Pre-polycondensation reactor

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a pre-polycondensation reactor, and relates to the technical field of polyester production. The pre-polycondensation reactor comprises a reactor main body and a plurality of flow channel assemblies. A cavity is formed in the reactor main body, a feeding hole and a gas phase outlet are formed in the top of the cavity, and a liquid phase outlet is formed in the bottom of the cavity. The flow channel assemblies are arranged in the cavity at intervals in the height direction of the reactor body, each flow channel assembly comprises a flow channel piece and a heat transfer piece, the flow channel pieces are arranged on the upper sides of the heat transfer pieces, each flow channel piece is provided with a liquid flow channel and an air flow channel, the air flow channels are communicated with the cavity, and each liquid flow channel comprises a receiving part and a discharging hole which are located at the two ends of the liquid flow channel; the liquid flow channel can enable the esterified substance to flow from the material receiving part to the discharging hole; and in the height direction of the reactor main body, the material receiving part of one of two adjacent flow channel assemblies corresponds to the blanking hole of the other flow channel assembly. A heat transfer cavity is formed in the heat transfer piece and used for introducing a heating medium. According to the pre-polycondensation reactor disclosed by the embodiment of the invention, the energy consumption of the pre-polycondensation reactor is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of polyester production technology, and in particular to a prepolymerization reactor. Background Technology

[0002] Polyesters are a class of polymeric compounds linked by ester groups. Common examples include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polycyclohexanediol terephthalate (PCT). Polyesters are widely used in plastic bottles, fibers, films, and other fields, which has led to a continuous increase in market demand. This has driven the research and development of polyester production technologies and related equipment, including the development of prepolymerization reactors.

[0003] Polyester production typically involves esterification and polycondensation processes. The pre-polycondensation reactor is a transitional device between esterification and polycondensation. Its task is to complete the esterification reaction and polycondensation reaction of the esters fed from the esterification reactor, so that the degree of polymerization of the polyester meets the predetermined index, thus laying the foundation for the final polycondensation reactor to produce qualified products.

[0004] Among related technologies, prepolymerization reactors have relatively high energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a prepolymerization reactor that reduces the energy consumption of the polymerization reaction.

[0006] This application provides a prepolymerization reactor, comprising:

[0007] The reactor body has a cavity inside, with a feed inlet and a gas phase outlet at the top of the cavity and a liquid phase outlet at the bottom of the cavity;

[0008] Multiple flow channel assemblies are spaced apart along the height of the reactor body in the cavity. Each flow channel assembly includes a flow channel element and a heat transfer element. The flow channel element is located above the heat transfer element and has a liquid flow channel and a gas flow channel. The gas flow channel passes through the flow channel assembly and communicates with the cavity. The liquid flow channel includes a receiving section and a discharge port at both ends. The height of the liquid flow channel gradually decreases from the receiving section to the discharge port so that the esterified compound flows from the receiving section to the discharge port. The heat transfer element has a heat transfer cavity for introducing a heat transfer medium.

[0009] In the height direction of the reactor body, the receiving part of the flow channel assembly near the feed inlet corresponds to the feed inlet, and the receiving part of one of two adjacent flow channel assemblies corresponds to the discharge hole of the other.

[0010] In some embodiments, the liquid flow channel is spiral-shaped, having a first end and a second end. The first end is located in the middle of the liquid flow channel, and the second end is located at the edge of the liquid flow channel. The receiving part is provided at one of the first end and the second end, and the discharge hole is provided at the other end.

[0011] In some embodiments, the fluid flow channel includes a plurality of flow segment groups arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each flow segment group includes a first flow segment extending along a second direction, a second flow segment extending along a third direction, and a bend connecting the first flow segment and the second flow segment. In two adjacent flow segment groups, the first flow segment of one flow segment group is connected to the second flow segment of the other flow segment group. The second direction and the third direction are parallel or at an acute angle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the flow channel includes:

[0013] The flow channel component body includes a first base plate and a first side plate, wherein the first side plate is disposed at the edge of the first base plate;

[0014] A flow guide is disposed on the first base plate, and the flow guide, together with the first base plate and the first side plate, defines the liquid flow channel.

