A radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor

Abstract

This invention relates to a radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor, comprising a shell, which includes a cylindrical body with upper and lower end caps connected to its upper and lower ends, respectively. The body contains at least three catalyst layers. Each catalyst layer is cylindrical, with a diameter approximately equal to that of the shell, and is arranged parallel to the shell's axial direction. Each catalyst layer has baffles on its upper and lower end faces, creating a closed structure within which the catalyst is placed. An insulating layer separates adjacent catalyst layers. The shell sidewall has a reactant gas inlet and a reactant gas outlet. A connecting pipe connects adjacent catalyst layers. At least one baffle is located within each catalyst layer. Multiple heat exchange tubes are located within the shell. The upper and lower end caps have heat exchange gas inlets and outlets, respectively. This invention allows for more uniform contact between the working fluid and the catalyst, improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a chemical equipment, particularly a synthetic ammonia reactor, specifically a radial flow synthetic ammonia reactor. Background Technology

[0002] Ammonia is an indispensable raw material in many chemical production fields, and the synthetic ammonia industry, centered on ammonia synthesis, plays a pivotal role in the national economy. As a pillar industry of the chemical industry, synthetic ammonia is characterized by large output and high energy consumption. Its working principle is to place the ammonia synthesis reactor under high pressure and high temperature conditions, so that nitrogen and hydrogen react in the presence of a catalyst to produce ammonia.

[0003] The ammonia synthesis reactor must meet the following requirements in terms of process: First, the ammonia synthesis reaction should be carried out as close as possible to the optimal temperature to obtain large production capacity and high ammonia synthesis yield; second, the pressure drop of the ammonia synthesis reactor should be reduced to reduce the power consumption of the circulating gas; finally, the ammonia synthesis reactor should be simple and reliable in structure and meet the requirements of high temperature and high pressure.

[0004] Currently, most radial flow ammonia synthesis reactors on the market have a catalyst layer inside the shell. The reactant gas enters the shell, then flows into the catalyst layer from the outside and out from the center, reacting with the catalyst. This reactor structure results in a short residence time of the reactant gas in the catalyst layer, hindering the full reaction between the gas and the catalyst and affecting the reactor's reaction efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, improvements are needed to better meet production needs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor that can effectively improve the uniformity of contact between the working medium and the catalyst, and extend the contact and reaction time between the working medium and the catalyst, thus creating favorable conditions for improving reaction efficiency.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention is:

[0008] A radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor, comprising a shell,

[0009] The shell is vertically oriented and includes a cylindrical body; the cylindrical body is open at both ends, and its upper and lower ends are respectively provided with an upper end cap and a lower end cap connected thereto;

[0010] The cylinder contains at least three catalyst layers; each catalyst layer is cylindrical with a diameter similar to that of the cylinder and is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the shell; each catalyst layer has a partition at its upper and lower end faces; the partition is circular and its edge is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder, so that the catalyst is sealed between the partitions; an insulating layer is provided between adjacent catalyst layers.

[0011] The shell sidewall is provided with a reaction gas inlet and a reaction gas outlet; the reaction gas inlet is connected to the upper end of the uppermost catalyst layer; the reaction gas outlet is connected to the lower end of the lowermost catalyst layer.

[0012] A connecting pipe is provided between adjacent catalyst layers to allow the catalyst layers to communicate with each other;

[0013] At least one baffle is provided in the catalyst layer; the baffle is a fan-shaped flat plate, which is arranged laterally in the middle of the catalyst layer and its diameter is equivalent to that of the catalyst layer; the straight edges of the connecting pipe and the adjacent baffle are opposite to each other;

[0014] It also includes multiple heat exchange tubes; these heat exchange tubes are thin straight tubes with open ends, vertically and evenly arranged inside the cylinder, and penetrate the catalyst layer and the baffle plate before connecting with the upper and lower end caps;

[0015] The upper and lower end caps are respectively provided with a heat exchange gas inlet and a heat exchange gas outlet.

[0016] Furthermore, the upper and lower end caps have the same shape, both being hemispherical shells; the heat exchange gas inlet and outlet are centrally located.

