooling device does not have to be part of the described reactor. However, it is preferred that the reactor have a cooling device for cooling the cooling fluid, which is arranged outside the reactor vessel and is connected, on the one hand, to the cooling fluid inlet(s) and, on the other hand, to the cooling fluid outlet(s). This cooling device is integrated into the flow paths. As an alternative to using a separate cooling device, the cooling fluid can also be cooled, for example, outside the reactor vessel in the ambient air.

[0030] The cooling fluid can be circulated within the cooling circuit without a pump. This is particularly possible when using water as the cooling medium, because the density difference between liquid and gaseous water vapor creates natural circulation. This natural circulation is based on the thermosyphon effect. It is also conceivable, however, that the cooling circuit incorporates a pump, especially outside the reactor.

[0031] All elements of the reactor that may come into contact with the catalyst are preferably made of steel, especially stainless steel. This prevents the catalyst from attacking the material of these elements. Elements that come into contact with the reactor vessel, however, are preferably made of a chromium-molybdenum alloy. Corrosion-resistant steel is particularly preferred because it prevents iron oxide as a catalyzed byproduct.

[0032] The cooling plates are preferably made of steel, preferably stainless steel.

[0033] The collector is preferably made of steel, in particular stainless steel. The downstream line is preferably made of a chromium-molybdenum alloy and / or steel, in particular stainless steel. For example, a section of the downstream line connected to the collector can be made of steel, while the remaining part of the downstream line is made of a chromium-molybdenum alloy. In this way, the two previously described material requirements can be met. The steel section connected to the collector is preferably designed as a straight piece of pipe, which is oriented in particular parallel to the axis of the reactor vessel. It has been found that such a selected location for the material transition between the steel and the chromium-molybdenum alloy is particularly advantageous with regard to the flexibility of the downstream line.To minimize the impact of thermal expansion, the area of ​​different materials across the reactor vessel height should be kept as small as possible. Furthermore, the material separation should be positioned not only as close as possible to the plate stack but also preferably within the area of ​​a straight pipe section. This allows the stress state to be optimized.

[0034] The distributor is preferably made of steel, in particular stainless steel. The supply line is preferably made of a chromium-molybdenum alloy and / or steel, in particular stainless steel. For example, a section of the supply line connected to the distributor can be made of steel, while the remaining part of the supply line is made of a chromium-molybdenum alloy. This allows the two previously described material requirements to be met. The steel section connected to the distributor is preferably designed as a straight pipe section, which is oriented in particular parallel to the axis of the reactor vessel. It has been found that such a selected location for the material transition between the steel and the chromium-molybdenum alloy is particularly advantageous with regard to the flexibility of the supply line. This applies in particular if the material transition is selected close to the plate pack.

[0035] The outlet line preferably has a diameter in the range of 2 to 25 cm, in particular in the range of 4 to 15 cm. The supply line preferably has a diameter in the range of 2 to 25 cm, in particular in the range of 4 to 15 cm.

[0036] In the reactor described, the effects of thermal expansion are particularly small. This is achieved by curving the feed line as described. It is particularly preferred if the feed line initially runs horizontally, is then curved by 180° in the first section, is then curved by 90° in the opposite direction to the first section and finally runs vertically upwards. The feed line preferably lies in one plane. However, advantages can also be achieved if the course of the feed line deviates from this ideal case. It has been found that advantageous results can be achieved in particular if the feed line changes its orientation in the first section by at least 45°, in particular by 60 to 110°, and in the second section by at least 135°, in particular by 150 to 210°.

[0037] In the case of a single supply line, this supply line is curved as described. In the case of multiple supply lines, each supply line is curved as described.

[0038] The axis of the reactor vessel extends vertically. The collector, plate pack, and distributor are preferably arranged on the axis of the reactor vessel.

[0039] The described curvature refers to a projection onto a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel. This does not specify how the supply line extends outside this plane. The beginning and end of the supply line can be offset from one another with respect to this plane. However, for the sake of simplicity, it is preferred that the supply line be flat. In particular, it is preferred that the supply line be formed within a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel. In this definition, the extent of the cross-section of the supply line is disregarded.

