Gas distribution system and ammonia synthesis system using same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor and an ammonia synthesis system using the same, the gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor comprising: an ammonia synthesis reactor; a catalyst layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor; three or more distribution plates disposed upstream of the catalyst layer; a distribution device which is disposed upstream of each of the distribution plates and distributes the mixed gas to the distribution plates; and a mixed gas supply line arranged so as to supply a mixed gas to each of the distribution devices, the three or more distribution plates having different aperture ratios.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same. Background Art

[0002] In order to achieve the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in response to climate change and the depletion of oil resources, the need to use new renewable energy is increasing. However, the areas that meet the appropriate conditions for producing new renewable energy are limited, so it is necessary to find means for storage and transportation. For example, there is a problem that new renewable energy, which is abundant in the equatorial region and the southern hemisphere, needs to be transported to the northern hemisphere where the demand for new renewable energy is high.

[0003] In addition, new renewable energy sources have temporal variability, so they must be accompanied by power storage devices. In order to solve the problems caused by the regional bias and temporal variability of new renewable energy sources, ammonia has attracted much attention as an energy carrier. In particular, ammonia can be liquefied at 8.5 atmospheres at room temperature, so it has the advantage of being easier to store and transport than hydrogen. Therefore, as an alternative solution to the problems caused by the regional bias and temporal variability of new renewable energy sources, it is necessary to pay attention to the solution of using electricity produced from new renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen and nitrogen, and using the produced hydrogen and nitrogen as raw materials to synthesize ammonia.

[0004] Hydrogen, the main raw material in ammonia synthesis, can be produced in a water electrolyzer driven by new renewable energy such as solar energy or wind energy. New renewable energy such as solar energy or wind energy has time variability. For example, solar energy cannot be used at night. Therefore, the ammonia synthesis system cannot always operate at a fixed flow rate, and there is a problem that the flow rate fluctuations that occur during the production cycle must be predicted and handled.

[0005] In addition, when the flow rate of a raw material such as hydrogen fed into the ammonia synthesis system is reduced, there is a problem that the flow rate distribution becomes more uneven at the front end of the catalyst layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor.

[0006] Furthermore, the conventional ammonia synthesis system has a problem that a temperature deviation occurs between the center and the edge of the catalyst layer, especially in the initial stage of operation, thereby reducing the ammonia synthesis yield.

[0007] To this end, it is necessary to develop an ammonia synthesis system that can cope with flow fluctuations that occur during the production cycle, while solving the problems of uneven flow distribution at the front end of the catalyst layer and temperature deviations between the center and edge of the catalyst layer during the initial operation, which lead to reduced ammonia synthesis yield. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a gas distribution system capable of coping with flow rate fluctuations occurring during a production cycle and an ammonia synthesis system using the same may be provided.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same can be provided, which can maintain a uniform flow distribution at the front end of the catalyst layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor even if the flow rate of the raw material such as hydrogen introduced is reduced.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same can be provided, which can minimize the load applied to the gas supplied to the catalytic layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor even if the flow rate of the raw material such as hydrogen added is increased, thereby achieving uniform and efficient reaction.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an ammonia synthesis system can be provided that can make the temperature deviation between the center and the edge of the catalyst layer uniform in the initial stage of operation, thereby improving the ammonia synthesis yield.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an ammonia synthesis system can be provided that preheats a catalytic layer in an early stage of operation, thereby being able to improve the ammonia synthesis yield in the early stage of operation.

[0013] The present disclosure provides a gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor, which includes: an ammonia synthesis reactor; a catalyst layer, which is included in the ammonia synthesis reactor; more than three distribution plates, which are arranged upstream of the catalyst layer; distribution devices, which are arranged upstream of each of the distribution plates and distribute mixed gas to the distribution plates; and mixed gas supply routes, which are arranged to supply mixed gas to each of the distribution devices, the more than three distribution plates include a lower distribution plate, a middle distribution plate and an upper distribution plate distinguished according to the configuration height, the lower distribution plate, the middle distribution plate and the upper distribution plate are independently formed with a plurality of openings, and when the percentage of the total area of ​​the openings relative to the total area of ​​each distribution plate is referred to as the opening rate, the opening rate A of the lower distribution plate is b , the opening ratio A of the middle distribution plate m and the opening ratio A of the upper distribution plate t Satisfy A b >A m >A t .

