Reactor and method for carrying out chemical reactions

Abstract

The invention relates to a reactor (100, 200) for carrying out chemical reactions, comprising a reactor vessel (10) and one or more reaction tubes (20), wherein a plurality of tube sections (21, 22) of the one or more reaction tubes (20) respectively extend between a first region (11) and a second region (12) in the reactor vessel (10), and wherein, for electrically heating the tube sections (21, 22), the tube sections (21, 22) in the first region (11) are respectively electrically connected or electrically connectable to one or more current connections (U, V, W) of a current source (50). It is provided that in the first region (11) of the reactor (100, 200) a current feed device (40) is arranged, one or a group of the tube sections (21, 22) is respectively electrically connected to the current feed device (40), and the current feed device (40) respectively comprises one or more contact channels (42), which one or more contact channels (42) respectively adjoin at least one of the tube sections (21, 22) in the first region (11), wherein the walls of the contact channels (42) are respectively connected to a current feed element (41), which current feed element has a rod-shaped section (43) that penetrates the wall (14) of the reactor vessel (10) at a wall channel (15). A corresponding method is also the subject of the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to reactors and methods for carrying out chemical reactions. Background Technology

[0002] In many processes in the chemical industry, reactors are used, in which one or more reactants pass through heated reaction tubes and undergo catalytic or non-catalytic reactions. Specifically, heating is used to overcome the activation energy required for the chemical reaction to occur. The reaction can proceed endothermally as a whole, or exothermally after the activation energy has been overcome. This invention particularly relates to strongly endothermic reactions.

[0003] Examples of these methods include steam cracking, various reforming methods, particularly steam reforming, dry reforming (carbon dioxide reforming), mixed reforming methods, and alkane dehydrogenation methods. In steam cracking, the reaction tubes are guided through the reactor in the form of coils, which have at least one U-bend within the reactor, while in steam reforming, tubes without U-bends are typically used to pass through the reactor.

[0004] This invention applies to the processes and designs of all such reaction tubes. Articles in Ullmann's *Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry*, "Ethylene," "Gas production," and "Propene," such as DOI: 10.1002 / 14356007.a10_045.pub2 (April 15, 2009), DOI: 10.1002 / 14356007.a12_169.pub2 (December 15, 2006), and DOI: 10.1002 / 14356007.a22_211 (June 15, 2000), are cited herein for illustrative purposes only.

[0005] The reaction tubes of the corresponding reactor are typically heated by a burner. In this case, the reaction tubes pass through the combustion chamber, and the burner is also located within the combustion chamber.

[0006] However, as described in DE102015004121A1 (similar to EP3075704A1), the demand for syngas and hydrogen produced, for example, is increasing, even with or without reduction in local CO2 emissions. However, processes using combustion reactors cannot meet this demand due to the combustion of typical fossil fuel carriers. Other processes are excluded, for example, due to high costs. The same applies to the production of olefins and / or other hydrocarbons via steam cracking or alkane dehydrogenation. In such cases, processes with at least minimal on-site CO2 emissions are also required.

[0007] Against this backdrop, the aforementioned DE102015004121A1 proposes electrically heating the reactor used for steam reforming in addition to combustion. In this case, one or more voltage sources are used to provide a three-phase AC voltage across three external conductors. Each external conductor is connected to the reaction tube. A star circuit is formed, wherein the star point is realized by a collector, to which pipes lead and to which the reaction tube is electrically connected. Thus, the collector is ideally kept at no potential. In the vertical direction, the collector is arranged below and outside the combustion chamber and preferably transverse to the reactor tube or extends horizontally. WO2015 / 197181A1 also discloses a reactor in which the reaction tube is arranged in a star circuit.

[0008] Electric heating of the reactor using direct current or single-phase alternating current is, in principle, conceivable. In this case, a star circuit without potential points cannot be implemented; however, in principle, current feeding can be achieved in a similar manner. This invention applies to both variations of electric heating.

[0009] DE2362628A1 discloses a tube furnace for heat treatment of liquid or gaseous media in a metal tube, which can be heated by resistance heating, wherein the tube to be heated by resistance heating is electrically connected to a current supply line at the end of the section to be heated via an electrical connection.

[0010] US2014 / 0238523A1 relates to an apparatus for a piping system for heating molten salt, comprising at least two pipes along which resistance heating elements extend respectively, wherein at least one end of each resistance heating element is provided with a potential close to ground potential, and the resistance heating elements are remotely connected to a connector of a DC power supply or to one phase of an n-phase AC power supply respectively.

[0011] In particular, it has been found that current feeding into such electrically heated reactors is challenging due to the high current and temperature. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve the corresponding electrically heated reactors for carrying out chemical reactions. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In view of this background, the present invention provides a reactor and method for carrying out chemical reactions. Examples are described below.

[0013] In the at least partially electrically powered furnace concept upon which this invention is based (the term "furnace" is generally understood to refer to the corresponding reactor or at least its adiabatic reaction space), for example, at least one of the reaction tubes or corresponding sections thereof (hereinafter also simply referred to as "tubes") functions itself as a resistor to generate heat. This method offers higher efficiency and a higher achievable heat flux density compared to indirect heating via external electric heating elements. The scope of this invention also includes the possibility of providing a portion of the furnace's total heat output through the combustion of a chemical energy carrier.

[0014] Therefore, if this document refers to electric heating, the existence of other non-electric heating is not excluded. In particular, it can also be specified that the contributions of electric heating and non-electric heating vary over time, for example, depending on the supply and price of electricity or the supply and price of non-electric energy carriers such as natural gas.

[0015] In the case of multiphase alternating current heating, current is fed into the directly heated reaction tubes via M individually connected phases. The conductive reaction tubes connected to the M phases can also advantageously be electrically connected to a star point. The number of phases M is particularly 3, corresponding to the number of phases in a conventional three-phase current source or three-phase current network. However, in principle, the invention is not limited to the use of three phases; more phases can be used, for example, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 phases. The phase offset is particularly 360° / M, i.e., 120° in the case of three-phase alternating current.

[0016] In multiphase alternating current electric heating systems, potential equalization between phases is achieved through a star-shaped circuit at the star point, rendering electrical insulation of the connected pipes redundant. This represents a particular advantage of this furnace concept, as rupture of the metal reaction tubes used for insulating specific sections is undesirable, especially given the high temperatures used and the resulting high material and construction costs.