[0040] The supply line does not have to be curved with a constant radius of curvature. In a preferred embodiment, this is the case in the first section and / or the second section. In particular, however, the supply line can also be partially straight in the first section and / or the second section.

[0041] The fact that the at least one supply line is curved in such a way that, when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel, in a first section of the supply line, an orientation of the supply line changes in the course of the supply line by at least 135°, preferably by at least 150°, and in a second section of the supply line adjoining the first section in the direction of the distributor, an orientation of the supply line changes in the course of the supply line by at least 45°, preferably by at least 60°, wherein the at least one supply line in the first section is curved in the opposite direction to the second section, can alternatively also be expressed by the fact that the at least one supply line is curved in a first section by at least 135°, preferably by at least 150°, with respect to a first axis of curvature, and in a second section adjoining the first section in the direction of the distributor, is curved in a direction opposite to the first section by at least 45°, preferably by at least 60°, with respect to a second axis of curvature, wherein the first axis of curvature and the second axis of curvature are each perpendicular to a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel, or the at least one supply line is curved such that the supply line in a first section revolves around a first axis by at least 135°, preferably by at least 150°, and in a second section adjoining the first section in the direction of the distributor, revolves around a second axis by at least 45°, preferably by at least 60°, with respect to the first section,wherein the first axis and the second axis are each perpendicular to a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel. ,

[0042] The preferred embodiments described also apply accordingly to these alternative formulations.

[0043] Due to the described design of the at least one supply line, the effects of thermal expansion are particularly small. Such thermal expansion can, in particular, cause the start and end of the supply line to shift relative to one another in the height direction. Due to the described design of the supply line, this change in height is distributed over a comparatively large length of the supply line and thus has a comparatively small effect on the supply line. In particular, the forces caused by thermal expansion can be distributed particularly well. This is based on the knowledge that a length of the supply line is longer with the described design of the supply line than, in particular, with a direct, straight connection between the distributor and the cooling fluid inlet. This is due in particular to the opposite curvature in the first and second sections of the supply line.

[0044] It has been found that the described advantages can be achieved to a reasonable extent if, when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel, the orientation of the supply line changes by at least 135° in the first section of the supply line and the orientation of the supply line changes by at least 45° in the second section. Since the curvature in the two sections is opposite, the supply line is bent by 90° through both sections. However, compared to a simple 90° bend, the described supply line has a loop-like shape. This makes the length of the supply line comparatively long. This allows thermal expansion to be compensated particularly well.

[0045] The more the supply line deviates from the shape of a simple 90° bend, the greater the length of the supply line can be. The more the described advantages are achieved the more the supply line changes its orientation in the first section and in the second section. It is therefore preferred that, when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel, the orientation of the supply line changes by at least 150° in the first section of the supply line and the orientation of the supply line changes by at least 60° in the second section. Even with a combination of the values ​​150° and 60°, the supply line is bent by 90° through the two sections together. This is also generally preferred. This allows the supply line to be routed perpendicular to the shell wall of the reactor vessel along the shortest path without further curvature. This simplifies the further design of the supply line.It is therefore preferred that, when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel, in the first section of the feed line, an orientation of the feed line changes by a first angle along the course of the feed line, and in the second section of the feed line, an orientation of the feed line changes by a second angle along the course of the feed line, wherein the first angle is 60° to 120°, in particular 90°, greater than the second angle. The first angle is at least 135°, in particular at least 150°. The second angle is at least 45°, in particular at least 60°.

[0046] The described supply line design makes it particularly easy to reduce the effects of thermal expansion. This is especially true compared to flexible solutions using a flexible hose. The described supply line can be designed as a pipe. Accordingly, the supply line can easily withstand high pressures, which would not be the case with a hose, for example. The supply line is preferably designed to withstand a pressure of at least 100 bar.

