Method and apparatus for heating hydrocarbon process stream

Abstract

A method and apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon process stream utilizing an electric heater to provide a portion of the heating requirements required to take place a chemical reaction for one of the components of the hydrocarbon process stream. The electric heater may be connected in series or in parallel with the second or main heater. The electric heater can be used between two reaction zones or between the feed exchange heater and the first reaction zone. The electric heater preferably provides the heating requirements of the process stream between 5% and 40%.

Description

[0001] Priority Declaration

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 387,404, filed on December 14, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for heating hydrocarbon process streams, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for using electric heaters to provide a portion of the heating requirements of hydrocarbon process streams. Background Art

[0004] The world is moving towards greener and cleaner technologies. According to the Paris Agreement, most countries aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 or 2050.

[0005] Given this, there is growing interest in reducing fossil fuel consumption, improving efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions, and increasing reliance on renewable energy. As the refining and petrochemical industries move toward sustainable energy sources (such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, nuclear, etc.) and the production of more available green electricity, there is a desire to reduce the size of roasting heaters used in technologies such as hydrocarbon reforming, dehydrogenation, isomerization, transalkylation, hydroprocessing, etc.

[0006] Therefore, it would be desirable to have more efficient and effective methods of heating process streams to desired or required temperatures, reducing reliance on heating equipment and processes that generate carbon dioxide. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention addresses these problems by providing methods and apparatus for utilizing inline electric heating and heaters in conjunction with primary or main heaters in various hydrocarbon processing areas and equipment. In addition to reducing the carbon dioxide produced by such heaters, the present invention also allows for the use of smaller roasting heaters and, thereby, reduces the land area required for similar capacity processing units.

[0008] Integrating inline electric heating can also help reduce the process outlet temperature of the roasting heater, which in turn will achieve lower tube wall temperatures and lower peak membrane temperatures. This can help alleviate problems such as metal catalyzed coking (MCC) and thermal (non-selective) cracking, which are reduced at lower heater outlet temperatures in various reforming technologies.

[0009] Electric heating also provides excellent turndown capability, providing operational and process flexibility to run at low heat loads that cannot be easily achieved with torrefaction heaters, or cannot be achieved with torrefaction heaters while maintaining efficient or clean combustion of the fuel gas.

[0010] This flexibility can be used for precise process control, turndown operations, and startup operations, especially startup where controlled heating rates of reactor loop equipment are crucial. For example, electric heaters can eliminate the need for burners and additional controls designed for the low-flow, low-fire operation required during startup.

[0011] Additionally, many reformers are seeking to increase unit capacity (BPSD aspects) for technologies such as reforming, and require additional heater units (auxiliary / assistant heaters) placed in series or parallel, thereby increasing plot space requirements and posing challenges to transfer piping layout relative to reactor location. Integrating electric heaters in the transfer lines (to achieve inline heating) would utilize the transfer lines (already in the plot plan) and would reduce the need for or size of auxiliary / assistant heaters, thereby reducing plot space requirements and alleviating challenges with transfer line thermal expansion and stress issues with the reactor.

[0012] The process fluid temperature at the roasting heater outlet will be lower and the final heating can occur in the "inline electric heater". Therefore, the solution of the present invention will not only reduce the thermal volume, but will also reduce the thermal expansion temperature effect of the roasting heater on the transfer line and therefore provide some relief from pipeline stress.

[0013] Land space constraints and capacity increase challenges associated with retrofitting process units can be addressed by integrating inline electric heating with existing roaster heaters. For some retrofits of existing reforming units, steam system equipment may be limiting (e.g., steam drums, BFW recirculation pumps, etc.). By providing the additional heat load for the retrofit with inline electric heaters, the steam system equipment on the existing roaster heaters will not need to be changed.

[0014] In addition to providing electric heaters in the transfer lines, the present invention also contemplates providing electric heating elements inside the reactor, thereby providing the same benefits as described above while potentially further reducing thermal mass.

[0015] While the design is suitable for both new and retrofit designs, the invention is believed to be particularly beneficial as part of a retrofit solution to achieve carbon dioxide reduction.

[0016] It is believed that the integration of "inline electric heating" with hydrocarbon reforming and similar technologies can reduce the size of each torrefaction heater service (both charge and inter-reactor heaters) by at least 10% to 20%. Additionally, lower heater outlet temperatures (5.6°C to 11.1°C (10°F to 20°F), lower or higher) will further optimize heat flux and thus facilitate a reduction in torrefaction heater size.