[0017] However, the measures proposed according to the invention and explained below are applicable in the same manner to the use of direct current (DC), and the invention can be used in reactors with both AC and DC heating, or in corresponding mixed configurations. In the DC arrangement, only the type of current source and the corresponding reaction tube region or energized section opposite the current feed differ from the AC arrangement. In the latter, electrical connections between different tube sections are only optionally performed. Since there are no potential-free points in the DC arrangement, suitable current discharge elements should be provided to safely guide the current back to the outside. The same principle applies to single-phase AC, which can also be used.

[0018] The present invention relates to a reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction, the reactor comprising a reactor vessel (i.e., a thermally insulated or at least partially insulated region) and one or more reaction tubes, wherein multiple segments of the one or more reaction tubes extend between a first region and a second region within the reactor vessel and through an intermediate region between the first and second regions, and wherein, for electrical heating of the tube segments, the tube segments in the first region are electrically connected or capable of being electrically connected to one or more current connectors, and in the case of a DC power arrangement, are electrically connected or capable of being electrically connected to one or more DC power connectors, and in the case of a single-phase or multi-phase AC power arrangement, are electrically connected or capable of being electrically connected to one or more interconnecting connectors (“external conductors”) of an AC source, as detailed below.

[0019] Specifically, the first region may be located at the first end of the straight pipe section, and the second region may be located at the second end opposite to the first end. Specifically, the first region may be located in the upper region of the reactor, and the second region may be located in the lower region of the reactor, or vice versa. In other words, specifically, the first and second regions are located at opposite ends of the reactor vessel or its interior, wherein the interior of the reactor vessel between the first and second regions specifically corresponds to the intermediate region. For example, the first region may represent or include 5%, 10%, or 20% of the interior of one end of the reactor vessel, while the second region represents or includes 5%, 10%, or 20% of the interior of the other opposite end of the reactor vessel. Particularly during reactor operation, the first region is arranged at the bottom and the second region is arranged at the top.

[0020] As described above, in a multiphase AC power arrangement, in each case, AC voltage is supplied via a connector, and the AC voltage at the connector is phase-shifted in the manner described above. Within the scope of the invention, for example, a power supply network or a suitable generator and / or transformer can be used as a multiphase AC power source. In such an arrangement, the pipe segments are specifically formed in a star circuit, wherein they are electrically coupled to each other at their respective ends opposite the current feed (i.e., in the second region).

[0021] However, in the case of a DC power supply arrangement, the same or different static potentials are fed in through a DC connector, and specifically, in each case, a current extraction element or a current discharge element is located at the end opposite the current feed. The terms "feed" and "extract" can refer to the physical or technical direction of the current. Single-phase AC power supplies are used in a similar manner.

[0022] In the intermediate region, the pipe sections pass through the reactor vessel particularly freely, i.e., without mechanical support, electrical contact, and / or fluid or purely mechanical cross-connections to each other. They extend in a generally or completely straight line in the intermediate region, where "generally straight" should be understood to mean an angular deviation of less than 10° or 5°.

[0023] In particular, the pyrolysis reaction in steam cracking is a strongly endothermic reaction. In order to provide the necessary energy for the reaction through direct heating (ohmic resistance), a high current intensity is required, which, in the aforementioned reactor concept, is provided by one or more transformers placed outside the reactor.

[0024] The current must be conducted from the outside of the thermally insulated reactor to the inside with minimal loss (low resistance), and then to the process-carrying region. In the latter, the endothermic reaction, together with the rapidly flowing process medium inside the tubes (high heat transfer), results in very efficient cooling of the reactor tubes or a very high heat flux density inside the tubes. Thus, the required direct heat transfer from at least partially electrically heated tube material to the process gas is achieved in the process-carrying tubes.

[0025] A specific problem involves the low-loss supply of high current to the process tubes. If current is to be supplied into the tubes within the reactor, this supply must be made through a conductor that cannot be cooled by direct convective heat transfer to the cooler process gas, as described below. In this case, unacceptable temperature increases cannot be tolerated in areas of lower cooling efficiency. Furthermore, the sharp temperature rise of up to 900K (the maximum temperature difference between the environment and the reactor) over short distances (partially less than 1 meter) must also be overcome by this supply.

[0026] To reduce heat loss and thus achieve higher system efficiency, the electrically heated reaction tubes must be placed inside an insulated box (referred to here as the reactor vessel). When passing through the insulated walls of the reactor vessel, the current conductors must overcome quasi-insulated zones where unacceptably high local temperatures do not occur.

[0027] According to the invention, in order to achieve this objective in the first region of the reactor, i.e., the region of current feeding, a current feeding device is provided, wherein a pipe segment or a group of pipe segments is electrically connected to each of the current feeding devices. The number of pipe segments is configured such that one or a group of pipe segments can each be connected to one of the current feeding devices, and vice versa. In the case of an AC power arrangement, the number of current feeding devices is based on the number of connections of the multiphase AC power supply, or the number of current feeding devices corresponds to the number of DC connections. When using an AC power arrangement, it can be the same as the number of connections, or it can be an integer multiple thereof. In the latter case, for example, two of the current feeding devices can be respectively connected to one of the connections of the AC power supply.

[0028] The current feeding device includes one or more contact channels, each contact channel adjacent to at least one pipe segment in the first region and passing through the current feeding device. As described in more detail below, the one or more contact channels in the current feeding device may pass through the current feeding device in a straight line or in the form of a U-bend. Specifically, they form wall-reinforced bends. In particular, the reaction pipe without a U-bend is a wall-reinforced sleeve.

[0029] Within the scope of this invention, one or more contact channels in the current feeding device can be formed in one or more components, which are attached and firmly bonded to the tube segment in a material-determined, high-temperature-resistant manner, either as segments or continuous segments of the reaction tube. In all embodiments, a design with as few components as possible is generally found to be advantageous, as explained below.

[0030] In the former case, the pipe segment extending between the first and second regions in the reactor can be welded to a prefabricated component (with one or more contact channels extending therein), or corresponding additional components can be cast onto the pipe segment extending between the first and second regions in the reactor. In the latter case, a continuous pipe can be provided, extending on one hand between the first and second regions in the reactor and on the other hand forming contact channels in the corresponding current feeding device, and additional components of the current feeding device can be provided by casting, recasting, or welding.

