Reactor module, liquid fuel synthesis method, separation membrane module and separation method

Abstract

The reactor (1) has a second flow path (12) on the permeation side of the separation membrane (30). The second flow path (12) includes: an inlet (d1) opening into a first space (P1) between the first sealing part (4) and the flow adjustment part (6); and an outlet (d2) opening into a second space (P2) between the second sealing part (5) and the flow adjustment part (6). The outer casing (3) has: a purge gas supply port (3a) for supplying purge gas to the first space (P1); and a purge gas discharge port (3b) for discharging purge gas from the second space (P2). Under side view of the reactor (1), the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space (P1) to the second space (P2) via the flow adjustment part (6) is the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to reactor modules, liquid fuel synthesis methods, separation membrane modules, and separation methods. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, reactors have been developed that can improve conversion efficiency by separating water vapor generated along with the liquid fuel in the conversion reaction from feed gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxide to liquid fuels such as methanol and ethanol (specifically, fuels that are liquid at room temperature and pressure).

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tubular reactor comprising: a separation membrane through which water vapor, one of the products of the conversion reaction, permeates; a non-permeable side flow path for the flow of feed gas; and a permeable side flow path for the flow of purge gas.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-8940 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] According to the reactor described in Patent Document 1, the heat of reaction generated in the conversion reaction can be removed by allowing purge gas to flow in the permeable side flow path, thereby further improving the conversion efficiency.

[0009] However, in the reactor described in Patent Document 1, the purge gas only flows in the permeate side flow path within the reactor, thus limiting its effectiveness in removing the heat of reaction.

[0010] In addition, in a separation membrane module equipped with a separation filter, in order to control the separation membrane used to allow the desired components contained in the mixed fluid to pass through to an appropriate temperature, it is sometimes desirable to cool or heat the separation membrane by allowing purge gas to flow in the permeate side flow path.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a reactor module capable of efficient temperature control, a liquid fuel synthesis method, a separation membrane module, and a separation method.

[0012] Technical solutions for solving the problem

[0013] The reactor module of the present invention comprises: an integral reactor extending along its long side; a shell housing the reactor; an annular first sealing portion sealing between the shell and a first end of the reactor; an annular second sealing portion sealing between the shell and a second end of the reactor; and an annular flow regulating portion disposed between the first and second sealing portions along its long side and having aeration capability. The reactor includes: a separation membrane through which products from a conversion reaction of a feed gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxide to liquid fuel are permeated; a first flow path on the non-permeable side of the separation membrane; and a second flow path on the permeable side of the separation membrane. The second flow path includes: an inlet opening into a first space between the first sealing portion and the flow regulating portion; and an outlet opening into a second space between the second sealing portion and the flow regulating portion. The shell has: a supply port for supplying purge gas into the first space; and an outlet for discharging purge gas from the second space. In a side view of the reactor, the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space to the second space via the flow regulating portion is the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, a reactor module capable of efficient temperature control, a liquid fuel synthesis method, a separation membrane module, and a separation method can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of reactor 1 according to the embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A-A sectional view.

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 B-B sectional view.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 C-C section view.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective side view of the reactor module in the implementation method.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the reactor module in the implementation method.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the reactor module in the implementation method.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow adjustment section of variant example 3. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are schematic, and sometimes the proportions of various dimensions may differ from reality.

[0025] (Reactor 1)

[0026] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of reactor 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A-A sectional view. Figure 3 yes Figure 1 B-B sectional view. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 C-C section view.

[0027] Reactor 1 is a membrane reactor used to convert feed gas into liquid fuel. The feed gas contains at least hydrogen and carbon dioxide. As carbon dioxide, at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide can be used. The feed gas can be a so-called syngas. Liquid fuel is a fuel that is liquid at room temperature and pressure, or a fuel that can be liquefied under pressure at room temperature. Examples of fuels that are liquid at room temperature and pressure include, for example, methanol, ethanol, and C. n H 2(m－2n) (m is an integer less than 90, n is an integer less than 30) represents liquid fuels and mixtures thereof. Examples of fuels that can be liquefied under normal temperature and pressure include propane, butane, and mixtures thereof.