[0015] In some embodiments, the flow guide includes a plurality of first flow guide plates and a plurality of second flow guide plates, the plurality of first flow guide plates and the plurality of second flow guide plates being spaced apart along a fourth direction, and the first flow guide plate being disposed between two adjacent second flow guide plates, wherein the first flow guide plate and the second flow guide plate both extend along the fifth direction, and the fourth direction and the fifth direction are perpendicular to each other;

[0016] The flow channel body has corresponding first sidewalls and second sidewalls. One end of the first guide plate is connected to the first sidewall, and the other end has a first gap with the second sidewall. One end of the second guide plate is connected to the second sidewall, and the other end has a second gap with the first sidewall.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flow guide is spiral-shaped, and the outer end of the flow guide is connected to the side panel.

[0018] In some embodiments, the heat transfer element includes a second base plate and a second side plate, the second base plate being disposed below the first base plate and the second side plate being disposed at the edge of the second base plate, and the second base plate, the second side plate, and the first base plate defining the heat transfer cavity; wherein the heat transfer cavity has a first inlet and a first outlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, the heat transfer element further includes a baffle plate disposed within the heat transfer cavity.

[0020] In some embodiments, the reactor body includes:

[0021] A housing having an internal cavity;

[0022] The end cap is located at the top of the shell, and the end cap is provided with the feed inlet and the gas phase outlet. A guide pipe is provided at the feed inlet.

[0023] The discharge chamber is located at the bottom of the shell and has a liquid phase outlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with a first heat medium jacket, the first heat medium jacket being provided with a first heat medium inlet and a first heat medium outlet;

[0025] The end cap is provided with a second heat medium jacket, and the second heat medium jacket is provided with a second heat medium inlet and a second heat medium outlet;

[0026] The discharge chamber is equipped with a third heat medium jacket, which has a third heat medium inlet and a third heat medium outlet.

[0027] The prepolymerization reactor provided in this application includes a reactor body and multiple flow channel components disposed within the reactor body. The flow channel components include flow channel elements and heat transfer elements. The flow channel elements are located above the heat transfer elements and have liquid flow channels and gas flow channels. The gas flow channels communicate with the cavity. The liquid flow channels include receiving sections and discharge holes located at both ends. The height of the liquid flow channels gradually decreases from the receiving sections to the discharge holes, allowing the esterified material to flow from the receiving sections to the discharge holes. Furthermore, the receiving section of one of two adjacent flow channel components corresponds to the discharge hole of the other. The prepolymerization reactor of this application utilizes gravity to drive the flow of the esterified material, achieving both polymerization and esterification reactions during the flow process. This results in a more uniform material reaction, while the larger vapor-liquid contact area accelerates the removal of by-products, thereby helping to increase the degree of polymerization of the esterified material and reduce energy consumption during the prepolymerization process. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the prepolymerization reactor provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow channel assembly of the prepolymerization reactor provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first type of flow channel component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second type of flow channel component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third type of flow channel component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth type of flow channel component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fifth type of flow channel component provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sixth type of flow channel component provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 100-Reactor body; 101-Inlet; 102-Gas phase outlet; 103-Liquid phase outlet; 104-Feed pipe; 110-Shell; 111-First heat medium jacket; 120-End; 121-Second heat medium jacket; 130-Discharge chamber; 131-Third heat medium jacket;

[0039] 200-Flow channel assembly; 201-Flow channel component; 210-Flow channel component body; 211-First base plate; 212-First side panel; 213-Flow guide component; 214-First flow guide plate; 215-Second flow guide plate; 216-First side wall; 217-Second side wall; 220-Liquid flow channel; 221-First end; 222-Second end; 223-Receiving part; 224-Discharge hole; 225-Flow section group; 226-First flow section; 227-Second flow section; 228-Bending section; 230-Heat transfer component; 231-Heat transfer cavity; 231a-First inlet; 231b-First outlet; 232-Second base plate; 233-Second side panel; 234-Baffle plate; 240-Airflow channel.