[0031] It should be understood that the fact mentioned above and below is that the current feeding device includes one or more contact channels “adjacent to at least one pipe segment in the first region respectively”, which means that the contact channels in the current feeding device form a continuous channel for process fluid to pass through the pipe segment with the corresponding pipe segment between the first region and the second region.

[0032] Specifically, the interiors of the pipe segments between the first and second regions are continuous within the corresponding contact channels, particularly without significant narrowing or widening, where "significant" narrowing or widening is intended to mean a narrowing or widening exceeding 10% of the cross-sectional area. The term "contact channel" is used to indicate an area in which a conductive connection to a current connector is present via a metal component, even in certain embodiments of the invention, where the "contact channel" is a continuous continuation of a pipe segment within the first region.

[0033] "A strong, high-temperature-resistant connection" refers to a connection method in which two or more metal parts are securely connected to each other, and this connection is permanent at temperatures between 500°C and 1500°C, particularly 600°C to 1200°C or 800°C to 1000°C, meaning it will not detach at these temperatures during normal operation. High-temperature-resistant, strong-bonded connections can be particularly formed as metal-to-metal connections, designed so that no non-metallic material remains between the connected parts. Specifically, such connections can be manufactured by welding, casting, or recasting. It can also be a connection where no structural differences are observed at the transition between the connected parts, especially a connection without additional metal for the connection.

[0034] According to the invention, the walls of the contact channels of each current feeding device are respectively connected to current feeding elements having at least one rod-shaped segment extending through the wall of the reactor vessel at the wall channel. The "wall" of the reactor vessel may also be the intermediate wall of the separate space in which the rod-shaped segment is contacted, and this separate space is defined by one or more additional walls. In particular, in contrast to strands or the like, the rod-shaped segment is a single piece made of a conductive material such as metal (i.e., particularly not in the form of parallel or wound wires). It may be formed as a solid or at least partially tubular, i.e., a hollow rod. The rod-shaped segment has a longitudinal extension perpendicular to the wall of the reactor vessel, which is at least twice, particularly at least three, four, or five times, and for example, up to ten times, the maximum lateral extension parallel to the wall of the reactor vessel. The cross-section of the rod-shaped segment may be formed as, for example, circular, elliptical, triangular, or polygonal, or may have any other shape.

[0035] The current feeding element of the current feeding device can be directly attached to the wall of the contact channel by its rod-shaped section, or it can be integrally integrated into the contact channel through monolithic manufacturing. Alternatively, one or more intermediate elements can be provided, which then form part of the current feeding element.

[0036] According to the invention, the introduction of current into the reaction tube or its segment to be heated is carried out via a rod-shaped section, preferably connected to the process carrier tube in a direction perpendicular to the local process gas flow, i.e., particularly at the apex of a U-bend or perpendicular to the tube's orientation in the case of a non-bend. Here, in particular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the free conductor decreases overall from the outside to the reaction zone, which can exist within the rod-shaped section having a uniform material composition. This involves the rod-shaped section and the transition region to the reaction tube or contact channel, which preferably has an increased wall thickness compared to the reaction tube further away from the power supply.

[0037] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention includes the following: for any two cross-sectional regions S1, S2 representing the insulating surface through which the current-feeding element passes, the root-mean-square (rms) value of the potential Vrms, i through them is constant and arranged at different distances from the AC voltage source (i.e., particularly the transformer), the root-mean-square potential Vrms, 1 of the cross-sectional region S1 closer to the transformer is always higher than the root-mean-square potential Vrms, 2 of the cross-sectional region S2 farther from the transformer, such that Vrms, 1 > Vrms, 2. The terms "closer" and "farther" here refer to a shorter or longer flow path of the current from the current source to the corresponding cross-sectional region. The use of the rms value for the potential refers to the reactor operating under AC power. In the case of DC operation, the described relationship applies to the arithmetic mean of the potential.

[0038] The entire current feed (i.e., the entire feed element having a contact channel) is further advantageously designed such that for two arbitrary cross-sectional regions S1 and S2, which are at different distances from the current source and where Vrms, 1 > Vrms, 2, the quotient A2 / A1 of the surface area A2 of the cross-sectional region S2 farther from the current source and the surface area A1 of the cross-sectional region S1 closer to the current source is as high as 0.5, particularly as high as 0.9, as high as 1, as high as 1.1, or as high as 2. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the quotient A2 / A1 of the surface areas of any such pair of regions reaches as high as 1.

[0039] For example, due to manufacturing reasons, deviations from this preferred embodiment may occur, allowing for locally acceptable, even small, increases in cross-section. However, for two cross-sectional areas S1* and S2* with global extrema A1*=Amax and A2*=Amin, respectively, this relationship advantageously always Vrms, 1*>Vrms, 2*, meaning the region with the largest cross-section is closer to the current source than the region with the smallest cross-section.

[0040] According to the explained method, an optimal continuous increase in material temperature can be ensured, wherein, particularly preferably, the maximum value is reached only in the reaction zone. According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, as a specification regarding temperature distribution, it can be specified that, similar to area distribution, for two arbitrary cross-sectional regions S1 and S2 at different distances from the current source and where Vrms, 1 > Vrms, 2, the temperature difference T1-T2 between the temperature T1 of the cross-sectional region S1 closer to the current source and the temperature T2 of the cross-sectional region S2 farther from the current source reaches -100K, particularly -10K, -1K, 0K, 1K, 10K, or 100K. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the temperature difference T1-T2 of all these paired regions is less than 0K.

[0041] Among other things, this specification includes the condition that, throughout the entire region of current feeding, a maximum local temperature increase of -100K, -10K, -1K, 0K, 1K, 10K, or 100K occurs with respect to the highest material temperature occurring in adjacent pipe sections.

[0042] The current feeding element has a global extremum of surface area A1*=A max And A2*=A mi The temperature difference T1*-T2* between the cross-sectional regions S1* and S2* of n is further advantageously -500K, -200K, -100K, 0K, or 100K, that is, the region with the largest cross-section according to this embodiment of the invention must be located closer to the transformer and is preferably colder or at most slightly warmer than the region with the smallest cross-section.

