Temperature control methanol reflux tank device
The temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device solves the problems of insufficient condensation, inaccurate temperature control, and inaccurate flow regulation in methanol production, achieving stable methanol liquid temperature and precise flow control, thereby improving production efficiency and system safety.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TONGLIAO GOLD COAL CHEM
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
In traditional methanol production processes, the condensation at the top of the methanol tower is not efficient enough, the temperature control is not precise, and the flow rate regulation is not accurate, which affects production efficiency and product quality, and also poses safety hazards.
Design a temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device, equipped with a condenser, temperature regulation structure and flow control system. The cooling system maintains a stable methanol liquid temperature, and the flow rate is precisely regulated through an electric induction valve and circulation pipe to ensure system balance and safety.
It improves methanol separation efficiency, ensures product quality, reduces equipment damage, enhances system stability and safety, and supports the continuity and reliability of methanol production.
Smart Images

Figure CN224236109U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chemical technology, specifically to a temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device. Background Technology
[0002] In the methanol production process, the separation and purification of methanol are extremely critical links. Traditional methanol production processes face many challenges when handling the top discharge of the methanol tower. First, for the cooling and condensation of the high-temperature gaseous discharge from the top of the methanol tower, the previous condenser design was often not efficient and precise enough, which resulted in the inability to quickly and fully condense the gaseous methanol into a liquid state. This not only affected the production efficiency, but may also cause uncondensed methanol gas to escape, resulting in resource waste and environmental pollution.
[0003] Secondly, in terms of temperature control, traditional methanol storage and transmission equipment lacks effective temperature control methods. The separation efficiency of methanol is extremely sensitive to temperature. Too high or too low a temperature will lead to poor methanol separation effect and make it difficult to guarantee product purity. Moreover, unstable temperature may also cause pressure fluctuations in the system, threatening the safe operation of the equipment. Previous equipment either did not have a dedicated temperature control structure or had a single temperature control method, which could not be flexibly and accurately adjusted according to the real-time temperature changes of methanol liquid.
[0004] Furthermore, in terms of flow regulation, the traditional device lacks precise control over the liquid transfer process from the methanol reflux tank to the methanol buffer tank. Operators find it difficult to accurately adjust the flow rate according to different system operating conditions, often resulting in excessively high or low flow rates. This seriously affects the flow balance and stability of the system, thereby impacting the continuity and efficiency of the entire methanol production process. At the same time, due to the lack of effective circulation regulation, the temperature and concentration distribution of the methanol liquid in the tank are uneven, further affecting product quality. Therefore, we propose a temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device, which solves the aforementioned problems.
[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device, comprising a reflux tank and a methanol buffer tank, wherein support frames are fixedly installed on both sides of the lower surface of the reflux tank, and a pressure relief device is provided on the upper surface of the reflux tank, characterized in that:
[0007] The reflux tank is also equipped with a condenser for receiving and condensing the methanol tower top discharge. The condensed methanol liquid enters the reflux tank directly through a pipeline.
[0008] Temperature regulation structures are installed inside the reflux tank and methanol buffer tank to maintain the temperature stability of the condensed methanol liquid, optimize separation efficiency, ensure system flow balance and stability, and protect the safe operation of the system.
[0009] The temperature regulation structure does not include a heating function, but instead uses a cooling system or other temperature control methods to maintain a suitable temperature for the methanol liquid.
[0010] Preferably, a feed pipe is fixedly connected to the center of one side of the outer end of the reflux tank. This feed pipe is actually the discharge pipe of the condenser. A connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the center of the other side of the feed pipe. The other end of the connecting pipe is fixedly connected to the inside of the methanol buffer tank. An electric sensing valve is provided at the center of the outer end of the connecting pipe, and a controller is provided on the front surface of the electric sensing valve.
[0011] Preferably, a circulation pipe is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the reflux tank, a rotary valve is fixedly installed at the connection between the circulation pipe and the outer surface of the reflux tank, and the other end of the circulation pipe is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the reflux tank. A reflux pump is provided at the center of the outer end of the circulation pipe, and a temperature controller is provided on the outer surface of the reflux tank.
[0012] Preferably, the methanol buffer tank is fixedly installed with support feet on all four sides of its bottom surface, a pressure release device II is fixedly installed at the center of its upper end, a temperature controller II is provided on the outer surface of the methanol buffer tank, and a discharge pipe II is fixedly connected to one side of its lower surface.
