Ethylene oxide feeding device
By installing a heat exchanger and heat exchange system in the ethylene oxide feeding device, the feed temperature of ethylene oxide can be precisely controlled, solving the problem of inaccurate temperature control in the prior art and improving the efficiency of the addition reaction.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423285343.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing ethylene oxide feeding devices cannot accurately control the temperature during the preheating process, resulting in low reaction efficiency.
By setting up a first heat exchanger between the feeding device and the reactor, and using the heat exchange system to control the temperature of the heat exchange medium, it is ensured that ethylene oxide is in a vaporized state when entering the reactor, thus achieving precise temperature control.
This improved the efficiency of the addition reaction, ensuring that the ethylene oxide reaction droplets reached the addition reaction temperature, thus increasing the reaction efficiency by 35%.
Smart Images
Figure CN223969927U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of chemical reaction systems, and specifically relates to an ethylene oxide feeding device. Background Technology
[0002] Ethoxylation is a chemical process that typically involves reacting ethylene oxide (EO) with compounds containing active hydrogen (such as alcohols, phenols, and amines) in the presence of a catalyst to produce ethoxylated compounds. Traditionally, ethylene oxide is fed into the reactor in a liquid state at a temperature of -2 to 5 degrees Celsius. After entering the reactor, it absorbs energy and then vaporizes, reaching its initial temperature simultaneously with the catalyst before reacting. Because ethylene oxide requires a certain heating process, the addition reaction is not triggered within the reactor for a considerable period, resulting in low reaction efficiency. Existing ethylene oxide feeding devices preheat the ethylene oxide by using the heat generated by the reactor itself as a heat exchange medium. However, this method cannot precisely control the preheating temperature, which also prevents the ethylene oxide from quickly reaching the addition reaction temperature, further reducing reaction efficiency.
[0003] Therefore, in order to address the above-mentioned technical problems, designing an ethylene oxide feeding device and improving the efficiency of the addition reaction by precisely controlling the ethylene oxide feed temperature is a technical problem that needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an ethylene oxide feeding device that improves the efficiency of the addition reaction by precisely controlling the ethylene oxide feed temperature.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following solution:
[0006] An ethylene oxide feeding device includes a reactor, a feeding device connected to the feed inlet of the reactor, and a first heat exchanger disposed between the feeding device and the feed inlet, the first heat exchanger being connected to a heat exchange system.
[0007] Preferably, the heat exchange system is a heater that controls the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchanger, wherein the heat exchange medium circulates through the shell side of the first heat exchanger and ethylene oxide is transported through the tube side of the first heat exchanger.
[0008] Preferably, the first heat exchanger is one of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, or a rotary plate heat exchanger.
[0009] Preferably, the heat exchange medium is water or heat transfer oil.
[0010] Preferably, the heating temperature of the heat exchange medium is less than 100 degrees Celsius.
[0011] Preferably, the outlet temperature of ethylene oxide in the first heat exchanger is between 20 and 90 degrees Celsius.
[0012] Preferably, the reactor includes a first reaction chamber and a second reaction chamber connected in sequence. The first reaction chamber is provided with a plurality of interconnected uniform feeding pipes. The uniform feeding pipes are annular in structure and are provided with a plurality of first nozzles at equal intervals along their circumference. Each first nozzle faces the center of the first reaction chamber. A feeding chamber is provided on the outside of the first reaction chamber. The feeding chamber is provided with two or more discharge pipes at equal intervals along its circumference. The discharge pipes pass through the first reaction chamber and are provided facing the center of the first reaction chamber. The feeding chamber is connected to the feeding device through the first heat exchanger. The feeding device is provided with a feeding pump for pumping materials. The second reaction chamber is located below the first reaction chamber. A discharge port is provided at the bottom of the second reaction chamber.
[0013] The discharge port is connected to a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline located outside the reactor. Both the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline are connected to a shielded pump, and the flow ratio between the two is 1:2. The outlet of the first circulation pipeline extends into the second reaction chamber, and the outlet of the second circulation pipeline passes through the first reaction chamber and is connected to the uniform material pipe. Both the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline are equipped with a second heat exchanger for heat exchange of the internal materials.
[0014] Preferably, the first heat exchanger is a rotary plate heat exchanger.
[0015] Preferably, the discharge port is connected to the shielded pump, and the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline are connected in parallel at the outlet of the shielded pump.
[0016] Preferably, there are four discharge pipes, and the total cross-sectional area of the four discharge pipes is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the inlet.