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening ratio A of the lower distribution plate may be b More than 40%.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the opening ratio A of the middle distribution plate may be m It is between 20 and 40%.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the aperture ratio A of the upper distribution plate may be t Less than 20%.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas distribution system may further include: a plurality of mixed gas flow pipes fixed to a lower surface of at least one of the distribution plates for the mixed gas to flow.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mixed gas flow tube may have a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the bottom surface and the distribution plate, a plurality of upper openings formed along the circumference are formed on the upper side surface of the mixed gas flow tube, a plurality of middle openings formed along the circumference are formed on the middle side surface of the mixed gas flow tube, a plurality of lower openings formed along the circumference are formed on the lower side surface of the mixed gas flow tube, and the mixed gas flow tube includes a covering member, which is formed to surround at least a portion of the side surface of the mixed gas flow tube to provide a space for guiding the fluid that passes through the upper openings and then flows out to the outside of the side surface of the mixed gas flow tube toward the middle opening side.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas distribution system may further include: a microwave heating device, which irradiates microwaves to the catalytic layer.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the mixed gas supply routes may each include a flow regulating device.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas distribution system may further include: a heat exchanger, which is arranged downstream of the catalyst layer to remove heat from the outflow of the catalyst layer.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distribution device may be in the shape of a circular plate or a toroidal shape.

[0023] The present disclosure may provide an ammonia synthesis system using the above-mentioned gas distribution system.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the ammonia synthesis system, ammonia synthesis may be performed at 10 to 300 bar.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in the ammonia synthesis system, ammonia synthesis may be performed at 200 to 700° C.

[0026] A gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can cope with flow rate fluctuations occurring during a production cycle.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same can maintain uniform flow distribution at the front end of the catalyst layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor even if the flow rate of the introduced raw materials such as hydrogen is reduced.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the gas distribution system and the ammonia synthesis system using the same of the present disclosure, even if the flow rate of raw materials such as hydrogen is increased, the load applied to the gas supplied to the catalytic layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor can be minimized, thereby providing a gas distribution system and the ammonia synthesis system using the same that can react evenly and efficiently.

[0029] According to an ammonia synthesis system according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature deviation between the center and the edge of the catalyst layer is made uniform at the initial stage of operation, thereby improving the ammonia synthesis yield.

[0030] According to an ammonia synthesis system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the catalyst layer is preheated at the initial stage of operation, thereby being able to improve the ammonia synthesis yield at the initial stage of operation.

[0031] According to an ammonia synthesis system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, ammonia can be synthesized in an eco-friendly manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis reactor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 2 1 is a schematic diagram showing a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a lower distribution plate and a mixed gas flow pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the interior of a mixed gas flow pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the interior of a mixed gas flow pipe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure numerals: 1: gas distribution system for ammonia synthesis reactor, 2, ammonia synthesis system, 10: ammonia synthesis reactor, 20: catalyst layer, 30: lower distribution plate, 301: lower distribution plate opening, 302: lower surface of lower distribution plate, 31: middle distribution plate, 311: middle distribution plate opening, 312: lower surface of middle distribution plate, 32: upper distribution plate, 321: upper distribution plate opening, 322: lower surface of upper distribution plate, 330: mixed gas flow tube, 332: side, 332a: upper part, 332b: middle part, 332c: lower part, 333: upper opening part, 335: middle opening part, 337: lower opening part, 339: lower opening part, 339: separation plate, 340: cover, 40, 41, 42: distribution device, 50, 51, 52: mixed gas supply route, 60: microwave heating device, 601: microwave guide part. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The advantages, features and methods of achieving the advantages and features of the present invention will become clear through the embodiments described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be implemented in a variety of different forms. The embodiments are only used to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform the scope of the invention to those with common knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs. The present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms and scientific terms) used in this specification have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0040] Unless otherwise indicated in the context, a singular form used in this specification may also include a plural form.

