Hydroformylation with shell-and-tube heat exchanger

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of heat exchange equipment and proposes a shell-and-tube heat exchanger for hydroformylation, comprising a shell, tube box, tube sheet, tube bundle, baffle, and fixed baffle. The tube bundle includes a central tube, with two sets of side tubes arranged on both sides of the central tube. The ends of the side tubes are distributed within the same circumference as the central tube, and the middle of the side tubes bends into a U-shape away from the central tube. The fixed baffle is connected to the middle of the side tubes, and a baffle regulating cavity is provided between the side tubes and the central tube. Multiple pairs of movable baffles are arranged in the baffle regulating cavity, with the spacing between adjacent movable baffles being smaller than the spacing between the fixed baffles. A variable-group drive device connected to the movable baffle is provided on the side of the central tube away from the baffle. This invention uses the variable-group drive device to drive the movable baffles to deploy in groups, changing the baffle density to form different flow fields in conjunction with the fixed baffles. This allows it to adapt to different load conditions, which is beneficial for balancing heat exchange efficiency and saving energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of heat exchange equipment and relates to a tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation. Background Technology

[0002] Hydroformylation is a highly exothermic, temperature-sensitive, multiphase, high-pressure production process. Tube-and-shell heat exchangers are the core heat transfer equipment throughout the entire process, spanning different stages such as reaction, feed preheating, product cooling, catalyst circulation, and tail gas recovery.

[0003] In shell-and-tube heat exchangers, baffles force the fluid to repeatedly laterally scour the tube bundle, constantly changing its flow direction and increasing its velocity, which is beneficial for improving heat exchange efficiency. However, since most baffles in shell-and-tube heat exchangers also need to provide basic support and fixation for the tube bundle, and given the static nature of the tube bundle, the baffle arrangement density is fixed. A potential drawback of such shell-and-tube heat exchangers is their poor adaptability to different load conditions, such as decreased heat transfer under low load conditions and increased resistance and pump consumption under full load conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention addresses the technical problems of the aforementioned shell-and-tube heat exchangers by proposing a reasonably designed shell-and-tube heat exchanger for hydroformylation that features adjustable baffle density and reduces pump consumption.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation provided by the present invention includes a shell, tube boxes are provided at both ends of the shell, a tube sheet is provided between the tube boxes and the shell, a tube bundle is provided between the tube sheets, a partition plate located in the middle of the tube bundle and a fixed baffle plate connected to the tube bundle are provided inside the shell, the tube bundle includes a plurality of intermediate tubes distributed in a rectangular array, two sets of side tubes are provided on both sides of the intermediate tubes, the ends of the side tubes are distributed within the same circumference as the intermediate tubes, the middle part of the side tubes bends into a U-shape in a direction away from the intermediate tubes, the fixed baffle plate is connected to the middle part of the side tubes, a baffle regulating cavity is provided between the side tubes and the intermediate tubes, the baffle regulating cavity is provided with a plurality of pairs of movable baffles and the spacing between adjacent movable baffles is smaller than the spacing between the fixed baffles, a variable group driving device connected to the movable baffle is provided on the side of the intermediate tube away from the partition plate, the variable group driving device is used to drive the movable baffles to unfold in groups and change the flow field in the baffle regulating cavity.

[0006] Preferably, the movable baffles are divided into 3 groups, and the individual movable baffles in each group are interspersed with the movable baffles in the other 2 groups.

[0007] Preferably, the variable-group drive device includes a T-shaped built-in mounting base and a sealing cover connected to the built-in mounting base. A transmission box is provided in the middle of the built-in mounting base. The transmission box is provided with a transmission mechanism connected to three sets of movable deflectors. One set of movable deflectors is normally connected to the transmission mechanism and, when unfolded, is located on the same axial section as the fixed deflector. The other two sets of movable deflectors are connected to the transmission mechanism through a clutch mechanism. The transmission mechanism is used to drive the movable deflectors to perform unfolding and folding actions. A geared motor is provided at the power input end of the transmission mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the built-in mounting base is provided with multiple pairs of guide holes at positions corresponding to the baffle adjustment cavity. Each pair of guide holes includes an oblique guide hole and an axial guide hole. The movable baffle plate is provided with a first movable shaft that cooperates with the oblique guide hole and a second movable shaft that cooperates with the axial guide hole. The first movable shaft is connected to the transmission mechanism.

[0009] Preferably, the transmission mechanism includes two rows of transmission plates, each transmission plate having a rack groove inside, a translation rack in the rack groove, and a transmission gear shaft meshing with the translation rack below the translation rack. The two rows of transmission plates are connected by two transmission gear shafts, and a transition gear shaft group is provided between the two transmission gear shafts.

