High-efficiency reactor for methanol production

Abstract

This invention provides a high-efficiency reactor for methanol production, comprising a main body, an upper end cap, a cylindrical body, and a lower end cap. The cylindrical body is separated from the upper and lower end caps by a tube sheet. An inlet is provided on the upper end cap. Two baffles are provided inside the cylindrical body, dividing it into an outlet chamber, a reaction chamber, and an inlet chamber. Multiple vents are provided on the baffles. An outlet is also provided on the side wall of the outlet chamber. An inlet pipe is provided inside the cylindrical body, with its inlet end connected to the inlet and its outlet end connected to the inlet chamber. A catalyst is installed inside the inlet pipe. A catalyst bed is filled in the reaction chamber, and a baffle assembly is provided within the catalyst bed to extend the gas flow path. A heat exchange component for removing reaction heat is also provided inside the main body. By dividing the cylindrical body into three different chambers by baffles and providing a baffle assembly in the reaction chamber, the residence time of the syngas in the catalyst bed is extended, thereby improving the conversion rate of the syngas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of methanol synthesis technology, and in particular to a high-efficiency reactor for methanol production. Background Technology

[0002] Methanol is the simplest saturated monohydric alcohol. At room temperature, it is a colorless, flammable, volatile, and toxic liquid with the chemical formula CH3OH. Methanol has a wide range of applications. It is an important raw material for manufacturing various organic products such as formaldehyde, acetic acid, chloromethane, and methylamine. It is also used in fine chemicals, plastics, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. After further processing, methanol can also be used as a novel clean fuel. Currently, industrial methanol production mainly uses a synthesis method. This process involves feeding syngas (CO, CO2, and H2) into a reactor loaded with a catalyst (usually a copper-based catalyst), where the syngas undergoes a catalytic reaction to produce methanol.

[0003] In existing technologies, methanol synthesis commonly employs radial flow reactors. These reactors pack the catalyst in the shell side and arrange heat exchange steam tube bundles within the catalyst bed. The feedstock, synthesis gas, enters from a central tube at the bottom of the reactor and flows axially upwards. The gas then enters the catalyst bed through openings in the central tube wall, subsequently becoming radial flow and undergoing the methanol synthesis reaction as it traverses the bed. The reacted material reaches an outlet collector at the reactor sidewall and is ultimately discharged from the outlet on the reactor sidewall. During the catalytic reaction of the synthesis gas, heat exchange steam enters the heat exchange tubes from the bottom of the reactor to remove the heat of reaction.

[0004] However, this type of radial flow reactor has a significant drawback during use: the residence time of syngas in the catalyst bed is relatively short. This short residence time leads to a low conversion rate of syngas, making it difficult to fully utilize the feedstock gas and resulting in waste. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a high-efficiency reactor for methanol production, which solves the problems of short residence time of syngas in the catalyst bed and low conversion rate in existing methanol reactors.

[0006] This invention provides a high-efficiency reactor for methanol production, comprising a main body, which includes an upper end cap, a cylindrical body, and a lower end cap connected sequentially from top to bottom. The cylindrical body is separated from the upper and lower end caps by tube sheets. The upper end cap is provided with an inlet port. The cylindrical body is provided with two baffles, which divide the cylindrical body from top to bottom into an outlet chamber, a reaction chamber, and an inlet chamber. Each baffle has multiple air holes. The side wall of the outlet chamber is also provided with an outlet. An inlet pipe is provided on the central axis of the cylindrical body. The inlet end of the inlet pipe is connected to the inlet port, and the outlet end is connected downward to the inlet chamber. The portion of the inlet pipe located in the reaction chamber is also equipped with a catalyst. The reaction chamber is filled with a catalyst bed, and the catalyst bed is provided with a baffle plate assembly for extending the gas flow path. A heat exchange component for removing the heat of reaction is also provided in the main body.

[0007] Optionally, the heat exchange assembly includes a liquid inlet at the top of the upper head, a liquid outlet at the bottom of the lower head, and multiple heat exchange tubes disposed inside the cylinder. Each heat exchange tube passes through the upper and lower tube sheets at both ends and is connected to the upper head and the lower head respectively.