[0041] The numerical range used in this specification includes all values ​​within the range including the lower limit and the upper limit, the increments derived from the form and span logic of the defined range, all values ​​of the double definition, and all possible combinations of the upper and lower limits within the numerical range defined in different forms. Unless otherwise defined in the specification of the present invention, values ​​that may exceed the numerical range due to experimental errors or rounding of numerical values ​​are also included in the defined numerical range.

[0042] The term "including" mentioned in this specification is an open description, which is equivalent to expressions such as "having", "containing", "having", "characterized by", etc., and does not exclude factors, materials or processes that are not additionally listed.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, the unit "%" used without particular reference in the present specification means "% by weight".

[0044] Unless otherwise defined, “A to B” in this specification means “A or more and B or less”.

[0045] In this specification, when referring to a layer, film, region, plate or other part being “on” or “over” other parts, it not only includes the case where they are “directly on” other parts, but also includes the case where there is another part in between.

[0046] In this specification, when referring to structures such as a layer, film, region, plate, component, etc. being on "one side" or "a side" of other structures, it not only includes the case where they are in direct contact with other structures, but also includes the case where there is another structure in between.

[0047] The gas distribution system of the present disclosure and the ammonia synthesis system using the same will be described in detail below. However, this is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described in the examples.

[0048] The present disclosure provides a gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor, which includes: an ammonia synthesis reactor; a catalytic layer, which is included in the ammonia synthesis reactor; more than three distribution plates, which are arranged upstream of the catalytic layer; a distribution device, which is arranged upstream of each distribution plate and distributes mixed gas to the distribution plates; and a mixed gas supply route, which is arranged to supply mixed gas to each distribution device.

[0049] In a gas distribution system according to a specific embodiment, it is characterized in that the three or more distribution plates include a lower distribution plate, a middle distribution plate and an upper distribution plate which are distinguished according to the configuration height, and the lower distribution plate, the middle distribution plate and the upper distribution plate are independently formed with a plurality of openings. When the percentage of the total area of ​​the openings relative to the total area of ​​each distribution plate is referred to as the opening ratio, the opening ratio A of the lower distribution plate is b , the opening ratio of the middle distribution plate A m And the opening ratio A of the upper distribution plate t Satisfy A b >A m >A t .

[0050] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a gas distribution system 1 for an ammonia synthesis reactor and an ammonia synthesis system 2 using the same can be provided. The gas distribution system 1 for an ammonia synthesis reactor includes: an ammonia synthesis reactor 10; a catalyst layer 20, which is included in the ammonia synthesis reactor 10; more than three distribution plates 30, 31, 32, which are arranged upstream of the catalyst layer; distribution devices 40, 41, 42, which are arranged upstream of the distribution plates 30, 31, 32 respectively, and distribute mixed gas to the distribution plates 30, 31, 32; and mixed gas supply routes 50, 51, 52, which are arranged to supply mixed gas to each distribution device 40, 41, 42, the more than three distribution plates 30, 31, 32 include a lower distribution plate 30, a middle distribution plate 31 and an upper distribution plate 32 distinguished by the configuration height, and the lower distribution plate 30, the middle distribution plate 31 and the upper distribution plate 32 are independently formed with a plurality of openings 301, 311, 321.