[0047] The effect of thermal expansion can be particularly well compensated for, on the one hand, by the described design of the discharge line in the upper region of the reactor vessel and, on the other hand, by the described design of the supply line in the lower region of the reactor vessel. The former is particularly advantageous in the vertical design considered here, because the plate pack expands thermally upwards. Thermal expansion is therefore less significant in the lower region of the reactor vessel. Nevertheless, it is also sensible to take this, albeit smaller, thermal expansion into account in the vertical design. In the present embodiment, this can be achieved by the described design of the supply line.

[0048] In the first section, the supply line does not have to be curved throughout, as long as the previously specified definition is met that in the first section of the supply line an orientation of the supply line changes by at least 135°, preferably by at least 150°, over the course of the supply line. The first section can also have a straight section. In the second section, the supply line does not have to be curved throughout, as long as the previously specified definition is met that in the second section of the supply line an orientation of the supply line changes by at least 45°, preferably by at least 60°, over the course of the supply line. The second section can also have a straight section. In particular, it is possible for the first section and / or the second section to form a straight region at a transition between the first section and the second section.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the reactor, the at least one supply line is formed with at least one straight pipe section and several curved pipe sections.

[0050] The supply line could be formed through a single bending process. However, this would have to be carried out with great precision to ensure that the finished supply line has exactly the desired relative arrangement between the beginning and end. It is much simpler to assemble the supply line from several pipe sections. By using at least one straight pipe section and several curved pipe sections, the desired design of the supply line can be achieved.

[0051] The supply line of the present embodiment can be manufactured by holding the pipe sections together and connecting them, in particular by welding or flanging them together. This can be carried out as a multi-stage process, through which the supply line is obtained step by step. A new adjustment can be made in each step. This allows any inaccuracies in previous steps to be compensated for.

[0052] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the individual pipe sections are standard parts. Such pipe sections are particularly readily available and inexpensive.

[0053] The curved pipe sections can, in particular, have an elbow shape. Such a pipe section has the shape of a ring segment. The curved pipe section is preferably bent by 30 to 180°, in particular by 90°. A pipe section bent by 90° has the shape of a quarter ring. Such pipe sections, in particular, are available as standard parts.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment of the reactor, exactly one of the feed lines is provided, with all flow paths running through the one feed line.

[0055] It was previously described that the reactor comprises at least one supply line, via which the distributor is connected to a respective cooling fluid inlet of the reactor vessel. In the present embodiment, this is the case because the reactor has exactly one such supply line. Each of the flow paths runs through this one supply line. The cooling fluid therefore always passes through this one supply line on its way from the cooling fluid inlet to the distributor.

[0056] The supply line is dimensioned so that specifications regarding the volume flow and flow velocity of the cooling fluid through the supply line can be met. These specifications can be selected, in particular, so that the cooling fluid can be circulated in the cooling circuit without a pump. These specifications determine the required cross-section of the supply line. It has been found that this can be met with a single supply line.

[0057] The requirements for the supply line(s) and the discharge line(s) differ. This is especially true when the cooling fluid flows through the supply line(s) in a liquid state and through the discharge line(s) in a gaseous state. The cooling fluid has a lower density in a gaseous state than in a liquid state. Therefore, it may be sufficient to have one supply line, even if two discharge lines are practical. It is therefore preferable to have exactly one supply line and at least two discharge lines.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment of the reactor, the at least one cooling fluid inlet is arranged at a downward distance from the distributor.

[0059] The described curvature of the supply line makes it particularly easy to bridge such a gap between the cooling fluid inlet and the distributor. If the distributor and the cooling fluid inlet were at the same height, the supply line would have to have one or more additional curved sections beyond the described curvature in the first and second sections to connect the distributor to the cooling fluid inlet. This is possible, but not preferred.

[0060] In a further preferred embodiment of the reactor, the at least one discharge line is curved such that the discharge line encircles an axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°.