[0008] Optionally, the heat exchange assembly also includes a central tube with a diameter 2-3 times that of the inlet pipe. The central tube is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the inlet pipe, and both ends of the central tube pass through the tube sheet and are connected to the upper end cap and the lower end cap, respectively. The outlet end of the inlet pipe passes through the side wall of the central tube and is connected to the inlet chamber.

[0009] Optionally, the baffle assembly includes multiple alternating inner and outer baffles; the edge of the outer baffle is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cylinder, and a through hole is opened in the center of the outer baffle for gas to pass through; the inner baffle is sleeved on the outside of the central tube and fixedly connected to the central tube; the diameter of the inner baffle is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder, and the diameter of the through hole is smaller than the diameter of the inner baffle.

[0010] Optionally, the vertical projection of the area where the vent is opened coincides with the vertical projection of the area where the through hole is opened.

[0011] Optionally, the gas outlet is connected to a gas cooler, which has a condensate outlet at the bottom and a non-condensable gas outlet at the top.

[0012] Optionally, a second air inlet is provided on the side wall of the air inlet chamber, and the second air inlet is connected to the non-condensable gas outlet.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the high-efficiency reactor for methanol production provided by this utility model are as follows: by dividing the cylinder into three different chambers by a partition plate, and setting a baffle plate group in the reaction chamber, the residence time of the syngas in the catalyst bed is extended by the baffle plate group, thereby improving the conversion rate of the syngas. 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 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 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a high-efficiency reactor for methanol production provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a high-efficiency reactor for methanol production provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified structural diagram of A in the middle;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the main body and the gas cooler.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0020] 1-Body, 2-Upper head, 3-Cylinder, 4-Lower head, 5-Baffle plate assembly, 6-Gas cooler, 11-Tube sheet, 21-Inlet pipe, 22-Liquid inlet, 31-Baffle plate, 32-Outlet chamber, 33-Reaction chamber, 34-Inlet chamber, 35-Inlet pipe, 36-Catalyst bed, 37-Heat exchange tube, 38-Central tube, 41-Drain port, 51-Inner baffle plate, 52-Outer baffle plate, 61-Condensate outlet, 62-Non-condensable gas outlet, 311-Vacuum pore, 321-Outlet, 341-Second inlet, 351-Catalyst installed, 521-Through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, 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 also within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0022] like Figure 1-4As shown, this utility model provides a high-efficiency reactor for methanol production, including a body 1. The body 1 includes an upper end cap 2, a cylinder 3, and a lower end cap 4 connected sequentially from top to bottom. The cylinder 3 is separated from the upper end cap 2 and the lower end cap 4 by tube sheets 11. The upper end cap 2 is provided with an air inlet 21. The cylinder 3 is provided with two baffles 31, which divide the cylinder 3 from top to bottom into an outlet chamber 32, a reaction chamber 33, and an inlet chamber 34. Each baffle 31 has multiple air holes 3. 11. An outlet 321 is provided on the side wall of the outlet chamber 32; an inlet pipe 35 is provided on the central axis of the cylinder 3, the inlet end of the inlet pipe 35 is connected to the inlet port 21, and the outlet end is connected downward to the inlet chamber 34. The part of the inlet pipe 35 located in the reaction chamber 33 is also equipped with a catalyst 351. The reaction chamber 33 is filled with a catalyst bed 36, and a baffle plate group 5 for extending the gas flow path is provided in the catalyst bed 36; a heat exchange component for removing the heat of reaction is also provided in the body 1.

