Corrosion detection for aqueous fluid reactors

Abstract

The invention relates to an aqueous fluid reactor. The reactor includes a corrosion detection element including a conduit element having a fluid dead end. The conduit element extends within the reactor volume a distance at which a dead end is provided. A conduit element is fluidly connected to an inflow or outflow line at a lower end, and a sensor is provided that is configured and arranged to sense a flow, if present, in the interior of the conduit element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an aqueous fluid reactor. The reactor includes a corrosion detection element comprising a pipe element having a fluid dead end. The pipe element extends within the reactor volume for a distance at which the dead end is provided. The pipe element is fluidically connected to an inflow or outflow line at a lower end, and a sensor is provided that is configured and arranged to sense flow (if present) within the interior of the pipe element. Background Art

[0002] Treatment of aqueous fluids containing organic and / or inorganic materials by gasification and / or oxidation at elevated pressures and temperatures relative to, for example, standard atmospheric conditions has proven to be an effective means of, for example, decomposing hazardous chemicals contained in aqueous fluids. Gasification and / or oxidation is typically performed in a reactor configured to withstand elevated pressures and temperatures, and such reactors are typically constructed of metal (e.g., a metal alloy) to define a reactor volume within which the chemical reactions occur.

[0003] Due to the nature of the chemical reactions and / or the reactants (e.g., oxygen) fed into the reactor volume, a corrosive environment inside the reactor may arise and exist continuously or intermittently. Such a corrosive environment may (depending on the choice of materials) have a destructive effect on the materials from which the reactor is made and / or on the components located inside the reactor volume.

[0004] If corrosion occurs, for example in the reactor wall enclosing the reactor volume, this can compromise the structural integrity of the reactor wall, for example to the extent that the reactor wall can rupture, thereby causing fluid leakage and a decrease in the pressure inside the reactor volume. Furthermore, the pressure inside the reactor volume can typically be higher than 220 bar, and in such use cases, a rupture of the reactor wall can pose a danger to personnel standing nearby.

[0005] Therefore, it may be considered necessary to determine whether corrosion has occurred or is occurring inside the reactor volume in order to be able to proactively react to such corrosion.

[0006] Currently, corrosion is detected by disassembling the reactor and performing a visual inspection. This is obviously a tedious and labor-intensive method, which has the further disadvantage that the reactor is unusable during such inspections. Another available option is to remove a sample of the fluid from the reactor volume and analyze the sample for signs of corrosion. While sampling and analysis can be performed without taking the reactor out of service, detecting corrosion through such a procedure can be highly difficult, and the extent of corrosion is believed to be inestimable.

[0007] Hence, an improved method of detecting corrosion inside a reactor volume would be advantageous, in particular a more efficient and / or reliable method of detecting corrosion inside a reactor volume would be advantageous.

[0008] Purpose of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for detecting corrosion inside a reactor volume.

[0010] A further object of the present invention is to provide an alternative to the prior art.

[0011] In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus that solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art regarding corrosion detection. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Thus, in a first aspect of the present invention, the above objects and several other objects are intended to be achieved by providing an aqueous fluid reactor adapted to contain an aqueous fluid in a reactor volume, the reactor comprising: · a reactor body defining said reactor volume;

[0013] a fluid inlet arranged for introducing at least the aqueous fluid into the reactor volume, the fluid inlet being fluidly connected to an inflow line positioned outside the reactor body;

[0014] a processed fluid output connection having an inlet in fluid communication with the reactor volume and fluidly connected to an outflow line positioned external to the reactor body;

[0015] Corrosion detection element, which includes

[0016] a pipe element having a fluidic dead end, said pipe element extending inside the reactor volume for a distance at which the dead end is provided, wherein the pipe element is fluidically connected at a position opposite the dead end to the inflow or outflow line or to a reservoir via a connecting pipe extending outside the reactor body, directly or indirectly via an adapter section,

[0017] A sensor is configured and arranged to sense flow, if any, in the interior of the conduit element.

[0018] In this context, a "treated fluid" preferably refers to an aqueous fluid that contains organic and / or inorganic material and has been partially or completely subjected to an oxidation and / or gasification process.

[0019] "Sensing flow" preferably refers to detecting that a fluid has entered the conduit element from the reactor volume through one or more corrosion sites generated by passage through the through-openings. Such an incoming fluid may typically have a different temperature and / or conductivity (and / or other characteristics) than the fluid present in the conduit element before the one or more corrosion sites generated by passage through the through-openings developed. Such an incoming fluid may also contain corrosion products that were not typically contained in the fluid present in the conduit element before the one or more corrosion sites generated by passage through the through-openings developed. When flow begins to enter the interior of the conduit element, a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, or a sensor that senses specific corrosion products, or other sensor, will provide a changing reading as the fluid flows into the conduit element. After flow begins, the sensor reading may remain constant over time, depending on the fluid flowing into the interior of the conduit element and the type of sensor used. However, once flow has been detected, this indicates corrosion, and since the present invention relates to corrosion detection, sensor readings after flow has been detected are less important. This also applies to reverse flow situations, where fluid flows from the interior of the conduit element through corrosion sites generated by passage through the through-openings into the reactor volume. Hence, "sensing flow" preferably refers to detecting that an inflow into the interior of the conduit element or detecting that an outflow from the interior of the conduit element into the reactor volume has occurred.