[0051] As an example of the gas distribution device for an ammonia synthesis reactor of the present disclosure, a gas distribution system including three or more distribution plates can be described below. Of course, an ammonia synthesis system including three or more, for example, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 distribution plates is included in one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same include a mixed gas supply route to supply mixed gas to the upstream of each of three or more distribution plates with different opening rates, so as to cope with flow rate changes occurring during the production cycle. For example, when the flow rate of the raw material to be fed is large, the raw material can be fed through the mixed gas supply route 50 located at the lowest end so that the raw material can only pass through the lower distribution plate 30 located at the lowest end among the mixed gas distribution plates to reach the catalytic layer 20. As another example, when the flow rate of the raw material to be fed is small, the mixed gas supply route 52 located at the upper end can be used to feed the mixed gas so that the mixed gas can pass through the lower distribution plate 30 in sequence from the upper distribution plate 32 located at the upper end to reach the catalytic layer 20 located at the lowest end.

[0053] At this time, for convenience, in this specification, the flow rate changes that occur during the production cycle are roughly divided into three types, as described above, which can be divided into a small flow rate, a normal flow rate, and a large flow rate, which can be easily adjusted according to the common sense or judgment of ordinary technicians. It can be that the small flow rate refers to a situation where the annual average production flow rate (100%) is less than half (50%), the normal flow rate refers to a situation where the annual average production flow rate (100%) is more than half (50%) and less than 2 times (200%), and the large flow rate refers to a situation where the annual average production flow rate (100%) is more than 2 times (200%), but it is not limited to this.

[0054] On the one hand, generally, when the flow rate of the reaction fluid is small, the raw material distribution performance in the catalytic layer is reduced, resulting in differences in reaction performance between catalysts located at the same height. When the distribution performance is reduced due to a decrease in flow rate, resulting in lower reaction performance in some areas of the catalytic layer, there is a problem of shortening the catalytic layer replacement cycle.

[0055] The gas distribution system is as described above. When the flow rate is low, the mixed gas passes through all the upper, middle and lower distribution plates with different opening rates and reaches the catalyst layer, so that a uniform flow distribution can be maintained at the front end of the catalyst layer, thereby effectively solving the problem that the raw materials cannot be evenly distributed to the front end of the catalyst layer in the past. Alternatively, when the flow rate is high as described above, the gas distribution system allows the mixed gas to pass only through the lower distribution plate with the largest opening rate, thereby minimizing the load applied to the gas supplied to the catalyst layer, thereby providing a gas distribution system that can react evenly and effectively and an ammonia synthesis system using the same.

[0056] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the number of distribution plates may be more than 3, more than 4, more than 5, more than 6, more than 7, more than 10, less than 20, less than 10, less than 8, less than 7, less than 6, less than 5, less than 4, less than 3, or an interval of the values. The number of distribution plates and the number of distribution devices may be the same.

[0057] The three or more distribution plates include a lower distribution plate, a middle distribution plate and an upper distribution plate which are distinguished according to the configuration height. The lower distribution plate, the middle distribution plate and the upper distribution plate are independently formed with a plurality of openings. When the percentage of the total area of ​​the openings relative to the total area of ​​each distribution plate is referred to as the opening ratio, the lower distribution plate, the middle distribution plate and the upper distribution plate have different opening ratios. Specifically, the opening ratio A of the lower distribution plate is b , the opening ratio of the middle distribution plate A m And the opening ratio A of the upper distribution plate t Can satisfy A b >A m >A t .

[0058] In the gas distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the lower distribution plate 30, the middle distribution plate 31 and the upper distribution plate 32 have an opening rate that gradually increases downwards according to the configuration height, so as to cope with the flow rate changes that occur during the production cycle. When the number of distribution plates is further greater than 3, the opening rate can be gradually increased downwards according to the configuration height of the distribution plates.

[0059] The lower distribution plate 30 has a plurality of lower distribution plate openings 301. The percentage of the total area of ​​the lower distribution plate openings 301 relative to the total area of ​​the lower distribution plate 30 is referred to as the lower distribution plate opening ratio A.b When the opening ratio of the lower distribution plate is A b It may be more than 40%, 45 to 60%, or 50 to 60%.

[0060] The middle distribution plate 31 has a plurality of middle distribution plate openings 321. The percentage of the total area of ​​the middle distribution plate openings 311 relative to the total area of ​​the middle distribution plate 31 is referred to as the middle distribution plate opening ratio A. m When the opening ratio of the middle distribution plate is m It may be 20 to 40%, 25 to 35% or 30 to 35%.