[0013] Preferably, a second circulation pipe is fixedly connected to the center of the lower end of the methanol buffer tank, a second rotary valve is fixedly installed at the connection between the second circulation pipe and the lower end of the methanol buffer tank, and the other end of the second circulation pipe is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the methanol buffer tank.
[0014] Preferably, the reflux tank and the methanol buffer tank are each provided with an inner tank, and the inner tank is separated from the inner wall of the reflux tank and the methanol buffer tank into a cavity.
[0015] Preferably, the temperature regulating structure is respectively installed inside the cavity of the reflux tank and the methanol buffer tank, and is composed of cooling water pipes and heat exchangers. The heat exchangers are configured as two sets, and are respectively installed at both ends inside the cavity. Several cooling water pipes are arranged and fixedly connected on the inner surface of the heat exchangers.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, this utility model provides a temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device, which has the following beneficial effects:
[0017] As a temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device, its unique temperature regulation structure plays a crucial role. Inside the reflux tank and methanol buffer tank, the coordinated operation of cooling water pipes and heat exchangers can precisely maintain the methanol liquid temperature within a suitable process range. This not only greatly optimizes the methanol separation efficiency and ensures the stability of product quality, but also avoids potential damage to system equipment caused by excessive temperature. Through continuous temperature control, it effectively protects the safe operation of the entire system, reduces equipment failure and maintenance costs, and provides a solid guarantee for the continuity and reliability of methanol production.
[0018] This temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank unit boasts excellent flow regulation capabilities. Through the electric induction valve on the connecting pipe between the reflux tank and the methanol buffer tank, operators can precisely control the flow rate of methanol liquid according to the actual needs of the system. At the same time, the circulation pipe one of the reflux tank and the circulation pipe two of the methanol buffer tank can circulate the methanol liquid in the tanks separately, which helps to maintain the uniformity of liquid temperature and concentration in the tanks. This flexible flow regulation mechanism enables the system to maintain flow balance under different operating conditions, significantly improving the system's stability and adaptability to various production conditions, and providing strong support for the efficient operation of the methanol production process. Attached Figure Description
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the methanol buffer tank structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the temperature regulation structure of this utility model.
[0022] In the diagram: 1. Reflux tank; 2. Feed pipe 1; 3. Pressure relief device 1; 4. Methanol buffer tank; 5. Connecting pipe; 6. Electric induction valve; 7. Support leg; 8. Discharge pipe 2; 9. Temperature controller 1; 10. Support frame; 11. Rotary valve 1; 12. Circulation pipe 1; 13. Reflux pump; 14. Temperature controller 2; 15. Pressure relief device 2; 16. Circulation pipe 2; 17. Methanol pump; 18. Rotary valve 2; 19. Inner tank; 20. Heat exchanger; 21. Cooling water pipe. 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] Please see Figure 1-3 A temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device includes a reflux tank 1 and a methanol buffer tank 4. Support frames 10 are fixedly installed on both sides of the lower surface of the reflux tank 1, and a pressure relief device 3 is provided on the upper surface of the reflux tank 1. The device is characterized by:
[0025] Reflux tank 1 is also equipped with a condenser for receiving and condensing the methanol tower top discharge. The condensed methanol liquid enters the interior of reflux tank 1 directly through a pipeline.
[0026] Temperature regulation structures are installed inside the reflux tank 1 and the methanol buffer tank 4 to maintain the temperature stability of the condensed methanol liquid, optimize the separation efficiency, ensure the system flow balance and stability, and protect the safe operation of the system.
[0027] The temperature control structure does not include a heating function; instead, it uses a cooling system or other temperature control methods to maintain a suitable temperature for the methanol liquid.
[0028] Furthermore, a feed pipe 2 is fixedly connected to the center of one side of the outer end of the reflux tank 1. The feed pipe 2 is actually the discharge pipe of the condenser. A connecting pipe 5 is fixedly connected to the center of the other side. The other end of the connecting pipe 5 is fixedly connected to the inside of the methanol buffer tank 4. An electric sensing valve 6 is provided at the center of the outer end of the connecting pipe 5, and a controller is provided on the front surface of the electric sensing valve 6.