[0040] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0042] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in a sequence other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0043] In this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0044] Polyester, as an important type of polymer material, typically involves two core stages in its production process: esterification and polycondensation. The pre-polycondensation reactor is a crucial transitional device connecting these two stages, playing an indispensable role in the polyester production process chain. Specifically, the pre-polycondensation reactor receives the esterified material from the esterification reactor and completes both esterification and polycondensation reactions within the reactor, ensuring that the degree of polymerization of the resulting polyester product reaches the preset target. This lays the foundation for the subsequent final polycondensation reactor to produce qualified products.

[0045] In related technologies, the prepolymerization reactor is a fully mixed reactor, which achieves complete mixing of materials through stirring and other methods. However, the fully mixed reactor is prone to forming areas that cannot be effectively reached by the stirring blades, making it difficult for the materials in these areas to fully exchange reactants and heat with the materials in other areas. The materials in these areas cannot obtain the raw material replenishment required for the reaction in a timely manner, and it is also difficult to remove the small molecule by-products generated by the reaction, which affects the efficiency of esterification and polycondensation reactions.

[0046] The prepolymerization reactor provided in this application is intended to solve the above-mentioned technical problems of the prior art.

[0047] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] It should be noted that in the attached diagram, the X direction is the first direction, the Y direction is the second direction, the Z direction is the third direction, the U direction is the fourth direction, and the V direction is the fifth direction; the direction indicated by the dashed arrows in the attached diagram is the flow direction of the material in the liquid channel.

[0049] Please see Figure 1 The prepolymerization reactor provided in this application embodiment includes a reactor body 100 and multiple flow channel components 200.

[0050] The reactor body 100 has a cavity, with a feed inlet 101 and a gas phase outlet 102 at the top of the cavity and a liquid phase outlet 103 at the bottom of the cavity.

[0051] The reactor body 100 serves as the core carrier of the reaction. Its interior forms a cavity for containing esters and providing reaction space. The feed port 101 at the top of the cavity is used to receive esters from the esterification reactor. The gas phase outlet 102 at the top is used to discharge by-products generated during the reaction. The liquid phase outlet 103 at the bottom is used to transport the polyester melt that has completed the pre-condensation reaction and reached the target degree of polymerization to the subsequent final condensation reactor.

[0052] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 Multiple flow channel assemblies 200 are spaced apart in the cavity along the height direction of the reactor body 100. Each flow channel assembly 200 includes a flow channel component 201 and a heat transfer component 230. The flow channel component 201 is located on the upper side of the heat transfer component 230. The flow channel component 201 has a liquid flow channel 220 and an air flow channel 240. The air flow channel 240 passes through the flow channel assembly 200 and communicates with the cavity. The liquid flow channel 220 includes a receiving part 223 and a discharge hole 224 located at both ends. The height of the liquid flow channel 220 gradually decreases from the receiving part 223 to the discharge hole 224 so that the esterified material flows from the receiving part 223 to the discharge hole 224.

[0053] In the height direction of the reactor body 100, the receiving part 223 of the flow channel assembly 200 near the feed inlet 101 corresponds to the feed inlet 101, and the receiving part 223 of one of two adjacent flow channel assemblies 200 corresponds to the discharge hole 224 of the other.

[0054] The heat transfer element 230 has a heat transfer cavity 231, which is used to introduce a heat transfer medium. The heat transfer medium provides the temperature conditions required for the reaction of the esterified material on the flow channel element 201. During the flow process, the esterified material is heated by the heat transfer medium and undergoes esterification and polycondensation reactions under the action of a catalyst to generate polycondensation products with a certain degree of polymerization.

[0055] It is understood that each flow channel assembly 200 includes a flow channel component 201 and a heat transfer component 230. The air flow channel 240 on the flow channel component 201 is directly connected to the cavity, so that the gaseous byproducts generated by the esterification reaction in the liquid flow channel 220 can quickly enter the upper part of the cavity through the air flow channel 240 and then be discharged through the gas outlet 102, which effectively increases the gas-liquid contact area, thereby facilitating the removal of gaseous byproducts.