[0017] The present invention achieves the following technical advantages over the prior art:
[0018] By setting up an additional heat exchange system, the heat generated by the reactor itself is not needed to exchange heat with the first heat exchanger. This allows for precise temperature control of the first heat exchanger, ensuring that ethylene oxide enters the reactor at a high temperature and in a vaporized state. This, in turn, ensures that the temperature of the ethylene oxide reaction droplets reaches the addition reaction temperature, thereby improving the efficiency of the ethylene oxide addition reaction. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Appendix Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the ethylene oxide feeding device disclosed in the embodiments of this utility model;
[0021] Appendix Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the ethylene oxide feeding device reactor disclosed in the embodiments of this utility model;
[0022] The components are as follows: 1. Reactor; 2. Feed inlet; 3. First heat exchanger; 4. Feeding device; 5. Heater; 6. Discharge pipe; 7. Discharge outlet; 8. Shielded pump; 9. Second heat exchanger; 10. First circulation pipeline; 11. Second circulation pipeline; 12. Feed chamber; 13. First nozzle; 14. First reaction chamber; 15. Second reaction chamber; 16. Feed pump. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0024] The purpose of this invention is to provide an ethylene oxide feeding device that improves the efficiency of the addition reaction by precisely controlling the ethylene oxide feed temperature.
[0025] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, the utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0026] refer to Figure 1The ethylene oxide feeding device disclosed in this embodiment of the present invention includes at least a reactor 1. The feed inlet 2 of the reactor 1 is connected to the feeding device 4. A first heat exchanger 3 is provided between the reactor 1 and the feeding device 4. The first heat exchanger 3 is connected to a heat exchange system. By setting up an additional heat exchange system, the heat generated by the reactor 1 itself is not needed to exchange heat with the first heat exchanger 3. This allows for precise control of the temperature of the first heat exchanger 3, ensuring that the ethylene oxide enters the reactor 1 at a high temperature and in a vaporized state. This ensures that the temperature of the ethylene oxide reaction droplets reaches the addition reaction temperature, thereby improving the efficiency of the ethylene oxide addition reaction. Objectively, this ensures the efficiency of the addition reaction (by about 35%), reducing the original requirement of 8 polyether cycle reactions to a single cycle, and eliminating the need for curing time.
[0027] refer to Figure 1 In one implementation, the heat exchange system is a heater 5 that controls the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchanger 3. The heater 5 stores the heat exchange medium, which circulates through the shell side of the first heat exchanger 3 to ensure the temperature inside the heat exchanger. Ethylene oxide is transported through the tube side of the first heat exchanger 3. The heater 5 heats the heat exchange medium, and then the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the ethylene oxide at a higher temperature to ensure the temperature of the ethylene oxide.
[0028] It should be noted that the heater 5 can also be installed in the heat exchange medium storage tank. The heat exchange medium storage tank is equipped with a circulation outlet and a circulation inlet. The circulation outlet is connected to the shell-side inlet of the first heat exchanger 3, and the circulation inlet is connected to the shell-side outlet of the first heat exchanger 3, so as to realize the circulation heating of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchanger 3. A pump for pumping the heat exchange medium is also installed on the connecting pipeline between the heat exchange medium storage tank and the first heat exchanger 3. The feeding device 4 is connected to the tube-side inlet of the first heat exchanger 3, and the tube-side outlet of the first heat exchanger 3 is connected to the feed inlet 2.
[0029] refer to Figure 1 In one implementation, the first heat exchanger 3 is one of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, or a rotary plate heat exchanger, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of ethylene oxide.
[0030] refer to Figure 1 As one implementation method, the heat exchange medium is water or thermal oil. Water and thermal oil have good heat transfer efficiency, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency of ethylene oxide.
[0031] refer to Figure 1As one implementation method, heating the heat exchange medium at a temperature below 100 degrees Celsius can improve the safety of the ethylene oxide preheating process. This is because the saturated vapor pressure of ethylene oxide at 100 degrees Celsius is 6.73 bar, during which time ethylene oxide may undergo a decomposition reaction. Furthermore, at 100 degrees Celsius, the vapor of ethylene oxide may form an explosive mixture with air. If a pipeline malfunction occurs, serious safety problems will arise. Therefore, the temperature of ethylene oxide must not exceed 100 degrees Celsius, and the pressure must not exceed 6.7 bar to ensure the safety of the pipeline system.
[0032] refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the outlet temperature of ethylene oxide in the first heat exchanger 3 is 20 to 90 degrees Celsius. While ensuring pipeline safety, this allows ethylene oxide to become a gas-liquid two-phase equilibrium product. When ethylene oxide enters the reactor 1 from the feed inlet 2, it can quickly reach the addition reaction temperature, thereby improving the reaction efficiency.