[0061] The upper distribution plate 32 has a plurality of upper distribution plate openings 321. The percentage of the total area of ​​the upper distribution plate openings 321 relative to the total area of ​​the upper distribution plate 32 is referred to as the upper distribution plate opening ratio A. t When the opening ratio A of the upper distribution plate t It may be less than 20%, 5 to 20%, or 10 to 20%.

[0062] In addition, relative to the lower distribution plate opening ratio A b The middle part of the distribution board opening ratio A m The ratio may be less than 1, 0.3 to 0.8 or 0.4 to 0.7.

[0063] In addition, relative to the lower distribution plate opening ratio A b The upper distribution board opening ratio A t The ratio may be less than 1, 0.1 to 0.5 or 0.2 to 0.4.

[0064] In addition, the opening ratio A of the central distribution plate m The upper distribution board opening ratio A t The ratio may be less than 1, 0.3 to 0.8 or 0.4 to 0.7.

[0065] The diameters of the lower distribution plate opening 301, the middle distribution plate opening 311, and the upper distribution plate opening 321 may be the same or different. Specifically, the diameter of the lower distribution plate opening 301 is b , the diameter l of the middle distribution plate opening 311 m and the diameter l of the upper distribution plate opening 321 t Can satisfy l b ≥l m ≥l t or b > m > tThe diameters of the lower distribution plate opening 301, the middle distribution plate opening 311, and the upper distribution plate opening 321 gradually increase toward the lower part, thereby preventing the mixed gas from flowing back and helping the mixed gas to flow easily from the upper part to the lower part. In addition, a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same can be provided, which can improve the uniformity of the flow distribution at the front end of the catalyst layer when the flow rate of the mixed gas is small, or minimize the load applied to the gas supplied to the catalyst layer when the flow rate is large, thereby achieving uniform and effective reaction.

[0066] The gas distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can cope with the flow rate changes of raw materials such as hydrogen during the production cycle. Specifically, the mixed gas supply route and distribution device can be changed according to the situation of low flow rate, average flow rate or high flow rate of the raw materials, thereby making the number of distribution plates for the mixed gas to pass through different.

[0067] The gas distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the flow rate is high, supplies the mixed gas through the lower mixed gas supply route 50 located at the lowest end, so that other distribution plates can be used without using other distribution plates, and only the lower distribution plate 30 with the largest opening ratio can be used for operation. In the gas distribution system according to an embodiment, the mixed gas only passes through the lower distribution plate 30 located at the lowest end among the distribution plates to reach the catalyst layer 20, thereby minimizing the load applied to the gas supplied to the catalyst layer, thereby providing an ammonia synthesis system that can react uniformly and effectively.

[0068] According to another embodiment of the gas distribution system of the present disclosure, when the flow rate is averaged, the mixed gas is delivered through the middle mixed gas supply route 51 located in the middle, so that the upper distribution plate is not used and only the lower distribution plate 30 and the middle distribution plate 31 are used for operation.

[0069] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, when the flow rate of the raw material is small, the gas distribution system releases the mixed gas through the mixed gas supply route 52 located at the uppermost end, so that the lower distribution plate 30, the middle distribution plate 31 and the upper distribution plate 32 can all be used for operation. In the gas distribution system according to one embodiment, the mixed gas passes through the lower distribution plate 30 from the upper distribution plate 32 located at the upper end in sequence, and reaches the catalyst layer 20 located at the lowermost end, so that the distribution of the mixed gas is evenly distributed, thereby improving the distribution performance of the mixed gas at the front end of the catalyst layer. Therefore, when the ammonia synthesis system according to one embodiment is operated, the catalyst layer is evenly used, and the replacement cycle of the catalyst can be effectively extended.

[0070] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the mixed gas may include at least one selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and nitrogen.

[0071] The hydrogen may be produced in a device driven by new renewable energy sources. Specifically, the hydrogen may be produced in a water electrolyzer driven by new renewable energy sources.