[0017] Furthermore, the catalyst layer includes a first catalyst layer, a second catalyst layer, and a third catalyst layer arranged from top to bottom; the height of the first catalyst layer is 10% to 20% of the total catalyst filling height; the height of the second catalyst layer is 20% to 40% of the total catalyst filling height; and the third catalyst layer accounts for 40% to 70% of the total catalyst filling height.

[0018] Furthermore, the insulation layers are all the same height.

[0019] Furthermore, the central angle corresponding to the straight edge of the spoiler is 40°~90°; the connecting pipe corresponds to the center line of the straight edge of the spoiler.

[0020] Furthermore, the baffles within the catalyst layer are equidistantly arranged, and adjacent baffles are oriented in opposite directions.

[0021] Furthermore, the connecting pipe is close to the inner wall of the cylinder.

[0022] Furthermore, the port of the connecting pipe is provided with a wire mesh baffle.

[0023] Furthermore, the inner diameter of the heat exchange tube is 10mm to 40mm; the spacing between adjacent heat exchange tubes is 50mm to 200mm.

[0024] Furthermore, it also includes a distribution plate; the distribution plate is circular and has multiple distribution holes; the distribution holes are through holes and are evenly distributed; the distribution plate is disposed inside the upper end cap and is directly opposite the heat exchange gas inlet.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0026] This invention features a reasonable design, simple structure, and convenient use. By incorporating baffles, it ensures more uniform contact between the working fluid and the catalyst, and extends the residence time of the working fluid in the catalyst layer, allowing for a more complete reaction. Simultaneously, through precise design of the catalyst layer, insulation layer height, and heat exchange tube spacing, it effectively improves the uniformity of temperature distribution within the reactor, creating favorable conditions for enhancing reaction efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 AA sectional view.

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 BB cross-section.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spoiler structure of the present invention.

[0031] Among them, 1-upper head, 2-reaction gas inlet, 3-first catalyst layer, 4-insulation layer, 5-second catalyst layer, 6-connecting pipe, 7-third catalyst layer, 8-cylinder, 9-lower head, 10-heat exchange gas outlet, 11-partition plate, 12-reaction gas outlet, 13-heat exchange tube, 14-baffle plate, 15-connecting rod, 16-distribution plate, 17-heat exchange gas inlet, 18-distribution hole, 19-mounting hole. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0033] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown.

[0034] A radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor includes a shell. The shell is vertically positioned.

[0035] The shell includes a cylindrical body 8. The cylindrical body 8 is open at both ends and has an upper end cap 1 and a lower end cap 9 connected to it at its upper and lower ends, respectively.

[0036] The upper end cap 1 and the lower end cap 9 have the same shape, uniformly hemispherical shells, and are respectively provided with a heat exchange gas inlet 17 and a heat exchange gas outlet 10. Moreover, the heat exchange gas inlet 17 and the heat exchange gas outlet 10 are both centrally located.

[0037] The cylinder 8 has three catalyst layers arranged along its axis, from top to bottom: a first catalyst layer 3, a second catalyst layer 5, and a third catalyst layer 7. Each catalyst layer is cylindrical, with a diameter approximately equal to that of the cylinder 8, and they are arranged parallel to each other.

[0038] Each catalyst layer has a partition 11 at its upper and lower end faces. The partition 11 is circular and its edge is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 8, so that the catalyst is sealed between the partitions.

[0039] The height of the first catalyst layer 3 is 10% to 20% of the total catalyst filling height; the height of the second catalyst layer 5 is 20% to 40% of the total catalyst filling height; and the height of the third catalyst layer 7 is 40% to 70% of the total catalyst filling height. Therefore, during the catalytic reaction, the temperature of the first catalyst layer 3 can be controlled at 460℃ to 470℃; the temperature of the second catalyst layer 5 can be controlled at 440℃ to 450℃; and the temperature of the third catalyst layer 7 can be controlled at 420℃ to 430℃, ensuring the efficient conduction of the catalytic reaction.