[0033] refer to Figure 2 In one embodiment, the reactor 1 includes a first reaction chamber 14 and a second reaction chamber 15 connected in sequence. The first reaction chamber 14 is provided with several interconnected uniform distribution pipes. Each uniform distribution pipe has an annular structure and is provided with several first nozzles 13 at equal intervals along its circumference, enabling the initiator and catalyst to be atomized through the first nozzles 13. Each first nozzle 13 faces the center of the first reaction chamber 14, thus allowing the atomized material to be introduced into the center. A feed chamber 12 is provided on the outer side of the first reaction chamber 14, through which the material is evenly distributed. The feed chamber 12 is provided with two or more nozzles along its circumference. The discharge pipes 6 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The discharge pipes 6 pass through the first reaction chamber 14 and are set towards the center of the first reaction chamber 14. The feed chamber 12 is connected to the feeding device 4 through the first heat exchanger 3. The feeding device 4 is equipped with a feed pump 16 for pumping materials, so as to provide power for the injection of ethylene oxide through the feed pump 16. The second reaction chamber 15 is located below the first reaction chamber 14. The bottom end of the second reaction chamber 15 is provided with a discharge port 7. That is, after the initiator reacts with ethylene oxide in the first reaction chamber 14, its products and the remaining materials flow into the second reaction chamber 15 to carry out the remaining reaction and the accumulation of products.
[0034] The discharge port 7 is connected to a first circulation pipe 10 and a second circulation pipe 11 located outside the reactor 1. Both the first circulation pipe 10 and the second circulation pipe 11 are connected to a shielded pump 8, and the flow ratio between the two is 1:2. The outlet of the first circulation pipe 10 extends into the second reaction chamber 15, and the outlet of the second circulation pipe 11 passes through the first reaction chamber 14 and is connected to the uniform material pipe. Both the first circulation pipe 10 and the second circulation pipe 11 are equipped with a second heat exchanger 9 for exchanging heat with the materials inside. Through the heat exchange function of the second heat exchanger 9, heat can be removed and transferred in simultaneously. Specifically, during the initiator heating and dehydration stage, steam is introduced into the heat transfer pipe of the second heat exchanger 9 to transfer heat and exchange heat with the first circulation pipe 10 or the second circulation pipe 11 to heat the initiator in the two circulation pipes and dehydrate it. When ethylene oxide is introduced, cooling water is introduced into the heat transfer pipe of the second heat exchanger 9 to remove the heat generated by the addition reaction, so as to reuse the heat and reduce energy consumption.
[0035] By setting a first circulation pipeline 10 and a second circulation pipeline 11, both connected to the outlet 7, on the outside of the reactor 1, with a flow ratio of 1:2, the initiator circulates through the first circulation pipeline 10 in the earliest cycle, allowing for a smaller amount of initiator to react with the added ethylene oxide. After the reaction has proceeded for a period of time, the feeding device 4 fully supplies the feed chamber 12, causing the ethylene oxide to be sprayed towards the center of the first reaction chamber 14 through the feed chamber 12 and the outlet pipe 6. At this time, the second circulation pipeline 11 is activated, allowing the initiator, catalyst, and corresponding products to be sprayed towards the center of the first reaction chamber 14 through the uniform distribution pipe and each first nozzle 13, making impact contact with the ethylene oxide sprayed at the center of the first reaction chamber 14. This increases the amount of contact reaction between the two, ensuring a full reaction of the ethylene oxide and effectively increasing the growth ratio of the addition reaction. Furthermore, the entire device uses the first circulation pipeline 10 and the second circulation pipeline 11 in combination, which more rationally controls the circulation flow ratio than the traditional dual circulation, thereby improving the reaction efficiency. It achieves the reaction purpose with less energy circulation and uses one reactor 1 for reaction, instead of the traditional two devices that need to react at the same time. This is energy-saving, safe and efficient, thus achieving the maximum output with the minimum energy consumption.
[0036] refer to Figure 2 In one implementation, the second heat exchanger 9 is a rotary plate heat exchanger, which improves the efficiency of heat exchange for materials in the first circulation pipeline 10 and the second circulation pipeline 11.
[0037] refer to Figure 2In one implementation, the discharge port 7 is connected to a shielded pump 8, and the first circulation pipeline 10 and the second circulation pipeline 11 are connected in parallel at the outlet of the shielded pump 8. By setting the shielded pump 8, the reactants can reach a certain height when the initial dose is small at the beginning of the reaction, and cavitation at the suction port of the shielded pump 8 can be avoided under vacuum.