[0010] Preferably, the side of the transmission box is provided with a plate hole for the transmission plate to extend out, the portion of the transmission plate located inside the transmission box is provided with a guide wheel, and the interior of the transmission box is provided with a linear guide rail that cooperates with the transmission plate and the guide wheel.

[0011] Preferably, the transmission box has multiple vertical guide holes on both sides that correspond one-to-one with the plate holes, and a movable sealing plate that is connected through the transmission plate is provided in the vertical guide holes.

[0012] Preferably, the clutch mechanism includes a synchronous clutch plate, which is connected to the transmission mechanism via a connecting shaft. A telescopic shaft is provided on the side of the synchronous clutch plate facing away from the connecting shaft, and a clutch cylinder is provided on the side of the telescopic shaft facing away from the transmission box.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation provided by this invention creates a certain baffle adjustment cavity by changing the direction of the tube bundle inside the shell. By changing the real-time participation of three sets of movable baffles through a variable group drive device, the baffle density is changed to cooperate with the fixed baffles to form different flow fields, which can adapt to different load conditions and is conducive to balancing heat exchange efficiency and energy saving. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation provided in an embodiment; Figure 2 A perspective view of a tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation provided in an embodiment; Figure 3 A side view of a tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation provided in an embodiment; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation along the EE direction; Figure 5 for Figure 4 Enlarged schematic diagram of the tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation at point A; Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger (without side tubes and fixed baffles) for hydroformylation; Figure 7 A front view of a tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation provided in an embodiment; Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of the tube bundle inside the housing, provided for an embodiment; Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing the distribution of the transmission mechanism in the built-in mounting base as provided in the embodiment; Figure 10 for Figure 9 Enlarged schematic diagram of the B-structure; Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing the full deployment of three sets of movable baffles in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger for hydroformylation; Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation with only one set of movable baffles; In the above figures: 1. Shell; 2. Tube box; 3. Tube sheet; 4. Tube bundle; 41. Intermediate tube; 42. Side tube; 5. Partition plate; 6. Fixed baffle plate; 7. Baffle regulating cavity; 8. Movable baffle plate; 9. Variable group drive device; 91. Built-in mounting base; 911. Inclined guide hole; 912. Axial guide hole; 92. Sealing cover; 93. Transmission box; 94. Transmission mechanism; 941. Transmission plate; 942. Translation rack; 943. Transmission gear shaft; 944. Transition gear shaft assembly; 945. Gear motor; 95. Clutch mechanism; 951. Synchronous clutch plate; 952. Connecting shaft; 953. Telescopic shaft; 954. Clutch cylinder; 96. First movable shaft; 97. Second movable shaft; 98. Linear guide rail; 99. Movable sealing plate. Detailed Implementation

[0016] To better understand the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in these embodiments can be combined with each other. For ease of description, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" appearing below only indicate that they correspond to the upper, lower, left, and right directions in the accompanying drawings and do not limit the structure.

[0017] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways than those described herein, and therefore the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in the following specification.

[0018] Examples, such as Figures 1-12As shown, the tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation provided by the present invention includes a shell 1, on which an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe are provided. Tube boxes 2 are provided at both ends of the shell 1, and refrigerant inlets and outlets are provided on the tube boxes 2. A tube sheet 3 is provided between the tube boxes 2 and the shell 1, and a tube bundle 4 is provided between the tube sheets 3. Inside the shell 1, a baffle 5 located in the middle of the tube bundle 4 and a fixed baffle 6 connected to the tube bundle 4 are provided. Specifically, a plate-like structure at the same level as the baffle 5 is provided in the middle of the tube box 2 to separate the refrigerant inlet and outlet ports; the upper part of the tube bundle 4 is located above the baffle 5, and the tube bundle 4 detours from another tube box 2 to below the baffle 5. Based on this, the tube bundle 4 provided by the present invention includes a plurality of intermediate tubes 41 arranged in a rectangular array. Two sets of side tubes 42 are provided on both sides of the intermediate tubes 41. The ends of the side tubes 42 are distributed within the same circumference as the intermediate tubes 41. The middle part of the side tubes 42 is bent into a U-shape in a direction away from the intermediate tubes 41. The fixed baffle 6 is connected to the middle part of the side tubes 42. A baffle regulating cavity 7 is provided between the side tubes 42 and the intermediate tubes 41. Multiple pairs of movable baffles 8 are provided in the baffle regulating cavity 7, and the distance between adjacent movable baffles 8 is smaller than the distance between the fixed baffles 6. A variable group driving device 9 connected to the movable baffles 8 is provided on the side of the intermediate tube 41 away from the partition 5. The variable group driving device 9 is used to drive the movable baffles 8 to unfold in groups and change the flow field in the baffle regulating cavity 7.