[0072] The new renewable energy may include at least one selected from the group consisting of solar heat, sunlight, biomass, wind, hydropower, geothermal energy, ocean energy, and waste energy. The new renewable energy has temporal variability. For example, solar energy cannot be used at night. Therefore, when hydrogen is produced in a device driven by the new renewable energy, the ammonia synthesis system cannot always operate at a certain flow rate. That is, due to the temporal variability of the new renewable energy, a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system that can cope with the flow rate changes that occur during the production cycle are required.

[0073] In addition, the mixed gas supplied in the mixed gas supply lines 50, 51, and 52 may be a mixed gas of low temperature. Therefore, the mixed gas supplied in the mixed gas supply lines 50, 51, and 52 plays a role in cooling the mixed gas, and may also function as a means for cooling the mixed gas flowing in the ammonia synthesis system. For example, the mixed gas of low temperature may be used as a cooling means for cooling the mixed gas supplied to the catalyst layer.

[0074] The gas distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a plurality of mixed gas flow pipes 330, which are fixed to the lower surfaces 302, 312, 322 of more than three distribution plates 30, 31, 32, for the mixed gas to flow. The gas distribution system further includes the mixed gas flow pipes, so that even if the flow rate of the raw materials such as hydrogen added is reduced, a uniform flow distribution can be maintained at the front end of the catalyst layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor. Figure 3 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the lower distribution plate in the distribution plate. This schematic diagram is not limited to the lower distribution plate, and can be a schematic diagram of the middle distribution plate and / or the upper distribution plate.

[0075] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The mixed gas flow pipe 330 may have a bottom surface and a side surface 332 connecting the bottom surface and the distribution plate.

[0076] A plurality of upper openings 333 formed at intervals along the circumference may be formed on the side of the upper portion 332a of the mixed gas flow pipe 330, a plurality of middle openings 335 formed at intervals along the circumference may be formed on the side of the middle portion 332b of the mixed gas flow pipe 330, and a plurality of lower openings 337 formed at intervals along the circumference may be formed on the side of the lower portion 332c of the mixed gas flow pipe 330. The mixed gas flows through the upper openings 333, the middle openings 335, and the lower openings 337. The mixed gas flow pipe 330 may include a cover 340 formed to surround at least a portion of the side of the mixed gas flow pipe 330 to provide a space for guiding the fluid that flows out to the outside of the side of the mixed gas flow pipe 330 after passing through the upper openings 333 toward the middle openings 335. The cover 340 may be formed to surround at least one of the group consisting of the upper portion and the middle portion of the side of the mixed gas flow pipe 330.

[0077] The cover 340 guides the fluid that has passed through the upper opening 333 and then flowed out to the outside of the side of the mixed gas flow pipe 330 to the middle opening 335. This forms a flow that moves to the outside of the side of the mixed gas flow pipe 330 and then moves to the inside of the side again. The flow formed in this way can more smoothly complete the mixing of the fluids.

[0078] refer to Figure 5 , the mixed gas flow tube 330 may further include a separation plate 339 configured to divide the upper portion and the middle portion of the mixed gas flow tube 330. The separation plate 339 completely separates the upper portion and the middle portion of the mixed gas flow tube 330 so that the fluid cannot move. Therefore, the fluid flowing into the upper portion of the mixed gas flow tube 330 does not directly drop to the middle portion through the separation plate 339, but flows out to the space between the mixed gas flow tube 330 and the cover 340 through the upper opening portion 333. Then, the fluid flows into the mixed gas flow tube through the middle opening portion 335 in the space, and drops to the lower portion, thereby flowing out to the outside of the mixed gas flow tube 330 through the lower opening portion 337. As described above, by forming a flow in which the fluid flows out to the outside of the mixed gas flow tube 330, flows into the inside again, and then flows out again, the mixing of the fluid can be completed more smoothly, and a uniform flow distribution can be maintained at the front end of the catalyst layer.