[0038] refer to Figure 2 In one implementation, there are four discharge pipes 6, and the total cross-sectional area of the four discharge pipes 6 is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the inlet 2, thereby increasing the pressure during ethylene oxide injection and improving the vaporization effect of ethylene oxide injection.
[0039] Calculation of heat energy during the ethylene oxide reaction:
[0040] The ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide is exothermic, with a heat intensity of Qin = 2100 kJ / kg.
[0041] Ethylene oxide absorbs heat when heated
[0042] Qout = Q1 + Q2
[0043] Q1—Heat consumed by monomer feed; Q2—Heat carried away by ethylene oxide vaporization to reaction temperature.
[0044] Q1=2.5×(115-20)=475000KJ=237.5KJ / KG
[0045] Q2 corresponds to the EO vaporization heat of 426.6 KJ / kg
[0046] (Q1+Q2) / Qin=33%
[0047] 33% of the heat released in the addition reaction of ethylene oxide needs to be used to preheat the ethylene oxide to the reaction state;
[0048] Previously, the feeding method for ethylene oxide at low temperatures resulted in insufficient instantaneous vaporization, non-homogenization of the gas-liquid mixture, and severe reflux of the liquid ethylene oxide under pressure. Consequently, it could not fully activate, adsorb, and react with the sprayed droplets over a prolonged period, leading to low addition reaction efficiency. This invention addresses this by preheating the ethylene oxide and precisely controlling the preheating temperature. The new preheated vaporization feeding method allows for stable heating and vaporization within the pipeline under a certain pressure. Subsequently, the ethylene oxide enters the reactor, where the reaction temperature reaches 120-180°C, maintaining a uniform gaseous heating process. This results in a stable 35% increase in reaction efficiency.
[0049] Any adaptive changes made according to actual needs are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0050] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that this utility model is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that this utility model can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered as exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Therefore, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within the utility model. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. An ethylene oxide charging device characterized by comprising: The reaction kettle, feeding device communicated with the feeding port of the reaction kettle, and the first heat exchanger arranged between the feeding device and the feeding port, the first heat exchanger is connected with a heat exchange system; The heat exchange system is a heater for controlling the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the first heat exchanger, the heat exchange medium circulates through the shell side of the first heat exchanger, and the ethylene oxide is transported through the tube side of the first heat exchanger.
2. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 1, wherein, The first heat exchanger is one of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger or a rotary plate heat exchanger.
3. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange medium is water or heat conducting oil.
4. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 1, wherein, The heating temperature of the heat exchange medium is less than 100 degrees.
5. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 1, wherein, The outlet temperature of the ethylene oxide in the first heat exchanger is 20 to 90 degrees.
6. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 1, wherein, The reaction kettle comprises a first reaction cavity and a second reaction cavity communicated in sequence, a plurality of uniform material pipes are arranged in the first reaction cavity and communicated with each other, the uniform material pipes are annular structures and a plurality of first nozzles are arranged on the circumferences of the uniform material pipes at equal intervals, each of the first nozzles faces the center of the first reaction cavity, a feeding cavity is arranged on the outer side of the first reaction cavity, two or more than two discharge pipes are arranged on the feeding cavity at equal intervals along the circumference of the feeding cavity, the discharge pipes pass through the first reaction cavity and are arranged towards the center of the first reaction cavity, and the feeding cavity is communicated with the feeding device through the first heat exchanger, a feeding pump for pumping material is arranged on the feeding device, the second reaction cavity is located below the first reaction cavity, and a discharge port is arranged at the bottom end of the second reaction cavity. The discharge port is communicated with a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline located outside the reaction kettle, a shielding pump is communicated with the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline, the flow ratio of the two is 1:2, the outlet of the first circulation pipeline extends into the second reaction cavity, the outlet of the second circulation pipeline passes through the first reaction cavity and is communicated with the uniform material pipes, and the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline are matched with a second heat exchanger for heat exchange of the materials in the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline.
7. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 6, wherein, The second heat exchanger is a rotary plate heat exchanger.
8. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 6, wherein, The discharge port is communicated with the shielding pump, and the first circulation pipeline and the second circulation pipeline are connected in parallel at the outlet of the shielding pump.
9. The ethylene oxide charging device of claim 6, wherein, The discharge pipe is 4, and the total cross-sectional area of the 4 discharge pipes is less than or equal to the cross-sectional area of the feeding port.