[0023] The main structure of the high-efficiency reactor for methanol production is the reactor body 1, which contains an upper head 2, a cylinder 3, and a lower head 4 installed sequentially from top to bottom. The cylinder 3 is the main site for the syngas reaction to produce methanol. The reactor body 1 also houses heat exchange components for removing reaction heat. The syngas reaction to produce methanol is exothermic, generating a large amount of heat, which is removed by the heat exchange components to ensure efficient reaction. The cylinder 3 is divided into three chambers by a partition 31: an uppermost outlet chamber 32, a middle reaction chamber 33, and a bottom inlet chamber 34. A catalyst bed 36 is installed in the reaction chamber 33, which is the main site of the reaction. A baffle plate assembly 5 is installed in the catalyst bed 36 to extend the flow path of the syngas in the catalyst bed 36, thereby extending the residence time of the syngas in the reaction chamber 33 and improving the efficiency of the syngas reaction to produce methanol. Some packing is installed in the inlet pipe 35, allowing the syngas to pre-react in the inlet pipe 35, further extending the reaction time and improving the methanol synthesis efficiency. The vent 311 on the partition 31 connects the three chambers: the outlet chamber 32, the reaction chamber 33, and the inlet chamber 34. The tube sheet 11 separates the cylinder 3 from the upper end cap 2 and the lower end cap 4 to prevent the leakage of syngas and products from the cylinder, and also to prevent external gaseous or liquid substances from entering the cylinder and contaminating the catalyst and reaction system. The outlet 321 on the side wall of the outlet chamber 32 is used to discharge products. It should be noted that the installation of the catalyst in the inlet pipe 35 and the reaction chamber 33 is well-known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0024] In the high-efficiency reactor used for methanol production, syngas from upstream is introduced into the cylinder 3 through the inlet pipe 35. Upon entry, the syngas flows downwards through the inlet pipe 35, undergoing a pre-reaction under the action of the catalyst 351 within it. After flowing downwards through the inlet pipe 35 into the inlet chamber 34, the syngas enters the reaction chamber 33 through the vent 311 on the partition 31 between the reaction chamber 33 and the inlet chamber 34, officially commencing the methanol synthesis reaction. The syngas continuously flows within the catalyst bed 36 of the reaction chamber 33, undergoing a catalytic reaction. Simultaneously, it is continuously deflected by the baffle assembly 5, thereby extending the contact time between the syngas and the catalyst bed 36, thus prolonging the catalytic reaction time and improving the conversion rate and reaction efficiency of the syngas. The synthesis gas flows upward to the partition 31 between the outlet chamber 32 and the reaction chamber 33, then enters the outlet chamber 32 through the gas hole 311 on the partition 31, and finally exits the cylinder 3 through the outlet 321 for further processing. The heat generated during the reaction is removed by the heat exchange assembly.

[0025] The high-efficiency reactor for methanol production provided by this utility model divides the cylinder 3 into three different chambers by a partition plate 31, and sets a baffle plate group 5 in the reaction chamber 33. The baffle plate group 5 extends the residence time of the syngas in the catalyst bed 36, thereby improving the conversion rate of the syngas.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the heat exchange assembly further includes a liquid inlet 22 at the top of the upper head 2, a liquid outlet 41 at the bottom of the lower head 4, and multiple heat exchange tubes 37 disposed inside the cylinder 3. Each heat exchange tube 37 passes through the upper and lower tube sheets 11 at both ends and is connected to the upper head 2 and the lower head 4 respectively.

[0027] The heat exchange assembly includes multiple heat exchange tubes 37, each of which penetrates the cylinder 3 and is connected at both ends to the upper head 2 and the lower head 4, respectively. During heat exchange, heat exchange fluid is injected into the upper head 2 through the inlet 22 at the top of the upper head 2. The heat exchange fluid flows downward into the multiple heat exchange tubes 37, then flows through the heat exchange tubes 37 into the lower head 4, and finally flows out from the outlet 41 at the bottom of the lower head 4. The heat exchange fluid flows downward through the entire reaction chamber 33 in the heat exchange tubes 37, while the synthesis gas flows upward in the reaction chamber 33. The two flow countercurrently, resulting in high heat exchange efficiency, effectively removing the heat of reaction and ensuring the stable progress of the reaction.

[0028] like Figure 2-4As shown, the heat exchange assembly further includes a central tube 38, the diameter of which is 2-3 times the diameter of the inlet pipe 35. The central tube 38 is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the inlet pipe 35. Both ends of the central tube 38 pass through the tube sheet 11 and are connected to the upper end cap 2 and the lower end cap 4 respectively. The outlet end of the inlet pipe 35 passes through the side wall of the central tube 38 and is connected to the inlet chamber 34.

[0029] The central tube 38 is fitted outside the inlet pipe 35 and is mainly used to cool the synthesis gas in the inlet pipe 35 to prevent the synthesis gas temperature in the inlet pipe 35 from being too high. The diameter of the central tube 38, specifically the inner diameter of the central tube 38, is set to 2-3 times the outer diameter of the inlet pipe 35 to ensure that the heat exchange fluid has a sufficient flow cross section inside the central tube 38.

