Reactor for hydrogen production from ammonia borane
By introducing baffles and stirring devices into the ammonia borane hydrogen production reactor, a uniform flow channel is formed and the temperature is controlled, solving the problems of uneven reactant distribution and low heat transfer efficiency, and realizing a high-efficiency and low-cost ammonia borane hydrogen production process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-07
AI Technical Summary
Existing ammonia borane hydrogen production reactors suffer from problems such as uneven distribution of reactant and product concentrations, low heat transfer efficiency, high cost, and difficulty in large-scale production.
A plate reactor comprising baffles A, B, and C was designed, which, combined with a stirring device, forms a narrow and uniform flow channel. A PTC heating element is used to control the temperature, and a 3D-printed stirring device is used to promote mixing. The modular design improves reaction efficiency and flexibility.
It increases the contact area and heat transfer efficiency of reactants, ensures uniform reaction temperature, enhances reaction efficiency and hydrogen production quality, and is low-cost and scalable.
Smart Images
Figure CN224086741U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrolysis reactor technology, specifically to a reactor for producing hydrogen from ammonia borane. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing demand for energy and the gradual depletion of non-renewable energy reserves, the combustion of fossil fuels is putting enormous pressure on the environment. Therefore, we urgently need to find a new energy source to alleviate this problem. Hydrogen stands out as a clean energy carrier, but traditional hydrogen storage methods have significant shortcomings, including low efficiency, low safety, and high cost, making them unsuitable for large-scale practical applications. This greatly hinders the development of hydrogen fuel cells, making the search for alternative materials a current research focus. Ammonia borane (NH3BH3) is non-toxic, has a high hydrogen content (19.6 wt%), and exhibits high room temperature stability, making it a recognized high-density chemical hydrogen storage material. For the large-scale practical application of hydrogen production through ammonia borane hydrolysis, efficient reactor design is crucial.
[0003] 1. A tubular reactor is a long, continuous flow reactor
[104] . It has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture and operate, and has a relatively low cost, making it suitable for large-scale production. In the hydrolysis of ammonia borane to produce hydrogen, it can realize a continuous reaction process, which is beneficial for industrial scale-up. However, the backmixing phenomenon inside the tubular reactor is relatively serious, which makes the concentration distribution of reactants and products uneven and reduces the reaction efficiency.
[0004] 2. Microreactors are miniature reaction devices manufactured using microfabrication technology, possessing extremely small channel sizes and extremely large specific surface areas. Microreactors exhibit extremely high mass and heat transfer efficiencies, enabling rapid reaction kinetics and significantly increasing the rate of hydrogen production from the hydrolysis of ammonia borane. Furthermore, due to their tiny size, the reaction process is easily controlled and highly safe. However, the fabrication process of microreactors is complex and costly, and large-scale production is difficult, limiting their widespread application in industrial fields.
[0005] 3. Membrane reactors combine reaction and separation functions. Through the selective permeation of the membrane, hydrogen generated in the reaction can be separated in a timely manner, disrupting the reaction equilibrium and improving the hydrogen conversion rate. At the same time, membrane reactors can effectively avoid secondary reactions of the products, improving the purity of the hydrogen produced. However, the cost of membrane materials is relatively high, and the membranes are susceptible to fouling and damage, requiring regular replacement, which increases operating costs and maintenance difficulty.
[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to design a reactor with good heat transfer performance, large reaction area, compact structure and flexible modular design, while ensuring reaction efficiency and hydrogen production quality, as well as low cost and high scalability. Utility Model Content
[0007] To address the above problems, this invention provides a reactor for producing hydrogen from ammonia borane, thus solving the aforementioned issues.
[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a reactor for producing hydrogen from ammonia borane, comprising a main shell, a reactor body disposed inside the main shell, an inlet pipe fixed to the left end of the reactor body, an outlet pipe fixed to the right end of the reactor body, the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe penetrating the main shell, a cap provided at the upper end of the reactor body, a gas pipe fixed to the upper end of the cap, the gas pipe penetrating the main shell, a heating device fixed at the lower end of the reactor body, a fixing plate fixedly connected to the main shell at the upper end of the cap, a stirring device fixed at the upper end of the fixing plate, the stirring device extending into the reactor body, and partitions A, B, and C fixed at the upper end of the reactor body.
[0009] Preferably, the partition A is fixed in the center of the reactor body. There are four partitions A arranged in pairs, with a partition C between each pair. The front end of the partition C is fixedly connected to the front end of the reactor body. A partition B is fixed between each pair of partitions A. The rear ends of the two partitions B are fixedly connected to the rear end of the reactor body. The spacing between adjacent partitions A, B, and C is equal.