[0017] Thus, in at least one aspect, the present invention can be characterized by providing a chemical reaction process zone having: at least one reaction zone having a reactor that receives a feed stream and, under suitable conditions, causes a chemical reaction of components of the feed stream; and a heating zone configured to provide heat to the feed stream upstream of the at least one reaction zone. The heating zone includes: an electric heater configured to provide a first portion of the heating requirement to the feed stream; and a second heater configured to provide a second portion of the heating requirement to the feed stream, wherein the first portion and the second portion achieve a minimum temperature, and wherein the second heater is a roasting heater or an electric heater.

[0018] The at least one reaction zone may include two reactors, and the electric heater may be provided in the transfer line between the first reactor and the second reactor.

[0019] The electric heater may be provided in the transfer line upstream of the second heater.

[0020] The electric heater may be provided in the transfer line downstream of the second heater.

[0021] The electric heater may be provided before the catalyst bed inside the reactor having the catalyst bed.

[0022] The electric heater may be provided after the catalyst bed inside the reactor having the catalyst bed.

[0023] The electric heater may be disposed inside a reactor having a plurality of catalyst beds, and the electric heater may be located after the first catalyst bed and before a second catalyst bed.

[0024] The first portion of the heating request may be between 5% and 40% of the heating request.

[0025] The electric heater may be installed at a bend in the transfer line, and wherein the feed stream may flow in the transfer line parallel to the electric heater.

[0026] The electric heater may be installed in the transfer line, and the feed stream may flow perpendicular to the electric heater.

[0027] The electric heater may be provided to be installed in the transfer line in an arrangement configured to cover the entire cross-section of the transfer line.

[0028] The second heater may be a baking heater, and the electric heater may be arranged in series with the baking heater.

[0029] The second heater may be a baking heater, and the electric heater may be arranged in parallel with the baking heater.

[0030] The chemical reaction process zone may further include a second electric heater arranged in series with the roasting heater.

[0031] In a second aspect, the invention can be generally characterized as a method for a chemical reaction, the method comprising: heating a process stream in an electric heater; heating the process stream in a second heater, wherein the second heater is a roasting heater or an electric heater; passing the process stream to a reactor in a reaction zone, the reactor causing a chemical reaction of components of the feed stream under suitable conditions; and recovering a hydrocarbon effluent stream from the reactor.

[0032] The electric heater may be located upstream of the second heater.

[0033] The electric heater may be located downstream of the second heater.

[0034] The second heater may be a baking heater, and the electric heater may be arranged in series with the baking heater.

[0035] The second heater may be a baking heater, and wherein the electric heater may be arranged in parallel with the baking heater.

[0036] The method may further include a second electric heater arranged in series with the firing heater.

[0037] The electric heater may provide between 5% and 40% of the heating requirement for the chemical reaction.

[0038] The process stream may be the effluent from an upstream reactor in the reaction zone.

[0039] Further aspects, embodiments and details of the invention (all of which may be combined in any manner) are set forth in the following detailed description of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 depicts a process flow diagram according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 depicts a schematic side cross-sectional view of an inline heater according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 depicts another schematic side cross-sectional view of an inline heater according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4depicts a side schematic diagram of an inline heater according to one or more aspects of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 Describes a method according to one or more aspects of the present invention along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

[0046] Figure 6 Describes a method according to one or more aspects of the present invention along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG; and

[0047] Figure 7 Describes a method according to one or more aspects of the present invention along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] As described above, the present invention provides for inline electric heating used with other primary heaters. The use of electric heaters solves several problems and provides for higher fuel efficiency of the roasting heater, reduced CO2 footprint, lower thermal mass, higher production rates, lower land space for the roasting heater, and lower stress values on the transmission lines.

[0049] With these general principles in mind, one or more embodiments of the invention will be described below with the understanding that the following description is not intended to be limiting.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, chemical reaction zone 10 includes at least one reaction zone 11 having a reactor 12 that receives a feed stream 14. The interior of reactor 12 may be a catalyst bed 16 that catalyzes a chemical reaction of the components of feed stream 14 under suitable conditions and causes reactor 12 to produce at least one effluent stream 18. Alternatively, reactor 12 may not include a catalyst bed, and the chemical reaction zone may be operated in the absence of a catalyst. Feed stream 14 may be the effluent or a portion of the effluent from another reactor 12 in reaction zone 11.