[0019] Specifically, the axial section of the housing 1 is hexagonal and symmetrical. Both the top and bottom of the housing 1 are provided with thickened layers for mounting the variable-speed drive device 9. The thickened layers have a hollow structure in the middle, and their tops are bolted to the top of the variable-speed drive device 9. Maintenance and repair of the internal components of the variable-speed drive device 9 can be performed by opening the sealing cover 92. Matching the shape of the housing 1, the present invention alters the orientation of the tube bundle 4 inside the housing 1. Except for the intermediate tube 41 in the middle of the tube bundle 4, which maintains a rectangular array connected to the tube sheet 3, the number and end positions of the side tubes 42 remain unchanged. A rectangular baffle adjustment cavity 7 is left between the side tubes 42 and the intermediate tube 41. The three-dimensional surface of the baffle adjustment cavity 7 connects to the side of the fixed baffle plate 6, and the other sides of the fixed baffle plate 6 contact and connect with the housing 1 and the partition plate 5. The fixed baffle plate 6 supports and fixes the side tubes 42 while also serving a baffle function. By changing the real-time participation of the three sets of movable baffles 8 through the variable group drive device 9, the baffle density is changed to form different flow fields in conjunction with the fixed baffles 6, which can adapt to different load conditions.

[0020] Furthermore, the movable baffles 8 provided by the present invention are divided into 3 groups, with each movable baffle 8 in one group interspersed with the movable baffles 8 in the other 2 groups. The spacing between adjacent movable baffles 8 remains consistent, and the movable baffles 8 of the same pair are staggered at a certain axial distance on both sides of the intermediate tube 41 to form baffles. The spacing between the two fixed baffles 6 is the combined spacing of the four movable baffles 8. In conjunction with the fixed baffles 6, the movable baffles 8 located on the interval stroke between the two fixed baffles 6 can divide the baffle regulating cavity 7 corresponding to that interval stroke into multiple segments. Under different system load conditions, such as low system load, all movable baffles 8 are deployed, increasing the baffle density, and the actual baffle spacing is reduced to forcibly increase turbulence and maintain heat exchange effect. If the system is under high load, some movable baffles 8 can be folded to at least maintain the original spacing of the fixed baffles 6. Combined with the distribution gaps inside the intermediate tube 41 bundle 4 and the water flow cross-section of the baffle regulating cavity 7, the flow resistance can be effectively reduced, the power consumption of the circulating pump can be reduced, and the equipment operating cost can be lowered. Therefore, by adjusting the flow field inside the casing 1, this device helps to balance heat exchange efficiency and save energy.

[0021] The variable-group drive device 9 provided by the present invention includes a T-shaped built-in mounting base 91 and a sealing cover 92 connected to the built-in mounting base 91. A transmission box 93 is provided in the middle of the built-in mounting base 91. The inwardly recessed part of the sealing cover 92 nests with the circumferential surface of the transmission box 93 to seal and increase strength. A transmission mechanism 94 connected to three sets of movable baffles 8 is provided in the transmission box 93. One set of movable baffles 8 is normally connected to the transmission mechanism 94 and, when unfolded, is located on the same cross-section as the fixed baffle 6. The other two sets of movable baffles 8 are connected to the transmission mechanism 94 through a clutch mechanism 95. The transmission mechanism 94 is used to drive the movable baffles 8 to perform unfolding and folding actions. A geared motor 945 is provided at the power input end of the transmission mechanism 94. The geared motor 945 is located on the outside of the housing 1 and is connected to a reducer provided on the tube box 2. The reducer can transmit the power of the geared motor 945 to the transmission mechanism 94 through an internal gear set. The clutch mechanism 95 drives the movable baffles 8 connected to it to move up and down, and can flexibly control the transmission connection with the transmission mechanism 94. When the system is under low load, all movable baffles 8 are connected to the transmission mechanism 94, and one transmission mechanism 94 can drive three sets of movable baffles 8 to unfold and fold at the same time. When the system is under high load, the clutch mechanism 95 can disconnect at least one set of movable baffles 8. At the most basic level, it can keep the movable baffles 8 connected to the fixed baffles 6 on the same side, or it can disconnect the transmission connection between two sets of movable baffles 8 and the transmission, thereby widening the spacing between the real-time baffles and making the pressure drop meet the system operation requirements.