[0010] Preferably, three heating devices are provided, which are located directly below partition B and partition C respectively. The heating device at the lower end of partition B is on the same plane as the rear end face of partition A, and the heating device at the lower end of partition C is on the same plane as the front end face of partition A.
[0011] Preferably, three stirring devices are provided, which are located at the front end of partition B and the rear end of partition C, respectively. The stirring device at the front end of partition B is on the same plane as the front end face of partition A, and the stirring device at the rear end of partition C is on the same plane as the rear end face of partition A.
[0012] Preferably, the stirring device includes a motor, a transmission rod, and blades. The motor is fixed on a fixed plate, the output end of the stirring device is fixedly connected to the transmission rod, the transmission rod passes through the cover, the transmission rod and the cover are sealed, and the blades are fixed to the lower end of the transmission rod.
[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0014] 1. By incorporating baffles A, B, and C within the reactor body, these baffles create narrow and uniform flow channels. During the hydrolysis of ammonia borane, the ammonia borane aqueous solution and the catalyst flow and come into full contact within these channels, significantly increasing the contact area between reactants and effectively improving reaction efficiency. Simultaneously, the plate structure's large specific surface area facilitates heat transfer and dissipation, allowing for better control of the reaction temperature and preventing runaway reactions or catalyst deactivation due to localized overheating. Furthermore, the modular design of the plate reactor makes it easy to assemble and disassemble, facilitating adjustments and expansions based on actual production needs, and providing excellent flexibility and maintainability.
[0015] 2. By setting up a stirring device, the reactants are mixed evenly, and the reaction rate is accelerated. The stirring device can provide a stable and adjustable speed. By precisely controlling the stirring speed of the stirring device, the mixing intensity requirements of different reaction stages can be met. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the end ring of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the reactor body of this utility model;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the reactor body of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid phase flow of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature field of this utility model.
[0022] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Main shell; 2. Reactor body; 3. Cover; 4. Heating device; 5. Stirring device; 6. Fixing plate; 21. Inlet pipe; 22. Outlet pipe; 23. Baffle A; 24. Baffle B; 25. Baffle C; 31. Gas pipe; 51. Motor; 52. Drive rod; 53. Blade. Detailed Implementation
[0023] The embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model.
[0024] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 ,Figure 4 and Figure 5A reactor for hydrogen production from ammonia boronane includes a main shell 1. The main shell 1 not only protects the internal components but is also crucial to the stability and safety of the entire reaction system. The main shell 1 is made of high-strength, corrosion-resistant acrylic sheet. Its robust structure can withstand pressure fluctuations and mechanical vibrations that may occur during the reaction, ensuring stable operation of the reactor body 2 under various conditions. The reactor body 2 is housed inside the main shell 1. As the core area of the ammonia boronane hydrolysis reaction, the processing precision and material selection of the reactor body directly affect the reaction process. Quartz glass is used as the processing material. Quartz glass has extremely high transparency, allowing researchers to clearly observe subtle changes in the hydrolysis of ammonia boronane inside the reactor during experiments, such as the flow state of the solution and the generation and escape of bubbles. Meanwhile, quartz glass possesses excellent chemical stability and corrosion resistance, remaining stable in the chemical environment of the ammonia borane hydrolysis reaction and not reacting chemically with the reactants or products, thus ensuring the purity and accuracy of the reaction. An inlet pipe 21 is fixed to the left end of the reactor body 2, and an outlet pipe 22 is fixed to the right end. The inlet pipe 21 and outlet pipe 22 penetrate the main shell 1. A cap 3, also made of quartz glass, is provided at the upper end of the reactor body 2, forming a closed reaction space. During processing, the thickness and surface flatness of the upper cap are precisely controlled to ensure a good seal with the reactor body 2 after installation, preventing gas leakage. A gas pipe 31 is fixed to the upper end of the cap 3, penetrating the main shell 1. A heating device 4 is fixed to the lower end of the reactor body 2. A fixing plate 6, fixedly connected to the main shell 1, is provided at the upper end of the cap 3. The main function of the fixing plate 6 is to provide a position for the installation and fixation of the stirring device 5.During processing, according to the size and installation requirements of the stirring device 5, mounting holes and fixing grooves are precisely reserved on the fixing plate 6 to ensure that the stirring device 5 can be firmly installed on the fixing plate 6 and will not shake or shift during operation. The stirring device 5 is fixed to the upper end of the fixing plate 6 and extends into the reactor body 2. By setting the stirring device 5, the uniform mixing of reactants is promoted and the reaction rate is accelerated. The stirring device 5 can provide a stable and