[0020] "Sensing flow" also refers to sensing flow directly or indirectly, for example, by a flow sensor. Indirect sensing preferably refers to sensing a change in one or more fluid properties (other than velocity or flow). The change in fluid property may be one or more of conductivity, salt content, corrosion products, viscosity, temperature, COD (chemical oxygen demand), turbidity, pH, and / or pressure, which can be measured by suitable sensors.

[0021] By connecting a piping element to an inflow or outflow line, one or more of the following non-exhaustive list of advantages can be achieved:

[0022] When corrosion has occurred to the extent of penetrating the walls of the piping elements, this will not result in a greater pressure drop inside the reactor. Thus, the reactor can remain operational and shut down for use in a controlled manner.

[0023] Minimal pressure drop (e.g., substantially no pressure drop) across the wall of the piping element significantly reduces mechanical stress on the piping element. This can provide the advantage that mechanical failures (e.g., fatigue failures) that can lead to false corrosion detection are significantly reduced. Additionally, because the time it takes for corrosion to penetrate the wall is related to the wall thickness, the risk of pipe wall collapse is significantly reduced, allowing the pipe element wall to be thinner, allowing for earlier detection of corrosive substances in the fluid.

[0024] Since the piping elements can be simultaneously submerged internally and in contact externally with the aqueous fluid entering the reactor volume or the treated fluid leaving the reactor volume, the corrosion rate is faster, allowing for earlier detection of corrosive substances in the fluid since such substances are in contact with both the inside and outside of the piping elements.

[0025] • Corrosion of piping components will only result in excess flow directly from or to the inlet or outflow line and will not result in leakage into the surrounding environment.

[0026] No need for separate storage for leak containment.

[0027] • Leakage can be prevented onto materials that were not previously in direct contact with the reactor fluid for corrosion detection.

[0028] In particular, “at least the inner layer” used in combination with “at least the inner layer of the reactor body is made of a first metal” preferably includes that the reactor body can be made of the first metal, or that a first material is applied to the interior of the reactor body to form at least a part of the inner surface of the reactor.

[0029] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of detecting corrosion in an aqueous fluid reactor, the method comprising:

[0030] • providing an aqueous fluid reactor according to the first aspect of the present invention, the aqueous fluid reactor further comprising an electronic control unit connected to the sensor to receive a sensor reading of the sensor;

[0031] Wherein the control unit is configured to determine a change in the sensor reading based on the received sensor reading, and to generate an output indicating that corrosion has been detected in response to the determined change. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present invention, in particular preferred embodiments of the present invention, will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate ways of implementing the invention and are not to be construed as limiting other possible embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0033] Figure 1 A first embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor is schematically shown; the reactor is shown in cross-section so that internal components are visible;

[0034] Figure 2 A second embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor is schematically illustrated; the reactor is shown in cross-section so that internal components are visible;

[0035] Figure 3A and Figure 3BAn embodiment of a corrosion detection element is schematically shown in cross-sectional view; Figure 3A shows the corrosion detection element is not corroded, and Figure 3B A corroded corrosion detection element is shown;

[0036] Figure 4 A third embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor is schematically illustrated; the reactor is shown in cross-section to make internal components visible;

[0037] Figure 5 A fourth embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor is schematically illustrated; the reactor is shown in cross-section to make internal components visible; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] refer to Figure 1 , which schematically shows a first embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor 1. The reactor 1 is adapted to contain an aqueous fluid in a reactor volume 5 and comprises a reactor body 2 defining the reactor volume 5 within the reactor body 2. "Adapted to contain" generally means that the materials and dimensions of the reactor 1 are selected to withstand the thermodynamic, fluid dynamic and / or chemical conditions prevailing during use of the reactor.

[0039] The fluid inlet 9 is arranged for introducing at least an aqueous fluid into the reactor volume 5. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the fluid inlet 9 is arranged at an elevated position, however, the fluid inlet 9 may be arranged differently. The fluid inlet 9 is fluidly connected to an inflow line 19 positioned outside the reactor body 2 .

[0040] Inside the reactor volume 5, one or more chemical reactions occur involving the introduction of fluids through the fluid inlet 9. The fluid resulting from the chemical reactions is generally referred to as processed fluid. In order to discharge the processed fluid, the reactor has a processed fluid output connection 6 having an inlet 7 in fluid communication with the reactor volume 5. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the processed fluid output connection 6 is centrally arranged in the wall of the reactor body 2 downstream of the fluid inlet 9 from which the fluid flows to the output connection 6. The processed fluid output connection 6 is fluidly connected to an outflow line 8 located outside the reactor body 2.