[0022] Furthermore, the built-in mounting base 91 provided by the present invention is provided with multiple pairs of guide holes at positions corresponding to the baffle adjustment cavity 7. Each pair of guide holes includes an oblique guide hole 911 and an axial guide hole 912. The movable baffle plate 8 is provided with a first movable shaft 96 that cooperates with the oblique guide hole 911 and a second movable shaft 97 that cooperates with the axial guide hole 912. The first movable shaft 96 is connected to the transmission mechanism 94. Track grooves that cooperate with the first movable shaft 96 and the second movable shaft 97 can be opened on the partition plate 5 to ensure the motion balance of the movable baffle plate 8. The built-in mounting base 91 serves as the mounting base for the transmission mechanism 94 and the movable baffle plate 8. It maintains a stable and reliable vertical distance from the partition plate 5, providing an effective moving base for the unfolding and folding action of the movable baffle plate 8. Regarding the built-in mounting base 91, its surface facing the partition 5 can be hollowed out except for the oblique guide hole 911 and the axial guide hole 912. Sealing is not the main requirement. The oblique guide hole 911 and the axial guide hole 912 are mainly used to provide a planar motion trajectory for the movable baffle 8.

[0023] To improve the transmission performance of the transmission mechanism 94, the transmission mechanism 94 provided by the present invention includes two rows of transmission plates 941. Each transmission plate 941 has a rack groove, in which a translation rack 942 is disposed. Below the translation rack 942, a transmission gear shaft 943 meshes with it. The two rows of transmission plates 941 are connected by two transmission gear shafts 943, and a transition gear shaft assembly 944 is disposed between the two transmission gear shafts 943. In addition to the teeth meshing with the translation rack 942, the transmission gear shafts 943 also have teeth meshing with the transition gear shaft assembly 944. The teeth meshing with the transition gear shaft assembly 944 avoid the translation surface of the transmission plate 941. The transition gear shaft assembly 944 uses two transition gear shafts, allowing the two transmission gear shafts 943 to move in opposite directions, thereby enabling the pair of movable baffles 8 to unfold and fold synchronously. The tooth tip surface of the translation rack 942 does not protrude from the rack groove. This ensures effective transmission between the translation rack 942 and the gear shaft, and also allows the plate surface of the transmission plate 941 to fit against the solid plate surface of the built-in mounting base 91 after the transmission plate 941 extends out of the transmission box 93, reducing the probability of materials entering the transmission box 93. To improve the quality of the reciprocating linear motion of the transmission plate 941, the transmission box 93 provided by the present invention has a plate hole on its side for the transmission plate 941 to extend out. A guide wheel is provided on the portion of the transmission plate 941 located inside the transmission box 93. A linear guide rail 98 is provided inside the transmission box 93 to cooperate with the transmission plate 941 and the guide wheel. The linear guide rail 98 provides a predetermined reciprocating linear path for the transmission plate 941, and the guide wheel ensures the balance of the translational movement of the transmission plate 941. The size of the plate hole cooperating with the movable baffle 8 of the normally connected transmission mechanism 94 is consistent with the moving cross-section of the transmission plate 941. The height of the plate holes cooperating with the other two sets of movable baffles 8 is greater than the height of the transmission plate 941 inside the hole, leaving a lifting margin for the transmission plate 941, and thus providing an effective clutch stroke for the clutch mechanism 95.

[0024] To improve the assembly sealing of the transmission box 93, the transmission box 93 provided by the present invention has multiple vertical guide holes on both sides, each corresponding to a plate hole. A movable sealing plate 99, which is connected to the transmission plate 941, is installed in each vertical guide hole. The two sides of the vertical guide hole have a T-shaped structure. The outer surface of the movable sealing plate 99 is a U-shaped main surface, and the upper and lower end faces of the main surface can serve as limiters. The interior of the movable sealing plate 99 has ribs that mate with the walls of the T-shaped holes. The movable sealing plate 99 does not move with the horizontal extension and retraction of the transmission plate 941, but it can rise and fall synchronously with the lifting and lowering of the transmission plate 941. During the lifting and lowering process, it always blocks the gap between the plate hole and the transmission plate 941, reducing the probability of material leakage into the transmission box 93.