adjustable rotation speed. By precisely controlling the stirring speed of the stirring device 5, the mixing intensity requirements of different reaction stages can be met. The upper end of the reactor body 2 is fixed with partitions A23, B24, and C25. Partition A23 is fixed inside the reactor body 2. The reactor body 2 is constructed with four partitions A23 arranged in pairs, with a partition C25 between each pair. The front end of each partition C25 is fixedly connected to the front end of the reactor body 2. A partition B24 is fixed between each pair of partitions A23, and the rear ends of two partitions B24 are fixedly connected to the rear ends of the reactor body 2. The spacing between adjacent partitions A23, B24, and C25 is equal. The partitions A23, B24, and C25 are arranged parallel to each other, forming narrow and uniform flow channels. In the hydrolysis reaction of ammonia borane, the ammonia borane aqueous solution and the catalyst flow and come into full contact within these channels, greatly increasing the contact area between the reactants and effectively improving the reaction efficiency. Simultaneously, the plate structure has a large specific surface area, which is beneficial for heat transfer and dissipation, allowing for better control of the reaction temperature and preventing reaction runaway or catalyst deactivation due to localized overheating. Furthermore, the modular design of the plate reactor makes it easy to assemble and disassemble, facilitating adjustments and expansions according to actual production needs, and providing good flexibility and maintainability. The liquid phase flow simulation diagram shows that when the ammonia borane aqueous solution has not entered reactor body 2, the main component inside reactor body 2 is air, as shown. Figure 5 As shown in (a), the influent flow rate was set to 0.02 m / s (15 mL / min), and the flow state of the ammonia borane aqueous solution was observed. As time progressed, the flow of the ammonia borane aqueous solution became smoother, as shown in (a). Figure 5 As shown in (b), (c), (d), and (e). Finally, the ammonia borane aqueous solution successfully filled the flow channel, as... Figure 5 As shown in (f), the reactor body 2 adopts a double serpentine flow channel. Compared with the direct flow channel and the serpentine flow channel, the double serpentine flow channel increases the turbulence space. Through baffles A23, B24, and C25, the residence time of substances inside the reactor body 2 can be effectively extended, thus allowing the ammonia borane aqueous solution to react fully. The simulation results show that the flow channel design is reasonable, and there is no accumulation of reactant solution at the corners.
[0025] Please see Figure 2 , Figure 3 ,Figure 4 and Figure 6 Three heating devices 4 are provided, located directly below partitions B24 and C25. The heating device 4 at the lower end of partition B24 is on the same plane as the rear end face of partition A23, and the heating device 4 at the lower end of partition C25 is on the same plane as the front end face of partition A23. These heating devices 4 are crucial for temperature control in the ammonia borane hydrolysis reaction; a suitable reaction temperature can significantly improve the reaction rate and hydrogen production efficiency. The heating devices 4 are PTC heating elements. PTC heating elements, or positive temperature coefficient thermistors, have advantages such as automatic temperature control, high heating efficiency, and safety and reliability. In the ammonia borane hydrolysis reaction, by precisely controlling the working position of the PTC heating elements, the reaction temperature can be stabilized within the optimal range, providing a strong guarantee for the smooth progress of the reaction. The heating elements are evenly distributed around the reactor body 2, ensuring that heat can be evenly transferred to the reaction area and avoiding excessive local temperature differences that could adversely affect the reaction. By continuously heating the liquid in the flow channel through the heating device 4, the reaction is kept at a suitable temperature, which is conducive to accelerating the reaction rate and thus increasing the hydrogen production rate.
[0026] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 3 Three stirring devices 5 are provided, located at the front end of partition B24 and the rear end of partition C25 respectively. The stirring device 5 at the front end of partition B24 is on the same plane as the front end of partition A23, and the stirring device 5 at the rear end of partition C25 is on the same plane as the rear end of partition A23. The installation positions of the stirring devices 5 are carefully designed to ensure that the flow field generated by the stirring can cover the entire reaction area of the reactor body 2, so that the reactants and catalysts are fully mixed and local uneven concentrations are avoided. The stirring device 5 includes a motor 51 and a transmission rod. The stirring device 5 consists of a motor 51 fixed to a fixed plate 6 and a transmission rod 52 fixedly connected to the output end of the stirring device 5. The transmission rod 52 passes through the cover 3 and is sealed to the cover 3. The lower end of the transmission rod 52 is fixed with blades 53. The transmission rod 52 and blades 53 are made of plastic fan by 3D printing. 3D printed plastic fans have unique advantages, including high design freedom. The optimal shape and size of the blades 5 can be customized according to the internal spatial structure and fluid dynamics requirements of the reactor body 2 to achieve the best stirring effect. Moreover, the plastic material is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, and can work stably for a long time in the environment of ammonia borane aqueous solution, reducing maintenance costs.