[0041] The corrosion detection element 11 is arranged to detect whether corrosion has occurred inside the reactor volume. Such corrosion may occur in or on the reactor wall 2 or in or on other components arranged inside the reactor volume. Corrosion may occur due to a relatively harsh environment inside the reactor volume during or as a result of a chemical reaction or due to a fluid inlet that can introduce corrosion. The general concept of the corrosion detection element 11 is to comprise a hollow member that is in fluid communication with the outside of the reactor 1 so that if corrosion occurs in the hollow member, the fluid can flow through the hollow member and to the outside of the reactor. Such fluid flow is considered to be an indication that corrosion has occurred inside the reactor, not only in the hollow member, but also in or on other parts of the reactor 1. The general concept will be disclosed in more detail below, in particular with reference to Figure 3A and Figure 3B .

[0042] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the corrosion detection element 11 comprises a pipe element 12 (such as the hollow member disclosed above) having a fluid dead end 10. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pipe element 12 may also be referred to as a tubular element having a fluid dead end 10.

[0043] The pipe element 12 extends inside the reactor volume 5 for a distance at which a dead end 10 is provided. Opposite the dead end, the pipe element 12 is fluidically connected to the inflow or outflow line 8 via a connecting pipe 14 extending outside the reactor body 2, either directly or indirectly via an adapter section. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the conduit element 12 is fluidly connected to the outflow line 8 .

[0044] By fluidically connecting the pipe element 12 to the inflow or outflow line 8, the pressure inside the pipe element 12 can be at least of the same order of magnitude as the pressure inside the reactor volume, which prevents collapse of the pipe element and simultaneously allows fluid to flow from the reactor volume 5 into the pipe element, ultimately leading to fluid flow into or out of the reactor volume 5. At the same time, enabling fluid to flow through the pipe element 5 into the reactor volume can also be used to detect corrosion.

[0045] It should be noted that the conduit element 12 is generally preferably connected to a pressure slightly greater or lesser than the pressure inside the reactor volume 5 to allow fluid to flow through the conduit element 12 .

[0046] Although it may be preferred to fluidly connect the conduit element 12 to the inflow line 19 and / or the outflow line 8, in alternative embodiments, the conduit element 12 may be fluidly connected to a reservoir (not shown). In some embodiments, the reservoir has a pressure lower than the pressure in the reactor volume 5, whereby the presence of the through-opening in the conduit element causes a pressure increase in the reservoir, which can be detected by the pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be pressurized to a pressure slightly lower than the pressure in the reactor volume 5, thereby reducing the large pressure differential on the walls of the conduit element 12 located inside the reactor volume to avoid mechanical strain on the conduit element.

[0047] The flow in the pipe element 12 provides a change in one or more fluid dynamic properties (such as volume flow) and / or a change in one or more thermodynamic properties, such as temperature, in the connecting pipe 14. Therefore, the sensor 13 is configured and arranged to sense the flow (if any) in the interior of the pipe element 12.

[0048] Combine Figure 1 The disclosed principles can also be applied to the following embodiments.

[0049] refer to Figure 2 , which schematically illustrates another embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor 1. The reactor is shown in cross-section, and fluid lines arranged external to the reactor are drawn as single lines, although in practical embodiments such external fluid lines have certain dimensions. The reactor is cylindrical, but may have other shapes as long as it defines a reactor volume 5.

[0050] The reactor 1 is adapted to contain an aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature, during which oxidation and / or gasification occurs, within the reactor 1. "Adapted to contain" generally means that the materials and dimensions of the reactor 1 are selected to withstand the pressures and temperatures prevailing during oxidation and / or gasification.

[0051] The aqueous fluid to be oxidized and / or gasified typically contains organic and / or inorganic materials, and the materials selected for the reactor are typically also selected to be at least to some extent resistant to the organic and / or inorganic materials and to the reactants and / or oxidants formed during oxidation and / or gasification (if introduced into the reactor).

[0052] In the following, the oxidation and / or gasification process is referred to in a non-limiting manner as treatment, and the result completely or partially subjected to treatment is referred to as treated.

[0053] like Figure 2As shown, the reactor shown has a reactor body 2 in the form of an elongated tubular element. The reactor body 2 is closed at its upper end 3 and lower end 4, thereby defining a reactor volume 5 inside the reactor body 2. In a preferred embodiment, the closure at the upper end 3 can be performed by welding a top member to the reactor body 2, and the closure at the lower end 4 can be performed by releasably fastening a bottom member to the lower end 4, thereby providing a service entrance into the reactor 1 by releasing the bottom member.

[0054] The fluid inlet 9 is arranged for introducing an aqueous fluid to be subjected to elevated pressure and temperature into the reactor volume 5 and thereby for processing the aqueous fluid. In the embodiment shown, the fluid inlet 9 is placed at the lower end 4 of the reactor 1, but it may also be placed at another location.

