Apparatus and method for producing reaction products

Abstract

An apparatus and method for producing a reaction product. An apparatus for conducting a chemical reaction is proposed, which comprises a reactor chamber (B) and a reaction tube (T) arranged in the reactor chamber (B), the reactor chamber (B) being surrounded by a reactor wall (W) which is thermally insulated, wherein the reaction tube (T) is electrically interconnected at a first location by a first electrical star bridge (S, S2, S4) and the reaction tube (T) is electrically interconnected at a second location by a second electrical star bridge (S1, S3), the first and second locations being locations within the reactor chamber (B), wherein the reaction tube (T) is electrically connected to a phase of an electrical power supply (AC) using a connector (L1, L2, L3...) between the first and second locations, and wherein at least one of the first electrical star bridge (S, S2, S4) and the second electrical star bridge (S1, S3) is fluidically interconnected with the reaction tube (T) electrically interconnected by the at least one. A corresponding method is also part of the present disclosure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for producing reaction products. Background Technology

[0002] In many processes in the chemical industry, reactors are used in which one or more reactants pass through heated reaction tubes, where the reactants undergo catalytic or non-catalytic reactions. Heating is specifically used to overcome the activation energy required for the chemical reaction to occur. The reaction can be endothermic or exothermic after the activation energy is overcome. This disclosure particularly relates to strongly endothermic reactions.

[0003] Examples of such processes include steam cracking, various reforming processes, particularly steam reforming, dry reforming (carbon dioxide reforming), mixed reforming processes, and processes for dehydrogenating alkanes. In steam cracking, the reaction tube is guided through the reactor in the form of a coil, which has at least one reverse bend in the reactor, while in steam reforming, tubes that extend through the reactor without a reverse bend are typically used.

[0004] If the term "coil" is used below, this should not preclude other forms of reaction tubes, and in particular, straight reaction tubes. The embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to different processes. For purely illustrative purposes, refer to the entries for "Ethylene," "Gas Production," and "Propene" in the current edition of Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry.

[0005] The reaction tubes of the reactors of the aforementioned type are typically heated using a burner, which is also referred to below as a "combustion reactor." The reaction tubes are guided through a combustion chamber, in which the burner is also arranged. However, there is currently an increasing demand for the production of reaction products with little or no local carbon dioxide emissions. For this purpose, the reaction tubes can be electrically heated. "Hybrid" heating, including both combustion and electric heating, has also been proposed, and the embodiments disclosed herein can be extended to all possible forms of heating.

[0006] There is a need to improve the concept of electrically heating the reaction tubes of the corresponding reactors to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Against this backdrop, apparatus and methods incorporating the features of the independent claims are proposed. The embodiments are the subject of the independent claims and the following description.

[0008] An apparatus for performing a chemical reaction according to this disclosure includes a reactor chamber and reaction tubes disposed within the reactor chamber, the reactor chamber being surrounded by an insulated reactor wall. The reaction tubes are electrically interconnected at a first location via a first star bridge and at a second location via a second star bridge, the first and second locations being positions within the reactor chamber. The reaction tubes are electrically connected to a phase of a power source using a connector between the first and second locations. At least one of the first and second star bridges fluidly interconnects two or more reaction tubes electrically interconnected by the first or second star bridge. If reference herein is made that the connector is located “between” the first and second locations, this is intended to refer to electrical connection and not merely geometric arrangement. That is, the connector between the first and second locations electrically connects the star bridges at the first and second locations.

[0009] Compared to existing technologies, the device proposed herein and according to the embodiments discussed below offers significant technical and economic advantages, including: reduced thermal stress during the transition of connecting pipes through the walls of the coil box (i.e., reactor chamber) into or out of the coil box; reduced number of external electrical connections between hot pipe connections and the potential equalization line; increased potential for further expansion / savings by anticipating parallel phase connections within a single coil group; and reduced risk of overheating of connecting pipes entering or leaving the coil box and of significant leakage current to other plant areas, as all high-ampere potential equalization currents are contained within the coil box or reactor chamber, and also reduced heat loss. Furthermore, the reactor system achieves improved energy efficiency compared to systems with externally placed starbridges, since the Joule heat dissipated by the equalization current within the coil box is largely (typically over 95%) absorbed by the process gas.