[0043] From the current source to the tube segment, the current feeding element is advantageously initially formed as a solid material rod and leads to a contact channel closer to the tube segment, which can in particular be formed as a thick-walled bend or sheath, down to the relatively thin-walled reactor tube or tube segment to be heated.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the cross-section of the free conductor advantageously decreases primarily continuously or monotonically. Since the same or similar materials are provided in this embodiment, the resistance depends only on the available conductor area, and thus the amount of specific energy released also increases steadily in this manner. Because only the heat absorbed by the process gas can be effectively utilized in the reaction tube, this results in the maximum possible utilization of the provided energy.

[0045] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the precise orientation of the conductor cross-section is also adapted to local temperature and heat transfer conditions. For example, in the region of the quasi-insulated wall channel through the reactor vessel wall (where significant heat dissipation through the insulated reactor wall is not possible), a large cross-section is preferably used to minimize local heat dissipation in these regions, thereby limiting the increase in local temperature upwards. In other words, the rod-shaped section of the current-feeding element advantageously has a larger cross-sectional area in the region of the wall channel than in at least one remaining region. Since the rod-shaped section is movably guided in the wall channel as described below, the region of the rod-shaped section “in the region of the wall channel” should be understood to refer to at least one such region located in the wall channel at the point of maximum thermal expansion of the tube section.

[0046] As will be explained below, to avoid contact resistance, at least the rod-shaped section, the current-feeding element, and the contact section are particularly preferably made of a single, integral assembly, for example, a vertically cast assembly. In the case of a multi-part structure, this is also possible, by means of a suitable connection method (e.g., friction welding), advantageously ensuring that the stated specifications related to conductor cross-section and maximum local temperature increase are maintained even in the joint connection area.

[0047] Particularly advantageous is that each current-feeding element has a free conductor cross-section located between the point closest to the wall channel of the respective current-feeding element and one or more contact channels, and which is electrically contacted by the respective current-feeding element, and is not less than 10 square centimeters, advantageously not less than 30 square centimeters, and particularly not less than 50 square centimeters. By using a correspondingly large conductor cross-section, particularly good current transmission with no resistance loss can be ensured.

[0048] Here, the free conductor cross-section is intended to represent the proportion of the cross-section of a conductor formed to conduct current. For example, in the case of a tubular conductor or a conductor with grooves or cavities, the area inside the tube or the grooves or cavities is not counted as a free conductor cross-section. Conversely, in the case of a solid conductor made of conductive material, the cross-section corresponds to both the conductor cross-section and the free conductor cross-section.

[0049] Advantageously, the rod-shaped segments of the current feeding elements are guided longitudinally through the reactor vessel wall in their respective wall channels. This freedom of movement is particularly advantageous for the mechanical behavior of the reaction tube, which is primarily governed by a few decimeters of thermal expansion during reactor operation. Due to this freedom of movement, the bending loads that would occur on the reaction tube under rigid fastening are reduced. On the other hand, as described below, the reaction tube can be fastened to a rigid star bridge on top of the reactor in a second region, thus providing stable suspension even when the rod-shaped segments of the current feeding elements have corresponding longitudinal mobility. Due to their advantageously large conductor cross-sectional dimensions, the rod-shaped segments of the current feeding elements ensure safe lateral guidance of the reaction tube.

[0050] Because the reaction in the reactor according to the invention requires high temperatures, the electrical connections in the first region must be achieved within a high-temperature range, for example, approximately 900°C for steam cracking. This is possible by selecting suitable materials and their appropriate dimensions according to the measures proposed in the invention. Simultaneously, the connection requires high conductivity and high mechanical stability and reliability at high temperatures. Failure of the electrical connection leads to asymmetrical potentials at the star point, and thus to unwanted current flow in the system components, resulting in a momentary safe shutdown of the system. The present invention provides an advantage over the prior art by avoiding this situation.

[0051] Compared to theoretically equally possible external contacts that require leading the reaction tubes outside the reactor vessel, the contact of the tube segments within the reactor vessel provided according to the invention has the advantage of a clearly defined electrothermal input zone, because in this case, it is not necessary to guide the electrically heated tube segments from the hotter interior to the cooler exterior. Due to the contact according to the invention, and because the tube segments are entirely arranged within the reactor vessel, highly uniform external thermal boundary conditions can be achieved with respect to the space of the electrically heated tube segments. This results in process engineering advantages, for example, avoiding the anticipated excessive coking in heated and externally insulated channels.

[0052] Outside the reactor vessel, the rod-shaped section of the current-feeding element can be electrically connected to the transformer system, for example, via connecting elements such as busbars and connecting strips. The connecting strips and busbars can be made of different materials. Because of the lower temperature outside the reactor vessel, these connecting elements can be specifically configured to be flexible. In particular, the switchgear can be installed on the primary side of the transformer system, where the voltage is higher and the current is lower.

[0053] Within the scope of this invention, the current feeding elements, contact channels, and tube segments can be formed of the same material, or of materials whose conductivity (in the sense of material constants, as is customary in the art) differs from each other by no more than 50%, 30%, 10%, or advantageously, the same material. For example, the aforementioned components can also be formed of steel of the same type. Using the same or closely related materials facilitates casting or welding.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the current feeding element, contact channel, and pipe section are made of or formed of a heat-resistant chromium-nickel steel alloy, which has high oxidation resistance or high scale resistance and high carburization resistance.

[0055] For example, it can be an ferrous material containing 0.1 to 0.5% by weight of carbon, 20 to 50% by weight of chromium, 20 to 80% by weight of nickel, 0 to 2% by weight of niobium, 0 to 3% by weight of silicon, 0 to 5% by weight of tungsten, and 0 to 1% by weight of other components, wherein these components complement each other to form the non-ferrous portion.

[0056] For example, materials with standard names according to DIN EN 10027 Part 1 "Materials" such as GX40CrNiSi25-20, GX40NiCrSiNb35-25, GX45NiCrSiNbTi35-25, GX35CrNiSiNb24-24, GX45NiCrSi35-25, GX43NiCrWSi35-25-4, GX10NiCrNb32-20, GX50CrNiSi30-30, G-NiCr28W, G-NiCrCoW, GX45NiCrSiNb45-35, GX13NiCrNb45-35, GX13NiCrNb37-25, or GX55NiCrWZr33-30-04 can be used. These have proven to be particularly suitable for high-temperature applications.

