A reactive distillation apparatus

By using a vertical series reactive distillation unit, the problems of low catalyst activity and high energy consumption in slurry bed catalytic reactions have been solved, achieving efficient conversion of cyclohexene and optimization of energy consumption.

CN224370685UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-19LUXI CATALYST

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
LUXI CATALYST
Filing Date
2025-08-05
Publication Date
2026-06-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Slurry bed catalytic reaction systems suffer from low catalyst activity and high energy consumption. In particular, in the reaction of cyclohexene hydration to cyclohexanol, mass transfer limitations lead to low conversion rates and high energy consumption, and the catalyst is prone to deactivation and difficult to separate.

Method used

The vertically connected reactive distillation unit includes a jacketed reactor, multiple reactive distillation columns, a heat exchanger, and a reflux tank, forming a closed-loop heat medium circulation system. The unit achieves step-by-step reaction-stripping-re-reaction through a wire mesh catalyst layer, thereby improving the conversion rate and reducing energy consumption.

Benefits of technology

It significantly improved the conversion rate of cyclohexene, reduced energy consumption, decreased heavy component byproducts, and optimized catalyst utilization efficiency and system energy efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN224370685U_ABST
    Figure CN224370685U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of reaction rectification device, including jacketed reactor, multiple reaction rectification tower, heat exchanger and reflux tank, multiple the reaction rectification tower is coaxially arranged in series in vertical direction in the upper of jacketed reactor;The reaction rectification tower lower part outlet is equipped with wire netting, wire netting is loaded catalyst;Jacketed reactor gas phase outlet pipe is connected with the reaction rectification tower in the lowermost, heat exchanger inlet pipe is connected with the gas phase outlet pipe of the reaction rectification tower in the uppermost, heat exchanger outlet pipe is connected with reflux tank, and reflux tank is connected with reaction rectification tower top by reflux pipeline.The utility model has the beneficial effect that: by multiple reaction rectification tower along axis vertical series connection, wire netting catalyst layer in the lower part of each tower forms step-by-step reaction unit, and gas phase product realizes "reaction-stripping-reaction again" cycle in the process of ascending in each tower.Compared with single-tower reactor, product synthesis conversion rate is significantly improved, and heavy component byproduct generation amount is compressed.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chemical equipment, specifically to a reactive distillation apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Catalysis technology, as the cornerstone of modern chemical industry, directly determines energy conversion efficiency, product purity, and production cost competitiveness through its innovation level. Approximately 90% of chemical processes rely on catalytic reactions for industrialization, especially in petroleum refining, coal chemical industry, and fine chemical synthesis. However, slurry-bed reaction systems in solid catalyst systems face the dual challenges of high energy consumption and low catalytic efficiency. Taking the hydration of cyclohexene to cyclohexanol as an example, the overall efficiency of this reaction in a slurry bed is limited due to mass transfer constraints and energy efficiency imbalances: cyclohexene has extremely low solubility in the aqueous phase, typically below 0.01 g / L, and its lipophilic molecules struggle to overcome the diffusion barrier at the oil-water interface, resulting in a sharp drop in reactant contact probability. In industrial plants, the cyclohexene conversion rate is often less than 20%. A large amount of unreacted cyclohexene enters the distillation unit, where, due to its similar boiling point to the product cyclohexanol, multiple towers are required for separation. Steam consumption accounts for more than 60% of the total energy consumption, creating a vicious cycle of "low conversion - high energy consumption."

[0003] The inherent limitations of slurry bed systems further exacerbate this problem. While the three-phase fluidized bed structure provides excellent heat transfer uniformity and low pressure drop characteristics, the high solids content and viscosity of the slurry significantly inhibit mass transfer efficiency. Furthermore, maintaining catalyst suspension requires continuous stirring or gas bubbling, with power consumption exceeding 40% of the total system energy consumption. In addition, catalysts are prone to deactivation due to surface adsorption of organic matter or metal corrosion. For example, the ZSM-5 molecular sieve suffers from cyclohexene alkyl terminus adsorption, leading to the covering of active centers and annual losses reaching tons, resulting in high regeneration costs. Bottlenecks also exist in the separation process: traditional gravity settling devices are insufficient for retaining fine catalyst particles. Catalyst entrained with the products not only increases losses but also contaminates downstream oil products, forcing the distillation unit to handle impurities additionally, further increasing energy consumption. Utility Model Content

[0004] To overcome the above shortcomings and solve the problems of low catalyst activity and high subsequent energy consumption.

[0005] This utility model provides a reactive distillation apparatus, including a jacketed reactor, multiple reactive distillation columns, a heat exchanger, and a reflux tank. The multiple reactive distillation columns are coaxially connected in series above the jacketed reactor in a vertical direction. The lower outlet of each reactive distillation column is provided with a wire mesh, on which a catalyst is loaded. The vapor phase outlet pipe of the jacketed reactor is connected to the lowermost reactive distillation column, the inlet pipe of the heat exchanger is connected to the vapor phase outlet pipe of the uppermost reactive distillation column, the outlet pipe of the heat exchanger is connected to the reflux tank, and the reflux tank is connected to the top of the reactive distillation columns through a reflux pipe.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, the jacket layer of the jacketed reactor and the circulating heater form a closed-loop heat medium circulation system, wherein the heat medium is heat transfer oil or high-pressure steam.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, the circulating heater is provided with a feed pipe at the top and a drain outlet at the bottom that connects to the finished product tank.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the reflux tank is equipped with a level gauge, and the level gauge is electrically connected to the reflux valve on the outlet pipe of the reflux tank to form a closed-loop interlock control system. When the level detection value reaches a preset threshold, the reflux valve is automatically opened.