[0010] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, a second electric star bridge fluidly interconnects the reaction tubes electrically interconnected by the second electric star bridge, and the second electric star bridge fluidly connects these reaction tubes to a gas cooler, particularly to a common gas cooler. As discussed further below, the "outlet" star bridge, which provides the reaction tubes in the form of fluidly interconnected reaction tubes, offers a significant advantage because this is the outlet side of the reaction tubes, where they are typically connected independently to the gas cooler. Conventional separate connection piping between the outlet of a single reaction tube and a single gas cooler bears the greatest thermal stress.

[0011] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, a third starbridge and additional reaction tubes are provided, the second starbridge electrically interconnecting the additional reaction tubes at least at a second position, and the third starbridge electrically interconnecting the additional reaction tubes at least at a third position, the additional reaction tubes being electrically connected to the phases of the power supply using additional connectors between the second and third positions. In other words, different inlet starbridges (whether or not these inlet starbridges fluidly interconnect the reaction tubes) and a single outlet starbridge can be provided, thereby allowing advantageous arrangements in some cases. As will be understood, configurations using multiple outlet starbridges and a single inlet starbridge are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0012] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, reaction tubes electrically and fluidly interconnected by a second starbridge converge in and / or near the second starbridge at an angle greater than 10° and less than 80°. As discussed further below, this most closely approximates the ideal version of a starbridge compressed into a single star point. In other embodiments, reaction tubes electrically and fluidly interconnected by a first starbridge may also branch off from the first starbridge in a corresponding manner. That is, in such embodiments, reaction tubes electrically and fluidly interconnected by the first and / or third starbridges may also be led out from and / or near the first and / or third starbridges at an angle greater than 10° and less than 80°.

[0013] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, the power supply is configured to provide current comprising N phases, wherein the number of connectors is M, and wherein each connector is connected to one of the M reactors, wherein N is an integer of at least 2, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, particularly up to 10, and wherein M is equal to N or a multiple of N. That is, the same power supply can be used to provide power to a single group or multiple groups of reactors.

[0014] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, M is a multiple of N, and at least two adjacent reaction tubes of the M reaction tubes are connected to the same phase of the N phases of the power supply. This allows for particularly easy wiring or interconnection because the corresponding tubes can be connected in parallel.

[0015] However, alternatively, certain embodiments may exist in which M is a multiple of N, and in which adjacent reaction tubes among the M reaction tubes are not connected to the same phase among the N phases of the power supply. This particularly allows for a reduction in the electromagnetic field induced by alternating current, and thus improves the electrical efficiency of such a device.

[0016] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, a first starbridge fluidly interconnects the reaction tubes electrically interconnected by the first starbridge, and the first starbridge fluidly connects these reaction tubes to the feed gas line. In this embodiment, thermal stress at the inlet side can also be reduced.

[0017] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, the first and / or third electric star bridges are spaced apart from the interior of the reactor chamber by thermal insulation. This results in a wall temperature close to the fluid inlet temperature and reduces the risk of over-coking at that location.

[0018] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, one or more Laval nozzles are disposed in or near the first starbridge. This provides the advantage of a particularly good (mass) flow distribution into the reaction tube.

[0019] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, the reaction tube has one or more bends and / or one or more branches and / or one or more mixing elements in the reactor chamber. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in various reactions using bent reaction tubes (“coils”) or straight, unbent reaction tubes, or combinations thereof.

[0020] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, the reaction tube is configured to use a phase of power supply for resistance heating. Additional or supplementary heating by other means (e.g., electric radiation heating and combustion heating), or alternative heating concepts, are not excluded and may be part of other embodiments.