[0057] In all the above cases, the connecting elements and pipe sections can be formed from the same material, or from materials whose electrical conductivity (in the sense of material constants, as is customary in the field) differs by no more than 50%, 30%, or 10%, or advantageously, from the same material. For example, the connecting elements and pipe sections can also be formed from steel of the same type. Using the same or closely related materials can facilitate the integral design of the connecting elements and the integral design of the pipe sections, for example, through casting or welding.

[0058] In the second region, when heated by multiphase alternating current, all tube sections within the reactor vessel can be electrically connected to each other via rigid connecting elements (“star bridges”), or such connections can be made in groups of multiple rigid connecting elements.

[0059] In this case, i.e., under multiphase alternating current heating, conductive connections are performed such that, as explained, at least extensive potential equalization is achieved in the connected phases in the first region. Specifically, one or more connecting elements engage the connected pipe sections in a non-fluid collection and non-fluid distribution manner, distinctly different from collectors known in the prior art and arranged outside the reactor. The potential equalization within the reactor vessel proposed in the embodiments of the invention just explained has the advantage of almost no potential or significantly reduced current return via the neutral conductor. The result is minimal current loss via the head connector to other parts of the process system and a high level of shock protection. In this respect, the advantage of spatially highly uniform external thermal boundary conditions also applies, contrasting with the need to guide the reaction pipes outside the reactor vessel through the reactor vessel walls for potential equalization, a process-related advantage already explained above.

[0060] The corresponding implementation of the star circuit, combined with the current feeding via the longitudinally guided current feeding element, creates a design that enables efficient energization while maintaining a stable and secure fit that can withstand stresses primarily caused by high thermal expansion.

[0061] This also applies to heating possible according to the invention via direct current or single-phase alternating current, where, in this case, there are no stars in the reactor, as described. However, a rigid device can also be provided at the end opposite the current feed, since the reaction tube can expand substantially freely due to the current feed element provided according to the invention without generating stress. Therefore, a rigid device can be provided at the end of the reaction tube opposite the current feed, but if desired, an element corresponding to the current feed element according to the invention can also be provided. However, in any case, a movable device can be omitted.

[0062] The invention will now be described with reference to reaction tubes and reactors used for steam cracking. However, as will be discussed later, the invention can also be used in other types of reactors. Generally, as described above, the reactor proposed according to the invention can be used for any endothermic chemical reaction.

[0063] Typical reaction tubes used for steam cracking usually have at least one U-bend. For example, these can be so-called 2-channel coils. They have two sections within the reactor vessel that connect to each other via (exactly) a U-bend, thus essentially having a (slender) U-shape. The sections entering and exiting the reactor vessel, particularly those that pass seamlessly or in a manner that eliminates the flow-related transition to the heated section, are referred to herein (also with reference to the reaction tubes described below) as the “feed section” and the “extraction section.” Multiple such reaction tubes are always present.

[0064] Therefore, in this embodiment, in each case, the reactor can be designed such that the tubing section comprises two sections of a plurality of reaction tubes, the plurality of reaction tubes being arranged at least partially side-by-side in the reactor vessel, and in each case, the two sections of the plurality of reaction tubes entering each other via a U-bend in a first region. Specifically, as described above, in each case, one of the two sections in the second region is connected to the feed section, and the other of the two sections in the second region is connected to the extraction section.

[0065] In this case, one or more contact channels in the current feeding device may include or represent U-bends. Since there are multiple reaction tubes with U-bends, multiple U-bends can also be provided in each of the corresponding current feeding devices if a corresponding number of U-bends exist, and in this way they can be connected to the current connector. This improves mechanical fastening and reduces the number of components. However, alternatively, for example, to ensure the individual longitudinal movement of current feeding elements whose thermal expansion may differ, a current feeding device can be provided separately for each U-bend, even when multiple U-bends are energized via a single current connector.

[0066] The embodiments of the invention just explained can also be applied to the use of a reaction tube having two feed sections and one extraction section. With such a reaction tube, the two feed sections are each connected to a separate tube segment. The extraction section is also connected to a separate tube segment. In a typical Y-shaped connection region, the tube segment connected to the feed section leads into the tube segment connected to the extraction section. Both the tube segment connected to the feed section and the tube segment connected to the extraction section can have one or more U-bends, or none at all.

[0067] For example, you can use such as Figure 7C The reaction tube shown is shown. The section connected to the feed section does not have a U-shaped bend, while the section connected to the extraction section does.

[0068] However, it is also possible to use, such as Figure 7B The reaction tube shown is as follows. The tube sections connected to the feed section each have a U-shaped bend, and the tube section connected to the extraction section has two U-shaped bends.

[0069] Even using Figure 7A The reaction tube shown is also possible. The tube segment connected to the feed section each has three U-shaped bends, and the tube segment connected to the extraction section has two U-shaped bends.

[0070] However, in addition to the embodiments described above with reference to the 2-channel coil, embodiments suitable for use with so-called 4-channel coils can also be used. These have four basic straight pipe sections. However, arrangements with a larger even number of straight pipe sections are also possible.

[0071] More generally, the reactor of the corresponding design includes one or more reaction tubes, each reaction tube having an even number of four or more tube segments connected in series by multiple U-bends, the number of U-bends being one less than the number of tube segments connected in series by U-bends, and wherein the U-bends are alternately arranged in a first region and a second region, starting from the first U-bend in the first region.

[0072] "U-bend" here is understood in particular to refer to a pipe segment or assembly that includes a partially circular or partially elliptical pipe bend, especially a semi-circular or semi-elliptical pipe bend. The cut surfaces at the beginning and end are adjacent to each other, especially on a single plane.

[0073] Each of the U-shaped bends, provided it is located in the first region within the reactor vessel and is correspondingly energized, can be designed as a contact channel in the current feeding device according to the invention, or represent a portion of such a contact channel.

[0074] As mentioned earlier, the corresponding reactor can be specifically designed as a reactor for steam cracking, that is, specifically designed by selecting the appropriate heat-resistant materials and the geometry of the reaction tube.