[0029] Furthermore, a circulation pipe 12 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of the reflux tank 1. A rotary valve 11 is fixedly installed at the connection between the circulation pipe 12 and the outer surface of the reflux tank 1. The other end of the circulation pipe 12 is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the reflux tank 1. A reflux pump 13 is provided at the center of the outer end of the circulation pipe 12. A temperature controller 9 is provided on the outer surface of the reflux tank 1.
[0030] Furthermore, support feet 7 are fixedly installed around the bottom of the methanol buffer tank 4, and a pressure relief device 2 15 is fixedly installed at the center of its upper end. A temperature controller 2 14 is installed on the outer surface of the methanol buffer tank 4, and a discharge pipe 2 8 is fixedly connected to one side of its lower surface.
[0031] Furthermore, a circulation pipe 2 16 is fixedly connected to the center of the lower end of the methanol buffer tank 4. A rotary valve 2 18 is fixedly installed at the connection between the circulation pipe 2 16 and the lower end of the methanol buffer tank 4. The other end of the circulation pipe 2 16 is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the methanol buffer tank 4.
[0032] Furthermore, the interior of the reflux tank 1 and the methanol buffer tank 4 are respectively provided with an inner tank 19, and the inner tank 19 is separated from the inner wall of the reflux tank 1 and the methanol buffer tank 4 into a cavity.
[0033] Furthermore, the temperature regulation structure is respectively set inside the cavity of the reflux tank 1 and the methanol buffer tank 4, and is composed of cooling water pipes 21 and heat exchangers 20. The heat exchangers 20 are set in two groups and are respectively set at both ends inside the cavity. Several cooling water pipes 21 are arranged and fixedly connected on the inner surface of the heat exchangers 20.
[0034] Structure and function of each part of reflux tank 1
[0035] Support frame 10: Installed on both sides of the lower surface of the return tank 1, it plays a role in providing stable support for the return tank 1, ensuring that it can be placed stably, and laying the foundation for the stable operation of the entire device.
[0036] Pressure relief device 3: Located on the upper surface of the return tank 1, it can automatically open when the pressure inside the tank rises abnormally, release the pressure in time, avoid safety accidents caused by excessive pressure, and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the device.
[0037] Condenser and Feed Pipe 1-2: The condenser equipped in reflux tank 1 receives the effluent from the top of the methanol tower and condenses it. The condensed methanol liquid then flows directly into the reflux tank 1 through the pipe. Feed pipe 1-2 is located in the center of one side of the outer end of reflux tank 1. It is actually the condenser's discharge pipe, responsible for conveying the condensed methanol liquid into reflux tank 1.
[0038] Connecting pipe 5, electric induction valve 6, and controller: Connecting pipe 5 is located in the center of the other side of the return tank 1, and its other end is connected to the inside of the methanol buffer tank 4. It is the channel through which methanol liquid flows from the return tank 1 to the methanol buffer tank 4. The electric induction valve 6, which is set in the center of the outer end of the connecting pipe 5, will precisely regulate the flow rate of methanol liquid according to the instructions issued by the controller on its front end, so that the methanol liquid flows to the methanol buffer tank 4 according to the set requirements.
[0039] Circulation pipe 12, rotary valve 11, and reflux pump 13: Circulation pipe 12 is fixedly connected to the outer surface of reflux tank 1. A rotary valve 11 is installed at the connection between circulation pipe 12 and the outer surface of reflux tank 1. The other end of circulation pipe 12 is connected to the lower surface of reflux tank 1, and a reflux pump 13 is located at the center of its outer end. Reflux pump 13 provides power for the circulation of methanol liquid within reflux tank 1. The opening, closing, and flow rate of the circulation can be controlled by operating rotary valve 11. The entire circulation process must ensure that it does not affect the stable temperature of the methanol liquid after condensation. Inner tank 19 and temperature regulation structure: An inner tank 19 is provided inside reflux tank 1. The inner tank 19 and the inner wall of reflux tank 1 are separated into a cavity. A temperature regulation structure is configured inside this cavity. This structure participates in the fine regulation of the methanol liquid temperature to maintain it at a suitable state.
[0040] Structure and function of each part of methanol buffer tank 4
[0041] Support feet 7: Installed around the bottom of methanol buffer tank 4 to provide stable support for methanol buffer tank 4, ensuring its stable placement and thus ensuring the stability of the entire device structure.