[0027] This apparatus is used in conjunction with an adjustable peristaltic pump, a waste liquid collection device, a gas collection device, and a catalyst. Gas pipe 31 connects to the gas collection device, liquid outlet pipe 22 connects to the waste liquid collection device, and liquid inlet pipe 21 connects to the adjustable peristaltic pump. In the ammonia borane hydrolysis hydrogen production experiment, the concentration of the ammonia borane aqueous solution supplied by the peristaltic pump to the reactor body 2 is the same as in the hydrolysis hydrogen production experiment, both being 0.29 mol / L. Simultaneously, the hydrogen production rate, specific hydrogen production rate (rB), and TOF value of the single-piece catalyst in the reactor body 2 are 20 mL min⁻¹, 6840 mL min⁻¹ g⁻¹, and 18 min⁻¹, respectively. Since the hydrogen production rate of the reactor body 2 is mainly related to the catalyst used, in this experiment, six catalyst pieces were bonded together, and the theoretical hydrogen production rate of the reactor body 2 can reach 120 mL / min. Calculations show that at the optimal reaction temperature (323 K), the consumption rate of ammonia borane solution in reactor body 2 is 15 mL / min. Therefore, the feed rate is set to 30 mL / min. When reactor body 2 is completely filled, the volume of the ammonia borane aqueous solution is 532 mL. At a feed rate of 15 mL / min, it takes approximately 17.7 minutes to fill reactor body 2. At this point, the influent and effluent of reactor body 2 are consistent, and the hydrogen production system enters a stable state. Once the hydrogen production system reaches a stable state, the feed rate can be adjusted to 15 mL / min to avoid incomplete consumption of ammonia borane before discharge, thus preventing solution waste.
[0028] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A reactor for producing hydrogen from ammonia boron, comprising a main shell (1), characterized in that: The reactor body (2) is installed inside the main shell (1). An inlet pipe (21) is fixed to the left end of the reactor body (2), and an outlet pipe (22) is fixed to the right end of the reactor body (2). The inlet pipe (21) and the outlet pipe (22) penetrate the main shell (1). A cover (3) is provided at the upper end of the reactor body (2). An air pipe (31) is fixed at the upper end of the cover (3). The air pipe (31) penetrates the main shell (1). A heating device (4) is fixed at the lower end of the reactor body (2). A fixing plate (6) is fixedly connected to the main shell (1) at the upper end of the cover (3). A stirring device (5) is fixed at the upper end of the fixing plate (6). The stirring device (5) extends into the reactor body (2). A partition plate A (23), a partition plate B (24), and a partition plate C (25) are fixed at the upper end of the reactor body (2).
2. A reactor for hydrogen production from ammonia boron as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The partition A (23) is fixed in the center of the reactor body (2). There are four partitions A (23) arranged in pairs. A partition C (25) is provided between the two groups. The front end of the partition C (25) is fixedly connected to the front end of the reactor body (2). A partition B (24) is fixed between each group of partitions A (23). The rear ends of the two partitions B (24) are fixedly connected to the rear end of the reactor body (2). The spacing between adjacent partitions A (23), B (24) and C (25) is equal.
3. A reactor for hydrogen production from ammonia boron as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device (4) is provided in three parts. The heating device (4) is located at the lower end of partition B (24) and partition C (25). The heating device (4) at the lower end of partition B (24) is on the same plane as the rear end face of partition A (23), and the heating device (4) at the lower end of partition C (25) is on the same plane as the front end face of partition A (23).
4. A reactor for hydrogen production from ammonia boron as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring device (5) is provided in three parts. The stirring device (5) is located at the front end of partition B (24) and the rear end of partition C (25). The stirring device (5) at the front end of partition B (24) is on the same plane as the front end of partition A (23), and the stirring device (5) at the rear end of partition C (25) is on the same plane as the rear end of partition A (23).
5. A reactor for hydrogen production from ammonia boron as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring device (5) includes a motor (51), a transmission rod (52) and blades (53). The motor (51) is fixed on the fixing plate (6). The output end of the stirring device (5) is fixedly connected to the transmission rod (52). The transmission rod (52) passes through the cover (3). The transmission rod (52) and the cover (3) are sealed together. The lower end of the transmission rod (52) is fixed with blades (53).