High-temperature reactor for producing hydrogen by decomposing methane through molten metal and separating high-value carbon

By using molten metal catalysts and crank link mechanisms in high-temperature reactors, the problems of carbon deposition and carbon separation difficulties of solid catalysts are solved, and high-efficiency hydrogen preparation and high-value carbon separation are achieved, reducing carbon emissions and Production cost.

CN222325142UActive Publication Date: 2025-01-10SOUTHWEST PETROLEUM UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202420906669.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-28
Publication Date
2025-01-10
Estimated Expiration
2034-04-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing methane cracking hydrogen production technology, solid catalysts are prone to carbon deposition and are unable to effectively separate the by-product carbon, making it difficult to achieve continuous operation on an industrial scale in the reaction process, and large carbon emissions are violated, which violates the concept of low-carbon environmental protection.

Method used

Molten metal is used as a catalyst, and the crank linkage and three-tube design in a high-temperature reactor, using components such as fan blade carbon absorber and quartz baffle to achieve periodic separation of carbon products and enhance the fluidity of molten metal, reducing the Carbon accumulation improves hydrogen conversion and purity.

Benefits of technology

The preparation of hydrogen with high conversion rate, low carbon emissions and low energy consumption has been achieved, which solves the problems of catalyst carbon deposition and difficulty in carbon separation, improves hydrogen purity and reaction efficiency, and reduces production costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a high-temperature reactor for producing hydrogen by decomposing methane with molten metal and separating high-value carbon, which comprises a reaction tube, storage tubes are arranged at two ends of the reaction tube, the storage tubes are detachable, fan blade carbon absorbers are arranged at two ends of the middle side of the reaction tube, a crank connecting rod device is arranged in the reaction tube, and the crank connecting rod device is connected with the fan blade carbon absorbers. A quartz baffle is arranged at the lower end of the crank connecting rod device, a sealing device is arranged at the upper end of the reaction tube, a gas inlet is formed in the sealing device, a gas inlet pipe and a gas outlet are arranged on the gas inlet, the gas inlet pipe is inserted into the reaction tube, and the gas outlet is connected with a hydrogen storage device. A thermal insulation layer is arranged at the lower end of the reaction tube, and a heater is arranged between the thermal insulation layer and the reaction tube; a sponge circular ring is arranged at the upper end of the heater. The device utilizes molten metal to directly catalyze and decompose methane to directly crack and produce hydrogen and high-value carbon, and has the advantages of high methane conversion rate, generation of additional high-value carbon, zero carbon emission, low energy consumption, low cost, easiness in industrialization and the like.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of hydrogen preparation and high-value carbon preparation, and in particular to a high-temperature reactor for decomposing methane with molten metal to produce hydrogen and separate high-value carbon. Background Art

[0002] As global energy demand and environmental protection pressure increase, hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient form of energy, has received widespread attention worldwide. However, the current mainstream hydrogen production methods, such as natural gas steam reforming, although highly mature, have large carbon emissions, which is contrary to the concept of low-carbon and environmental protection. Therefore, the development and research of new green hydrogen production technologies has become a top priority. Hydrogen production technology is the primary link in realizing hydrogen energy applications, and its development status has a fundamental impact on the formation and improvement of the hydrogen energy industry chain. At the same time, the research and development of hydrogen production technology will also help promote the development of the hydrogen energy industry and provide new ideas and means for solving energy and environmental problems.

[0003] Methane cracking technology is a technology that converts methane into hydrogen. The feasibility of this technology has been proven through experiments, but due to the carbon deposition and deactivation of solid catalysts during the reaction and the inability to properly separate and process byproduct carbon, it has not been able to achieve continuous operation on an industrial scale. In response to this, foreign countries have proposed using molten metal catalysts to replace traditional solid catalysts to solve the problem of carbon deposition and deactivation. This innovative technology based on molten metal not only has the advantages of high conversion rate, zero carbon emissions, low energy consumption, low cost, easier industrialization, and easy product separation. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, the utility model provides a high-temperature reactor for decomposing methane with molten metal to produce hydrogen and separate high-value carbon. It utilizes the advantages of good thermal conductivity and fluidity of molten metal and low density of generated carbon products to catalyze direct cracking of methane at a temperature of 1000°C, thereby preparing high-purity hydrogen and high-value carbon, reducing production costs and reducing carbon emissions.