[0055] Treated fluid output connector 6 is arranged with inlet 7, is positioned at reactor volume 3 inside.As shown in the figure, treated output connector 6 extends towards lower end 4 inside reactor volume 5, and at lower end, treated output connector fluidly is connected to the outflow line 8 being positioned at the outside of described reactor body 2.The positioning of inlet 7 inside reactor volume 5 is selected according to specific treatment to be carried out.In some processing examples, fluid to be treated can be considered as being divided into multiple districts (normally vertical districts), wherein treated fluid is present in one of these districts, and other districts can be reaction zones.The positioning of inlet 7 is preferably arranged in the district where treated fluid exists or most likely exists.For example, if processing relates to supercritical treatment, treated fluid will be present in upper supercritical zone, and inlet 7 is placed in this district accordingly.It should be noted that the positioning of district is controllable, for example, by controlling the vertical temperature distribution in reactor volume 5, for example, by heating / cooling element.

[0056] As shown, the reactor also includes a corrosion detection element 11. The disclosed corrosion detection element 11 includes a pipe element 12 having a fluid dead end 10. Fluid dead end means that the pipe element 12 is fluidically sealed at the end forming the dead end to prevent fluid influx. In addition, the pipe element is also of a type that prevents fluid from influxing through the wall of the pipe element unless (as will be described in detail below) the opening is formed by corrosion. The pipe element 12 extends a certain distance inside the reactor volume 5 at which the dead end 10 is provided. As will become apparent from the following, the pipe element 12 is the element to be corroded (if corrosion occurs), and the distance that the pipe element 12 extends is therefore preferably selected so that the pipe element 12 will at least likely be present in a corrosive area or zone inside the reactor volume 5. Therefore, this distance can be the full length or width of the reactor volume 5, or it can be a shorter length or width.

[0057] The pipe element 12 is fluidly connected at its lower end to the outflow line 8 or any other outflow line, for example by a connecting pipe 14 extending outside the reactor body 2, either directly or indirectly via an adapter section. Figure 2 External pipes or lines in are shown as single lines, although they do have dimensions. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, a pressure regulating valve 22 is arranged in the outflow line 8, and the fluid connection between the pipe element 12 and the outflow line 8 is formed upstream of the pressure regulating valve 22. As a result, the pressure inside the pipe element 12 and the pressure in the outflow line 8 can be kept substantially equal. The sensor 13 is configured and arranged to sense the flow (if any) inside the pipe element 12.

[0058] The corrosion detection element 11 can be considered as forming an appendage that is fluidically connected to the outflow line 8 and extends into the reactor volume 5. Therefore, if one or more openings are provided due to corrosion in the corrosion detection element 11 inside the reactor volume 5, a fluid flow will be provided from the interior of the reactor volume 5 through the interior of the piping element and into the outflow line 8, and such flow will be used to detect corrosion, as will be described below with reference to Figure 3A and Figure 3B Note that, depending on the prevailing pressure, fluid flow may be provided in the opposite direction, ie from the outflow line into the conduit element 12 and into the reactor volume.

[0059] Generally, since the corrosion detection element 11 detects corrosion by corrosion, the detection element or at least the pipe element 12 is preferably replaceable. This can be achieved, for example, by fastening the pipe element 12 to the lower end 4 with a threaded connection involving suitable sealing.

[0060] Figure 3A The piping element 12 is schematically disclosed in a cross-sectional view. As shown, the piping element 12 is fluidly connected to a connecting pipe 14, and a sensor is applied to the connecting pipe 14 (the location of the sensor generally varies based on the sensor type and preferred positioning). A meter 16 is shown to indicate the sensor reading. Figure 3A In the case of , no openings are provided due to corrosion in the wall of the pipe element 12 and therefore there is no flow in the pipe element 12. Figure 3B In FIG. 1 , corrosion has formed a through opening 17 in the pipe element 12. Note that although Figure 3B Only a single through opening 17 is disclosed, but there may be more openings and the outer surface of the pipe element may have a plurality of indentations or the like formed by corrosion.

[0061] Once the through opening 17 is provided, fluid will flow from the reactor volume 5 into the pipe element 12 and through the interior of the pipe element and into the connecting pipe element 14 (and vice versa). This flow will be sensed by the sensor, and the presence of flow in the pipe element 12 determines that corrosion has occurred in the pipe element 12, which is at least an indication that corrosion has occurred at other locations within the reactor other than the pipe element 12. In some embodiments, the flow in the pipe element 12 is considered to be decisive for the occurrence of corrosion at other locations within the reactor other than the pipe element 12.

[0062] Note that although the flow is disclosed as originating from inside the reactor volume 5 and entering the piping element 12, reverse flow conditions are also possible. However, although the sensor readings may be different in such reverse flow conditions, the mere presence of flow in the piping element determines that corrosion has occurred inside the reactor.

[0063] The presence of flow in conduit element 12 can result in various detectable changes, such as a change in temperature when a warm or cooler fluid begins to flow through conduit element 12, thereby removing or adding heat at the location of the sensor. In one embodiment, sensor 13 is a temperature sensor, and this temperature sensor can advantageously be located externally relative to reactor 1, although it can also be located in other locations. Other types of sensors that can be used include flow sensors or conductivity sensors. Various types of sensors can be combined into a single sensor to detect flow based on multiple different parameters. As shown, sensor 13 can be located at or in connecting conduit 14.