[0042] Pressure relief device 215 and discharge pipe 215: Pressure relief device 215 is located at the center of the upper end of methanol buffer tank 4 and can function to ensure safety when the pressure inside the tank is abnormal. Discharge pipe 215 is connected to one side of the lower surface of methanol buffer tank 4 and is a channel for discharging methanol liquid from methanol buffer tank 4, facilitating discharge operations.
[0043] Circulation pipe 2 16 and rotary valve 2 18: The lower center of circulation pipe 2 16 is connected to methanol buffer tank 4. Rotary valve 2 18 is installed at the connection between circulation pipe 2 16 and the lower end of methanol buffer tank 4. The other end of circulation pipe 2 16 is connected to the upper surface of methanol buffer tank 4. By rotating valve 2 18, the on / off state and flow rate of methanol liquid circulation in methanol buffer tank 4 can be effectively controlled, so as to realize the reasonable circulation of methanol liquid in methanol buffer tank 4.
[0044] Inner tank 19 and temperature regulation structure: Similarly, the methanol buffer tank 4 is also equipped with an inner tank 19, which is separated from the inner wall of the tank to form a cavity. This cavity is also equipped with a temperature regulation structure to regulate the temperature of the methanol liquid and maintain its temperature stability.
[0045] Specific details of the temperature regulation structure
[0046] The temperature control structure consists of cooling water pipes 21 and heat exchangers 20. Two sets of heat exchangers 20 are configured, located at opposite ends of the cavities of the reflux tank 1 and the methanol buffer tank 4, respectively. Several cooling water pipes 21 are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the heat exchangers 20. This temperature control structure does not have a heating function; it primarily relies on the cooling system and other temperature control methods to maintain the condensed methanol liquid within a suitable temperature range. This optimizes the methanol liquid separation efficiency, ensures the overall system flow is balanced, and guarantees stable operation, while also providing safety protection for the system.
[0047] Instructions for use
[0048] The high-temperature gaseous output from the top of the methanol tower first enters a condenser specifically configured for the reflux tank 1. The condenser uses its own cooling medium to exchange heat with the gaseous methanol, rapidly condensing it into a liquid state. The condensed methanol liquid then flows directly into the reflux tank 1 through a pipe under gravity. This process lays the foundation for subsequent temperature control and flow regulation. Both the reflux tank 1 and the methanol buffer tank 4 are equipped with unique temperature regulation structures. Each tank has an inner tank 19, forming a cavity between the inner tank 19 and the inner wall of the tank body. The temperature regulation structure is installed within this cavity, consisting of a cooling water pipe 21 and a heat exchanger 20. Two sets of heat exchangers 20 are configured, located in the cavity... At both ends of the chamber, multiple cooling water pipes 21 are arranged and fixed on the inner surface of the heat exchanger 20. When the temperature of the methanol liquid in the tank is higher than the suitable process temperature, the coolant flowing in the cooling water pipes 21 (such as low-temperature water or other suitable cooling medium) transfers heat with the methanol liquid in the tank through the heat exchanger 20. The coolant absorbs the heat from the methanol liquid, thereby reducing the temperature of the methanol and keeping it within a suitable temperature range. This process not only optimizes the methanol separation efficiency but also provides strong protection for the balance and stability of the system flow. It also avoids damage to system equipment caused by excessive temperature, protecting the safe operation of the system. Since this temperature regulation structure does not have a heating function, it always relies on the cooling system or other temperature control... To maintain a suitable temperature for the methanol liquid, a feed pipe 2 connected to the center of one side of the outer end of the reflux tank 1 serves as the outlet pipe for the condenser, introducing the condensed methanol into the reflux tank 1. A connecting pipe 5 connected to the center of the other side leads to the interior of the methanol buffer tank 4. An electric sensing valve 6 is installed on the connecting pipe 5, with a controller at its front end. Through the controller, the operator can precisely control the opening and closing degree of the electric sensing valve 6 according to the actual needs of the system. This allows for flexible adjustment of the methanol liquid flow rate from the reflux tank 1 into the methanol buffer tank 4, ensuring that the system maintains flow balance under different operating conditions. A circulation pipe 12 connected to the outer surface of the reflux tank 1 has a rotary valve 11 installed at its connection point with the reflux tank 1, with the other end connected to the lower part of the reflux tank 1. At the outer center of the circulation pipe 12, a reflux pump 13 is installed. When it is necessary to circulate the methanol liquid in the reflux tank 1, the rotary valve 11 and the reflux pump 13 are opened, and the methanol liquid will flow in the circulation pipe 12. This circulation process helps to make the temperature and concentration of the methanol liquid in the tank more uniform and will not adversely affect the temperature stability of the methanol liquid after condensation. Support feet 7 are installed around the bottom of the methanol buffer tank 4 to firmly support the entire tank. A pressure relief device 15 is installed at the center of its upper end. When the pressure in the methanol buffer tank 4 becomes too high due to various reasons (such as temperature changes, flow fluctuations, etc.), the pressure relief device 15 will automatically open to release part of the pressure in the tank, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the tank and the entire system.A discharge pipe 2 8 is connected to one side of the lower surface of the methanol buffer tank 4 to discharge methanol from the tank, meeting the needs of subsequent production processes. A circulation pipe 2 16 is connected to the center of the lower end, with a rotary valve 2 18 installed at its connection to the lower end of the methanol buffer tank 4. The other end of the valve is connected to the upper surface of the methanol buffer tank 4. When the rotary valve 2 18 is opened, the methanol liquid in the methanol buffer tank 4 can circulate through the circulation pipe 2 16, which helps maintain the stability of the methanol liquid in the tank and ensures its temperature and composition are uniform.