[0056] Because the liquid flow channel 220 is provided with a receiving part 223 and a discharge hole 224 at both ends, and the height of the liquid flow channel 220 gradually decreases from the receiving part 223 to the discharge hole 224, the liquid flow channel 220 can use gravity to drive the ester to flow along the liquid flow channel 220, so that the material moves in the liquid flow channel 220 in a near-piston flow form, avoiding the backmixing phenomenon and reaction dead zone commonly found in traditional fully mixed reactors, ensuring that the residence time of each part of the material is uniform and the degree of reaction is consistent, thereby improving the stability of the degree of polymerization and obtaining high-quality prepolymerization products.

[0057] It should be noted that the receiving part 223 of the flow channel assembly 200 near the feed inlet 101 directly corresponds to the feed inlet 101, ensuring that the esterified material entering from the feed inlet 101 can accurately fall into the liquid flow channel 220 of the flow channel assembly 200, avoiding material splashing or accumulation on the cavity wall. In two adjacent flow channel assemblies 200, the receiving part 223 of one corresponds to the discharge hole 224 of the other. Through this connection method, the material can flow out from the liquid flow channel 220 of the upper flow channel assembly 200 through the discharge hole 224 and directly enter the receiving part 223 of the lower flow channel assembly 200 and continue to flow along its liquid flow channel 220, forming a continuous and orderly multi-layer reaction path. This reduces the situation of material short-circuiting or uneven residence time in the cavity, and eliminates the need for additional material conveying equipment as required by the dual reactor series structure, simplifying the overall structure.

[0058] Therefore, the prepolymerization reactor provided in this embodiment utilizes multiple flow channel components 200 to drive the esterification reaction by gravity, achieving both polycondensation and esterification reactions during the flow process. This results in a more uniform material reaction, while the larger vapor-liquid contact area accelerates the removal of byproducts, thereby helping to increase the degree of polymerization of the esterification and reduce energy consumption in the prepolymerization process. Furthermore, the flow channel component 200 consists only of flow channel elements 201 and heat transfer elements 230, resulting in a simple overall structure, low processing difficulty, and no need for complex compartments or series pipelines, thus reducing equipment manufacturing costs and floor space.

[0059] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The liquid flow channel 220 is spiral-shaped and has a first end 221 and a second end 222. The first end 221 is located in the middle of the liquid flow channel 220 and the second end 222 is located at the edge of the liquid flow channel 220. One of the first end 221 and the second end 222 is provided with a receiving part 223 and the other is provided with a discharge hole 224.

[0060] Compared to straight or arc-shaped flow channels, the spiral flow channel shape can significantly extend the flow path of the material within the limited planar area of ​​the flow channel component 201, allowing the ester to have a longer residence time in the flow channel. This eliminates the need to increase the reactor volume to meet the reaction time required for the pre-condensation reaction, thus promoting the full reaction of the ester.

[0061] For example, if the receiving part 223 is located at the first end 221 of the liquid flow channel 220, and the discharge hole 224 is located at the second end 222 of the liquid flow channel 220, then the esterified material falling from the inlet 101 or the discharge hole 224 of the upper flow channel assembly 200 will flow slowly from the center to the edge of the flow channel under the guidance of gravity and the spiral path. During the process, the material will spread more evenly on the flow channel wall due to the centrifugal effect of the spiral, avoiding local accumulation. If the receiving part 223 is located at the edge and the discharge hole 224 is located in the middle, when the material flows from the edge to the center, the centripetal force of the spiral structure can offset part of the gravitational potential energy, slow down the flow speed, and further extend the reaction time. Compared with the reactors in the related art, the liquid flow channel 220 of this application embodiment can make the material closer to the ideal plug flow, eliminate backmixing and reaction dead zone, and make the reaction temperature and residence time of each part of the material very similar, effectively improving the situation of large fluctuations in the degree of polymerization caused by backmixing.