[0064] It may be beneficial to have the piping element 12 act as a "galvanic anode," and this can be achieved by making at least the inner layer 15 of the reactor body 2 from a first metal (e.g., a first metal alloy) and the piping element 12 from a second metal (e.g., a second metal alloy), preferably a sacrificial metal, wherein the two metals are selected based on the galvanic anode configuration to be achieved. Furthermore, the material of at least the inner layer 15 of the reactor body can be made of a corrosion-resistant material that protects the interior of the reactor body from corrosion, thereby determining that the detected corrosion does not substantially occur on the inner layer 15.

[0065] However, it may also be advantageous to avoid the presence of a galvanic anode configuration (since such an anode may distort the presence of detected corrosion), and in such a case, the first metal and the second metal may be the same metal, such as the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy being the same metal alloy.

[0066] Corrosion is a process that occurs over a period of time and gradually reduces the wall thickness of the piping element 12. Furthermore, corrosion is often more severe in some areas than in others. To detect corrosion in a sufficiently short timeframe to address the issue once it has occurred or has reached a certain level, the wall thickness 25 of the piping element is selected accordingly. Non-limiting examples of wall thickness are millimeter-scale wall thicknesses 25, such as between 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm.

[0067] In some embodiments, the piping element 12 is cylindrical and extends generally straight into the reactor. However, the piping element 12 may include at least one section that is coiled, such as helically coiled. The piping element 12 may include at least one section of the piping element 12 that is coiled around at least one section of the treated output connector 6. This close contact between the treated output connector 6 and the piping element 12 indicates that if corrosion is detected in the piping element, it is likely that the treated output connector 6 has been exposed to the same corrosive environment that may have corroded the treated output connector 6.

[0068] In some applications of the reactor, the aqueous fluid is heated during its presence in the reactor. The heating can be provided by an exothermic chemical reaction, and / or the heating can be added to the aqueous fluid. Figure 2 , the inlet 7 is placed at an elevated position (relative to the bottom of the reactor volume 5), and this elevated position may coincide with a region in the reactor volume 5 having a higher temperature than the fluid at the bottom of the reactor volume 5. Therefore, the treated fluid output connection 6 extending towards the bottom of the reactor volume 5 may advantageously be provided with a heat exchanger 24 allowing heat to be transferred from the fluid flowing in the treated fluid output connection 6 to the fluid surrounding the output connection 6.

[0069] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the heat exchanger 24 is provided by a coiled (eg helically coiled) section of the processed fluid output connection 6. Preferably, the spacing between adjacent coils is large enough to allow fluid to pass between the coils.

[0070] Heat exchanger 24 can be made entirely or partially of a third metal, such as a third metal alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the second metal and the third second metal are the same metal, such as the second metal alloy and the third metal alloy are the same metal alloy. Thus, the corrosion detection element can be used to detect corrosion in heat exchanger 24 that occurs at a corrosion rate that is at least similar to the corrosion rate of piping element (12). The first metal, the second metal, and the third metal are the same metal, such as the first metal alloy, the second metal alloy, and the third metal alloy can be the same alloy.

[0071] If it is necessary to heat the aqueous fluid contained inside the reactor, a heating element 20, preferably an electric heating element, may be arranged to heat the aqueous fluid while it is contained in said reactor volume 5. Figure 2 In the embodiments of FIG. 5 , one such heating element 20 is disclosed as being arranged outside the reactor, although more than one heating element 20 is typically used and the positioning may be different, such as even being arranged inside the reactor.

[0072] The aqueous fluid is typically pumped into the reactor volume, and for this purpose the pump is arranged as the pump 21 is arranged to pump the aqueous fluid into said reactor volume 5 via the fluid inlet 9, as shown. Figure 2 The pump 21 may also be used to at least help pressurize the aqueous fluid contained in the reactor volume 5, although pressurization may also occur due to a temperature increase that occurs based on a chemical reaction and / or the addition of heat via the one or more heating elements 20.

[0073] The pressure level inside the reactor volume can advantageously be set by means of an aqueous fluid reactor comprising a pressure regulating valve 22 arranged in the outflow line 8. Thus, the pressure regulating valve regulates the pressure inside the reactor volume 5. The pressure regulating valve is typically arranged at a location downstream of the location at which the connecting conduit 14 fluidly extends into the outflow line 8, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0074] It may be advantageous to be able to feed an oxidising fluid into the reactor volume 5, for example in situations where the aqueous fluid does not carry a sufficient amount of oxidising agent. To this end, the aqueous fluid reactor may further comprise an oxidising fluid inlet 23 for introducing an oxidising fluid, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, into the reactor volume 5. Although the oxidising fluid inlet 23 may be placed at different locations, it may be preferred from a practical point of view that the oxidising fluid inlet 23 is arranged at the lower end 4 of the reactor body 2. Alternatively, the oxidising fluid inlet may be arranged at the upstream end of the reactor, where upstream refers to the location where the fluid is introduced via the fluid inlet 9. The fluid inlet (9) is also preferably arranged at the lower end 4, although this fluid inlet may be placed at different locations.