[0005] The utility model adopts the following technical scheme: a high-temperature reactor for decomposing methane to produce hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by molten metal, comprising: a reaction tube, storage tubes are provided at both ends of the reaction tube, the storage tubes are detachable, fan blade carbon absorbers are provided at both ends of the middle side of the reaction tube, a filter paper is provided in front of the fan blade carbon absorber, which is used to absorb the generated carbon product into the storage tube to achieve carbon product separation, a crank connecting rod device is provided in the reaction tube, and a quartz baffle is used at the lower end of the device to periodically lift the generated carbon product to the storage table so that it can be sucked by the fan blade carbon absorber The storage tube can also increase the fluidity of the molten metal to make the reaction more complete. A sealing device is provided at the upper end of the reaction tube, and an air inlet is provided on the sealing device. A thermal insulation layer is provided at the lower end of the reaction tube, and a heating tube is provided between the thermal insulation layer and the reaction tube. A sponge ring is provided at the upper end of the heating tube, and the sponge ring is used to fix the reaction tube and assist in thermal insulation to prevent the reaction tube from shaking during the reaction. At the same time, a sealing device is provided at the bottom of the reaction tube to ensure the airtightness of the experiment and prevent air from entering. The thermal insulation layer, the sponge ring and the heating tube are used to provide the temperature required for the reaction.

[0006] Preferably, the storage tubes are located at both ends of the middle section of the reaction tube, the storage tubes are made of corundum, the storage tubes are detachable, the storage tubes are connected to the reaction tubes by threads, and a sealing rubber ring is provided in the middle to ensure a closed reaction environment.

[0007] Preferably, the fan blade carbon absorber is located at both ends of the middle section of the reaction tube, and is separated by a filter paper in front of the fan blade carbon absorber. By using a periodic air suction method, the carbon products absorbed onto the filter paper fall into the storage tube by gravity, thereby successfully separating the carbon products.

[0008] Preferably, the piston device includes a crank-connecting rod mechanism and a quartz baffle. The crank-connecting rod mechanism has a rotation frequency controlled by an electric motor, allowing the quartz baffle to move up and down in the tube, periodically lifting the generated carbon to the highest point flush with the port of the storage tube, and cooperating with the fan-blade carbon absorber to separate the carbon product. At the same time, the movement of the quartz baffle in the tube can increase the fluidity of the molten metal and improve the reaction efficiency.

[0009] Preferably, the sealing device includes an upper flange interface, a sealing rubber ring and a lower flange interface, the upper end surface of the upper flange interface is provided with an air inlet, the upper flange interface is internally connected to the port of the reaction tube, a sealing rubber ring is provided between the reaction tube and the upper flange interface, and a lower flange interface is provided outside the upper flange interface, and the upper flange interface and the lower flange interface are connected by bolts; two sealing rubber rings are provided for double sealing to improve the sealing performance, and the lower flange interface is made of silicone rubber.

[0010] Preferably, the upper flange interface is provided with a connecting rod opening, and the crank-connecting rod mechanism converts the rotational motion into translational motion, allowing the quartz baffle to move up and down in the reaction tube, thereby achieving the purpose of lifting the carbon product and enhancing the fluidity of the molten metal.

[0011] Preferably, the upper end surface of the upper flange interface is also provided with a K-type thermocouple port, a K-type thermocouple is provided in the K-type thermocouple port, and the lower end of the K-type thermocouple extends into the reaction tube; the K-type thermocouple is used to detect the temperature in the reaction tube.

[0012] Preferably, an air inlet pipe and an air outlet are provided on the air inlet; the air inlet pipe is inserted into the reaction tube and extends to the bottom of the reaction tube, and the air outlet is connected to a hydrogen storage device.