[0062] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 5 The liquid flow channel 220 includes a plurality of flow segment groups 225 arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each flow segment group 225 includes a first flow segment 226 extending along a second direction, a second flow segment 227 extending along a third direction, and a bend 228 connecting the first flow segment 226 and the second flow segment 227. In two adjacent flow segment groups 225, the first flow segment 226 of one flow segment group 225 and the second flow segment 227 of the other flow segment group 225 are connected. The second direction and the third direction are parallel or at an acute angle.

[0063] Each flow segment group 225 includes a first flow segment 226 extending along a second direction, a second flow segment 227 extending along a third direction, and a bend segment 228 for smoothly connecting the first flow segment 226 and the second flow segment 227. The bend segment 228 is an arc-shaped transition structure that avoids right-angle dead corners in the flow channel, which helps to reduce material stagnation, adhesion to the wall, or local back-mixing at this point, ensuring the continuity and uniformity of material flow. The structural design of the multi-flow segment group 225 ensures that the material always flows along a preset broken-line path, and the material flow direction in each flow segment is stable, without sudden changes or eddies, ensuring that the material moves in a state close to an ideal piston flow.

[0064] Between two adjacent flow section groups 225, the end of the second flow section 227 of the previous flow section group 225 is directly connected to the beginning of the first flow section 226 of the next flow section group 225. This design allows multiple flow section groups 225 to be connected in series to form a continuous zigzag liquid flow channel 220, which can maximize the use of space in the rectangular or circular plane of the flow channel component 201, significantly increase the residence time of the material in the flow channel, and meet the reaction time required for the pre-condensation reaction without increasing the reactor volume, thereby improving the uniformity of esterification polymerization.

[0065] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figures 3 to 8 The flow channel component 201 includes a flow channel component body 210 and a flow guide component 213.

[0066] The flow channel body 210 includes a first base plate 211 and a first side plate 212, with the first side plate 212 disposed at the edge of the first base plate 211; the flow guide 213 is disposed on the first base plate 211, and the flow guide 213 together with the first base plate 211 and the first side plate 212 defines the liquid outlet flow channel 220.

[0067] The flow channel body 210 serves as the basic support structure of the flow channel. The first base plate 211 is a planar plate structure, and its lower surface is directly attached to the upper surface of the heat transfer component 230. On the one hand, it is used to support the flow guide 213 and the flowing ester, and on the other hand, it serves as a conductive layer for the heat transfer medium. The heat generated by the heat medium (such as heat transfer oil) in the heat transfer cavity 231 inside the heat transfer component 230 can be quickly and evenly transferred to the ester in the liquid flow channel 220 through the first base plate 211.

[0068] The first side panel 212 surrounds the edge of the first base plate 211, forming an upwardly protruding baffle structure. Its height matches the design depth of the liquid flow channel 220, which can prevent the esterified material from overflowing from the edge of the flow channel component 201 during the flow process, and can also form the outer boundary of the flow channel together with the first base plate 211, providing a basic framework for the guide component 213 to define the path of the liquid flow channel 220.

[0069] The flow guide 213 can be detachably or fixedly installed on the upper surface of the first base plate 211. Together with the upper surface of the first base plate 211 and the inner side wall of the first side panel 212, it forms a complete liquid flow channel 220. By replacing the flow guide 213 with different shapes and different arrangements, the shape of the liquid flow channel 220 can be adjusted without reprocessing the entire flow channel body 210.

[0070] For example, the flow guide 213 can be designed with various cross-sections such as strip, arc, and L-shape, and its height is consistent with the height of the first side panel 212 to ensure uniform depth of the liquid flow channel 220. If it is necessary to form a multi-segment group 225 type liquid flow channel 220, the flow guide 213 can be processed into a strip structure extending along the second direction and the third direction. By arranging them at intervals, the boundaries of the first flow segment 226 and the second flow segment 227 can be formed. Then, by using the arc-shaped flow guide 213 as a bending segment 228, a zigzag flow path can be formed.

[0071] Further, please refer to Figure 5 The flow guide 213 includes a plurality of first flow guide plates 214 and a plurality of second flow guide plates 215. The plurality of first flow guide plates 214 and the plurality of second flow guide plates 215 are all spaced apart along the fourth direction, and the first flow guide plate 214 is disposed between two adjacent second flow guide plates 215. The fourth direction can be the arrangement direction of the flow guide plates on the flow channel body 210, such as the direction extending from one end of the flow channel 201 to the other end.