[0021] According to certain embodiments disclosed herein, the reactions may be selected from steam cracking reactions, partial oxidation reactions, various reforming reactions, particularly steam reforming, dry reforming (carbon dioxide reforming), mixed reforming, dehydrogenation of alkanes, reverse water-gas shift (RWGS) reactions of carbon dioxide and hydrogen to carbon monoxide and water, dehydrogenation of oxygen-containing substances such as methanol to formaldehyde and hydrogen, cracking of ammonia to produce nitrogen and hydrogen, dehydrogenation of so-called liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC) as known in the relevant art, and reforming of methanol and glycerol (provided that it is not included in the term "reforming" used above).

[0022] The method proposed in this paper includes the following steps: providing the apparatus proposed in this paper; passing the reaction feed through the reaction tube; and using a power source to perform resistance heating on the reaction tube.

[0023] For further details and advantages of this method, refer above to the explanation of the device and its various embodiments as presented herein. In particular, in the embodiments presented herein, this method can be used with the device according to any embodiment discussed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A device not according to an embodiment is shown; and Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B , Figures 4 to 14 , Figures 15A to 15C , Figure 16 , Figure 17A and Figure 17B Devices according to different embodiments presented herein are illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, identical, substantially identical, functionally similar, or technically compatible elements for the same function and / or purpose may be identified by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The explanations herein regarding apparatuses, devices, structures, systems, etc., according to certain embodiments disclosed herein are equally applicable to methods, processes, procedures, etc., according to corresponding embodiments.

[0026] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided only as representative examples of embodiments and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It should be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures and / or other aspects described herein should not be considered as limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or on the equivalents of the claims, and other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0027] In addition to those specifically described herein, the various embodiments disclosed herein may suitably include, consist of, or substantially consist of the following listed items: suitable and technically reasonable combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, portions, steps, means, etc. Furthermore, this disclosure may include other inventions not currently claimed but which may be claimed in the future, particularly when covered by the scope of the independent claims.

[0028] As discussed at the beginning, different solutions for electrically heating the reaction tubes of tubular reactors are known.

[0029] For example, EP 3075704A1 discloses heating the reaction tube by resistance heating. A multiphase voltage is used, and an external fluid collection manifold is used as a star bridge for current equalization. This solution may have disadvantages in some cases because it constantly requires high-current components to exit the reactor vessel via the outlet connection line. The insulation transition of the tank walls requires special consideration and design measures to avoid localized overheating under all operating conditions.

[0030] WO 2021 / 160614 A1, WO 2022 / 096180 A1, and WO 2022 / 171582 A1 propose the use of a single-piece starbridge component that electrically connects the fluid-separated reaction tubes within a heat exchanger housing. This is referred to herein as an "intertube starbridge." This embodiment is characterized by having only one power connector per reaction tube, wherein reaction tubes connected to the same starbridge are connected to N electrical phase connectors with a 2π / N phase shift, where N is an integer of 2 or greater, enabling potential equalization to near-ground levels via the starbridge.

[0031] Compared to alternative embodiments with multiple electrical phase connections within the same reaction tube (referred to herein as "intratube starbridge"), intertube starbridges offer the advantages of a reduced number of electrical connections and a higher voltage drop per single-phase consumer, which contributes to cost reduction in the power supply system. Different embodiments with intertube or intratube starbridges are illustrated, for example, in WO 2021 / 160614 A1.

[0032] In the following text, for general reasons, a star bridge is also referred to as an “electrical interconnection element,” and whenever “star bridge” is mentioned herein, it can also be understood as a more general electrical interconnect, regardless of whether it forms a “star” connection. However, the preferred embodiments disclosed herein include such a star connection and therefore have the characteristics of a true star bridge known in the art.

[0033] However, in high-temperature environments (typically above 800°C), the single-piece structure (preferably a block casting) of the inter-tube star bridge placed horizontally within the coil box causes significant thermal expansion of the star bridge during furnace operation. Consequently, the distance between parallel reaction tubes connected by the same star bridge will vary along the tube position and differ from the center of the coil box to its periphery.