[0061] In the described embodiment, the effects of thermal expansion are particularly minimal. This is achieved, in addition to the design of the at least one supply line, by the at least one discharge line being curved such that the discharge line encircles an axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°, preferably by at least 270°, particularly preferably by at least 360°. Particularly preferably, the at least one discharge line is curved such that the discharge line encircles the axis of the reactor vessel by 360° to 1080°. This means that the discharge line encircles the axis of the reactor vessel completely one to three times.

[0062] In the case of a single downstream line, this downstream line is curved such that the downstream line encircles the axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°. In the case of multiple downstream lines, the downstream lines are each curved such that each downstream line encircles the axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°. In the case of multiple downstream lines, these are each preferably designed according to the preferred embodiments of the one downstream line described herein.

[0063] The axis of the reactor vessel extends vertically. The collector, plate pack, and distributor are preferably arranged on the axis of the reactor vessel.

[0064] The fact that the derivative completely surrounds the axis of the reactor vessel means that, when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the reactor vessel, the derivative completely encloses the axis of the reactor vessel, i.e., on all sides. If the derivative only surrounds the axis of the reactor vessel by 180 to 360°, a corresponding definition applies. In this case, the derivative does not completely enclose the axis of the reactor vessel when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the reactor vessel. In the case of 180°, the derivative only half encloses the axis of the reactor vessel when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the reactor vessel.

[0065] The drain line does not have to encircle the axis of the reactor vessel at a constant distance. In a preferred embodiment, the drain line is annular or spiral, but this is not required. In particular, the drain line can also have straight sections.

[0066] Both an annular and a spiral design of the discharge line can result in a circular shape when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the reactor vessel axis. This is the case when the reactor vessel axis coincides with an axis of the annular or spiral discharge line. This is preferred.

[0067] The fact that the discharge line revolves around an axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180° says nothing about the discharge line's vertical direction. The beginning and end of the discharge line can be at the same height or be spaced apart vertically. Between the beginning and end, the discharge line can rise, fall, or remain at a constant height—at least as far as the definition considered here is concerned.

[0068] The fact that the derivative runs around an axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°, preferably by at least 270°, particularly preferably by 360°, can alternatively be expressed by when viewed in a projection onto a plane perpendicular to an axis of the reactor vessel, an orientation of the derivative changes in the course of the derivative by at least 180°, preferably by at least 270°, particularly preferably by 360°, or the derivative, when viewed in a projection onto a plane perpendicular to an axis of the reactor vessel, encircles the axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°, preferably by at least 270°, particularly preferably by 360°, or the derivative, when viewed in a projection onto a plane perpendicular to an axis of the reactor vessel, encloses the axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°, preferably by at least 270°, particularly preferably by 360°.

[0069] The previously described preferred embodiments of the derivation also apply accordingly to these alternative formulations.

[0070] Regardless of the formulation chosen, the effects of thermal expansion are particularly low due to the described design of the discharge line. Such thermal expansion can, in particular, cause the beginning and end of the discharge line to shift relative to one another in the height direction. Due to the circumferential design of the discharge line, this change in height is distributed over a comparatively large length of the discharge line and thus has a comparatively small effect on the discharge line. In particular, the forces caused by thermal expansion can be distributed particularly well. This is based on the finding that the length of the discharge line is longer with the described circumferential design of the discharge line than, in particular, with a direct, straight connection between the collector and the cooling fluid outlet.This can be illustrated in particular using a spiral-shaped discharge line, where one spiral axis coincides with the axis of the reactor vessel. If the beginning and end of such a spiral discharge line diverge from each other along the axis of the spiral or the reactor vessel, the individual windings of the spiral are pulled apart only comparatively slightly. However, for the described functionality, it is not important that the discharge line is exactly spiral-shaped. The same function is also fulfilled in an analogous manner if the discharge line has any shape that meets the described definition. In particular, straight sections of the discharge line do not impair the described functionality or only impair it to a minor extent.