[0013] Preferably, the air inlet pipe leads into the reaction tube, and a quartz baffle is provided at the lower end of the air inlet pipe, with a gap left between the quartz baffle and the inner wall of the reaction tube; the quartz baffle is used to prevent the floating of part of the solid metal catalyst that has not melted due to insufficient temperature, and the air inlet pipe will continue to ventilate to allow the molten part of the metal catalyst to flow and drive the residual carbon product under the quartz baffle to float.

[0014] Preferably, an upper flange and a lower flange are fixed to the upper end of the intake pipe, and a sealing rubber ring is provided between the intake pipe and the upper and lower flanges to fix the height of the intake pipe. At the same time, a high-elasticity and high-melting-point membrane is fixed between the upper and lower flanges to prevent the product from falling as the intake pipe is pulled out. The upper flange and the lower flange are connected by bolts.

[0015] Preferably, a sponge ring is installed between the reaction tube and the upper end of the insulation layer for insulating and fixing the reaction tube, and a heating tube is provided between the reaction tube and the insulation layer. The heating tube is fixed on the insulation layer for providing a heat source.

[0016] Preferably, the reaction tube, storage tube and air inlet tube are all made of corundum; corundum has a long service life and good temperature resistance.

[0017] Preferably, the quartz baffle is a porous structure, which facilitates the separation of gases.

[0018] Preferably, a stainless steel shell is provided outside the thermal insulation layer to protect the thermal insulation layer.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the utility model are:

[0020] The utility model utilizes a crank-connecting rod mechanism and a three-tube design through molten metal. After the carbon in the reaction tube is generated, it will be periodically separated into a storage tube, which solves the problem of catalyst carbon deposition and deactivation, improves the methane conversion rate and hydrogen purity, and avoids the need to stop the experiment after the carbon is full and the shortcomings of reduced output due to insufficient carbon collection technology. The design of the quartz plate prevents the solid catalyst from floating up because it has a porous structure and can also make the gas dispersion more uniform, so that the contact with the molten metal is more sufficient during the rising process of the bubbles. At the same time, due to the ventilation, the molten part of the metal catalyst is driven to flow, which drives the generated carbon products to continue to move upward, and the reaction is more thorough. At the same time, the thermal insulation layer of the device also has a shock-absorbing protection effect to prevent the device from being damaged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the embodiment of the utility model, the drawings of the embodiment will be briefly introduced below.

[0022] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the high temperature reactor of the utility model;

[0023] In the figure: 1-inlet pipe, 2-outlet, 3-storage tube, 4-reaction tube, 5-insulation layer, 6-heating tube, 7-quartz baffle, 8-sponge ring, 9-shell, 10-fan blade carbon absorber, 11-crank connecting rod device, 12-K type thermocouple, 13-flange, 14-high elasticity and high melting point film, 15-inlet, 16-K type thermocouple port, 17-bolt, 18-upper flange interface, 19-lower flange interface, 20-sealing rubber ring, 21-sealing device, 22-connecting rod port, 23-filter paper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiment of the utility model clearer, the technical solution of the embodiment of the utility model will be clearly and completely further explained below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiment of the utility model.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, a high-temperature reactor for decomposing methane to produce hydrogen and separating high-value carbon in molten metal comprises: a corundum storage tube 3 is provided at both ends of the corundum reaction tube 4, two fan blade carbon absorbers 10 are provided above the storage tube 3, i.e., at both ends of the middle section of the reaction tube, the fan blade carbon absorber 10 is separated from the corundum reaction tube 4 by a filter paper 23, the material of the corundum reaction tube 4 is high-purity alumina microcrystalline fiber, a heat preservation layer 5 is provided at the lower end of the corundum reaction tube 4, a heating tube 6 is provided between the heat preservation layer 5 and the corundum reaction tube 4, and a stainless steel shell 9 is provided outside the heat preservation layer 5;