[0034] Particularly on the reaction tube outlet side, this varying tube spacing can lead to critical tube stresses at high temperatures. This is especially true because the tube length between the coil box outlet and the inlet of the downstream product gas cooler is preferably short to limit residence time at high temperatures and minimize unwanted side reactions. The downstream product gas cooler is typically horizontally fixed within a static steel structure, with no significant horizontal thermal elongation. This is particularly true for vertically mounted steam-generating product gas coolers. Therefore, at the cooler location, the distance between adjacent process tubes is almost constant, independent of furnace temperature.

[0035] refer to Figure 1The equipment used for steam cracking is schematically shown in a partial view. Figure 1 A bird's-eye view of the reactor is shown, illustrating the wall W of the firebox or coil box (also referred to herein as reactor chamber B). Three reaction tubes T are shown, which may be connected to a common feed line F at the inlet side, and each of the three reaction tubes T is connected to the cracking gas or quencher Q at a fixed position on the opposite side. Each reaction tube T is connected to a connecting tube C, which is guided through a channel in the wall W. The connecting tube C may also be integrally formed with the reaction tube T, or the reaction tube T and the connecting tube C may be formed as a continuous tube, and this should be included if referred to herein as "connecting tube". The absence of a separately labeled connecting tube herein does not imply the absence of a connecting tube.

[0036] Two rigid star bridges S are provided as “inter-tube star bridges”. At the center of the reaction tube (forming a U-shaped bend extending to the bottom of the reactor), for example, in accordance with WO 2021 / 160614 A1. Figure 2 , Figure 8 A and Figure 8 As discussed in C, connection elements L1, L2, and L3 are provided for connection to the phases of the multiphase voltage (these connection elements are specified in WO 2021 / 160614 A1). Figure 2 and Figure 8 (In C, these are represented as "U, V, and W"). For the arrangement of reaction tube T, please refer to the section in this article. Figures 15A to 15C (Electrical) grounding connectors are denoted by G.

[0037] The thermal expansion of the star bridge S is indicated by the arrow adjacent to star bridge S. Due to this thermal expansion, the connecting pipe C is subjected to considerable stress. This is especially true for the outlet pipe, i.e., the connecting pipe C on the side of cooler Q, because, as mentioned above, these connecting pipes are shorter and cooler Q is in a fixed position. For the inlet pipe, i.e., the connecting pipe C on the side of feed line F and distributor D (where expansion is also indicated by arrows), stress problems may occur to a lesser extent because upstream process equipment (e.g., preheaters) may be located at greater distances, and since there are no restrictions on residence time, a more flexible pipe support concept can be implemented.

[0038] In the case of providing an inlet manifold or distributor D, wherein the inlet manifold or distributor D connects to the feed line F near the wall W of the coil box or reactor chamber B (e.g., Figure 1 As shown), the same manifold will also undergo thermal expansion. Because the average temperature of the metal components is lower, the thermal expansion of the same manifold is typically less than that of the inlet star bridge. Figure 1As indicated by the smaller arrow. Therefore, there is also a risk of pipe stress related to the inter-coil star bridge at the inlet side, but this can be avoided in different ways.

[0039] An additional drawback of existing solutions is the need for external potential balancing lines outside the furnace coil box or reactor chamber B, connecting to each of the inlet and outlet connection pipe sections. These balancing lines are required to eliminate residual current imbalances and to detect potential electrical faults by monitoring the current in the grounding connection to the external potential balancing line. Each connection to the potential balancing line requires structurally complex components because permanent electrical connections must be established with insulated piping operating at high temperatures on both the inlet and outlet sides. Therefore, reducing external balancing connections would help lower the investment cost of the reactor system.

[0040] The solution according to the embodiments proposed herein includes providing a fluid connection between reaction tubes T connected by the same star bridge S in at least one of two inter-tube star bridges S. In the inlet star bridge, this fluid connection will function as a flow distributor, while in the outlet star bridge, it will function as a flow mixer. Thus, the star bridge S according to the embodiments proposed herein will perform fluid exchange between adjacent coils within the void internal volume of the star bridge S, and current exchange between adjacent coils within the solid wall material of the star bridge S.