[0071] It has been found that the described advantages can be achieved to a reasonable extent even if the drain runs 180° around the reactor vessel's axis. This provides flexibility in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The more the drain runs around the reactor vessel's axis, the greater the drain length can be. Therefore, the described advantages are achieved even more effectively the more the drain runs around the reactor vessel's axis. Therefore, it is preferred that the drain runs around the reactor vessel's axis by at least 270°, and in particular by at least 360°.

[0072] The described design of the drain makes it particularly easy to reduce the effects of thermal expansion. This is especially true compared to flexible solutions using a flexible hose. The described drain can be designed as a pipe. Accordingly, the drain can easily withstand high pressures, which would not be the case with a hose, for example. The drain is preferably designed to withstand a pressure of at least 100 bar.

[0073] In a further preferred embodiment of the reactor, the at least one discharge line is formed with several straight pipe sections and at least one curved pipe section.

[0074] As previously described, even with such a design, a particularly low impact of thermal expansion can be achieved. A design with several straight pipe sections and at least one curved pipe section also offers the advantage of being particularly easy to manufacture. This is especially true compared to a spiral-shaped pipe section. This can be most easily manufactured in a single bending process. However, this must be carried out with great precision so that the beginning and end of the pipe section have exactly the desired relative arrangement in the finished pipe section.

[0075] The branch of the present embodiment, however, can be manufactured by holding the pipe sections together and connecting them, in particular by welding or flanging them together. This can be carried out as a multi-stage process, through which the branch is obtained step by step. A new adjustment can be made in each step. This allows any inaccuracies in previous steps to be compensated for.

[0076] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the individual pipe sections are standard parts. Such pipe sections are particularly readily available and inexpensive.

[0077] The curved pipe sections can, in particular, have an elbow shape. Such a pipe section has the shape of a ring segment. The curved pipe section is preferably bent by 30 to 180°, in particular by 90°. A pipe section bent by 90° has the shape of a quarter ring. Such pipe sections, in particular, are available as standard parts.

[0078] In a further preferred embodiment, the reactor has a plurality of the discharge lines, wherein only a part of the flow paths runs through each of the discharge lines.

[0079] It was previously described that the reactor comprises at least one outlet line, via which the collector is connected to a respective cooling fluid outlet of the reactor vessel. In the present embodiment, this is the case in that the reactor comprises at least two of these outlet lines. Particularly preferably, exactly two of the outlet lines are provided.

[0080] Only a portion of the flow paths passes through each of the outlets. Therefore, the cooling fluid always passes through exactly one outlet on its way from the collector to one of the cooling fluid outlets, not several outlets in succession.

[0081] The outlets are dimensioned so that specifications regarding the volume flow and flow velocity of the cooling fluid through the outlets can be met. In particular, these specifications can be selected so that the cooling fluid can be circulated in the cooling circuit without a pump. These specifications determine the required line cross-section for all of the outlets together. If at least two outlets are provided, this total line cross-section is distributed across several outlets. A comparatively small line cross-section is therefore sufficient for the individual outlets. This is advantageous because a large line cross-section generally requires a correspondingly thicker wall to achieve the desired pressure resistance. However, a line with a thicker wall is less flexible than one with a thinner wall.By dividing the system into at least two downstream lines, the downstream lines can be particularly flexible, which further helps to compensate for thermal expansion particularly well.

[0082] The outlets are preferably designed symmetrically to each other. This allows for a particularly uniform flow.

[0083] In a further preferred embodiment of the reactor, the at least two discharge lines are curved in the same direction and are connected to the collector offset from one another.

[0084] In this embodiment, the at least two leads are arranged in a particularly space-saving manner.

[0085] In a further preferred embodiment of the reactor, the at least one cooling fluid outlet is arranged at a distance upwards from the collector.

[0086] The fact that the drain runs around an axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180° says nothing about the vertical direction of the drain. The beginning and end of the drain can be at the same height or spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, this is limited to the beginning and end of the drain being spaced apart in the vertical direction. It has been found that this can further reduce the effects of thermal expansion. If the beginning and end of the drain are spaced apart in the vertical direction, a greater length of the drain can be achieved more easily than if the beginning and end of the drain were at the same height.