[0079] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the mixed gas supply routes 50, 51, 52 and the distribution devices 40, 41, 42 can be arranged upstream of the respective distribution plates 30, 31, 32. Specifically, the lower mixed gas supply route 50 and the lower distribution device 40 can be located upstream of the lower distribution plate 30 and downstream of the middle distribution plate 31, that is, between the lower distribution plate 30 and the middle distribution plate 31, the middle mixed gas supply route 51 and the middle distribution device 41 can be located upstream of the middle distribution plate 31 and downstream of the upper distribution plate 32, that is, between the middle distribution plate 31 and the upper distribution plate 32, and the upper mixed gas supply route 52 and the upper distribution device 42 can be located upstream of the upper distribution plate 32.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the mixed gas supply routes 50, 51, and 52 may include a flow regulating device. The flow regulating device may independently control the flow rate of the mixed gas in each of the mixed gas supply routes. Specifically, the flow regulating device independently regulates the flow rate of the mixed gas flowing in each of the mixed gas supply routes, so that the flow rate of the mixed gas entering the distribution device remains within a desired flow rate range. The flow regulating device may be a flow regulating valve.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the mixed gas supply routes 50, 51, 52 may each be a route branching from a main supply route. In addition, the mixed gas supply routes 50, 51, 52 may each be supplied with at least one selected from the group consisting of nitrogen and hydrogen from a separate supply route.

[0082] In an embodiment according to the present disclosure, the distribution devices 40 , 41 , 42 may be in the shape of a circular plate or a toroidal ring, but are not limited thereto, and a common gas distribution device may be used.

[0083] The gas distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a microwave heating device 60 for irradiating microwaves to the catalyst layer. By including the microwave heating device 60, the temperature deviation between the center and the edge of the catalyst layer can be made uniform at the initial stage of operation, thereby improving the ammonia synthesis yield. Specifically, the microwave heating device can make the temperature deviation between the center and the edge of the catalyst layer uniform by irradiating microwaves to the catalyst layer at the initial stage of operation. In addition, the microwave heating device preheats the catalyst layer that has not been fully preheated at the initial stage of operation, thereby improving the ammonia synthesis yield at the initial stage of operation.

[0084] The number of microwave heating devices may be 1 or more, 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, 5 or more, or 8 or more, but is not limited thereto. The number of microwave heating devices may be increased according to the size of the reactor, and the installation position may be adjusted for efficient microwave irradiation.

[0085] The ammonia synthesis system may further include a microwave guide. The microwave guide enables the microwave irradiated from the microwave heating device to reach the catalyst layer more effectively. Of course, the shape or setting position of the guide may be changed according to the microwave waveform.

[0086] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the gas distribution system may further include an anti-backflow plate at the lower end of each distribution plate. A plurality of openings may be formed on the anti-backflow plate, and an anti-backflow cover that is selectively opened along the flow direction of the gas may be formed on the plurality of openings formed on each of the anti-backflow plates. According to an embodiment of the gas distribution system, the anti-backflow plate is formed with an anti-backflow cover, so that when the mixed gas is delivered through the mixed gas supply route located at the lower end to pass only through the lower distribution plate, the mixed gas can be prevented from flowing back to the middle distribution plate.

[0087] The backflow prevention cover can be hingedly coupled to a position of the perimeter of a plurality of openings formed on each of the backflow prevention plates. When the mixed gas flows from upstream to downstream of the backflow prevention plate, the backflow prevention cover remains in an open state so that the mixed gas flows normally. When the mixed gas wants to flow from downstream to upstream of the backflow prevention plate, the backflow prevention cover is closed due to the flow of the mixed gas flowing from downstream to upstream. Due to this principle, the backflow prevention plate according to the present disclosure can prevent the mixed gas from backflowing. At this time, a spring is provided at the hinged joint of the hinge, so that the backflow prevention cover can apply elastic force in the direction close to the distribution plate.