[0030] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the baffle assembly 5 further includes multiple alternating inner baffles 51 and outer baffles 52; the outer baffles 52 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cylinder 3 at their edges, and the outer baffles 52 have a through hole 521 in the center for gas to pass through. The inner baffles 51 are sleeved on the outside of the central tube 38 and are fixedly connected to the central tube 38; the diameter of the inner baffles 51 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder 3, and the diameter of the through hole 521 is smaller than the diameter of the inner baffles 51.

[0031] The baffle assembly 5 includes an inner baffle 51 and an outer baffle 52. The combined action of the inner baffle 51 and the outer baffle 52 causes the syngas to flow in an S-shaped curve within the cylinder 3, prolonging its residence time in the catalytic bed 36 and improving the conversion rate of the syngas.

[0032] The flow process of the syngas after entering the reaction chamber 33 through the gas vent 311 is as follows: The syngas first flows upward and touches the inner baffle 51, and then diffuses towards the side wall of the cylinder 3 under the action of the inner baffle 51 until it touches the inner side wall of the cylinder 3. Then it flows along the inner side wall of the cylinder 3 until it contacts the outer baffle 52 (it should be noted that the syngas is continuously introduced into the cylinder 3, so the syngas as a whole flows upward continuously). The syngas moves towards the center of the cylinder along the outer baffle 52, and then flows upward through the through hole 521 to contact the inner baffle 51, and again flows towards the inner side wall of the cylinder 3 under the action of the inner baffle 51. This process is repeated until it flows out from the gas vent 311 on the partition 31 between the gas outlet chamber 32 and the reaction chamber 33.

[0033] Furthermore, the vertical projection of the area where the vent 311 is opened coincides with the vertical projection of the area where the through hole 521 is opened.

[0034] The baffles at the top and bottom of the reaction chamber 33 are both inner baffles 51. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the vent 311 on the baffle 31 is aligned with the vertical projection of the opening area of ​​the through hole 521. Under this configuration, the syngas can enter the reaction chamber 33 from the part near the central axis of the cylinder 3, and then be deflected by the inner baffles 51. Similarly, before flowing out of the reaction chamber 33, the syngas flows from the periphery towards the center and then through the vent 311, thereby increasing the number of deflections in the baffle assembly 5 and thus improving the conversion rate of the syngas.

[0035] like Figure 4 As shown, the outlet 321 is connected to the gas cooler 6, which has a condensate outlet 61 at the bottom and a non-condensable gas outlet 62 at the top. Furthermore, a second inlet 341 is also provided on the side wall of the inlet chamber 34, and the second inlet 341 is connected to the non-condensable gas outlet 62.

[0036] The product of the reaction flows out of the cylinder 3 through the gas outlet 321 and enters the gas cooler 6 for condensation. The condensed product is synthesized methanol, which flows out from the condensate outlet 61 and is sent to the methanol storage tank for storage or further purification. The remaining non-condensable gas is unreacted synthesis gas, which is sent through a pipeline to the second gas inlet 341 on the side wall of the gas inlet chamber 34, and then re-enters the reaction chamber 33 for further reaction.

[0037] The complete working process of the high-efficiency reactor for methanol production provided by this utility model is as follows: When using the high-efficiency reactor for methanol production, the heat exchange components are started: heat exchange fluid is injected into the upper head 2 through the liquid inlet 22 at the top of the upper head 2. The heat exchange fluid flows downward into the central tube 38 and multiple heat exchange tubes 37, and then flows into the lower head 4 through the heat exchange tubes 37 and the central tube 38. Finally, it flows out from the liquid outlet 41 at the bottom of the lower head 4. Then, synthesis gas can be introduced into the cylinder 3 to carry out the reaction.

[0038] Syngas from upstream is introduced into cylinder 3 through inlet pipe 35. Upon entry, the syngas flows downwards through inlet pipe 35, undergoing a pre-reaction under the action of catalyst 351 within the pipe. After flowing downwards through inlet pipe 35 into inlet chamber 34, the syngas enters reaction chamber 33 through vents 311 on the partition 31 between reaction chamber 33 and inlet chamber 34, officially commencing the methanol synthesis reaction. The syngas continuously flows within the catalyst bed 36 of reaction chamber 33, undergoing catalytic reaction, while being continuously deflected by the baffle assembly 5. Under the combined action of inner baffle 51 and outer baffle 52, the syngas flows in an S-shaped curve within cylinder 3, prolonging its residence time in catalyst bed 36 and improving the conversion rate.