[0075] like Figure 2As shown, the inlet 7 of the treated fluid output connection 6 is preferably arranged at a first vertical height h1, wherein the first vertical height is a position closer to the upper end 3 than the lower end 4. Thus, the inlet 7 is typically positioned inside the reactor volume 5, in an area where the treated fluid is present. Aqueous fluids may be most corrosive before becoming treated fluids, and treated fluids may even be substantially non-corrosive. Accordingly, the conduit element 12 can be designed to extend to a second vertical height h2 inside the reactor volume 5, such that the conduit element (12) substantially spans the entire height of the treated output connection (6). In a preferred embodiment, this can be disclosed as h2 being greater than h1. Thus, the conduit element can be considered to extend in an area where corrosion is most likely to occur. In other embodiments, h2 can be less than the first vertical height h1.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the reactor body in the form of an elongate tubular element is arranged to have a longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity during use. Figure 2 , gravity points toward the bottom of the graph.

[0077] Figure 4 The embodiment shown in Figure 2 The embodiment shown in shares the same features, except that a connecting conduit 14 fluidly connects the conduit element 12 with the fluid inlet 9 .

[0078] Figure 5 The embodiment shown in Figure 2 The embodiment shown in shares many of the same features, except that the reactor is an open reactor. In the embodiment shown, the reactor has an opening at the upper end 3. Figure 2 The heat exchanger 24 shown in FIG has been omitted to indicate Figure 2 The reactor shown in can be omitted.

[0079] Since the interior of the pipe element 12 is fluidly connected to the inflow or outflow line, the interior can be filled with or partially filled with the fluid flowing in the inflow or outflow line. During startup of the reactor, the interior of the pipe element 12 can contain or be occupied by, for example, air. If it is desired to fill the interior of the pipe element 12 with the fluid flowing in the inflow or outflow line, the flow lines, the reactor, and the interior of the pipe element 12 can be placed under vacuum during startup, thereby allowing the fluid from the inflow or outflow line to flow into the interior of the pipe element 12. In some embodiments, the pressure inside the reactor volume increases to such a high level during use that the gas (e.g., air) trapped in the interior of the pipe element 12 is compressed to a level at which the interior of the pipe element is considered to be substantially filled with the fluid from the inflow or outflow line.

[0080] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for detecting corrosion, preferably in a preferred embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor. In such a preferred method, the reactor includes an electronic control unit connected to the sensor 13 to receive sensor readings from the sensor. The reactor including the electronic control unit preferably means that the reactor and the control unit form a system, wherein the control unit and the sensor are connected, for example, by electrical wiring. The electronic control unit is typically a programmable unit with a suitable converter to convert the sensor readings into a digital format for use by a program running on the electronic control unit.

[0081] The control unit is typically configured to determine a change in the sensor reading based on the received sensor reading and, in response to the determined change, generate an output indicating that corrosion has been detected. The output may be a digital output (for a receiving digital unit), an electrical signal, a language-based output (human-understandable), or other type of output.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the output is preferably converted into visual and / or audible signals by an electronic controller.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the output effects a shut-off of the aqueous fluid reactor, wherein the shut-off is effected manually or automatically by the electronic control unit or another electronic control unit.

[0084] List of items of preferred embodiment

[0085] Clause 1. An aqueous fluid reactor (1) adapted to contain an aqueous fluid in a reactor volume (5), the reactor comprising:

[0086] A reactor body (2) defining said reactor volume (5);

[0087] a fluid inlet (9) arranged for introducing at least the aqueous fluid into the reactor volume (5), the fluid inlet (9) being fluidly connected to an inflow line (19) positioned outside the reactor body (2);

[0088] a treated fluid output connection (6) having an inlet (7) in fluid communication with the reactor volume (5) and fluidly connected to an outflow line (8) positioned external to the reactor body (2); a corrosion detection element (11) comprising

[0089] a pipe element (12) with a fluid dead end (10), said pipe element extending for a distance inside the reactor volume (5), at which distance said dead end (10) is provided, wherein said pipe element (12) is fluidically connected at a position opposite said dead end to said inflow or outflow line (8) or to a reservoir via a connecting pipe (14) extending outside said reactor body (2), directly or indirectly via an adapter section,

[0090] a sensor (13) configured and arranged to sense the flow in the interior of the pipe element (12),

[0091] If said flow exists.

[0092] Clause 2. An aqueous fluid reactor according to clause 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a temperature sensor.

[0093] Clause 3. An aqueous fluid reactor according to clause 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a flow sensor.

[0094] Clause 4. The aqueous fluid reactor of clause 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a conductivity sensor.

[0095] Clause 5. The aqueous fluid reactor of clause 1, wherein the sensor (13) senses specific corrosion products.