[0087] In a further preferred embodiment of the reactor, the at least one discharge line leaves a free space around the axis of the reactor vessel.

[0088] The free space makes the plate pack particularly easy to access. The space between the cooling plates makes it particularly easy to fill, empty, or replace the catalyst.

[0089] If the discharge and supply lines are designed as described, the advantages can be achieved equally with both vertical and suspended mounting of the plate pack. It is therefore not necessary to restrict the described reactor to suspended mounting if both the discharge and supply lines are designed as described. As a further aspect of the invention, a reactor is therefore presented which comprises a reactor vessel and which, within the reactor vessel, comprises: a plate pack formed by a plurality of cooling plates through which a cooling fluid can flow, wherein gaps are formed between the cooling plates in which gaps a catalyst is arranged so that a reaction gas can flow through the gaps and come into contact with the catalyst, a distributor connected to the plate pack at an underside of the plate pack, at least one supply line via which the distributor is connected to a respective cooling fluid inlet of the reactor vessel, a collector connected to the plate pack at an upper side of the plate pack, at least one outlet line via which the collector is connected to a respective cooling fluid outlet of the reactor vessel,

[0090] Flow paths for the cooling fluid are formed, each leading from one of the cooling fluid inlets through the corresponding supply line, the distributor, one of the cooling plates, the collector and one of the discharge lines to the corresponding cooling fluid outlet, and wherein the at least one discharge line is curved such that the discharge line revolves around an axis of the reactor vessel by at least 180°, and wherein the at least one supply line is curved such that, when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis of the reactor vessel, in a first section of the supply line, an orientation of the supply line changes by at least 135° along the course of the supply line, and in a second section of the supply line adjoining the first section in the direction of the distributor, an orientation of the supply line changes by at least 45° along the course of the supply line, and wherein the at least one supply line is curved in the first section in the opposite direction to the second section.

[0091] The advantages and features of the previously described reactor are applicable and transferable to the reactor described here, and vice versa. In the reactor described here, the plate pack can be mounted vertically or suspended. Other mounting methods are also conceivable.

[0092] As a further aspect of the invention, a method for producing a reactor designed as described is presented. The method comprises a) Providing the reactor vessel, the plate pack, the distributor, the at least one supply line, the collector and the at least one discharge line, b) Mounting the reactor vessel, the plate pack, the distributor, the at least one supply line, the collector and the at least one discharge line to the reactor, wherein the at least one supply line in step a) is provided by the following sub-step: a1) Producing the at least one supply line by holding several pipe sections together and connecting them together, in particular by welding them together or flanging them together.

[0093] The described advantages and features of the reactor are applicable and transferable to the process, and vice versa. The reactor is preferably manufactured using the described process.

[0094] It is particularly preferred in the method that the at least one supply line is formed with at least one straight pipe section and several curved pipe sections. In this case, standard parts can be used as pipe sections. However, the shape of the pipe sections is not important for the described method.

[0095] In step a1), the supply line can be obtained step by step. This refers in particular to the pipe sections being connected to one another sequentially, in particular by welding or flanges. The holding together can also take place sequentially. In other words, another pipe section is always held against the already manufactured part of the supply line and connected to the already manufactured part of the supply line, in particular by welding or flanges. However, it is also possible to hold several or even all of the pipe sections together and only then weld them together. The order in which the individual welds are formed is not important. The holding together can be done manually or with the help of holding devices. The holding together can be supported by temporarily joining adjacent pipe sections with individual weld points.This can also be called stapling.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the at least one discharge line in step a) is provided by the following sub-step: a2) producing the at least one discharge line by holding several pipe pieces together and connecting them to one another, in particular by welding them together or flanging them together.

[0097] For step a2), what was said for step a1) applies accordingly.

[0098] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The figures show a particularly preferred embodiment, to which the invention is not limited, however. The figures and the proportions depicted therein are merely schematic. They show: Fig. 1: a reactor according to the invention in a lateral sectional view, Fig. 2a to 2d: the collector and the discharge lines of the reactor from Fig. 1 in four different representations, Fig. 3: the distributor and the supply line of the reactor from Fig. 1 .