[0028] For example, the reaction formula (1) for synthesizing methanol by contact hydrogenation of a feed gas containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst is shown below.

[0029]

[0030] The above reaction is an equilibrium reaction. To improve both conversion efficiency and reaction rate, it is preferable to carry out the reaction under high temperature and high pressure (e.g., above 180°C and above 2 MPa). The liquid fuel is in a gaseous state at the point of synthesis and is maintained in a gaseous state at least until it flows out of reactor 1. Reactor 1 preferably has heat resistance and pressure resistance suitable for the desired synthesis conditions of the liquid fuel.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, reactor 1 is formed as a single unit. "Single unit" refers to a shape having multiple holes extending along its long side, including a honeycomb concept. Reactor 1 extends along its long side. Reactor 1 is formed as a column. In this embodiment, reactor 1 is formed as a cylinder, but the shape of reactor 1 is not particularly limited.

[0032] The reactor 1 has a first end 1a and a second end 1b. The first end 1a is the portion extending from one end of the reactor 1 to 2 / 5 of its length when the reactor 1 is divided into 5 equal parts along its long side. The second end 1b is the portion extending from the other end of the reactor 1 to 2 / 5 of its length when the reactor 1 is divided into 5 equal parts along its long side. In this embodiment, the first end 1a of the reactor 1 is the inflow side of the raw material gas, and the second end 1b of the reactor 1 is the outflow side of the liquid fuel.

[0033] Reactor 1 has a first end face S1, a second end face S2, and a side face S3. The first end face S1 is the end face on the side of the first end 1a. The second end face S2 is the end face on the side of the second end 1b. The first end face S1 is located on the opposite side of the second end face S2. The side face S3 is connected to the outer edges of the first end face S1 and the second end face S2.

[0034] like Figures 1-4 As shown, reactor 1 includes a porous support 10, a catalyst 20, a separation membrane 30, a first sealing section 40, and a second sealing section 50.

[0035] The porous support 10 is a column extending along the long side of the reactor 1. The porous support 10 is made of porous material.

[0036] As a porous material, ceramic materials, metallic materials, and resin materials can be used, with ceramic materials being particularly preferred. As aggregates for ceramic materials, for example, alumina (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2), mullite (Al2O3·SiO2), ceramic fragments, and cordierite (Mg2Al4Si5O3) can be used. 18 At least one of the following can be used as the inorganic binder in ceramic materials: titanium dioxide, mullite, easily sinterable alumina, silica, glass frit, clay minerals, and easily sinterable cordierite. However, ceramic materials may also exclude inorganic binders.

[0037] like Figures 2-3 As shown, the porous support 10 has multiple first flow paths 11 and multiple second flow paths 12.

[0038] like Figure 4 As shown, each first flow path 11 is formed along the long side of the reactor 1. Each first flow path 11 is the non-permeable side of the separation membrane 30. The feed gas flows in each first flow path 11. Each first flow path 11 is a through hole. Each first flow path 11 opens at both the first end face S1 and the second end face S2 of the reactor 1. Each first flow path 11 has an inlet e1 for the feed gas formed at the first end face S1 and an outlet e2 for the liquid fuel formed at the second end face S2.

[0039] A catalyst 20 is placed in each of the first flow paths 11. The number, position, and shape of the first flow paths 11 can be changed as appropriate.

[0040] Each second flow path 12 is the permeation side of the separation membrane 30. A purge gas for purging water vapor that has permeated through the separation membrane 30 flows in each second flow path 12. As the purge gas, inert gases (such as nitrogen) or air can be used. In this embodiment, where the reaction is exothermic, the temperature of the purge gas is lower than the operating temperature of the reactor 1. The number, position, and shape of the second flow paths 12 can be appropriately modified.

[0041] Here, as Figures 2-3 As shown, each second flow path 12 is composed of multiple compartments 13, inflow slits 14 and outflow slits 15.