[0041] Therefore, the star bridge S, as proposed herein, placed within a coil box or reactor chamber B, is characterized by having only one inlet fluid / pipe connection (for the inlet star bridge S) or only one outlet fluid / pipe connection (for the outlet star bridge S), which can serve as a horizontal anchor point along the length axis of the star bridge. In this arrangement according to the embodiments proposed herein, thermal expansion of the star bridge does not cause the piping stress problems previously mentioned due to multiple parallel inlet and outlet connections.

[0042] Figure 2 A first embodiment is shown, wherein an outlet starbridge S1 and a (conventional) inlet starbridge S that does not fluidly interconnect the reaction tube T are provided. The outlet starbridge S1 also performs the function of a fluid collector according to the embodiments presented herein. Figure 2 In, functionally and / or mechanically similar to Figure 1 Other corresponding or substantially corresponding elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. A power source is indicated by a block AC, and this power source may be present in all embodiments further described below, unless otherwise specified.

[0043] and Figure 1Unlike the embodiment shown which does not form part of the invention, the outlet star bridge S1, in addition to its potential equalization function, is also used for fluid collection. Therefore, only one outlet connection pipe C1 is attached to the outlet star bridge S1, wherein the connection is routed through the wall W outside the coil box or reactor chamber B, and the connection is connected to a common cracking gas cooler Q1 for the three reaction tubes T shown. In one embodiment, the static support of the outlet star bridge S1 (particularly in the form of a vertical hanger) allows for compensated movement of the entire outlet star bridge S1, particularly in the right / left direction, to account for the thermal expansion of the outlet connection pipe C1. Similarly, in Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, compensating movement of opposite ends of the outlet star bridge S1 in the up / down direction is possible to compensate for the thermal expansion of the outlet star bridge S1 itself. In the illustrated setup, the center of the outlet star bridge S1 does not exhibit significant thermal expansion movement in the up / down direction, thus minimizing pipe stress in the outlet connecting pipe C1 caused by bending.

[0044] In some embodiments, the outlet star bridge S1 exhibits an increased cross-section filled with material compared to the vertical straight reaction tube section, to achieve effective potential equalization within the outlet star bridge S1. Additional wiring in the form of a potential equalization conduit E may be provided.

[0045] therefore, Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment shows only one connection point for the external potential equalization line on the outlet side, while three connection points are shown on the inlet side because the inlet star bridge S is still configured in the conventional manner. However, utilizing Figure 2 The embodiment shown overcomes many of the drawbacks of a completely traditional design.

[0046] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3B The following embodiments are illustrated. In these embodiments, the inlet starbridge, denoted as S2, is also configured to provide interconnection between reaction tubes T, or more precisely, the inlet starbridge, denoted as S2, is configured to distribute fluid from the feed line F to the reaction tubes T.

[0047] The inlet star bridge S2 acts as a flow distributor and is therefore equipped with a flow channel that spans a portion or the entire span between the three connected reaction tubes T shown here. The inlet star bridge S2 is connected to the feed line F via a connecting pipe C2. In some embodiments, for example... Figure 3A As shown, in the inlet star bridge S2, three Laval nozzles L are located within the inlet star bridge to equalize the flow into all connected reaction tubes. This is not... Figure 3B The situation is illustrated in the example shown. Typically, the Laval nozzle L is not installed inside the hot furnace box or reactor chamber B to avoid over-coking and flow restriction in that area.

[0048] In some embodiments, the portion of the inlet star bridge S2 with flow distribution function and its inlet piping located inside the coil box or reactor chamber B can therefore include external insulation I to minimize radiant heat entering the inlet star bridge S2 from the furnace box or reactor chamber B environment. This results in a wall temperature at the Laval nozzle L close to the fluid inlet temperature and reduces the risk of over-coking at that location. The Laval nozzle L does not necessarily need to be integrated into the one-piece inlet star bridge S2. As a first alternative, the Laval nozzle L can be placed in one of the three depicted discharge lines of the inlet star bridge. In this case, the Laval nozzle L needs to be placed as close to the star bridge as possible, and the piping between the inlet star bridge and the Laval nozzle L, as well as the Laval nozzle L itself, can also be externally thermally insulated.