[0009] As a preferred option, each reactive distillation column is equipped with a reflux inlet pipe that is directly connected to the outlet pipe of the reflux tank.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the number of reactive distillation columns is 3 to 7, and the columns are connected by a high-pressure flange seal.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, a vent valve is provided on the upper right side of the reflux tank.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0013] This invention connects multiple reactive distillation columns vertically in series along an axis, with the wire mesh catalyst layer at the bottom of each column forming a stepwise reaction unit. The gaseous products undergo a "reaction-stripping-re-reaction" cycle as they ascend through each column. Compared to a single-column reactor, this significantly improves the conversion rate of the final product and reduces the amount of heavy component byproducts generated. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To make the content of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein...

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0016] The numbers in the attached diagram are:

[0017] 1. Circulating heater; 2. Jacketed reactor; 3. Level gauge; 4. Reactive distillation column; 5. Heat exchanger; 6. Reflux tank; 7. Vent valve; 8. Feed pipe; 9. Reflux inlet pipe; 10. Reflux valve; 11. Drain outlet. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To illustrate the features of this utility model, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments, will further explain this utility model.

[0019] Example:

[0020] Please see Figure 1This utility model provides a reactive distillation apparatus, employing a vertical series column design. The main body consists of a jacketed reactor 2, three coaxial series reactive distillation columns 4, a heat exchanger 5, and a reflux tank 6. The jacket layer of the jacketed reactor 2 forms a closed-loop heat transfer system with the circulating heater 1, using dimethyl silicone oil as the heat transfer medium. Heat transfer efficiency is optimized through thermodynamic simulation to ensure a temperature gradient in the reaction zone ≤ ±2℃. The series-connected reactive distillation columns 4 are sealed with flanges, with a single column height of 0.8m and a total series height of 4.2m. Each column's lower outlet is fitted with 316L stainless steel wire mesh (80 mesh), loaded with a solid acid catalyst, with the catalyst filling height accounting for 30% of the column height.

[0021] The vapor outlet of the jacketed reactor 2 is connected to the inlet of the bottom reactive distillation column 4 via a pressure-resistant pipe, and the vapor outlet of the top column is connected to the heat exchanger 5. The liquid level of the reflux tank 6 is indicated by the level gauge 3. The upper chamber is connected to the reflux inlet pipe 9 of each stage of the reactive distillation column 4 via a reflux pipe, where heat exchange occurs between the catalyst bed and the rising material vapor, and a reaction takes place under the action of the catalyst. The lower chamber is connected to the finished product tank via the drain port 11, enabling continuous product extraction. A vent valve 7 is installed on the upper right side of the reflux tank 6 for emergency pressure relief when the system pressure exceeds the limit (>0.15MPa).

[0022] This embodiment connects multiple reactive distillation columns vertically along an axis, with the wire mesh catalyst layer at the bottom of each column forming a stepwise reaction unit. The gaseous products undergo a "reaction-stripping-re-reaction" cycle as they ascend through each column. Compared to a single-column reactor, the conversion rate of the final product is significantly improved, and the amount of heavy component byproducts generated is reduced.

[0023] The above embodiments and accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model. This utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that any changes, modifications, additions, or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the scope of this utility model do not depart from the spirit of this utility model and should also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model. Other related technical structures not disclosed in detail in this utility model are existing technologies in the art.

Claims

1. A reactive distillation apparatus, comprising a jacketed reactor (2), multiple reactive distillation columns (4), a heat exchanger (5), and a reflux tank (6), characterized in that: Multiple reactive distillation columns (4) are coaxially connected in series above the jacketed reactor (2) in a vertical direction. The lower outlet of the reactive distillation column (4) is provided with a wire mesh and a catalyst is provided on the wire mesh. The gas phase outlet pipe of the jacketed reactor (2) is connected to the lowermost reactive distillation column (4). The inlet pipe of the heat exchanger (5) is connected to the gas phase outlet pipe of the uppermost reactive distillation column (4). The outlet pipe of the heat exchanger (5) is connected to the reflux tank (6). The reflux tank (6) is provided with a reflux pipe connected to the reactive distillation column (4).

2. The reactive distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The jacket layer of the jacketed reactor (2) and the circulating heater (1) form a closed-loop heat medium circulation system, and the heat medium is heat transfer oil or high-pressure steam.

3. The reactive distillation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The circulating heater (1) is provided with a feed pipe (8) at the top for feeding and a drain outlet (11) at the bottom for connecting to the finished product tank.

4. The reactive distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reflux tank (6) is equipped with a level gauge (3). The level gauge (3) is electrically connected to the reflux valve (10) on the outlet pipe of the reflux tank (6) to form a closed-loop interlock control system. When the detection value of the level gauge (3) reaches the preset threshold, the reflux valve (10) is opened.

5. The reactive distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reactive distillation column (4) is equipped with a reflux inlet pipe (9) that connects to the outlet pipe of the reflux tank (6).

6. The reactive distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of reactive distillation columns (4) is 3 to 7, and the columns are connected by flange sealing.

7. The reactive distillation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vent valve (7) is provided on the upper right side of the reflux tank (6).