[0042] Multiple compartments 13 are arranged in a row along the short side (perpendicular to the long side) of reactor 1. For example... Figure 4 As shown, each compartment 13 is formed along the long side of the reactor 1. Both ends of each compartment 13 are sealed by first and second sealing portions 17 and 18. The first and second sealing portions 17 and 18 can be made of the aforementioned porous material.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the inflow slit 14 is formed at the first end 1a of the reactor 1 along its long side. Figure 2 As shown, the inflow slit 14 is formed along the short side of the reactor 1. The inflow slit 14 penetrates multiple compartments 13. Both ends of the inflow slit 14 open at the side surface S3. The inflow slit 14 has a pair of inlet d1 formed on the side surface S3. The pair of inlet d1 is one end of the second flow path 12 in the long side direction.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, the outflow slit 15 is formed at the second end 1b of the reactor 1 along its long side. Figure 3 As shown, the outflow slit 15 is formed along the short side of the reactor 1. The outflow slit 15 extends through multiple compartments 13. Both ends of the outflow slit 15 open at the side surface S3. The outflow slit 15 has a pair of outlets d2 formed on the side surface S3. The pair of outlets d2 are the other ends of the second flow path 12 in the long side direction.

[0045] Catalyst 20 is disposed within each of the first flow paths 11. Catalyst 20 is preferably filled within each of the first flow paths 11, but it may also be disposed in layers on the surface of the separation membrane 30. As shown in formula (1) above, catalyst 20 promotes the conversion reaction from feed gas to liquid fuel.

[0046] Catalyst 20 can be any known catalyst suitable for the conversion reaction to the desired liquid fuel. Examples of catalyst 20 include metal catalysts (copper, palladium, etc.), oxide catalysts (zinc oxide, zirconium oxide, gallium oxide, etc.), and catalysts formed by combining them (copper-zinc oxide, copper-zinc oxide-alumina, copper-zinc oxide-chromium oxide-alumina, copper-cobalt-titanium dioxide, and catalysts modified with palladium, etc.).

[0047] The separation membrane 30 is supported by a porous support 10. The separation membrane 30 surrounds the first flow path 11. The separation membrane 30 is disposed between the first flow path 11 and the second flow path 12.

[0048] The separation membrane 30 allows water vapor, one of the products of the conversion reaction from feed gas to liquid fuel, to pass through. As a result, the reaction equilibrium of the above equation (1) can be shifted towards the products side by utilizing the equilibrium displacement effect.

[0049] The separation membrane 30 preferably has a concentration of 100 nmol / (s·Pa·m). 2 The water vapor transmission coefficient is above 100. The water vapor transmission coefficient can be determined using known methods (see Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 40, 163-175 (2001)).

[0050] The separation membrane 30 preferably has a separation coefficient of 100 or higher. The larger the separation coefficient, the easier it is for water vapor to pass through, and the more difficult it is for components other than water vapor (such as hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and liquid fuels) to pass through. The separation coefficient can be determined using known methods (refer to Fig. 1 of "Separation and Purification Technology 239 (2020) 116533").

[0051] Inorganic membranes can be used as the separation membrane 30. Inorganic membranes are preferred because they possess heat resistance, pressure resistance, and water vapor resistance. Examples of inorganic membranes include zeolite membranes, silica membranes, alumina membranes, and composite membranes thereof. In particular, LTA-type zeolite membranes with a silicon (Si) to aluminum (Al) molar ratio (Si / Al) of 1.0 or more and 3.0 or less are preferred due to their excellent water vapor permeability.

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, the first sealing portion 40 covers a portion of the first end face S1 and the side face S3 of the porous support 10. The first sealing portion 40 inhibits the intrusion of raw material gas into the porous support 10. Figure 4 As shown, the first sealing portion 40 is formed in a manner that does not block the inlet e1 of the first flow path 11. The first sealing portion 40 covers the first sealing portion 17. The first sealing portion 40 can be made of glass, metal, rubber, resin, etc.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the second sealing portion 50 covers a portion of the second end face S2 and side face S3 of the porous support 10. The second sealing portion 50 inhibits the intrusion of liquid fuel into the porous support 10. Figure 4 As shown, the second sealing portion 50 is formed in a manner that does not block the outlet e2 of the first flow path 11. The second sealing portion 50 covers the second sealing portion 18. The second sealing portion 50 can be made of glass, metal, rubber, resin, etc.