[0049] like Figure 3B The illustrated embodiments, and as shown in the figure Figure 3A The three Laval nozzles L associated with the three discharge lines connected to the reaction tube T near the star bridge S2 can be replaced by a single Laval nozzle L connected in the connecting pipe C2 and connected to the inlet star bridge outside the furnace box or reactor chamber B, thereby eliminating the need for insulation. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The embodiment shown is characterized by having only one connection point for the external potential equalization line E at the outlet side and one connection point at the inlet side.

[0050] Although Figure 2 , Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the individual connecting pipes C1 and / or C2 (outlet or inlet) connected to star bridges S, S1, and S2 are located at the central symmetry line of star bridges S, S1, and S2. However, embodiments that improve the flow / pressure drop balance between parallel reaction pipes T to anticipate alternatives, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the tap C2 of a single connecting line C1 and / or C2 is horizontally offset relative to the tap of the reaction tube T on the other side of each of the star bridges S1 and S2. The offset may exist in similar or different ways for only one or both of the star bridges S1 and S2.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, the horizontal elongation of starbridge S3 decreases, and the reaction tubes T converge toward starbridge S3 continuously relative to each other. Starbridge S3, as the outlet starbridge, is thus compressed into a Y-shape, in which fluid flows are merged and potentials are equalized. This is closest to the ideal version of compressing the starbridge into a single star point. Therefore, the weight of this compact outlet starbridge S3 is significantly reduced compared to the stretched starbridges shown in previous embodiments or known in the prior art. A similar compact Y-shape can be similarly used for the inlet starbridge S, which... Figure 5 The diagram shows a conventional construction with or without an integrated Laval nozzle L and surrounding insulation. In particular, when this Y-shaped design is used for the inlet star bridge S, good flow distribution can be achieved among the three reaction tubes T even without an integrated Laval nozzle. In this embodiment, it is preferable to have only one Laval nozzle L1 located outside the furnace box or reactor chamber B, which ensures equal flow distribution to all coil assemblies within the electric furnace.

[0052] In any of the previously shown embodiments, all three reaction tubes T or coils are of equal length to minimize fluid flow imbalance and current imbalance. Therefore, the straight vertical tube length of the outer reaction tube T can be reduced relative to the central tube T to compensate for the additional length of the inclined portion shown in the figure or the flow length within the star bridges S, S1, S2, and S3 in any other previously shown figure.

[0053] Figure 6 Alternative embodiments shown include branched coil designs, such as the design referred to as PC1-1 in the applicant's and related fields, combined with both inlet starbridge S4 and outlet starbridge S3, which are implemented according to embodiments previously discussed in combination with non-branched reaction tubes T.

[0054] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The additional embodiment shown illustrates an expanded scheme of a larger group of coils or reaction tubes T connected via an inlet star bridge S1 and an outlet star bridge S2. In this figure and subsequent figures, some elements are not individually labeled because these elements have been extensively described previously.

[0055] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the two embodiments shown, three-phase current sources L1, L2, and L3 are provided, but here there are three connections for each phase, which are preferably connected together to the same phase outlet of a single high-current transformer. This makes it possible to scale the high-current transformer in particular, and is facilitated by the present invention, because the increased length of the two star bridges in these embodiments does not lead to an increase in pipe stress in the inlet and outlet connection pipes.

[0056] Although Figure 7 The embodiment shown illustrates adjacent coils or reaction tubes T with alternating phase connections, which helps reduce the magnetic field strength and induced interference in the system, however... Figure 8 The embodiment shown includes adjacent coils connected to the same electrical phase, which provides the possibility of reducing the number of power connections entering the coil box or reactor chamber B by using only one power supply connection for all parallel phase consumers.