[0096] Clause 6. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the sensor (13) is arranged at or in the connecting conduit (14).

[0097] Item 7. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least the inner layer (15) of the reactor body (2) is made of a first metal, such as a first metal alloy, and the pipe element (12) is made of a second metal, such as a second metal alloy, preferably a sacrificial metal.

[0098] Clause 8. The aqueous fluid reactor of Clause 7, wherein the first metal and the second metal are the same metal, such as the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy are the same metal alloy.

[0099] Clause 9. The aqueous fluid reactor of clause 7, wherein the first metal and the second metal, such as the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy, are selected such that the conduit element (12) constitutes a galvanic anode or sacrificial material.

[0100] Clause 10. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any preceding clause, wherein the wall thickness (25) of the conduit element (12) is in the order of millimeters, such as between 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm.

[0101] Clause 11. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit element (12) is cylindrical.

[0102] Clause 12. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the conduit element (12) comprises at least one section that is coiled, such as helically coiled.

[0103] Clause 13. The aqueous fluid reactor of any preceding clause, wherein at least a section of the conduit element (12) is coiled around at least a section of the treated output connection (6).

[0104] Item 14. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding items, wherein the treated fluid output connection (6) is provided with a heat exchanger (24), which is preferably provided by at least a portion of the treated fluid output connection (6) that is wound, such as a spiral winding, preferably with spacing between adjacent windings to allow fluid to pass between the windings.

[0105] Clause 15. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a heating element (20), preferably an electric heating element, arranged to heat the aqueous fluid when the aqueous fluid is contained in the reactor volume (5).

[0106] Clause 16. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding clauses, further comprising a pump arranged to pump the aqueous fluid into the reactor volume (5) through the fluid inlet (9).

[0107] Item 17. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding items, further comprising a pressure regulating valve (22) arranged in the outflow line (8) to regulate the pressure inside the reactor volume (5), the pressure regulating valve being arranged at a position downstream of the position at which the connecting pipe (14) fluidly extends into the outflow line (8).

[0108] Item 18. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding items further comprises an oxidizing fluid inlet (23) for introducing an oxidizing fluid, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, into the reactor volume (5), the oxidizing fluid inlet (23) being preferably arranged at the upstream end or at the lower end (4) of the reactor body (2).

[0109] Clause 19. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid inlet (9) is arranged at the lower end (4).

[0110] Clause 20. The aqueous fluid reactor of any preceding clause, wherein the inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is arranged at a first vertical height (hi).

[0111] Clause 21. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any preceding clause, wherein the elongate tubular element is arranged to have a longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity during use.

[0112] Item 22. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding items, when subject to item 20, wherein the conduit element (12) extends to a second vertical height (h2) within the reactor volume (5) such that the conduit element (12) spans substantially the entire height of the treated output connection (6).

[0113] Clause 23. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein

[0114] said aqueous fluid reactor being adapted to contain said aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside said reactor, during which oxidation and / or gasification occurs, said aqueous fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials,

[0115] the reactor body is in the form of an elongated tubular element, which is closed at its upper and lower ends, thereby defining the reactor volume (5) inside the reactor body,

[0116] the fluid inlet being arranged for introducing the aqueous fluid to be subjected to the elevated pressure and temperature into the reactor volume, and

[0117] The inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is arranged inside the reactor volume and the treated fluid output connection (6) extends inside the reactor volume towards the lower end (4), wherein the treated fluid output connection is fluidically connected to the outflow line (8).

[0118] Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited in any way to the examples presented. The scope of the present invention is set forth by the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprise" or "include" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. In addition, references such as "a, an" and the like should not be interpreted as excluding multiple. The use of reference signs in the claims regarding elements shown in the figures should also not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention. In addition, the various features mentioned in different claims can be advantageously combined, and mentioning these features in different claims does not exclude that the combination of features is impossible and advantageous.

[0119] List of reference numerals used:

[0120] 1 Fluid oxidation reactor

[0121] 2 Reactor body

[0122] 3 Upper end (of the reactor)

[0123] 4 (reactor) lower end

[0124] 5 Reactor volume

[0125] 6 Treated fluid output connections

[0126] 7 Inlet (of the treated fluid output connection)

[0127] 8 Outflow line

[0128] 9 fluid inlet

[0129] 10 Dead End

[0130] 11. Corrosion detection element

[0131] 12 Piping components

[0132] 13 Sensors

[0133] 14 Connecting pipes

[0134] 15 Inner layer (of the reactor body)

[0135] 16 Instruments

[0136] 17 Through openings (due to corrosion)

[0137] 19 Inflow pipeline

[0138] 20 Heating element

[0139] 21 pumps

[0140] 22 Pressure regulating valve

[0141] 23 Oxidation fluid inlet

[0142] 24 Heat Exchanger

[0143] 25 Wall thickness (of piping components)