[0040] An insulating layer 4 is provided between adjacent catalyst layers, and each insulating layer has the same height, ranging from 50mm to 200mm, which facilitates temperature control within the shell. Simultaneously, a connecting pipe 6 is provided between adjacent catalyst layers. This connecting pipe 6 communicates with the catalyst layers, allowing them to connect to each other. Preferably, the port of the connecting pipe 6 is provided with a wire mesh baffle, and the mesh size of the baffle is smaller than the catalyst particles, preventing catalyst from falling into the connecting pipe.

[0041] The side wall of the cylinder 8 is provided with a reaction gas inlet 2 and a reaction gas outlet 12 for the reaction gas to enter and exit the shell. The reaction gas inlet 2 is connected to the upper end of the first catalyst layer 3. The reaction gas outlet 12 is connected to the lower end of the third catalyst layer 7, ensuring that the reaction gas can flow sufficiently through each catalyst layer.

[0042] At least one baffle plate 14 is provided within the catalyst layer, the number of which depends on the height of each catalyst layer. The baffle plate 14 is a fan-shaped flat plate with a thickness of 10mm to 30mm and a diameter approximately equal to that of the catalyst layer, and is laterally positioned in the middle of the catalyst layer. The baffle plates 14 are equidistant from each other along the axial direction of the shell, with a spacing of 100mm to 500mm. Furthermore, adjacent baffle plates 14 are opposite in direction to each other; that is, the straight edges of two baffle plates are opposite to each other, allowing the reactant gas to flow in an "S"-shaped path within the catalyst layer, achieving sufficient contact with the catalyst. Preferably, the central angle α corresponding to the straight edge of the baffle plate 14 is 40° to 90°, ensuring smooth passage of the reactant gas.

[0043] The connecting pipe 6 is close to the inner wall of the cylinder 8 and located at the straight edge of the adjacent baffle 14. Simultaneously, the connecting pipe corresponds to the centerline of the straight edge of the baffle, so as to fully utilize the space of the catalyst layer and improve reaction efficiency.

[0044] The shell also contains multiple heat exchange tubes 13. Each heat exchange tube 13 is a thin, straight tube open at both ends, vertically and evenly arranged within the cylinder 8, and passes through mounting holes 19 on the partition plate 11 and the baffle plate 14. It penetrates the catalyst layer and the baffle plate, then communicates with the upper and lower end caps, allowing the heat exchange gas to flow through the heat exchange tube and exchange heat with the reaction gas. Preferably, the inner diameter of the heat exchange tube 13 is 10mm to 40mm, and the spacing between adjacent heat exchange tubes is 50mm to 200mm to ensure uniform heat exchange.

[0045] Furthermore, a distribution plate 16 is also included. This distribution plate 16 is circular, with a thickness of 5mm to 15mm, and its diameter is 1 / 2 to 4 / 5 of the outer diameter of the cylinder 8. It has multiple distribution holes 18. These distribution holes 18 are through-holes, evenly distributed, with the ratio of the open area to the closed area being 1:1 to 1:2. The distribution plate 16 is installed inside the upper end cap 1 via a connecting rod 15, directly facing the heat exchange gas inlet 17, and at a distance of approximately 1 / 4 of the inner diameter of the cylinder. This allows external heat exchange gas to enter the shell through the heat exchange gas inlet, with some of the gas flowing directly through the distribution holes on the distribution plate 16, while the remaining gas impacts the closed areas on the distribution plate, causing rebound and diffusion. This results in more uniform heat exchange gas entry into the heat exchange tube, creating favorable conditions for subsequent uniform heat exchange.

[0046] There are four connecting rods 15, all of which are short rods and are evenly arranged. One end of each rod is connected to the edge 16 of the distribution plate, and the other end is connected to the inner wall of the upper end cap 1, ensuring that the distribution plate 16 is installed securely.

[0047] The operation process of this invention is as follows:

[0048] The reactant gas enters the first catalyst layer through the reactant gas inlet and flows in an "S" shape within the first catalyst layer under the action of the baffles, reacting with the catalyst. Then, it flows into the second catalyst layer through a connecting pipe. After passing through several baffles in the second catalyst layer, it flows into the third catalyst layer through the connecting pipe. After passing through several baffles in the third catalyst layer, it exits through the reactant gas outlet. This process ensures more uniform contact between the reactant and the catalyst and prolongs the residence time of the reactant in the catalyst layer, allowing for a more complete reaction and improving production efficiency.