[0057] As a variation of the previously shown embodiments, within the scope of this disclosure, one or more inlet pipe connectors C2 and one or more outlet pipe connectors C1 may be inserted via the same coil box wall W, and / or the length axes of the inlet star bridge connectors C2 and / or the outlet star bridge connectors C1 may be oriented in the same direction as the inlet pipe connectors and / or the outlet pipe connectors. Figure 9 Several embodiments of this alternative arrangement are shown in the figure. Figure 9 For the above Figure 4 Modifications to the embodiments shown. Figure 10 The embodiments shown illustrate Figure 9 A variation of the embodiment shown herein, wherein, according to the embodiment presented herein, a single exit star bridge S5 is used in combination with two inlet star bridges S2 and S2'. In this embodiment, two parallel three-phase current sources are required, preferably connected to a single three-phase high-current transformer system. Two potential balancing lines E1 and E2 are provided.

[0058] The same concept can be applied to combining two exit starbridges with a single inlet starbridge, and also to using two parallel three-phase current sources (an explicit embodiment is not shown). More generally, for example, as... Figure 10 As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the present invention can utilize connection configurations with different numbers of inlet and outlet starbridges.

[0059] and Figure 9 The illustrated embodiments are similar, in Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the inlet pipe connector C and the outlet pipe connector C1 pass through the same box wall W, and the orientation of the two star bridges S and S1 is parallel to the box wall W. Figure 11 The illustrated embodiment is Figure 2 Improvements to the illustrated embodiment.

[0060] Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 The embodiment shown illustrates another design in which, in this horizontal cross-section, the connecting pins L1, L2, and L3 for the phase current source are not placed between the two inlet star bridges S1 and the outlet star bridge S2 (as shown in the image). Figure 12and Figure 13 (As shown) and / or the flow direction in the horizontal cross-section between two of the star bridges S1, S2 can be changed at one or more locations (e.g. Figure 12 , Figure 13 and Figure 14 (as shown in the image). Figure 13 The illustrated embodiment also features a special characteristic: a potential balancing bridge P between the star bridges S1 and S2 within the inlet connection pipe C2 and the outlet connection pipe C1 and / or the coil box B. The potential balancing bridge P is preferably implemented with the star bridges S1 and S2 in a similar integral cast structure. As previously shown, this embodiment avoids the need for any additional external potential balancing connectors E, and thus simplifies the design of the connection pipes C1 and C2 outside the coil box B.

[0061] Figure 14 An important aspect of the illustrated embodiment is the change in flow direction between star bridge S1 and star bridge S2. The flow direction is oriented downwards when leaving S2, then turns right near connectors L1 to L3, and turns downwards again when leaving L1 to L3, until reaching star bridge S1.

[0062] Preferably, all star bridge elements S, S1, S2, S3, S4 in all the embodiments shown above are electrically connected to the N-conductor line for supplying the high-current transformer. However, the invention can also be applied to the power supply transformer for one or more of the star bridges S, S1, S2, S3, S4 without the N-conductor connection. Various general three-dimensional arrangements of the reaction tube T itself, as well as the inlet header D and / or the cracked gas cooler Q1, are possible, thereby enabling various preferred assembly orientations, such as... Figures 15A to 15C and Figure 16 As shown. Figures 15A to 15C It shows the relationship with Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment corresponds to a three-dimensional overall system arrangement, including indications of a preferred assembly direction based on, for example, the relative positioning of the cracked gas cooler Q1 and the inlet manifold D relative to the inlet star bridge S. For vertical assembly, the inlet fluid cooler D and the cracked gas cooler Q1 are preferably horizontally offset relative to the star bridges S, S1, as... Figure 15A and 15B As shown. Conversely, for horizontal assembly, the inlet fluid manifold D and the cracked gas cooler Q1 are preferably vertically offset relative to the star bridges S, S1, as shown. Figure 15C As shown.

[0063] Figure 16 It shows that according to Figure 2The illustrated embodiment offers an alternative overall arrangement for the system implementation, wherein the inlet fluid connector C2 and the outlet fluid connector C1, as well as the electrical phase supply connectors L1, L2, and L3, are positioned near the bottom of the reactor vessel, coil box, or reactor chamber B. Preferably, a flexible constant-force hanger system installed at the upper reverse bend of the tube T allows for upward thermal expansion of the straight reaction tube T channel.

