Methanol hydrogen production reactor
By integrating automatic liquid level monitoring, solenoid valve control, and tail gas condensation and recovery technologies into the methanol-to-hydrogen reactor, the problems of insufficient raw material supply and inadequate tail gas treatment have been solved, achieving efficient hydrogen production and resource optimization, and improving the continuity and economy of the reaction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN FENGDE TIANNENG ENERGY EQUIPMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing methanol-to-hydrogen reactors suffer from insufficient automation in raw material supply, inadequate tail gas treatment, and a lack of system integration and energy efficiency optimization, which affect the continuity, stability, and resource utilization of the hydrogen production reaction.
By integrating technologies such as automatic liquid level monitoring, solenoid valve control, and tail gas condensation and recovery, the system achieves precise raw material supply, tail gas resource utilization, and efficient and stable operation of the reaction process. It adopts an automated supply system that links capacitive liquid level gauges and solenoid valves, combined with a shell-and-tube condenser to recover unreacted methanol and water vapor, thereby optimizing reaction parameters.
It improves the automation level and economy of methanol-to-hydrogen production, increases raw material utilization by 15%-20%, increases hydrogen production by more than 10%, reduces production costs and organic emissions, and adapts to different load requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN224371400U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of methanol-to-hydrogen equipment, specifically to a methanol-to-hydrogen reactor. Background Technology
[0002] With the increasing demand for hydrogen energy, methanol-to-hydrogen technology has become an important method for small- to medium-scale hydrogen production due to its advantages such as readily available raw materials and mild reaction conditions. However, existing methanol-to-hydrogen reactors still have the following technical defects in actual production, which restrict their automation level, reaction efficiency, and resource utilization:
[0003] First, the automation of raw material supply is insufficient. Traditional methanol-to-hydrogen systems usually lack intelligent liquid level monitoring and automatic feeding mechanisms. They are not equipped with solenoid valves and liquid level sensors, and cannot monitor the liquid levels of methanol and deionized water storage tanks in real time. This may cause the reaction raw materials to be interrupted due to untimely manual feeding, affecting the continuity and stability of the hydrogen production reaction.
[0004] Secondly, the treatment and resource recovery of exhaust gases are insufficient. Existing equipment typically discharges or performs simple treatments on the exhaust gases generated during the reaction process without installing condensers to cool and recover them. This not only wastes raw materials but also increases the environmental burden. If condensable components in the exhaust gases could be liquefied through condensation technology and returned to the reaction system, the utilization rate of raw materials could be significantly improved and operating costs reduced.
[0005] In addition, there is a lack of system integration and energy efficiency optimization. Existing equipment lacks optimized design in terms of heat energy utilization and reactant circulation. For example, the condensate recovery pipeline is not linked with the feeding system, which results in the failure to achieve closed-loop utilization of reactants and low overall energy efficiency. Utility Model Content
[0006] This invention provides a methanol-to-hydrogen reactor that integrates technologies such as automatic liquid level monitoring, solenoid valve control, and tail gas condensation and recovery to achieve precise raw material supply, tail gas resource utilization, and efficient and stable operation of the reaction process. This patented technology aims to address these shortcomings, improve the automation level and economic efficiency of methanol-to-hydrogen production, and provide technical support for the sustainable development of the hydrogen energy industry.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a methanol-to-hydrogen reactor, comprising: a reactor body, wherein a catalyst bed is provided inside the reactor body and a heating device is provided outside the reactor body; a feed inlet is provided at the bottom of the reactor body and an exhaust outlet is provided at the top; a methanol storage tank, wherein the methanol storage tank is fixedly disposed on one side of the reactor body, and a first level gauge is provided inside the methanol storage tank and a first solenoid valve is provided at the bottom; and a deionized water storage tank, wherein the deionized water storage tank is fixedly disposed on one side of the methanol storage tank, and a first level gauge is provided inside the deionized water storage tank. The second level gauge has a second solenoid valve at its bottom; the feed pipe has one end connected to the first metering pump and the second metering pump via a tee, the first metering pump being connected to the first solenoid valve and the second metering pump being connected to the second solenoid valve, and the other end of the feed pipe being connected to the feed inlet; the controller is fixedly installed outside the deionized water storage tank, and the first solenoid valve, the second solenoid valve, the first level gauge, the second level gauge, the first metering pump, the second metering pump and the heating device are all electrically connected to the controller.
[0008] Preferably, it also includes a condenser, which is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger structure and is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet, a condensation outlet, a cooling medium inlet, and a cooling medium outlet. The condenser is connected to the air outlet through the air inlet; the cooling medium of the condenser is circulating water.
[0009] Preferably, it also includes a reflux pipe and a reflux pump, one end of the reflux pipe being connected to the feed pipe and the other end being connected to the condenser port, and the reflux pump being mounted on the reflux pipe and electrically connected to the controller.