[0051] In order to carry out the desired chemical reaction, the feed stream 14 must be heated to the desired or required temperature. In other words, there is a heating requirement for the feed stream 14. Therefore, in order to provide heat to the feed stream 14 upstream of the reaction zone 11, the chemical reaction zone 10 also includes a heating zone 20.

[0052] Heating zone 20 includes one or more electric heaters 22 and a second heater 24. Electric heater 22 is configured to provide a first portion of the required heating for feed stream 14. Second heater 24 is configured to provide a second portion of the required heating for feed stream 14. The first portion and the second portion together achieve a minimum temperature. Second heater 24 is a roasting heater or an electric heater. Preferably, electric heaters 22 together provide between 5% and 40% or more, or between 5% and 20% or more, of the required heating for feed stream 14.

[0053] As described above, the heating zone 20, and more specifically the electric heater 22, can be positioned between the two reactors 12. The electric heater 22 can be located at the inlet of the second heater 24, at the outlet of the second heater 24, or at both. The electric heater 22 can be connected in series and / or in parallel with the second heater 24. The electric heater 22 can be positioned in the reactor 12 before the catalyst bed 16, such that the feed stream passes through the electric heater 22 before passing through the catalyst bed 16. The electric heater 22 can also be positioned after the catalyst bed 16 or between the catalyst beds 16.

[0054] Go to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , an electric heater 22 is shown having a heater bundle 30 having hairpin-shaped heating tubes or elements 32. It will be understood that multiple bundles 30 may be used. The hairpin-shaped heating tubes 32 may be up to 10 feet in length, with a typical outer diameter of 0.43". A single electric heater bundle 30 with a 50" bundle diameter and a 7' immersion length (5' heated length) may provide 1.8 MW of heat to the process at a pressure drop of 3.4 kPa (0.5 psi) (a temperature rise of 5.6°C (10°F) for a reactor vapor flow of 633,000 lb / hr). Different bundle 30 diameters and lengths may be used to optimize performance and meet process requirements.

[0055] The electric heater bundle 30 can be installed in the hairpin shaped heating tube 32 ( Figure 2 ) which provides the most uniform flow over all elements, thereby eliminating flow maldistribution and corresponding hot spots in the bundle 30. The elbows in a typical delivery line can be replaced with T-shaped pipes, and the electric heater bundle 30 can then be installed into the pipeline through the long section of the T-shaped pipe. Although Figure 2 The orientation of the heater bundle and flow can be horizontal, but Figure 3 It is shown that the orientation of the beam and flow can also be vertical. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It is also shown that the inlet (or outlet) for the flow can be arranged with either end of the electric heater bundle, allowing the design of the bundle to be optimized with respect to the temperature of the flow.

[0056] It is also contemplated that the electric heater 22 is not provided at the elbow, but rather in the middle of the delivery line. Figure 4 As shown, the hairpin-shaped heating tubes can be installed as a bundle through the electric heater 22. This will limit the length of the tubes and / or bundles of the electric heater 22 based on the diameter of the delivery pipeline, because the tubes and / or bundles of the electric heater 22 will be perpendicular to the flow in the pipeline (at Figure 4 from left to right or right to left in the middle).

[0057] Thus, the heating element 32 may be oriented horizontally ( Figure 5 ) or vertical orientation ( Figure 6 ) or in an orientation somewhere in between that is parallel to each other. Additionally, it is contemplated to provide a combination of orientations, such as a combination of vertical and horizontal orientations that provide a mesh pattern. Additionally, it is also contemplated that the heating element 32 has Figure 7 geometric shapes (such as hexagons or spiral coils).

[0058] Appropriate baffles or shields around the heating beam are contemplated to maximize velocity on the beam and eliminate beam maldistribution and hot areas. Multiple beams may be installed to achieve the desired heat load.

[0059] Installing longer electric heater bundles and multiple bundles can be used to reduce element temperatures to better eliminate fouling and coking and increase design life. The design of electric heaters must carefully consider fluid temperature, element temperature, heat load, pressure drop, and the fouling / coking tendency of the process fluid.

[0060] The electric heater bundle can be installed directly upstream of the roasting heater, directly downstream of the roasting heater, or in both locations (this applies to the feed heater and / or interstage heater). Electric heaters offer the greatest advantage for the downstream roasting heater because they reduce the roasting heater outlet temperature, which can be used to optimize the roasting heater design and save size. Additionally, the electric heater bundle can be installed near the reactor inlet to minimize the thermal mass.