[0054] (Liquid fuel synthesis method using reactor 1)

[0055] Reference Figure 4 To illustrate the liquid fuel synthesis method using reactor 1.

[0056] The liquid fuel synthesis method using reactor 1 includes the following steps: the feed gas flows in a first flow path 11 located on the non-permeable side of the separation membrane 30, while the purge gas flows in a second flow path 12 located on the permeable side of the separation membrane 30.

[0057] The feed gas flows into the first flow path 11 through inlet e1. Within the first flow path 11, water vapor and liquid fuel are generated together according to formula (1) above. The synthesized liquid fuel flows out through outlet e2 of the first flow path 11. Water vapor, as one of the products, passes sequentially through the separation membrane 30 and the porous support 10, moving towards the second flow path 12. However, the liquid fuel flowing out through outlet e2 may also contain unused feed gas from the conversion reaction, water vapor, and other products of the conversion reaction.

[0058] After the purge gas flows in through the inlet d1 of the inlet slit 14, it flows into the compartment 13. Next, the purge gas flowing from the inlet slit 14 into the compartment 13 takes in the water vapor that has permeated through the separation membrane 30 and absorbs the heat of reaction generated by the conversion reaction, while flowing towards the outlet slit 15 within the compartment 13. The purge gas reaching the outlet slit 15 flows out through the outlet d2 of the outlet slit 15.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, under side view of the separation membrane 30, the purge gas flowing in the second flow path 12 flows in the same direction as the feed gas flowing in the first flow path 11. That is, the purge gas flowing in the second flow path 12 flows in a direction parallel to the feed gas flowing in the first flow path 11.

[0060] However, in a side view of the separation membrane 30, the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path 12 can also be opposite to the flow direction of the feed gas flowing in the first flow path 11. That is, the purge gas flowing in the second flow path 12 can also flow in the opposite direction to the feed gas flowing in the first flow path 11.

[0061] (Reactor Module 2)

[0062] The reactor module 2 is described in the implementation instructions. Figure 5 This is a perspective side view of reactor module 2.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, reactor module 2 includes the aforementioned integral reactor 1, outer shell 3, annular first sealing part 4, annular second sealing part 5, and annular flow adjustment part 6.

[0064] The outer casing 3 is made of, for example, a metallic material (stainless steel, etc.). The outer casing 3 houses the reactor 1 inside. The outer casing 3 has a purge gas supply port 3a, a purge gas discharge port 3b, a raw material gas supply port 3c, and a liquid fuel discharge port 3d. The interior of the outer casing 3 is divided into first to fourth spaces P1 to P4 by a first sealing part 4, a second sealing part 5, and a flow adjustment part 6.

[0065] The first space P1 is the space between the first sealing part 4 and the flow adjustment part 6. The purge gas inlet d1, formed on the side S3 of the reactor 1, opens into the first space P1. The purge gas supply port 3a, used to supply purge gas to the first space P1, also opens into the first space P1. The second space P2 is the space between the second sealing part 5 and the flow adjustment part 6. The purge gas outlet d2, formed on the side S3 of the reactor 1, opens into the second space P2. The purge gas outlet 3b, used to discharge purge gas from the second space P2, also opens into the second space P2. The first space P1 and the second space P2 are divided by the flow adjustment part 6.

[0066] The raw material gas supply port 3c, used to supply raw material gas to the third space P3, opens into the third space P3. The raw material gas inlet e1, formed on the first end face S1 of reactor 1 (refer to...). Figure 4 The liquid fuel outlet 3d, used to discharge liquid fuel from the fourth space P4, opens to the fourth space P4. The liquid fuel outlet e2, formed on the second end face S2 of reactor 1 (refer to...) Figure 4 It opens into the fourth space P4. The first space P1 and the third space P3 are separated by the first sealing part 4, and the second space P2 and the fourth space P4 are separated by the second sealing part 5.

[0067] The first sealing part 4 is formed in an annular shape. The first sealing part 4 fixes the first end 1a of the reactor 1 to the outer shell 3. The first sealing part 4 is connected to the side surface S3 of the reactor 1 and the inner surface T1 of the outer shell 3. The first sealing part 4 seals the first end 1a of the reactor 1 and the outer shell 3. Examples of materials that can be used to form the first sealing part 4 include glass, silver solder, solder, and inorganic adhesives.