[0026] The upper end of the corundum reaction tube 4 is provided with a sealing device 21, and the sealing device 21 includes an upper flange interface 18, and the upper end surface of the upper flange interface 18 is provided with an air inlet 15, a connecting rod port 22 and a K-type thermocouple port 16, and the upper flange interface 18 is internally connected to the port of the corundum reaction tube 4, and two sealing rubber rings 20 are provided between the corundum reaction tube 4 and the upper flange interface 18, and the upper flange interface 18 is externally provided with a lower flange interface 19, and the material of the lower flange interface 19 is silicone rubber, and the upper flange interface 18 and the lower flange interface 19 are connected by bolts 17, and a K-type thermocouple 12 is provided in the K-type thermocouple port 16, and the lower end of the K-type thermocouple 12 extends into the corundum reaction tube 4;

[0027] A crank connecting rod device 11 is provided in the corundum reaction tube 4. The connecting rod of the crank connecting rod device 11 enters the corundum reaction tube 4 through the connecting rod opening 22 on the upper flange interface 18, and is connected to the quartz baffle 7, driving the quartz baffle 7 to move up and down in the corundum reaction tube 4, so as to facilitate lifting the generated carbon product to the storage table and enhance the fluidity of the molten metal. The crank connecting rod device 11 is driven by an electric motor.

[0028] The air inlet 15 is provided with a corundum air inlet pipe 1 and an air outlet 2. The corundum air inlet pipe 1 leads to the corundum reaction tube 4. A quartz baffle 7 is provided at the lower end of the corundum reaction tube 4. A gap is left between the quartz baffle 7 and the inner wall of the corundum reaction tube 4. The quartz baffle 7 is porous sintered quartz, which is convenient for the discharge of hydrogen and the continuous reaction.

[0029] Before use, take out the corundum reaction tube 4, then remove the upper flange interface 18, and take out the crank connecting rod device 11 and the corundum intake pipe 1. Add metal to the corundum reaction tube 4, and then press Figure 1 After installing it back, you can start the hydrogen production work while ensuring air tightness.

[0030] Embodiment 1

[0031] Hydrogen and carbon were produced with the temperature set to 1050° C. and the time set to 450 min.

[0032] The reaction gas methane enters the molten metal through the corundum inlet pipe 1, reacts with the solid catalyst at the bottom, diffuses through the quartz baffle 7, continues to react in the liquid metal, and is fully cracked into hydrogen and carbon products; hydrogen enters the rear hydrogen storage device through the outlet 2, and high-purity hydrogen can be obtained after separation: the carbon produced by the reaction passes through the quartz baffle 7 with a cycle of 35 minutes, runs upward for 15 minutes, stops for 5 minutes when reaching the highest point, runs downward for 15 minutes, and is periodically lifted to the storage table, and is sucked onto the filter paper 23 through the fan blade carbon absorber 10 at both ends. The fan blade carbon absorber 10 sets the switching frequency with a cycle of 35 minutes, the working time is 5 minutes, and the closing time is 30 minutes. When the fan blade carbon absorber 10 is in the closed state, the carbon products sucked onto the filter paper 23 will fall into the storage tube 3 due to gravity to complete the collection.

[0033] Embodiment 2

[0034] Hydrogen and carbon were produced with the temperature set to 950° C. and the time set to 450 min.

[0035] The reaction gas methane enters the molten metal through the corundum inlet pipe 1, reacts with the solid catalyst at the bottom, diffuses through the quartz baffle 7, continues to react in the liquid metal, and is fully cracked into hydrogen and carbon products; hydrogen enters the rear hydrogen storage device through the outlet 2, and high-purity hydrogen can be obtained after separation: the carbon produced by the reaction passes through the quartz baffle 7 with a cycle of 25 minutes, runs upward for 10 minutes, stops for 5 minutes when reaching the highest point, runs downward for 10 minutes, and is periodically lifted to the storage table, and is sucked onto the filter paper 23 through the fan blade carbon absorber 10 at both ends. The fan blade carbon absorber 10 sets the switching frequency with a cycle of 25 minutes, the working time is 5 minutes, and the closing time is 20 minutes. When the fan blade carbon absorber 10 is in the closed state, the carbon products sucked onto the filter paper 23 will fall into the storage tube 3 due to gravity to complete the collection.