[0072] The first guide plate 214 and the second guide plate 215 both extend along the fifth direction, and the fourth direction is perpendicular to the fifth direction. This allows the guide plates to form uniformly distributed longitudinal partitions on the first base plate 211 of the flow channel body 210, avoiding flow channel congestion caused by local dense guide plates or material diffusion caused by local sparse guide plates.

[0073] The flow channel body 210 has corresponding first sidewalls 216 and second sidewalls 217. One end of the first guide plate 214 is connected to the first sidewall 216, and the other end has a first gap with the second sidewall 217. One end of the second guide plate 215 is connected to the second sidewall 217, and the other end has a second gap with the first sidewall 216. In this way, the first guide plate 214 and the second guide plate 215 can jointly enclose a continuous serpentine liquid flow channel 220 on the first base plate 211. When the esterified material enters from the receiving part 223 of the flow channel 201, it will first flow along the gap between the first guide plate 214 and the second guide plate 215. Because the first guide plate 214 blocks it, it cannot flow directly to the second side wall 217. It can only be turned back towards the second side wall 217 through the first gap at the end of the first guide plate 214. Then it is blocked by the adjacent second guide plate 215 and turned back towards the first side wall 216 through the second gap at the end of the second guide plate 215. This process is repeated to form a serpentine flow path extending along the fourth direction.

[0074] In some alternative embodiments, please continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The guide member 213 is spiral in shape, and the outer end of the guide member 213 is connected to the side plate, so that the outer end of the guide member 213 is fixed on the flow channel body 210, eliminating the gap between the guide member 213 and the side plate, and preventing material from leaking out of the flow channel from the gap, causing it to stick to the wall or be wasted.

[0075] The spiral guide 213, together with the upper surface of the first base plate 211 and the inner wall of the side plate, defines a continuous spiral liquid flow channel 220. This channel extends outward (or inward) along the spiral direction to the side plate, starting from the spiral center of the guide 213 (or ending point), forming a continuous flow path without backflow or dead angles. Compared with the aforementioned multi-segment zigzag flow channel, the spiral flow channel has the advantage that the material does not need to frequently change direction when flowing along the spiral, the flow resistance is significantly reduced, and it can effectively reduce the retention and adhesion of high-viscosity polyester products at the zigzag points.

[0076] Meanwhile, the spiral flow creates a stable laminar flow state for the material, and there is a slight centrifugal force along the spiral radius. This centrifugal force can promote the material to spread evenly on the first base plate 211, avoid local accumulation, and ensure that the contact area between each part of the material and the first base plate 211 is consistent, which helps the first base plate 211 to transfer heat evenly to the material.

[0077] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 2 The heat transfer element 230 includes a second base plate 232 and a second side plate 233. The second base plate 232 is located below the first base plate 211, and the second side plate 233 is located at the edge of the second base plate 232. The second base plate 232, the second side plate 233, and the first base plate 211 define a heat transfer cavity 231. The heat transfer cavity 231 has a first inlet 231a and a first outlet 231b.

[0078] It is understood that there is a gap between the first base plate 211 and the second base plate 232, and the second side plate 233 surrounds the edge of the gap, thereby forming a heat transfer cavity 231. After the heat medium enters from the first inlet 231a, it will diffuse along the upper surface of the second base plate 232 to the surrounding area, gradually filling the entire heat transfer cavity 231, and making full contact with the lower surface of the first base plate 211. The heat is conducted through the first base plate 211 to the liquid flow channel 220 of the flow channel component 201. Then, the heated heat medium flows out from the first outlet 231b, enters the external heat medium circulation system for temperature regulation, and is then sent back into the heat transfer cavity 231 to form a closed loop circulation.

[0079] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 2The heat transfer element 230 also includes a baffle 234, which is disposed inside the heat transfer cavity 231. The baffle 234 guides the flow through physical obstruction, preventing the heat medium from forming a short-circuit flow inside the heat transfer cavity 231.