[0025] To improve the control efficiency of different groups of movable baffles 8, the clutch mechanism 95 provided by the present invention includes a synchronous clutch plate 951. The synchronous clutch plate 951 is connected to the linear guide rail 98 of the transmission mechanism 94 via a connecting shaft 952. A telescopic shaft 953 is provided on the side of the synchronous clutch plate 951 facing away from the connecting shaft 952, and a clutch cylinder 954 is provided on the side of the telescopic shaft 953 facing away from the transmission box 93. The linear guide rail 98 serves as both a translation guide for the transmission plate 941 and a synchronous lifting connector for the same pair of movable baffles 8. The connecting shaft 952 connects the linear guide rail 98 and the synchronous clutch plate 951. The clutch cylinder 954 drives the synchronous clutch plate 951 and all the linear guide rails 98 connected to it to rise and fall by telescoping. The transmission plate 941 has a connecting hole that mates with the first connecting shaft 952. The connecting hole is a through hole. When the transmission plate 941 rises, it does not cause a change in the height of the movable baffle 8, but it can control the movable baffle 8 to prevent planar movement, thereby ensuring that the movable baffle 8 connected to the clutch mechanism 95 will not move freely after it is disconnected from the transmission mechanism 94. It should be noted that the synchronous clutch plates 951 of the two sets of clutch mechanisms 95 are located on the same vertical plane. The upper synchronous clutch plate 951 is provided with an oblong hole through which the telescopic shaft 953 of the lower synchronous clutch plate 951 can pass; the lower synchronous clutch plate 951 is provided with an oblong hole through which the connecting shaft 952 of the upper synchronous clutch plate 951 can pass. This ensures that the two sets of clutch mechanisms 95 perform effective clutch actions.

[0026] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments for application in other fields. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shell-and-tube heat exchanger for hydroformylation, comprising a shell, tube boxes at both ends of the shell, a tube sheet between the tube boxes and the shell, a tube bundle between the tube sheets, and a partition located in the middle of the tube bundle and a fixed baffle connected to the tube bundle inside the shell, characterized in that, The tube bundle includes multiple intermediate tubes arranged in a rectangular array. Two sets of side tubes are arranged on both sides of the intermediate tubes. The ends of the side tubes are distributed within the same circumference as the intermediate tubes. The middle part of the side tubes is bent into a U-shape in a direction away from the intermediate tubes. The fixed baffle is connected to the middle part of the side tubes. A baffle adjustment cavity is arranged between the side tubes and the intermediate tubes. The baffle adjustment cavity is provided with multiple pairs of movable baffles, and the distance between adjacent movable baffles is smaller than the distance between the fixed baffles. A variable group drive device is arranged on the side of the intermediate tube away from the baffle and connected to the movable baffles. The variable group drive device is used to drive the movable baffles to deploy in groups and change the flow field in the baffle adjustment cavity.

2. The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation according to claim 1, characterized in that, The movable baffles are divided into 3 groups, and each movable baffle in one group is interspersed with the movable baffles in the other 2 groups.

3. The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation according to claim 2, characterized in that, The variable-group drive device includes a T-shaped built-in mounting base and a sealing cover connected to the built-in mounting base. A transmission box is provided in the middle of the built-in mounting base. The transmission box is provided with a transmission mechanism connected to three sets of movable deflectors. One set of movable deflectors is normally connected to the transmission mechanism and, when unfolded, is located on the same axial section as the fixed deflector. The other two sets of movable deflectors are connected to the transmission mechanism through a clutch mechanism. The transmission mechanism is used to drive the movable deflectors to perform unfolding and folding actions. A geared motor is provided at the power input end of the transmission mechanism.

4. The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation according to claim 3, characterized in that, The built-in mounting base is provided with multiple pairs of guide holes at positions corresponding to the baffle adjustment cavity. Each pair of guide holes includes an oblique guide hole and an axial guide hole. The movable baffle plate is provided with a first movable shaft that cooperates with the oblique guide hole and a second movable shaft that cooperates with the axial guide hole. The first movable shaft is connected to the transmission mechanism.

5. The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission mechanism includes two rows of transmission plates. Each transmission plate has a rack groove inside. A translation rack is provided in the rack groove, and a transmission gear shaft meshing with the translation rack is provided below the translation rack. The two rows of transmission plates are connected by two transmission gear shafts, and a transition gear shaft group is provided between the two transmission gear shafts.

6. The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission box has a plate hole on its side for the transmission plate to extend out, and the portion of the transmission plate inside the transmission box is provided with a guide wheel. The transmission box is also provided with a linear guide rail that cooperates with the transmission plate and the guide wheel.

7. The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission box has multiple vertical guide holes on both sides that correspond one-to-one with the plate holes, and a movable sealing plate that is connected through the transmission plate is installed in the vertical guide holes.

8. The tubular heat exchanger for hydroformylation according to claim 3 or 7, characterized in that, The clutch mechanism includes a synchronous clutch plate, which is connected to the transmission mechanism via a connecting shaft. A telescopic shaft is provided on the side of the synchronous clutch plate facing away from the connecting shaft, and a clutch cylinder is provided on the side of the telescopic shaft facing away from the transmission box.

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