[0064] like Figure 17A and Figure 17B As shown, it illustrates the following based on Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment is a general arrangement achieved using a system with a single-pass reactor tube T without a reverse bend.

Claims

1. An apparatus for carrying out a chemical reaction, the apparatus comprising a reactor chamber (B) and a reaction tube (T) disposed in the reactor chamber (B), the reactor chamber (B) being surrounded by an insulated reactor wall (W), wherein, The reaction tubes (T) are electrically interconnected at a first position via a first star bridge (S, S2, S4) and at a second position via a second star bridge (S1, S3, S5), the first and second positions being positions within the reactor chamber (B), wherein the reaction tubes (T) are electrically connected to a phase of a power supply (AC) using connectors (L1, L2, L3) between the first and second positions, and wherein at least one of the first star bridge (S, S2, S4) and the second star bridge (S1, S3) fluidly interconnects two or more reaction tubes (T) among those electrically interconnected by the at least one.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The second star bridge (S1, S3) fluidly interconnects two or more reaction tubes (T) electrically interconnected by the second star bridge (S1, S3), and the second star bridge (S1, S3) fluidly connects these reaction tubes (T) to one or more gas coolers (Q1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A third star bridge (S2') and additional reaction tubes (T) are provided. The second star bridge (S1, S3) electrically interconnects the additional reaction tubes (T) at least in the second position, and the third star bridge (S2') electrically connects the additional reaction tubes (T) at least in the third position. The additional reaction tubes (T) are electrically connected to the phase of the power supply (AC) using additional connectors (L1, L2, L3) between the second and third positions.

4. The device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The reaction tubes (T) that are electrically and fluidly interconnected by the second star bridge (S3) converge in and / or near the second star bridge (S3) at an angle greater than 10° and less than 80°.

5. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The reaction tubes, which are electrically and fluidly interconnected by the first and / or the third starbridge, are led out from the first and / or the third starbridge and / or from the vicinity of the first and / or the third starbridge at an angle greater than 10° and less than 80°.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The power supply (AC) is configured to provide current comprising N phases, wherein the number of connectors (L1, L2, L3) is M, and wherein each of the connectors (L1, L2, L3) is connected to one of the M reaction tubes (T), wherein N is an integer of at least 2, and wherein M is equal to N or a multiple of N.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, M is a multiple of N, and at least two adjacent reaction tubes (T) of the M reaction tubes (T) are connected to the same phase of the N phases of the power supply.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein, M is a multiple of N, and wherein adjacent reaction tubes (T) among the M reaction tubes (T) are not connected to the same phase among the N phases of the power supply.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first star bridge (S2) and / or the third star bridge (S2') fluidly interconnects the reaction tubes (T) electrically interconnected by the first star bridge (S2) and / or the third star bridge (S2'), and the first star bridge (S2) and / or the third star bridge (S2') fluidly connects these reaction tubes (T) to the feed gas line (F).

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The first star bridge (S2) and / or the third star bridge are separated from the interior of the reactor chamber (B) by a heat insulation element (I).

11. The device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, One or more Laval nozzles (L) are provided in or near the first and / or the third star bridge (S2, S4, S2').

12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The reaction tube has bends and / or branches in the reactor chamber (B).

13. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reaction is selected from steam cracking reactions, partial oxidation reactions, various reforming reactions, particularly steam reforming, dry reforming, mixed reforming, dehydrogenation of alkanes, reverse water-gas shift reaction of carbon dioxide and hydrogen to carbon monoxide and water, dehydrogenation of oxygen-containing substances such as methanol to formaldehyde and hydrogen, cracking of ammonia to produce nitrogen and hydrogen, dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydrogen carriers, and reforming of methanol and glycerol.

14. A method for carrying out a chemical reaction, the method comprising the following steps: Provide an apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims; The reaction feed is passed through the reaction tube (T); and The relative reaction tube is resistively heated using the power source (AC).

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