[0144] h1 first vertical height

[0145] h2 second vertical height

Claims

1. An aqueous fluid reactor (1) adapted to contain an aqueous fluid in a reactor volume (5), said reactor comprising: a reactor body (2) defining the reactor volume (5), at least an inner layer (15) of the reactor body (2) being made of a first metal, such as a first metal alloy; a fluid inlet (9) arranged for introducing at least the aqueous fluid into the reactor volume (5), the fluid inlet (9) being fluidly connected to an inflow line (19) positioned outside the reactor body (2); a treated fluid output connection (6) having an inlet (7) in fluid communication with the reactor volume (5) and fluidly connected to an outflow line (8) positioned externally of the reactor body (2); A corrosion detection element (11) comprising a conduit element (12) made of a second metal, such as a second metal alloy, having a fluid dead end (10), said conduit element extending a distance inside said reactor volume (5), said dead end (10) being provided at said distance, wherein said conduit element (12) is connected at a position opposite said dead end by a connecting conduit (14) extending outside said reactor body (2) is fluidly connected to the inflow line (19) or the outflow line (8) directly or indirectly via an adapter section, A sensor (13) configured and arranged to sense flow in the interior of the pipe element (12), if such flow exists.

2. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 1, wherein The sensor (13) is a temperature sensor.

3. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 1, wherein The sensor (13) is a flow sensor.

4. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 1, wherein The sensor (13) is a conductivity sensor.

5. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 1, wherein The sensor (13) senses specific corrosion products.

6. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The sensor (13) is arranged at or in the connecting pipe (14).

7. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least the inner layer (15) of the reactor body (2) is made of a first metal, such as a first metal alloy, and the conduit element (12) is made of a second metal, preferably a sacrificial metal, such as a second metal alloy.

8. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 7, wherein The first metal and the second metal are the same metal, such as the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy are the same metal alloy.

9. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 4, wherein The first metal and the second metal, such as the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy, are selected such that the pipe element (12) constitutes a galvanic anode or sacrificial material.

10. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The wall thickness (25) of the pipe element (12) is in the order of millimeters, for example between 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm.

11. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pipe element (12) is cylindrical.

12. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The pipe element (12) comprises at least one section which is coiled, such as helically coiled.

13. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least a section of the conduit element (12) is coiled around at least a section of the processed output connection (6).

14. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The treated fluid output connection (6) is provided with a heat exchanger (24), which is preferably provided by at least a section of the treated fluid output connection (6) that is coiled, such as helically coiled, preferably with spacing between adjacent coils to allow fluid to pass between the coils.

15. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 14, wherein The heat exchanger is made of a third metal, such as a third metal alloy.

16. The aqueous fluid reactor according to claim 15, wherein The second metal and the third second metal are the same metal, such as the second metal alloy and the third metal alloy are the same metal alloy.

17. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a heating element (20), preferably an electric heating element, arranged to heat the aqueous fluid when the aqueous fluid is contained in the reactor volume (5).

18. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pump arranged to pump the aqueous fluid into the reactor volume (5) through the fluid inlet (9).

19. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a pressure regulating valve (22) arranged in the outflow line (8) to regulate the pressure inside the reactor volume (5), the pressure regulating valve being arranged at a position downstream of the position at which the connecting pipe (14) fluidly extends into the outflow line (8).

20. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an oxidizing fluid inlet (23) for introducing an oxidizing fluid, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, into the reactor volume (5), the oxidizing fluid inlet (23) preferably being arranged at the upstream end or at the lower end (4) of the reactor body (2).

21. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The fluid inlet (9) is arranged at the lower end (4).

22. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is arranged at a first vertical height (h1).

23. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The elongate tubular element is arranged to have a longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to gravity during use.

24. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 22, wherein The conduit element (12) extends inside the reactor volume (5) to a second vertical height (h2) such that the conduit element (12) spans substantially the entire height of the treated output connection (6).

25. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said aqueous fluid reactor being suitable for containing said aqueous fluid at elevated pressure and temperature inside the reactor, during which oxidation and / or gasification occurs, said aqueous fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials, the reactor body is in the form of an elongated tubular element, which is closed at its upper and lower ends, thereby defining the reactor volume (5) inside the reactor body, the fluid inlet being arranged for introducing the aqueous fluid to be subjected to the elevated pressure and temperature into the reactor volume, and The inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is arranged inside the reactor volume and the treated fluid output connection (6) extends inside the reactor volume towards the lower end (4), wherein The treated fluid output connection is fluidly connected to the outflow line (8).

26. A method of detecting corrosion in an aqueous fluid reactor, the method comprising: • providing an aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, said aqueous fluid reactor further comprising an electronic control unit connected to said sensor (13) to receive a sensor reading of said sensor; Wherein the control unit is configured to determine a change in the sensor reading based on the received sensor reading, and to generate an output indicating that corrosion has been detected in response to the determined change.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein The output is preferably converted by the electronic controller into visual and / or audible signals.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein The output enables shutting down of the aqueous fluid reactor, which shut-down is achieved manually or automatically by the electronic control unit or another electronic control unit.

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