[0075] Reactor tubes typically used for steam reforming generally do not have U-bends within the reactor vessel. In this case, the tube segments may each comprise a segment consisting of multiple reaction tubes, wherein the tube segments within the reactor vessel are arranged in a fluid-disconnected manner and are at least partially arranged side-by-side, and are respectively connected to a feed section of the fluid in a first region and an extraction section of the fluid in a second region. Specifically, the feed and extraction sections extend in the same direction as the tube segments, or do not cause the fluid flow to deflect more than 15° relative to the fluid flow in the tube segments to which they are connected. Specifically, the feed and extraction sections are similarly integrally formed with these sections, i.e., specifically formed in the form of identical tubes. In particular, the reaction tubes may also be equipped with a suitable catalyst for steam reforming.

[0076] In this embodiment, the contact channel in the current feeding device according to the invention represents a straight pipe section or channel. Here, the current feeding element can be connected to the reaction tube in the second region in a sleeve-like manner.

[0077] In all cases, by forming the current feeding element and contact channel from as few individual components as possible, and optionally also forming pipe segments, the number of metal-to-metal connections (e.g., fusion or welding connections) can be reduced or even eliminated entirely. Therefore, mechanical stability and reliability can be improved. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the current feeding element and contact channel can be implemented as individual castings, or, as described above, components of the process carrier tube can be recast and / or components of the process carrier tube can be formed as integral parts of the respective castings.

[0078] Metal-to-metal connections or metal transitions (which can be reduced within the scope of this invention) can cause localized changes in resistance, thus leading to hot spots. These hot spots, in turn, can result in shortened lifespan due to localized temperature increases, or mechanical stress peaks due to steep localized temperature gradients. This is avoided within the scope of this invention.

[0079] The integrated design of as many components as possible provides mechanical stability, reliability, and a reduction in the number of individual components. High mechanical stability is desirable because, as previously mentioned, failure could lead to a safety hazard. Through the embodiments described in this invention, the principle of heating a reaction tube with multiphase AC resistance in a star circuit is technically feasible in high-temperature ranges, particularly at temperatures exceeding 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, or 800°C.

[0080] The present invention also relates to a method for carrying out a chemical reaction using a reactor having a reactor vessel and one or more reaction tubes, wherein, in each case, multiple tube segments of the one or more reaction tubes extend between a first region and a second region in the reactor vessel, and wherein the first region for heating the tube segments is electrically connected to one or more current connectors of a current source.

[0081] According to the invention, a reactor is used, the reactor having a current feeding device in a first region, one or more pipe segments being electrically connected to the current feeding device, wherein the current feeding device includes one or more contact channels, the one or more contact channels being adjacent to at least one of the pipe segments in the first region, and wherein the walls of the contact channels are respectively connected to a current feeding element having at least one rod-shaped segment, the at least one rod-shaped segment extending through the wall of the reactor vessel at the wall channel.

[0082] For further features and advantages of the corresponding method in which a reactor according to one of the embodiments of the invention explained above is used advantageously, refer to the above explanation. Attached Figure Description

[0083] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein embodiments of the present invention are described by referring to and comparing with the prior art.

[0084] Figure 1 A reactor for performing a chemical reaction is shown schematically, but is not an embodiment of the invention.

[0085] Figure 2 A reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0086] Figure 3 A reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction according to another embodiment of the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0087] Figure 4 A reactor with a current feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0088] Figures 5A to 5CThe reaction tubes and their corresponding arrangement used in a reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0089] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The reaction tubes and their corresponding arrangement used in a reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0090] Figures 7A to 7C An additional reaction tube used in a reactor according to an embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0091] Figure 8 The values ​​of thermal and electrical parameters in a current feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0092] Figure 9 A reactor with a current feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0093] In the following figures, functionally or structurally corresponding elements are indicated by the same reference numerals and will not be explained again for clarity. If the components of the device are explained below, the corresponding explanation will also relate to the method performed therein, and vice versa. The description of the figures repeatedly relates to alternating current heating. However, as stated above, the invention is equally applicable to the use of direct current heating. Reference is made herein to the above explanation.

[0094] Figure 1 A reactor for performing a chemical reaction is shown schematically, but is not an embodiment of the invention.

[0095] The reactor designated here as 300 is configured for carrying out chemical reactions. Specifically, for this purpose, it has an insulated reactor vessel 10 and reaction tubes 20, wherein numerous sections of the reaction tubes 20 (represented here by 21 for two examples only) extend between a first region 11' and a second region 12' within the reactor vessel 10, respectively. Reference will be made below. Figure 2 The reaction tube 20, described in more detail, is connected to the top or supporting structure of the reactor vessel via a suitable suspension 13. In the lower region, the reactor vessel may, in particular, have a furnace (not shown). It goes without saying that multiple reaction tubes may be provided here and in each subsequent case.

[0096] Figure 2 A reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, generally indicated by 100.

[0097] The areas previously designated by 11' and 12' are here taken as areas 11 and 12, wherein the pipe segment 21 in the first area 11 for heating pipe segment 21 can be electrically connected to the phase connection connector (U, V, W) of the multiphase AC power supply 50, switch, etc., and the specific connection type is not shown.

[0098] In the embodiment of the invention shown herein, the pipe segments 21 are electrically connected to each other in a second region 12 by a connecting element 30 integrally connected to one or more reaction pipes 20 and arranged within the reactor vessel 10. A neutral conductor may also be connected thereto.

[0099] In the reactor 100 shown herein, multiple segments 21 of the reaction tube 20 (although multiple such reaction tubes 20 may be provided) are arranged side by side in the reactor vessel 10. The segments 21 connect to each other via U-shaped bends 23 (partially specified) and are connected to the feed section 24 and the extraction section 25.

[0100] The first set of U-shaped bends 23 (at the bottom of the figure) are arranged side by side in the first region 11, and the second set of U-shaped bends 23 (at the top of the figure) are arranged side by side in the second region 12. The second set of U-shaped bends 23 are formed in the connecting element 30, and the pipe segment 21 extends from the connecting element 30 in the second region 12 to the first region 11.

[0101] Within the scope of this invention, the use of connecting element 30 is optional but advantageous. However, the embodiments of the invention explained below specifically relate to embodiments of a means for feeding current in the first region 11. This is achieved by using a current feeding element 41, which is shown here in a highly simplified manner, and only one of them is indicated.