[0088] The gas distribution system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: a heat exchanger, which is arranged downstream of each of the two or more catalyst layers to remove heat from the effluent of the catalyst layer. The heat exchanger can be arranged to surround the catalyst layer or its periphery. The gas distribution system also includes a heat exchanger, so that it can have an additional heat removal unit in addition to supplying the cooling mixed gas. Thereby, the ammonia synthesis system can be flexibly operated.

[0089] The present disclosure can provide an ammonia synthesis system 2 using the above-mentioned gas distribution system 1. The ammonia synthesis system can cope with flow changes occurring during the production cycle, and when the flow of the raw materials such as hydrogen added is reduced, a uniform flow distribution is maintained at the front end of the catalyst layer, thereby extending the catalyst layer replacement cycle. Alternatively, a gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system using the same can be provided, which can minimize the load applied to the gas supplied to the catalyst layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor even if the flow of the raw materials such as hydrogen added is increased, thereby achieving uniform and efficient reaction. In addition, when the gas distribution system is used, the ammonia synthesis yield can be improved, and an environmentally friendly ammonia synthesis system can be constructed.

[0090] In the ammonia synthesis system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, ammonia synthesis may be performed at 1 to 500 bar or 10 to 300 bar.

[0091] In addition, in the ammonia synthesis system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, ammonia synthesis may be performed at 100 to 800°C or 200 to 700°C.

[0092] The above-described contents are merely examples of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other structures may also be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor, comprising: Ammonia synthesis reactor; a catalytic layer included in the ammonia synthesis reactor; Three or more distribution plates, which are arranged upstream of the catalytic layer; a distribution device, which is arranged upstream of each of the distribution plates and distributes the mixed gas to the distribution plates; and a mixed gas supply route arranged to supply the mixed gas to each of the distribution devices, The three or more distribution plates include a lower distribution plate, a middle distribution plate and an upper distribution plate which are differentiated according to the configuration height. The lower distribution plate, the middle distribution plate and the upper distribution plate are independently formed with a plurality of openings. When the percentage of the total area of ​​the openings relative to the total area of ​​each distribution plate is referred to as the opening ratio, the opening ratio (A) of the lower distribution plate is b ), the opening ratio of the middle distribution plate (A m ) and the opening ratio of the upper distribution plate (A t ) satisfies A b >A m >A t .

2. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The opening ratio (A b ) exceeds 40%.

3. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The opening ratio (A m ) is 20 to 40%.

4. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The opening ratio (A t ) is less than 20%.

5. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor further comprises: a plurality of mixed gas flow pipes fixed to the lower surface of at least one of the distribution plates for allowing the mixed gas to flow.

6. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 5, wherein: The mixed gas flow pipe has a bottom surface and a side surface connecting the bottom surface and the distribution plate. A plurality of upper openings are formed on the upper side of the mixed gas flow pipe and are spaced apart along the circumference. A plurality of intermediate openings are formed on the intermediate side of the mixed gas flow pipe and are spaced apart along the circumference. A plurality of lower openings are formed on the lower side of the mixed gas flow pipe and are spaced apart along the circumference. The mixed gas flow pipe includes a cover formed to surround at least a portion of a side surface of the mixed gas flow pipe to provide a space for guiding a fluid that flows out of the side surface of the mixed gas flow pipe after passing through the upper opening toward the middle opening.

7. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor further includes a microwave heating device for irradiating microwaves to the catalyst layer.

8. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The mixed gas supply routes each include a flow regulating device.

9. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The gas distribution system further includes a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the catalytic layer to remove heat from an outflow of the catalytic layer.

10. The gas distribution system for an ammonia synthesis reactor according to claim 1, wherein: The distribution device is in the shape of a circular plate or a ring.

11. An ammonia synthesis system utilizing the gas distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The ammonia synthesis system according to claim 11, wherein: In the ammonia synthesis system, ammonia synthesis is performed at 10 to 300 bar.

13. The ammonia synthesis system according to claim 11, wherein: In the ammonia synthesis system, ammonia synthesis is performed at 200 to 700°C.

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