[0010] Preferably, both the first and second level gauges are capacitive sensors that monitor the levels of methanol and deionized water in real time.
[0011] Preferably, the catalyst bed is fixed in the middle section of the reactor body, with a gas distributor below and an exhaust port above.
[0012] Preferably, the heating device is an electric heating jacket surrounding the outer wall of the reactor body, and the electric heating jacket is electrically connected to the controller.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This methanol-to-hydrogen reactor achieves efficient hydrogen production through three core processes: automated raw material supply, catalytic reforming reaction, and tail gas condensation and recovery. Capacitive level gauges in the methanol and deionized water storage tanks monitor the liquid level in real time. When the liquid level falls below a set threshold, a signal is sent to the controller. The controller activates the first and second solenoid valves and, via a metering pump, proportionally delivers the raw materials to the feed pipe. After mixing, the materials enter the reactor through the feed inlet. Once in the reactor, the mixed raw materials are heated to 200-300°C by the external electric heating jacket, where a methanol-water vapor reforming reaction occurs in the catalyst bed. The generated hydrogen and carbon dioxide are discharged from the top exhaust port, while unreacted methanol and water vapor enter the condenser with the tail gas. The tail gas is cooled by circulating water or air in the shell-and-tube condenser, condensing the methanol and water vapor into liquid. This liquid is then pumped back to the feed pipe by a reflux pump, mixed with fresh raw materials, and re-participates in the reaction. The condensed non-condensable gases are discharged from the condenser outlet, achieving raw material recycling. In this design, the level gauge and solenoid valve are linked to prevent raw material interruptions caused by manual intervention, ensuring continuous reaction. The controller adjusts the heating temperature, feed ratio, and reflux rate to optimize reaction efficiency. The condenser recovers and reuses unreacted methanol and water vapor, increasing raw material utilization by 15%-20%. The closed-loop design reduces raw material consumption and saves production costs. Condensation recovery reduces organic emissions in the exhaust gas, meeting environmental protection requirements. The sealed design of the solenoid valve and metering pump avoids the risk of methanol volatilization. The heating device and catalyst bed work together to maintain a stable reaction temperature, increasing hydrogen yield by more than 10%. The control system adjusts parameters in real time to adapt to different load requirements. Attached Figure Description
[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art 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.
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0016] In the diagram: 1. Reactor body; 2. Catalyst bed; 3. Heating device; 4. Feed inlet; 5. Exhaust outlet; 6. Methanol storage tank; 7. First level gauge; 8. First solenoid valve; 9. Deionized water storage tank; 10. Second level gauge; 11. Second solenoid valve; 12. Feed pipe; 13. First metering pump; 14. Second metering pump; 15. Condenser; 16. Reflux pipe; 17. Reflux pump; 18. Gas outlet; 19. Gas distributor. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0018] according to Figure 1 As shown, a methanol-to-hydrogen reactor includes: a reactor body 1, with a catalyst bed 2 inside and a heating device 3 outside; a feed inlet 4 at the bottom and an exhaust port 5 at the top; the catalyst bed 2 is fixed in the middle section of the reactor body 1, with a gas distributor 19 below and communicating with the exhaust port 5 above; the heating device 3 is an electric heating jacket surrounding the outer wall of the reactor body 1, and the electric heating jacket is electrically connected to a controller; a methanol storage tank 6, fixedly disposed on one side of the reactor body 1, with a first level gauge 7 inside and a first solenoid valve 8 at the bottom; and a deionized water storage tank 9, fixedly disposed on one side of the methanol storage tank 6, with a second level gauge 10 inside and a second solenoid valve 11 at the bottom; both the first level gauge 7 and the second level gauge 10 are capacitive sensors that monitor the levels of methanol and deionized water in real time. The feed pipe 12 has one end connected to the first metering pump 13 and the second metering pump 14 via a tee. The first metering pump 13 is connected to the first solenoid valve 8, and the second metering pump 14 is connected to the second solenoid valve 11. The other end of the feed pipe 12 is connected to the feed inlet 4. The controller is fixedly installed outside the deionized water storage tank 9, and the first solenoid valve 8, the second solenoid valve 11, the first level gauge 7, the second level gauge 10, the first metering pump 13, the second metering pump 14, and the heating device 3 are electrically connected to the controller.
[0019] In addition, it includes a condenser 15, which is a shell-and-tube heat exchanger structure and is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet 18, a condensation port, a cooling medium inlet, and a cooling medium outlet. The condenser 15 is connected to the exhaust port 5 through the air inlet; the cooling medium of the condenser 15 is circulating water. It also includes a return pipe 16 and a return pump 17. One end of the return pipe 16 is connected to the feed pipe 12, and the other end is connected to the condensation port. The return pump 17 is mounted on the return pipe 16 and electrically connected to the controller.