[0036] The utility model utilizes molten metal to crack methane at high temperature to produce hydrogen, with high conversion rate and high purity, and can prepare high-purity hydrogen. At the same time, the carbon products produced have diverse structures and are widely used. The quartz baffle 7 at the lower end of the crank connecting rod device 11 adopted in the utility model can press down the part of the solid catalyst in the liquid metal that has not melted because the temperature has not been reached, so as to prevent it from floating; it can also make the methane gas fully diffuse, obtain a higher conversion rate, and effectively prepare hydrogen and high-value carbon; at the same time, it can also enhance the fluidity of the molten metal, so as to make the reaction more efficient.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with the profession can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes using the technical contents disclosed above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modification, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high temperature reactor for decomposing methane with molten metal to produce hydrogen and separate high-value carbon, characterized in that: include: A reaction tube (4), wherein a quartz baffle (7) is arranged inside the reaction tube (4), a crank connecting rod device (11) is connected to the quartz baffle (7), a heat preservation layer (5) is arranged at the lower end of the reaction tube (4), a heating tube (6) and a sponge ring (8) are arranged between the heat preservation layer (5) and the reaction tube (4), a shell (9) is arranged outside the heat preservation layer (5), storage tubes (3) are arranged at both ends of the middle section of the reaction tube (4), a fan blade carbon absorber (10) is arranged inside the reaction tube (4), a filter paper (23) is arranged in front of the fan blade carbon absorber (10), and an upper flange interface (18) is arranged above the storage tube (3). ) and a lower flange interface (19), the upper flange interface (18) and the lower flange interface (19) are connected by bolts (17), a sealing rubber ring (20) is provided between the storage tube (3) and the sealing device (21), the upper flange interface (18) is provided with a K-type thermocouple port (16), a connecting rod port (22) and an air inlet (15), the K-type thermocouple port (16) is provided with a K-type thermocouple (12), the air inlet (15) is provided with an air inlet pipe (1), the air inlet pipe is provided with a flange plate (13), and a high-elasticity and high-melting-point film (14) is provided between the flange plates (13).

2. A high temperature reactor for decomposing methane to produce hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by molten metal according to claim 1, characterized in that: The quartz baffle (7) is located in the middle section of the reaction tube (4), the quartz baffle (7) is fixed on the crank connecting rod device (11), and the upper flange interface (18) and the lower flange interface (19) are fixed on the storage tube (3).

3. A high temperature reactor for producing hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by decomposing methane with molten metal according to claim 2, characterized in that: The upper flange interface (18) is provided with a connecting rod opening (22), and the crank connecting rod device (11) extends into the reaction tube (4) through the connecting rod opening (22).

4. A high temperature reactor for producing hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by decomposing methane with molten metal according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer side of the upper end of the reaction tube (4) is surrounded by a sponge ring (8), a heating tube (6) is provided between the thermal insulation layer (5) and the reaction tube (4), and the heating tube (6) is located below the sponge ring (8).

5. A high temperature reactor for producing hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by decomposing methane with molten metal according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing device (21) comprises an upper flange interface (18) and a lower flange interface (19), and the upper flange interface (18) and the lower flange interface (19) are connected via bolts (17).

6. A high temperature reactor for producing hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by decomposing methane with molten metal according to claim 5, characterized in that: A sealing rubber ring (20) is provided between the reaction tube (4) and the upper flange interface (18).

7. A high temperature reactor for producing hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by decomposing methane with molten metal according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper end surface of the upper flange interface (18) is connected to the air inlet (15), the air inlet (15) is provided with an air inlet pipe (1) and an air outlet (2), the upper end of the air inlet (15) is provided with a flange plate (13), and a high-elasticity and high-melting-point film (14) is provided between the flange plates (13).

8. A high temperature reactor for producing hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by decomposing methane with molten metal according to claim 7, characterized in that: The lower end of the air inlet pipe (1) extends into the reaction tube (4).

9. A high temperature reactor for producing hydrogen and separating high-value carbon by decomposing methane with molten metal according to claim 8, characterized in that: A quartz baffle (7) is provided at the lower end of the air inlet pipe (1), and a gap is left between the quartz baffle (7) and the inner wall of the reaction tube (4).