[0068] The second sealing part 5 is formed in an annular shape. The second sealing part 5 fixes the second end 1b of the reactor 1 to the outer shell 3. The second sealing part 5 connects to the side surface S3 of the reactor 1 and the inner surface T1 of the outer shell 3. The fourth space P4 side of the second sealing part 5 is exposed to high-temperature liquid fuel and water vapor; therefore, the material constituting the second sealing part 5 is required to be resistant to the chemical load of high-temperature liquid fuel and to water vapor. Examples of materials that can be used to construct the second sealing part 5 include, for example, glass, silver solder, solder, and inorganic adhesives. Rubber and plastic are not suitable materials for the second sealing part 5.

[0069] The flow adjustment section 6 is formed in a ring shape. The flow adjustment section 6 is disposed between the first sealing section 4 and the second sealing section 5 along its long side. The flow adjustment section 6 divides the space between the first space P1 and the second space P2.

[0070] The flow adjustment section 6 is permeable. It allows purge gas to pass from the first space P1 to the second space P2. The flow adjustment section 6 is a component used to adjust the flow rate of the purge gas flowing from the first space P1 to the second space P2 via the flow adjustment section 6. The permeability of the flow adjustment section 6 can be adjusted based on the porosity of the material constituting the flow adjustment section 6, the width of the flow adjustment section 6 in the long side direction, or the number of flow adjustment sections 6.

[0071] The flow adjustment unit 6 can be made of a porous material. The porous material can be expanded graphite, porous rubber, porous resin, etc.

[0072] Purge gas is supplied to the first space P1 from the purge gas supply port 3a. A portion of the purge gas flows from the first space P1 toward the second space P2 through the flow adjustment unit 6. The remaining purge gas flows into the second flow path 12 from the inlet d1 of the reactor 1. The purge gas, which has absorbed water vapor and heat of reaction in the second flow path 12, flows out from the outlet d2 of the reactor 1 toward the second space P2. The purge gas that has passed through the flow adjustment unit 6 and the purge gas that has passed through the second flow path 12 merge in the second space P2 and is discharged to the outside from the purge gas outlet 3b.

[0073] In this way, the reactor 1 can be cooled from the inside using the purge gas flowing in the second flow path 12, and the reactor 1 can be cooled from the outside using the purge gas passing through the flow adjustment section 6. In particular, the purge gas passes through the flow adjustment section 6, thereby preventing the purge gas from stagnating around the flow adjustment section 6, thus improving the cooling efficiency from the outside without the need for special construction. Therefore, the heat of reaction generated by the conversion reaction can be removed efficiently, thereby further improving the conversion efficiency.

[0074] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in a side view of reactor 1, the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space P1 to the second space P2 via the flow adjustment unit 6 is the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path 12. Therefore, the reactor 1 can be cooled from the outside using the relatively cold purge gas that has not passed through the interior of reactor 1, thus further improving the cooling efficiency from the outside.

[0075] In addition, Figure 5 In the reactor 1, the purge gas supply port 3a and purge gas discharge port 3b, formed on the outer shell 3, are arranged on a straight line intersecting the axis of the reactor 1 in cross-sectional view. This ensures that the lengths of the purge gas flowing from the purge gas supply port 3a to the purge gas discharge port 3b via each of the second flow paths 12 are equal, thus suppressing any deviation in the flow of the purge gas. However, the positional relationship between the purge gas supply port 3a and the purge gas discharge port 3b can be appropriately changed.

[0076] (Modifications of the implementation method)

[0077] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0078] (Variation Example 1)

[0079] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of reactor module 2. Figure 6 The diagram shows a cross section perpendicular to the axis of reactor 1.

[0080] like Figure 6 As shown, the first extending direction of the outflow slit 15 inside the reactor 1 is preferably inclined or orthogonal to the discharge direction of the purge gas discharged from the purge gas outlet 3b to the outside. Specifically, the angle θ1 of the first extending direction relative to the discharge direction is preferably 45 degrees or more and 135 degrees or less. As a result, the deflection of the gas flow from the openings on both sides of the outflow slit 15 to the purge gas outlet 3b can be suppressed, thus suppressing the deflection of the purge gas.