[0102] Figure 3 A reactor for carrying out a chemical reaction according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown, generally indicated by 200.

[0103] In reactor 200, each pipe segment—referred to herein by comparison as 22—comprising a plurality of reaction tubes 20, wherein the pipe segments 22 are arranged side-by-side in a fluid-disconnected manner within reactor vessel 10 and are respectively connected to feed section 24 and extract section 25. For the remaining elements, refer specifically to the above explanation relating to the foregoing figures.

[0104] Accordingly, within the scope of the invention, the use of connecting element 30 is optional but advantageous. Current feeding element 41 is also shown here in a highly simplified manner. Current feeding element 41 may have a sleeve-shaped region 49 placed within a first region 11, surrounding the reaction tube 20 or tube segment.

[0105] Figure 4 It shows, for example, according to Figure 2 A detailed illustration of the first region 11 of the reactor 100, wherein a current feeding device 40 and a reaction tube 20 connected thereto are arranged in the first region 11, wherein tube segments 21 are shown in cut-off portions and converge with each other via a U-shaped bend 23.

[0106] Here, a U-shaped bend 23 is formed in a contact channel 42 with a reinforced wall that abuts two pipe segments 21 in the first region 11. The wall of the contact channel 42, and thus the wall of the U-shaped bend 23, connects to the previously mentioned current feeding element, which is generally represented by 41, as shown here between the dashed lines. This current feeding element 41 has rod-shaped segments 43 that pass through the wall 14 of the reactor vessel 10 at the wall channel 15. Here, the wall channel 15 is shown with an exaggerated width. The rod-shaped segments are longitudinally movable within the wall channel 15 and are, for example, lined with a suitable insulating material 16.

[0107] Optionally, but not essential to the present invention, the bellows device 44 may be disposed on the outside of the wall 14 of the reactor vessel 10 to ensure that the reactor vessel 10 is airtight to the environment and is not affected by the longitudinal movement of the rod section 43.

[0108] In the example shown, an additional rod-shaped section 45 is adjacent to rod-shaped section 43, and the temperature of this rod-shaped section 45 gradually decreases with increasing distance from the reactor vessel 10. This additional rod-shaped section is incorporated into a current feed pin 46, for example, two busbars or strands are connected to this pin 46 to connect to the phase U, V, W or corresponding current connector of a DC power supply or a single-phase AC power supply.

[0109] In the cracking furnace, in addition to the previously... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In addition to the reaction tube 20 shown (i.e., commonly referred to as a 6-channel coil, comprising six straight tube sections 21 having two 180° bends, i.e., U-bends 23, above or within the second region 12, and three 180° bends, i.e., U-bends 23, below or within the first region 11 (the latter having a corresponding current feeding device)), variations with fewer channels can also be used. For example, a so-called 2-channel coil has only two straight tube sections 21 and one 180° bend or U-bend 23. When applied to electric heating, this variant can be considered a 6-channel pyrolysis furnace ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and reformer ( Figure 3 The reaction tube does not contain the U-shaped bend 23) combination.

[0110] In each case, current can be fed at a point at the lower (or only) U-bend of each reactor 21. The M reactors can be electrically coupled to each other with a phase offset of 360° / M and a common connection element 30. In the first embodiment, a particularly large connection element 30 can be used for each coil package or for all reactors 20 considered in each case. However, in the second embodiment, two smaller connection elements 30 can also be used.

[0111] Figure 5B The first scheme just described is shown in the figure. Figure 5C The cross-sectional view of the pipe section 21 illustrates the second scheme just described, in which... Figure 5A The corresponding reaction tube 20 shown is perpendicular to Figure 5B and Figure 5C The view shown is within the view in the image. For the labeling of the corresponding components, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 It goes without saying that, via the current feeding device 40 (shown here in a highly simplified manner), one or more connecting elements 30 are disposed in different planes corresponding to the first region 11 and the second region 12 of the reactor. The connecting elements 30 have, on the one hand, U-shaped bends 23 that may be disposed there, and on the other hand, other U-shaped bends 23 that connect to phases U, V, and W. It should be emphasized again that the presence and arrangement of the connecting elements 30 within the scope of this invention are purely optional or arbitrary.

[0112] This concept can also be applied accordingly to coils or reaction tubes 20 with four channels or segments 21 (so-called four-channel coils), in which case there are one, two, or four star bridges or connecting elements 30. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The corresponding example is shown in the figure. Figure 6B Four connecting elements 3 are shown. For better illustration, the U-shaped bend 23 is shown here with dashed lines (U-shaped bend in the second region 12 of the reactor) and solid lines (U-shaped bend in the first region 11). For clarity, only partial reference numerals are provided for the elements.

[0113] refer to Figures 7A to 7C , Figures 7A to 7C Additional reaction tubes used in the reactor according to an embodiment of the invention are shown. Reaction tubes and sections are provided with reference numerals only in certain cases. Feed sections and extraction sections can be inferred from the flow arrows shown. The current feeding device 40 may appear in particular multiple times and may be formed in the manner described above, indicated by dashed lines in a highly simplified manner.

[0114] Figure 8The figures illustrate the values ​​of thermal and electrical parameters in the current feeding device 40 according to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein the horizontal axis shows the root mean square potential (rms) values ​​on designated elements 46 (current feeding pin), 46 and 45 (rod elements), 42 (contact channel), and 21 and 22 (tube segments), and the vertical axis shows the average temperature of the cross-section or insulating surface and the corresponding surface area. Figure 101 (solid line) shows the average temperature of the cross-sectional area, and Figure 102 (dashed line) shows the surface area.

[0115] As can be seen, the average temperature 101 rises and exhibits a jump in the intermediate region between contact channel 42 and pipe segments 21 and 22, particularly due to the rapid reduction in cross-section. As shown in dashed or dotted areas 101a and 102a, a defined localized temperature increase and cross-sectional extension can exist in the region of wall channel 15.

[0116] Figure 9 A detailed illustration of the first region 11 of reactor 200 is shown, wherein the elements shown in each case have been combined. Figure 4 An explanation was provided. However, compared to Figure 4 Here, reaction tube 20 does not have a U-bend, and tube segment 21 is arranged along a common central axis. The non-bend transition zone is indicated by 23a. For example, a corresponding embodiment can be used instead of the one described above. Figure 3 The sleeve in reactor 200.