[0061] The heat load of the electric heater 22 can be controlled and monitored, for example, by flow temperature measurements and component temperature measurements. In addition to ensuring proper heating, this data can also be used to protect the component from overheating and failure. Thus, a set level can be used to control the heat load to avoid overheating. Reduced heat from the electric heater can be compensated by firing the heater.

[0062] Additionally, the thermal load control may be of multiple bundles, individual bundles, or groups of elements within a single bundle. This will be selected to optimize the performance and reliability of the electric heater operation.

[0063] Based on layout requirements and availability, or to improve heater design, the electric heater can be installed upstream of the roasting heater. This upstream location helps minimize element temperature, better eliminating fouling and coking and increasing design life. Electric heater hairpin elements can also be placed around the inlet or outlet of the radial flow reactor. This arrangement eliminates the need for space in the transfer line and can further reduce thermal residence time.

[0064] experiment

[0065] A quick yield estimate was simulated when reforming the reactor with 50% of the thermal volume from all transfer lines, heater manifolds, and heater tubes operating 20 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the conventional design, while keeping all other parameters the same (i.e., reactor inlet temperature, pressure, etc.). In addition to showing a reduction in carbon dioxide production, the simulation estimated an additional C5+ yield of 0.2 wt% relative to the current design.

[0066] A rapid thermal rating of the roasting heater was performed while reforming the process unit, where the heater end temperature was reduced by 11°C (20°F) to quantify / estimate heater performance, noting that such reduced heater end temperature resulted in a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and a similar 20% reduction in carbon dioxide production.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that various other components such as valves, pumps, filters, coolers, etc. are not shown in the drawings because it is believed that their details are well within the knowledge of those skilled in the art and their description is not necessary for the practice or understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] Any of the aforementioned pipelines, conduits, units, equipment, containers, surrounding environments, zones, or the like may be equipped with one or more monitoring components, including sensors, measuring devices, data capture devices, or data transmission devices. Signals, process or state measurements, and data from the monitoring components may be used to monitor conditions in, around, and related to the process equipment. The signals, measurements, and / or data generated or recorded by the monitoring components may be collected, processed, and / or transmitted via one or more networks or connections, which may be private or public, general or dedicated, direct or indirect, wired or wireless, encrypted or unencrypted, and / or combinations thereof; the present description is not intended to be limiting in this respect.

[0069] The signals, measurements, and / or data generated or recorded by the monitoring components may be transmitted to one or more computing devices or systems. The computing device or system may include at least one processor and a memory storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the one or more computing devices to perform a method that may include one or more steps. For example, the one or more computing devices may be configured to receive data related to at least one piece of equipment associated with the method from the one or more monitoring components. The one or more computing devices or systems may be configured to analyze the data. Based on the analysis of the data, the one or more computing devices or systems may be configured to determine one or more recommended adjustments to one or more parameters of one or more methods described herein. The one or more computing devices or systems may be configured to transmit encrypted or unencrypted data comprising one or more recommended adjustments to one or more parameters of one or more methods described herein.

[0070] Specific implementation plan

[0071] While the following is described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it should be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the foregoing description and the appended claims.

[0072] The first embodiment of the present invention is a chemical reaction process zone comprising: at least one reaction zone having a reactor that receives a feed stream and causes a chemical reaction of the components of the feed stream under suitable conditions; and a heating zone configured to provide heat to the feed stream upstream of the at least one reaction zone, wherein the heating zone comprises an electric heater configured to provide a first portion of the heating requirement to the feed stream; and a second heater configured to provide a second portion of the heating requirement to the feed stream, wherein the first portion and the second portion achieve a minimum temperature, and wherein the second heater is a roasting heater or an electric heater. The embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the at least one reaction zone comprises two reactors, and wherein the electric heater is disposed in the transfer line between the first reactor and the second reactor. The embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is disposed in the transfer line upstream of the second heater. Embodiments of the present invention are one, any or all of the previous embodiments in this paragraph through the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is disposed in the transfer line downstream of the second heater. Embodiments of the present invention are one, any or all of the previous embodiments in this paragraph through the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the reactor comprises a catalyst bed, and wherein the electric heater is disposed inside the reactor before the catalyst bed. Embodiments of the present invention are one, any or all of the previous embodiments in this paragraph through the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the reactor comprises a catalyst bed, and wherein the electric heater is disposed inside the reactor after the catalyst bed. Embodiments of the present invention are one, any or all of the previous embodiments in this paragraph through the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the reactor comprises a first catalyst bed and a second catalyst bed, and wherein the electric heater is disposed inside the reactor, and wherein the electric heater is located after the first catalyst bed and before the second catalyst bed. Embodiments of the present invention are one, any or all of the previous embodiments in this paragraph through the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the first portion of the heating requirement is between 5% and 40% of the heating requirement. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the previous embodiments in this paragraph to the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is installed at an elbow position in the transfer pipeline, and wherein the feed stream flows parallel to the electric heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the previous embodiments in this paragraph to the first embodiment in this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is installed in the transfer pipeline, and the feed stream flows perpendicular to the electric heater.An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is arranged to be installed in the transfer pipeline in an arrangement configured to cover the entire cross-section of the transfer pipeline. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a roasting heater, and wherein the electric heater is arranged in series with the roasting heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a roasting heater, and wherein the electric heater is arranged in parallel with the roasting heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, which embodiment further includes a second electric heater arranged in series with the roasting heater.