[0081] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of reactor module 2. Figure 7 The diagram shows a cross section perpendicular to the axis of reactor 1.

[0082] like Figure 7 As shown, the second extension direction of the inflow slit 14 extending inside the reactor 1 is preferably inclined or orthogonal to the supply direction of the purge gas supplied from the purge gas supply port 3a. Specifically, the angle θ2 of the second extension direction relative to the supply direction is preferably 45 degrees or more and 135 degrees or less. This suppresses the deflection of gas flow from the purge gas supply port 3a to the openings on both sides of the inflow slit 14, thus preventing the deflection of the purge gas.

[0083] (Variation Example 2)

[0084] In the above embodiment, the separation membrane 30 allows water vapor, which is one of the products of the conversion reaction from feed gas to liquid fuel, to pass through, but is not limited to this. The separation membrane 30 may also allow the liquid fuel itself generated by the conversion reaction from feed gas to liquid fuel to pass through. In this case, the reaction equilibrium of the above formula (1) can also be shifted to the product side.

[0085] Furthermore, when liquid fuel permeates through the separation membrane 30, it passes through a reaction in which no water vapor is generated (e.g., When liquid fuels are generated, the reaction equilibrium can also shift towards the products side.

[0086] (Variation Example 3)

[0087] In the above embodiment, the annular flow adjustment section 6 with ventilation is made of a porous material, but it is not limited to this. The flow adjustment section 6 only needs to have a structure that allows the purge gas to pass from the first space P1 to the second space P2.

[0088] Here, Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow adjustment section 6. (Example) Figure 8 As shown, the flow adjustment unit 6 can be composed of a support member 61, a seal 62, a sealing member 63, and a pressing member 64.

[0089] The support member 61 is formed in a ring shape. The support member 61 is arranged to surround the reactor 1 (porous support 10). The support member 61 supports the seal 62 and the sealing member 63. A vent 61a is formed in the support member 61. The vent 61a connects the first space P1 and the second space P2. Purge gas flows from the first space P1 to the second space P2 through the vent 61a. The flow rate of the purge gas can be appropriately adjusted by changing the size and shape of the vent 61a.

[0090] The seal 62 is an annular elastic component. The seal 62 is fixed to the support member 61 by a fastening member 62a. The seal 62 is positioned between the support member 61 and the housing 3. The seal 62 seals the gap between the support member 61 and the housing 3.

[0091] The sealing component 63 is an annular gland seal. The sealing component 63 can be made of, for example, expanded graphite. The sealing component 63 is disposed between the support component 61 and the reactor 1 (porous support 10). The sealing component 63 is compressed by the pressing component 64. The permeability of the sealing component 63 can be adjusted by the pressing force of the pressing component 64. Purge gas flows from the first space P1 to the second space P2 via the sealing component 63. The flow rate of the purge gas can be appropriately adjusted by the compressive force of the pressing component 64.

[0092] The pressing member 64 is fixed to the supporting member 61 by the fastening member 64a. The pressing member 64 presses against the closing member 63. The pressing force of the pressing member 64 can be appropriately adjusted by the tightening amount of the fastening member 64a.

[0093] in this way, Figure 8 The flow adjustment unit 6 shown functions as a flow path for the purging gas through the vent 61a of the support member 61 and the sealing member 63.

[0094] in addition, Figure 8 The flow adjustment unit 6 shown may also have only either the vent 61a or the sealing component 63.

[0095] (Variation Example 4)

[0096] In the above embodiments, a reactor module with a reactor was described, but the present invention can also be applied to a separation membrane module with a separation filter. The separation filter has a separation membrane for separating a given component from a mixed fluid, and has the same configuration as the reactor 1 in the above embodiments, except for this.

[0097] In such a membrane separation module, in order to control the membrane separation temperature to an appropriate level, it is sometimes desirable to heat or cool the membrane separation by allowing purge gas to flow in the permeate side flow path. In this case, similar to the embodiment described above, in a side view of the separation filter, by making the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space P1 to the second space P2 via the flow adjustment unit 6 the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path 12, it is possible to efficiently cool or heat the separation filter from the outside using the purge gas that has not passed through the interior of the separation filter.