[0049] When the reactant gases undergo a chemical reaction in the catalyst layer, they release heat. Excessively high temperatures will affect the catalyst's activity. Therefore, simultaneously with the introduction of the reactant gases, external heat exchange gas is introduced into the upper head through the heat exchange gas inlet. Under the action of the distribution plate, it flows evenly into the heat exchange tubes and exchanges heat with the reactant gases through the heat exchange tubes, ensuring that the temperature in each catalyst layer is within the suitable temperature range for the catalyst. Then, the heat exchange gas flows out from the lower end of the heat exchange tubes and into the lower head, and finally exits the shell from the heat exchange gas outlet. Since the flow rate of the heat exchange gas is related to the heat exchange efficiency, during the above reaction, the heat exchange capacity can be changed by adjusting the flow rate of the heat exchange gas according to the height of each catalyst layer, thereby keeping the temperature in the catalyst layer within the suitable temperature range for catalyst activity and ensuring the efficient conduction of the catalytic reaction.

[0050] All parts not covered in this invention are the same as or can be implemented using existing technologies.

Claims

1. A radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor, comprising a shell, characterized in that, The shell is vertically oriented and includes a cylindrical body; the cylindrical body is open at both ends, and its upper and lower ends are respectively provided with an upper end cap and a lower end cap connected thereto; The cylinder contains at least three catalyst layers; each catalyst layer is cylindrical with a diameter similar to that of the cylinder and is arranged parallel to the axial direction of the shell; each catalyst layer has a partition at its upper and lower end faces; the partition is circular and its edge is connected to the inner wall of the cylinder, so that the catalyst is sealed between the partitions; an insulating layer is provided between adjacent catalyst layers. The shell sidewall is provided with a reaction gas inlet and a reaction gas outlet; the reaction gas inlet is connected to the upper end of the uppermost catalyst layer; the reaction gas outlet is connected to the lower end of the lowermost catalyst layer. A connecting pipe is provided between adjacent catalyst layers to allow the catalyst layers to communicate with each other; At least one baffle is provided in the catalyst layer; the baffle is a fan-shaped flat plate, which is arranged laterally in the middle of the catalyst layer and its diameter is equivalent to that of the catalyst layer; the straight edges of the connecting pipe and the adjacent baffle are opposite to each other; It also includes multiple heat exchange tubes; these heat exchange tubes are thin straight tubes with open ends, vertically and evenly arranged inside the cylinder, and penetrate the catalyst layer and the baffle plate before connecting with the upper and lower end caps; The upper and lower end caps are respectively provided with a heat exchange gas inlet and a heat exchange gas outlet; The catalyst layer includes a first catalyst layer, a second catalyst layer, and a third catalyst layer arranged from top to bottom; the height of the first catalyst layer is 10% to 20% of the total catalyst filling height; the height of the second catalyst layer is 20% to 40% of the total catalyst filling height; and the third catalyst layer accounts for 40% to 70% of the total catalyst filling height.

2. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower end caps have the same shape, both being hemispherical shells; the heat exchange gas inlet and outlet are centrally located.

3. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulation layers are all the same height.

4. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The central angle corresponding to the straight edge of the spoiler is 40°~90°; the connecting pipe corresponds to the center line of the straight edge of the spoiler.

5. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The baffles within the catalyst layer are equidistantly arranged, and adjacent baffles are oriented in opposite directions.

6. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting pipe is close to the inner wall of the cylinder.

7. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The port of the connecting pipe is equipped with a wire mesh baffle.

8. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the heat exchange tube is 10mm to 40mm; the distance between adjacent heat exchange tubes is 50mm to 200mm.

9. The radial flow ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a distribution plate; the distribution plate is circular and has multiple distribution holes; the distribution holes are through holes and are evenly distributed; the distribution plate is disposed inside the upper end cap and is directly opposite the heat exchange gas inlet.

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