[0117] Here, transition zone 23a is also formed in contact channel 42 with a reinforced wall that is adjacent to the two pipe segments 21 in the first zone 11. For further explanation, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 4 Here, the wall channel 15 is also shown with an exaggerated width. Rod-shaped sections are also accommodated within the wall channel 15 for longitudinal movement and are lined, for example, with a suitable insulating material 16. However, the wall channel 15 can also have a different configuration than that shown herein, particularly to create additional movement options. This also relates to the optional bellows arrangement 44.

Claims

1. A reactor (100, 200) for performing a chemical reaction, comprising: A reactor vessel (10) and one or more reaction tubes (20), wherein multiple tube segments (21, 22) in one or more of the reaction tubes (20) extend between a first region (11) and a second region (12) in the reactor vessel (10), wherein, for electrically heating the tube segments (21, 22), the tube segments (21, 22) in the first region (11) are electrically connected to or can be electrically connected to a current connector (U, V, W) of a current source (50), wherein a current feeding device (40) is provided in the first region (11) of the reactor (100, 200), one or a group of the multiple tube segments (21, 22) are electrically connected to the current feeding device (40), and the current feeding device (40) includes one or more contact channels (42), one or more The contact channels (42) are respectively adjacent to at least one of the pipe segments (21, 22) in the first region (11), wherein the walls of the contact channels (42) are respectively connected to current feeding elements (41), the current feeding elements (41) having rod-shaped segments (43) passing through the wall (14) of the reactor vessel (10) at the wall channel (15), wherein the rod-shaped segments (43) of the current feeding elements (41) are guided longitudinally movable through the wall (14) of the reactor vessel (10) in their respective wall channels (15) during operation, and wherein the rod-shaped segments (43) of the current feeding elements (41) outside the reactor vessel (10) are electrically connected to or can be electrically connected to the current connectors (U, V, W) of the current source (50) by means of flexible connecting elements.

2. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein The number of the pipe segments (21, 22) is set such that one or a group of the multiple pipe segments (21, 22) can be connected to one of the current feeding devices (40).

3. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein One or more of the contact channels (42) are formed in one or more components, which are attached to and firmly bonded to the tube segment (21, 22) in a material-determined, high-temperature-resistant manner, or the one or more components are each formed as a segment or continuous segment of the reaction tube (20).

4. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The rod-shaped sections (43) each have a longitudinal extension perpendicular to the wall of the reactor vessel, the longitudinal extension being at least twice the maximum lateral extension parallel to the wall (14) of the reactor vessel (10).

5. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The current feeding element (41) has a free conductor cross section, which is not less than 10 square centimeters between the points on the walls of the respective wall channels (15) of the current feeding element (41) and one or more of the contact channels (42) closest to the wall channel (15) and electrically contacted by the respective current feeding element (41).

6. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The current feeding element (41), the contact channel (42), and the tube segments (21, 22) are formed of the same material or of materials whose conductivity differs from each other by no more than 50%.

7. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The current feeding element (41), the contact channel (42), and the pipe sections (21, 22) are formed of a chromium-nickel steel alloy containing 0.1% to 0.5% carbon, 20% to 50% chromium, 20% to 80% nickel, 0% to 2% niobium, 0% to 3% silicon, 0% to 5% tungsten, and 0% to 1% other components, wherein the contents of each component complement each other to form the non-ferrous portion.

8. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The pipe sections (21, 22) are electrically connected as a whole or in groups within the reactor vessel (10) via one or more rigid connecting elements (30).

9. The reactor (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, One or more of the reaction tubes (20) have one or more U-shaped bends (23) in the first region (11) of the reactor vessel (10), and the contact channel (42) in the current feeding device (40) includes or is formed in the one or more U-shaped bends (23) in the first region (11) of the reactor vessel (10).

10. The reactor (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Multiple reaction tubes (20) without U-bends (23) extend in the first region (11) of the reactor vessel (10), and the contact channel (42) in the current feeding device (40) forms a straight pipe section.

11. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 9, wherein, The reactor is configured as a reactor for steam cracking.

12. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 10, wherein, The reactor is configured as a reactor for steam reforming, for dry reforming, or for catalytic dehydrogenation of alkanes.

13. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flexible connecting element connected to the outside of the reactor vessel (10) is made of a different material than the rod-shaped section (43) of the current feeding element (41), wherein the rod-shaped section (43) of the current feeding element (41) is guided through the wall (14) of the reactor vessel (10) in its respective wall channel (15) in a longitudinally movable manner.

14. The reactor (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The wall (14) through which the rod-shaped section (43) of the current feeding element (41) is guided in a longitudinally movable manner is the intermediate wall of a separate space in which the rod-shaped section contacts the flexible connecting element, and this separate space is defined by another wall or multiple walls.

15. A method for carrying out a chemical reaction using reactors (100, 200), said reactors (100, 200) comprising: A reactor vessel (10) and one or more reaction tubes (20), wherein multiple tube segments (21, 22) of the one or more reaction tubes (20) extend between a first region (11) and a second region (12) in the reactor vessel (10), wherein, for heating the tube segments (21, 22), the tube segments (21, 22) in the first region (11) are electrically connected to current connectors (U, V, W) of a current source (50), wherein a reactor (100, 200) is used, wherein a current feeding device (40) is provided in the first region (11) of the reactor (100, 200), one or a group of the multiple tube segments (21, 22) are each electrically connected to the current feeding device (40), and the current feeding device (40) includes one or more contact channels (42). One or more of the contact channels (42) are each adjacent to at least one of the pipe segments (21, 22) in the first region (11), wherein the walls of the contact channels (42) are respectively connected to current feeding elements (41), the current feeding elements (41) having rod-shaped segments (43) passing through the wall (14) of the reactor vessel (10) at the wall channel (15), wherein the rod-shaped segments (43) of the current feeding elements (41) are guided longitudinally movable through the wall (14) of the reactor vessel (10) in their respective wall channels (15) during operation, and wherein the rod-shaped segments (43) of the current feeding elements (41) outside the reactor vessel (10) are electrically connected to the current connectors (U, V, W) of the current source (50) by means of flexible connecting elements.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Use the reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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