[0020] This methanol-to-hydrogen reactor achieves efficient hydrogen production through three core processes: automated feedstock supply, catalytic reforming reaction, and tail gas condensation and recovery. Capacitive level gauges in the methanol storage tank 6 and the deionized water storage tank 9 monitor the liquid level in real time. When the liquid level falls below a set threshold, a signal is sent to the controller. The controller activates the first solenoid valve 8 and the second solenoid valve 11, and feedstock is proportionally delivered to the feed pipe 12 via a metering pump. After mixing, the mixture enters the reactor through the feed inlet 4. Once in the reactor, the mixed feedstock is heated to 200-300°C by the external electric heating jacket, where a methanol-water vapor reforming reaction occurs in the catalyst bed 2. The generated hydrogen and carbon dioxide are discharged from the top exhaust port 5, while unreacted methanol and water vapor enter the condenser 15 with the tail gas. The tail gas is cooled by circulating water or air in the shell-and-tube condenser 15, condensing the methanol and water vapor into liquid. This liquid is then pumped back to the feed pipe 12 via the return pump 17, mixed with fresh feedstock, and re-participates in the reaction. The condensed non-condensable gas is discharged from the outlet 18 of the condenser 15, realizing the recycling of raw materials.
[0021] In this design, the level gauge and solenoid valve are linked to avoid raw material interruptions caused by manual intervention, ensuring continuous reaction. The controller adjusts the heating temperature, feed ratio, and reflux rate to optimize reaction efficiency. Condenser 15 recovers and reuses unreacted methanol and water vapor, increasing raw material utilization by 15%-20%. The closed-loop design reduces raw material consumption and saves production costs. Condensation recovery reduces organic emissions in the exhaust gas, meeting environmental protection requirements. The sealed design of the solenoid valve and metering pump avoids the risk of methanol volatilization. The heating device 3 works synergistically with the catalyst bed 2 to maintain a stable reaction temperature, increasing hydrogen yield by more than 10%. The control system adjusts parameters in real time to adapt to different load requirements.
[0022] Therefore, this methanol-to-hydrogen reactor is suitable for small- to medium-scale hydrogen production scenarios such as fuel cell hydrogen supply and chemical synthesis hydrogen sources, and is especially suitable for industrial environments with high requirements for automation and environmental protection. Because this technical solution integrates intelligent control, exhaust gas recovery, and efficient catalytic reaction, it achieves high automation, low energy consumption, and low emissions in methanol-to-hydrogen production, and has significant industrial application value.
[0023] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.
Claims
1. A methanol-to-hydrogen reaction kettle, characterized in that, include: The reactor body (1) is provided with a catalyst bed (2) inside and a heating device (3) outside. The reactor body (1) is provided with a feed inlet (4) at the bottom and an exhaust outlet (5) at the top. A methanol storage tank (6) is fixedly installed on one side of the reactor body (1), and a first level gauge (7) is provided inside the methanol storage tank (6), and a first solenoid valve (8) is provided at the bottom. A deionized water storage tank (9) is fixedly installed on one side of the methanol storage tank (6), and a second level gauge (10) is provided inside the deionized water storage tank (9), and a second solenoid valve (11) is provided at the bottom. Feed pipe (12), one end of which is connected to the first metering pump (13) and the second metering pump (14) respectively via a tee. The first metering pump (13) is connected to the first solenoid valve (8), and the second metering pump (14) is connected to the second solenoid valve (11). The other end of the feed pipe (12) is connected to the feed inlet (4). The controller is fixedly installed outside the deionized water storage tank (9), and the first solenoid valve (8), the second solenoid valve (11), the first level gauge (7), the second level gauge (10), the first metering pump (13), the second metering pump (14) and the heating device (3) are electrically connected to the controller.
2. The methanol-to-hydrogen reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a condenser (15), which is a shell-and-tube heat exchange structure and is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet (18), a condensation port, a cooling medium inlet and a cooling medium outlet. The condenser (15) is connected to the exhaust port (5) through the air inlet. The cooling medium of the condenser (15) is circulating water.
3. The methanol-to-hydrogen reactor according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a reflux pipe (16) and a reflux pump (17). One end of the reflux pipe (16) is connected to the feed pipe (12), and the other end is connected to the condenser port. The reflux pump (17) is mounted on the reflux pipe (16) and electrically connected to the controller.
4. The methanol-to-hydrogen reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the first level gauge (7) and the second level gauge (10) are capacitive sensors and monitor the levels of methanol and deionized water in real time.
5. The methanol-to-hydrogen reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The catalyst bed (2) is fixed in the middle section of the reactor body (1), with a gas distributor (19) below and an exhaust port (5) above.
6. The methanol-to-hydrogen reactor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating device (3) is an electric heating jacket surrounding the outer wall of the reactor body (1), and the electric heating jacket is electrically connected to the controller.