[0099] Fig. 1 shows a reactor 1 with a reactor vessel 2. Within the reactor vessel 2, the reactor 1 has a suspended plate pack 3. The suspended mounting of the plate pack 3 is indicated by brackets 18 on a top side 6 of the plate pack 3. The plate pack 3 is formed by several cooling plates 4. In Fig. 1 one of the cooling plates 4 can be seen. The other cooling plates 4 are arranged parallel to it within the plane of the drawing. Between the cooling plates 4, gaps are formed in which a catalyst is arranged so that a reaction gas can flow through the gaps and come into contact with the catalyst. The reaction gas can, for example, be introduced into the reactor vessel 2 through an inlet (not shown) below the plate pack 3, flow through the gaps from bottom to top and be let out of the reactor vessel 2 at an outlet (not shown) above the plate pack 3. While the reaction gas flows through the gaps between the cooling plates 4, it can be cooled by the cooling plates. For this purpose, the cooling plates 4 are designed so that a cooling fluid can flow through them.

[0100] To allow the cooling fluid to flow through the cooling plates 4, the reactor 1 has the following elements within the reactor vessel 2: a distributor 7 connected to the plate pack 3 on the underside 5 of the plate pack 3, a supply line 8 via which the distributor 7 is connected to a cooling fluid inlet 11 of the reactor vessel 2, a collector 9 connected to the plate pack 3 on an upper side 6 of the plate pack 3, two outlet lines 10 via which the collector 9 is connected to a respective cooling fluid outlet 12 of the reactor vessel 2.

[0101] This creates flow paths for the cooling fluid, each leading from the cooling fluid inlet 11 via the supply line 8, the distributor 7, one of the cooling plates 4, the collector 9, and one of the discharge lines 10 to the corresponding cooling fluid outlet 12. Only a portion of the flow paths runs through each of the two discharge lines 10. The two cooling fluid outlets 12 are each arranged at a distance above the collector 9.

[0102] The cooling fluid can be conducted through the interior of the reactor vessel 2 via these flow paths from the cooling fluid inlet 11 to one of the two cooling fluid outlets 12. This separates the cooling fluid from the remaining interior of the reactor vessel 2, through which the reaction gas can flow. The cooling fluid therefore does not come into contact with the reaction gas. Only a heat exchange between the cooling fluid and the reaction gas is possible.

[0103] Furthermore, Fig. 1 an axis 13 of the reactor vessel 2 is drawn.

[0104] In Fig. 2a bis 2d the collector 9 and the two outlets 10 of the reactor 1 are shown enlarged. Fig. 2a shows a perspective view. Fig. 2b shows a side view from the same perspective as Fig. 1 . Fig. 2c shows a side view rotated by 90°. Fig. 2d shows a top view.

[0105] It can be recognized by the Fig. 2a bis 2d that the two discharge lines 10 are each curved in such a way that the discharge lines 10 each revolve around the axis 13 of the reactor vessel 2 by 360°. This is particularly evident in the perspective view of the Fig. 2a as well as the top view of the Fig. 2d . At the Fig. 2d Viewed perpendicular to the axis 13 of the reactor vessel 2, an orientation of the respective discharge line 10 changes by approximately 360° in the course of this discharge line 10.

[0106] It can be recognized by the Fig. 2a bis 2d Also, the two branch lines 10 are each formed with several straight pipe sections 14 and several curved pipe sections 15. The two branch lines 10 are curved in the same direction and are connected to the collector 9 offset from one another. The two branch lines 10 can each be manufactured by holding the pipe sections 14, 15 against one another and connecting them to one another, in particular by welding them together or flanging them together.

[0107] Especially the top view of the Fig. 2d It can be seen that the two discharge lines 10 each leave a free space 19 around the axis 13 of the reactor vessel 2.