[0039] Synthesis gas flows upward to the partition 31 between the gas outlet chamber 32 and the reaction chamber 33, and then enters the gas outlet chamber 32 through the gas hole 311 on the partition 31. Finally, it is discharged from the cylinder 3 through the gas outlet 321 for further processing.

[0040] After flowing out of the gas outlet 321, the material enters the gas cooler 6 for condensation. The condensation product is synthesized methanol, which flows out of the condensate outlet 61 and is sent to the methanol storage tank for storage or further purification. The remaining non-condensable gas is unreacted synthesis gas, which is sent through a pipeline to the second gas inlet 341 on the side wall of the gas inlet chamber 34, and then re-enters the reaction chamber 33 for reaction.

[0041] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it; although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A high-efficiency reactor for methanol production, characterized in that, The system includes a main body (1), which includes an upper end cap (2), a cylinder (3) and a lower end cap (4) connected sequentially from top to bottom. The cylinder (3) is separated from the upper end cap (2) and the lower end cap (4) by a tube plate (11). The upper end cap (2) is provided with an air inlet (21). The cylinder (3) is provided with two partitions (31). The two partitions (31) divide the cylinder (3) from top to bottom into an air outlet chamber (32), a reaction chamber (33) and an air inlet chamber (34). The partitions (31) are provided with multiple air holes (311). The side wall of the air outlet chamber (32) is also provided with an air outlet (321). An air inlet pipe (35) is provided on the central axis of the cylinder (3). The inlet end of the air inlet pipe (35) is connected to the air inlet port (21), and the outlet end is connected downward to the air inlet chamber (34). The part of the air inlet pipe (35) located in the reaction chamber (33) is also equipped with a catalyst (351). The reaction chamber (33) is filled with a catalyst bed (36). The catalyst bed (36) is provided with a baffle plate group (5) for extending the gas flow path. The main body (1) is also provided with a heat exchange component for removing the heat of reaction.

2. The high-efficiency reactor for methanol production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly includes a liquid inlet (22) at the top of the upper end cap (2), a liquid outlet (41) at the bottom of the lower end cap (4), and multiple heat exchange tubes (37) disposed in the cylinder (3). Each heat exchange tube (37) passes through the upper and lower tube sheets (11) at both ends and is connected to the upper end cap (2) and the lower end cap (4) respectively.

3. The high-efficiency reactor for methanol production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly also includes a central tube (38), the diameter of which is 2-3 times the diameter of the air inlet pipe (35). The central tube (38) is coaxially sleeved on the outside of the air inlet pipe (35). Both ends of the central tube (38) pass through the tube sheet (11) and are respectively connected to the upper end cap (2) and the lower end cap (4). The outlet end of the air intake pipe (35) passes through the side wall of the central pipe (38) and communicates with the air intake chamber (34).

4. The high-efficiency reactor for methanol production according to claim 3, characterized in that, The baffle assembly (5) includes multiple inner baffles (51) and outer baffles (52) arranged alternately up and down; The outer baffle (52) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the cylinder (3) at its edge. The outer baffle (52) has a through hole (521) in the center for gas to pass through. The inner baffle (51) is sleeved on the outside of the central tube (38) and is fixedly connected to the central tube (38). The diameter of the inner baffle (51) is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylinder (3), and the diameter of the through hole (521) is smaller than the diameter of the inner baffle (51).

5. The high-efficiency reactor for methanol production according to claim 4, characterized in that, The vertical projection of the area where the vent (311) is opened coincides with the vertical projection of the area where the through hole (521) is opened.

6. The high-efficiency reactor for methanol production according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas outlet (321) is connected to the gas cooler (6), which has a condensate outlet (61) at the bottom and a non-condensable gas outlet (62) at the top.

7. The high-efficiency reactor for methanol production according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second air inlet (341) is also provided on the side wall of the air inlet chamber (34), and the second air inlet (341) is connected to the non-condensable gas outlet (62).

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