[0073] A second embodiment of the present invention is a method for a chemical reaction, the method comprising: heating a process stream in an electric heater; heating the process stream in a second heater, wherein the second heater is a roasting heater or an electric heater; passing the process stream to a reactor in a reaction zone, the reactor causing a chemical reaction of the components of the feed stream under suitable conditions; and recovering a hydrocarbon effluent stream from the reactor. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is located upstream of the second heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is located downstream of the second heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a roasting heater, and wherein the electric heater is arranged in series with the roasting heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a roasting heater, and wherein the electric heater is arranged in parallel with the roasting heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the embodiment further comprises a second electric heater arranged in series with the roasting heater. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater provides between 5% and 40% of the heating requirement for the chemical reaction. An embodiment of the present invention is one, any one, or all of the embodiments from the previous embodiment of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the process stream comprises effluent from an upstream reactor in the reaction zone.

[0074] Although there is no further detailed description, it is believed that one skilled in the art can utilize the present invention to its fullest extent by using the foregoing description and can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention to make various changes and modifications to the present invention and adapt it to various usages and conditions. Therefore, the foregoing preferred specific embodiments should be construed as merely illustrative and not limiting the remainder of the present disclosure in any way, and are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] In the above, all temperatures are expressed in degrees Celsius and, unless otherwise stated, all parts and percentages are "heating requirements," which will be heat flow (eg, Watts, Btu / hr).

[0076] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the present invention, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that one exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for those skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and it should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A chemical reaction process area (10), comprising: at least one reaction zone (11) having a reactor (12) that receives a feed stream (14) and causes a chemical reaction of components of the feed stream (14) under suitable conditions; and, a heating zone (20) configured to provide heat to the feed stream (22) upstream of the at least one reaction zone (11), wherein the heating zone (20) comprises: an electric heater (22) configured to provide a first portion of the heating requirement to the feed stream (14); as well as, a second heater (24) configured to provide a second portion of the heating requirement to the feed stream (14), wherein the first portion and the second portion achieve a minimum temperature, and wherein the second heater (24) It is a roasting heater or an electric heater.

2. A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one reaction zone (11) comprises two reactors (12), and wherein the electric heater (22) is arranged in the transfer line between the first reactor (12) and the second reactor (12).

3. The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electric heater (22) is arranged in the transfer line upstream of the second heater (24).

4. The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electric heater (22) is arranged in the transfer line downstream of the second heater (24).

5. A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to claim 1, wherein the reactor includes a catalyst bed (16), and wherein the electric heater (22) is arranged inside the reactor (12) before the catalyst bed (16), or after the catalyst bed (16), or in both cases.

6. A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first portion of the heating requirement is between 5% and 40% of the heating requirement.

7. The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electric heater (22) is installed at a bend position in the conveying pipeline, and wherein the feed flow flows parallel to the electric heater (22).

8. The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the electric heater (22) is installed in a transfer line, and the feed stream flows perpendicular to the electric heater (22).

9. A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second heater (24) is a roasting heater, and wherein the electric heater (22) is arranged in series with the roasting heater, or in parallel with the roasting heater, or in both ways.

10. A method for producing a chemical reaction, the method comprising: heating the process stream (14) in an electric heater (22); heating the process stream (14) in a second heater (24), wherein the second heater (24) is a roasting heater or an electric heater; passing the process stream (26) to a reactor (12) in a reaction zone (11) which produces a chemical reaction of the components of the feed stream (14) under suitable conditions; and, An effluent stream (18) is recovered from the reactor (12).

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