[0098] In addition, in the above embodiment, the temperature of the purge gas is lower than the operating temperature of the reactor 1. However, in the separation membrane module, when it is desired to cool the separation membrane, the temperature of the purge gas needs to be lower than the temperature of the separation filter, and when it is desired to heat the separation membrane, the temperature of the purge gas needs to be higher than the temperature of the separation filter.

[0099] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0100] 1. Reactor

[0101] 2. Reactor Module

[0102] 3. Outer shell

[0103] 3a Purge gas supply port

[0104] 3b Purge gas outlet

[0105] 3C Raw Material Gas Supply Port

[0106] 3D liquid fuel outlet

[0107] 4 First sealing part

[0108] 5 Second sealing part

[0109] 6. Flow Adjustment Department

[0110] 10 Porous Support

[0111] 11 First flow path

[0112] e1 Flow Inlet

[0113] e2 Outlet

[0114] 12 Second Flow Path

[0115] 13 compartments

[0116] 14. Flow into the narrow slit

[0117] d1 Flow Inlet

[0118] 15. Flowing out of the narrow slit

[0119] d2 Outlet

[0120] 20 Catalysts

[0121] 30 Separation membrane

[0122] 40 First Enclosed Section

[0123] 50 Second closed section.

Claims

1. A reactor module, comprising: An integral reactor that extends along its long side; The outer casing houses the reactor; An annular first sealing portion seals the space between the outer shell and the first end of the reactor; An annular second sealing portion seals the space between the outer casing and the second end of the reactor; and An annular flow adjustment section is disposed between the first sealing section and the second sealing section in the long side direction, and has air permeability. The air permeability can be adjusted according to the porosity of the material constituting the flow adjustment section, the width of the flow adjustment section in the long side direction, or the number of flow adjustment sections. The reactor comprises: a separation membrane through which products from a conversion reaction of a feed gas containing hydrogen and carbon oxide to a liquid fuel are permeated; a first flow path on the non-permeable side of the separation membrane; and a second flow path on the permeable side of the separation membrane. The second flow path includes: an inlet that opens into the first space between the first sealing part and the flow adjustment part; and the outlet, opening into the second space between the second sealing part and the flow adjustment part, The outer casing has: a supply port for supplying purge gas to the first space; and an outlet for discharging the purge gas from the second space. From a side view of the reactor, the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space to the second space via the flow adjustment section is the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path.

2. A liquid fuel synthesis method, which uses the reactor module of claim 1, wherein, The liquid fuel synthesis method includes the step of supplying the purge gas from the supply port to the first space. From a side view of the reactor, the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space to the second space via the flow adjustment section is the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path.

3. A separation membrane module, comprising: An integral separation filter that extends along its long side; The housing contains the separating filter; An annular first sealing portion seals the space between the housing and the first end of the separating filter; An annular second sealing portion seals the space between the housing and the second end of the separating filter; and An annular flow adjustment section is disposed between the first sealing section and the second sealing section in the long side direction, and has air permeability. The air permeability can be adjusted according to the porosity of the material constituting the flow adjustment section, the width of the flow adjustment section in the long side direction, or the number of flow adjustment sections. The separation filter comprises: a separation membrane for separating a given component from a mixed fluid; and a first flow path on the non-permeable side of the separation membrane; and the second flow path on the permeate side of the separation membrane, The second flow path includes: an inlet that opens into the first space between the first sealing part and the flow adjustment part; and the outlet, opening into the second space between the second sealing part and the flow adjustment part, The outer casing has: a supply port for supplying purge gas to the first space; and an outlet for discharging the purge gas from the second space. When viewed from the side of the separation filter, the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space to the second space via the flow adjustment section is the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path.

4. A separation method for separating a given component from a mixed fluid using the separation membrane module of claim 3, wherein, The separation method includes the step of supplying the purge gas from the supply port to the first space. When viewed from the side of the separation filter, the flow direction of the purge gas flowing from the first space to the second space via the flow adjustment section is the same as the flow direction of the purge gas flowing in the second flow path.

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