[0080] Specifically, the baffle 234 can be a plate-shaped structure adapted to the shape of the heat transfer cavity 231, such as a rectangular cavity corresponding to a rectangular baffle 234, and a circular cavity corresponding to an arc-shaped baffle 234. The material is a high-temperature resistant alloy, and it is fixed to the upper surface of the second base plate 232 by welding or bolts to ensure that the heat medium can flow smoothly between the baffles 234.

[0081] In some alternative embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The reactor body 100 includes a shell 110, a head 120, and a discharge chamber 130.

[0082] The shell 110 of the reactor body 100 is a cylindrical structure (such as a cylinder or square cylinder) with openings at both ends, and its interior forms an inner cavity to accommodate multiple flow channel components 200. The shell 110 serves as the core supporting frame for the reaction, providing a stable mounting base for the flow channel components 200 and forming a closed reaction environment through its cylindrical structure.

[0083] The end cap 120 is located on the top of the shell 110, and the end cap 120 is provided with a feed inlet 101 and a gas phase outlet 102.

[0084] The end cap 120 serves as a sealing and functional integration component at the top of the shell 110 and is connected to the top of the shell 110. The position of the feed inlet 101 can be determined according to the receiving section 223 of the uppermost flow channel assembly 200. A guide pipe 104 or a diffuser can be added inside the feed inlet 101 to guide the esterified material from the esterification reactor to fall smoothly into the receiving section 223 along the guide structure, reducing material splashing.

[0085] The discharge chamber 130 is located at the bottom of the shell 110, and the discharge chamber 130 is provided with a liquid phase outlet 103. The discharge chamber 130 serves as a material buffer and discharge component at the bottom of the shell 110, and is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the shell 110. Its interior forms a buffer chamber that communicates with the inner cavity of the shell 110, and the liquid phase outlet 103 is located at the bottom of the buffer chamber of the discharge chamber 130.

[0086] In some optional embodiments, the housing 110 is provided with a first heat medium jacket 111, which has a first heat medium inlet and a first heat medium outlet; the end cap 120 is provided with a second heat medium jacket 121, which has a second heat medium inlet and a second heat medium outlet; and the discharge chamber 130 is provided with a third heat medium jacket 131, which has a third heat medium inlet and a third heat medium outlet.

[0087] In this embodiment, a heat medium matching the temperature of the heat transfer cavity 231 of the flow channel assembly 200 is introduced through a first heat medium jacket 111, a second heat medium jacket 121, and a third heat medium jacket 131. A heat insulation layer is formed on the outside of the shell 110, so that the temperature deviation between the inner wall of the shell 110 and the temperature of the flow channel assembly 200 is controlled within the specified range. This reduces the heat transfer energy consumption of the flow channel assembly 200 and avoids the condensation of by-product vapors.

[0088] For example, the first heat medium jacket 111 of the housing 110 is an annular cavity surrounding the outer side of the inner cavity of the housing 110. It is fixed to the outer wall of the housing 110 by welding or bolting. The first heat medium inlet and the first heat medium outlet are located on the outer periphery of the first heat medium jacket 111. Multiple sets of the first heat medium inlet and the first heat medium outlet can be provided so that the heat medium can fill the jacket and form a uniform temperature barrier along the outer wall of the housing 110.

[0089] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0090] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A prepolymerization reactor, characterized in that, include: The reactor body (100) has a cavity inside, the top of the cavity is provided with a feed inlet (101) and a gas phase outlet (102), and the bottom of the cavity is provided with a liquid phase outlet (103); Multiple flow channel assemblies (200) are spaced apart along the height of the reactor body (100) in the cavity. Each flow channel assembly (200) includes a flow channel element (201) and a heat transfer element (230). The flow channel element (201) is located above the heat transfer element (230). The flow channel element (201) has a liquid flow channel (220) and a gas flow channel (240). The gas flow channel (240) penetrates the flow channel assembly. 200), and communicates with the cavity, the liquid flow channel (220) includes a receiving part (223) and a discharge hole (224) located at both ends thereon, the height of the liquid flow channel (220) gradually decreases from the receiving part (223) to the discharge hole (224) so ​​that the esterified material flows from the receiving part (223) to the discharge hole (224); the heat transfer element (230) has a heat transfer cavity (231) inside, the heat transfer cavity (231) is used to introduce heat medium; In the height direction of the reactor body (100), the receiving part (223) of the flow channel assembly (200) near the feed inlet (101) corresponds to the feed inlet (101), and the receiving part (223) of one of two adjacent flow channel assemblies (200) corresponds to the discharge hole (224) of the other.

2. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid flow channel (220) is spiral-shaped and has a first end (221) and a second end (222). The first end (221) is located in the middle of the liquid flow channel (220), and the second end (222) is located at the edge of the liquid flow channel (220). The receiving part (223) is provided on one of the first end (221) and the second end (222), and the discharge hole (224) is provided on the other end.

3. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid flow channel (220) includes a plurality of flow segment groups (225) arranged sequentially along a first direction. Each flow segment group (225) includes a first flow segment (226) extending along a second direction, a second flow segment (227) extending along a third direction, and a bend (228) connecting the first flow segment (226) and the second flow segment (227). In two adjacent flow segment groups (225), the first flow segment (226) of one flow segment group (225) and the second flow segment (227) of the other flow segment group (225) are connected. The second direction and the third direction are parallel or at an acute angle.

4. The prepolymerization reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The flow channel component (201) includes: The flow channel body (210) includes a first base plate (211) and a first side plate (212), wherein the first side plate (212) is disposed at the edge of the first base plate (211); A flow guide (213) is disposed on the first base plate (211), and the flow guide (213), together with the first base plate (211) and the first side plate (212), defines the liquid flow channel (220).

5. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow guide (213) includes a plurality of first flow guide plates (214) and a plurality of second flow guide plates (215). The plurality of first flow guide plates (214) and the plurality of second flow guide plates (215) are all spaced apart along the fourth direction, and the first flow guide plate (214) is disposed between two adjacent second flow guide plates (215). The first flow guide plate (214) and the second flow guide plate (215) both extend along the fifth direction, and the fourth direction and the fifth direction are perpendicular to each other. The flow channel body (210) has corresponding first sidewall (216) and second sidewall (217). One end of the first guide plate (214) is connected to the first sidewall (216), and the other end is separated from the second sidewall (217) by a first gap. One end of the second guide plate (215) is connected to the second sidewall (217), and the other end is separated from the first sidewall (216) by a second gap.

6. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flow guide (213) is spiral-shaped, and the outer end of the flow guide (213) is connected to the side panel.

7. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 4, characterized in that, The heat transfer element (230) includes a second base plate (232) and a second side plate (233). The second base plate (232) is located below the first base plate (211), and the second side plate (233) is located at the edge of the second base plate (232). The second base plate (232), the second side plate (233), and the first base plate (211) define the heat transfer cavity (231). The heat transfer cavity (231) has a first inlet (231a) and a first outlet (231b).

8. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The heat transfer element (230) further includes a baffle plate (234), which is disposed inside the heat transfer cavity (231).

9. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reactor body (100) includes: A housing (110) having an inner cavity; A head (120) is provided on the top of the shell (110). The head (120) is provided with the feed inlet (101) and the gas phase outlet (102). A guide pipe (104) is provided at the feed inlet (101). The discharge chamber (130) is located at the bottom of the shell (110) and is provided with the liquid phase outlet (103).

10. The prepolymerization reactor according to claim 9, characterized in that, The housing (110) is provided with a first heat medium jacket (111), and the first heat medium jacket (111) is provided with a first heat medium inlet and a first heat medium outlet; The end cap (120) is provided with a second heat medium jacket (121), and the second heat medium jacket (121) is provided with a second heat medium inlet and a second heat medium outlet; The discharge chamber (130) is provided with a third heat medium jacket (131), and the third heat medium jacket (131) is provided with a third heat medium inlet and a third heat medium outlet.

Images