[0049] 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 temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device, comprising a reflux tank (1) and a methanol buffer tank (4), wherein support frames (10) are fixedly installed on both sides of the lower end surface of the reflux tank (1), and a pressure relief device (3) is provided on the upper end surface of the reflux tank (1), characterized in that: The reflux tank (1) is also equipped with a condenser for receiving the methanol tower top discharge and condensing it. The condensed methanol liquid enters the reflux tank (1) directly through a pipeline. Temperature regulation structures are installed inside the reflux tank (1) and the methanol buffer tank (4) to maintain the temperature stability of the condensed methanol liquid, optimize the separation efficiency, ensure the system flow balance and stability, and protect the safe operation of the system. The temperature regulation structure does not include a heating function, but instead uses a cooling system or temperature control method to maintain a suitable temperature for the methanol liquid.
2. The temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflux tank (1) has a feed pipe (2) fixedly connected to the center of one side of its outer end. The feed pipe (2) is actually the discharge pipe of the condenser. A connecting pipe (5) is fixedly connected to the center of the other side of the feed pipe (5). The other end of the connecting pipe (5) is fixedly connected to the inside of the methanol buffer tank (4). An electric sensing valve (6) is provided at the center of the outer end of the connecting pipe (5), and a controller is provided on the front surface of the electric sensing valve (6).
3. The temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer surface of the reflux tank (1) is also fixedly connected to a circulation pipe (12). A rotary valve (11) is fixedly installed at the connection between the circulation pipe (12) and the outer surface of the reflux tank (1). The other end of the circulation pipe (12) is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the reflux tank (1). A reflux pump (13) is provided at the center of the outer end of the circulation pipe (12). A temperature controller (9) is provided on the outer surface of the reflux tank (1).
4. The temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methanol buffer tank (4) is fixedly installed with support feet (7) around the bottom surface, and a pressure release device (15) is fixedly installed at the center of its upper end. A temperature controller (14) is provided on the outer surface of the methanol buffer tank (4), and a discharge pipe (8) is fixedly connected to one side of its lower surface.
5. The temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A circulation pipe 2 (16) is fixedly connected to the center of the lower end of the methanol buffer tank (4). A rotary valve 2 (18) is fixedly installed at the connection between the circulation pipe 2 (16) and the lower end of the methanol buffer tank (4). The other end of the circulation pipe 2 (16) is fixedly connected to the upper surface of the methanol buffer tank (4).
6. The temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflux tank (1) and the methanol buffer tank (4) are respectively provided with an inner tank (19), and the inner tank (19) is separated from the inner wall of the reflux tank (1) and the methanol buffer tank (4) into a cavity.
7. The temperature-controlled methanol reflux tank device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature regulation structure is respectively set inside the cavity of the reflux tank (1) and the methanol buffer tank (4), and is composed of cooling water pipe (21) and heat exchanger (20). The heat exchanger (20) is set in two sets and is respectively set at both ends inside the cavity. Several cooling water pipes (21) are arranged and fixedly connected on the inner surface of the heat exchanger (20).