[0108] Fig. 3 shows a side view of the distributor 7 and the supply line 8 from Fig. 1 . The perspective of Fig. 3 is the same as Fig. 1 . The Fig. 3 The course of the supply line 8 shown corresponds to the course of the supply line 8 when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis 13 of the reactor vessel 2. It can be seen that the supply line 8 is curved in such a way that in a first section 16 of the supply line 8, the orientation of the supply line 8 changes by 180° along the course of the supply line 8, and in a second section 17 of the supply line 8 adjoining the first section 16 in the direction of the distributor 7, the orientation of the supply line 8 changes by 90° along the course of the supply line 8. In the first section 16, the supply line is curved in the opposite direction to the second section 17. The extension of the first section 16 and the second section 17 is each indicated by a dashed line. The supply line 2 is also formed with several straight pipe sections 14 and several curved pipe sections 15.The supply line 8 can be produced by holding the pipe sections 14, 15 together and connecting them, in particular by welding them together or flanging them together. Bezugszeichenliste

[0109] 1Reactor 2Reactor vessel 3Plate pack 4Cooling plate 5Bottom 6Top 7Distributor 8Inlet 9Collector 10Outlet 11Cooling fluid inlet 12Cooling fluid outlet 13Shaft 14Straight pipe section 15Curved pipe section 16First section 17Second section 18Bracket 19Free space

Claims

1. Reactor (1) comprising a reactor vessel (2) and within the reactor vessel (2): - a suspended plate pack (3) formed by a plurality of cooling plates (4) through which a cooling fluid can flow, wherein gaps are formed between the cooling plates (4) in which gaps a catalyst is arranged so that a reaction gas can flow through the gaps and come into contact with the catalyst, - a distributor (7) connected to the plate pack (3) on an underside (5) of the plate pack (3), - at least one supply line (8) via which the distributor (7) is connected to a respective cooling fluid inlet (11) of the reactor vessel (2), - a collector (9) connected to the plate pack (3) on an upper side (6) of the plate pack (3), - at least one discharge line (10) via which the collector (9) is connected to a respective cooling fluid outlet (12) of the reactor vessel (2), wherein flow paths for the cooling fluid are formed are,which each lead from one of the cooling fluid inlets (11) through the corresponding supply line (8), the distributor (7), one of the cooling plates (4), the collector (9), and one of the discharge lines (10) to the corresponding cooling fluid outlet (12), and wherein the at least one supply line (8) is curved such that, when viewed in a projection onto a plane containing the axis (13) of the reactor vessel (2), in a first section (16) of the supply line (8), an orientation of the supply line (8) changes by at least 135° along the course of the supply line (8), and in a second section (17) of the supply line (8) adjoining the first section (16) in the direction of the distributor (7), an orientation of the supply line (8) changes by at least 45° along the course of the supply line (8), and wherein the at least one supply line (8) is curved in the first section (16) in the opposite direction to the second section (17).

2. Reactor (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one supply line (8) is formed with at least one straight pipe section (14) and several curved pipe sections (15).

3. Reactor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has exactly one of the feed lines (8), wherein all flow paths run through the one feed line (8).

4. Reactor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cooling fluid inlet (11) is arranged spaced downwards from the distributor (7).

5. Reactor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one discharge line (10) is curved such that the discharge line (10) revolves around an axis (13) of the reactor vessel (2) by at least 180°.

6. A method for producing a reactor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a) providing the reactor vessel (2), the plate pack (3), the distributor (7), the at least one supply line (8), the collector (9) and the at least one discharge line (10), b) assembling the reactor vessel (2), the plate pack (3), the distributor (7), the at least one supply line (8), the collector (9) and the at least one discharge line (10) to the reactor (1), wherein the at least one supply line (8) is provided in step a) by the following sub-step: a1) producing the at least one supply line (8) by holding a plurality of pipe sections (14, 15) together and connecting them to one another.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the at least one discharge line (10) in step a) is provided by the following sub-step: a2) producing the at least one discharge line (10) by holding a plurality of pipe pieces (14, 15) against one another and connecting them to one another.