Propane dehydrogenation apparatus dehydrogenation reactor internals
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522599329.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-08
AI Technical Summary
首先,为实现多路流体的导入与导出,内件通常在顶部或侧面设置大量独立的法兰接口与连接管路,导致结构复杂、密封点多,不仅增加了制造成本与安装难度,更在高温高压的工况下引入了潜在的泄漏风险
通过将催化、分布功能集成于独立的催化柱内,并利用外置法兰与固定板之间独特的环形凸台与环槽插接密封结构,构建了多条彼此隔离且路径清晰的轴向流体通道,实现了反应原料、产物及辅助介质在单一模块上的集成化快速对接与分离。这使得单个催化剂模块能够在不干扰其他模块运行的情况下被整体隔离、抽出和更换,从而解决了现有技术中因内件结构复杂、管线交错而导致的维护困难、无法在线更换催化剂,以及因密封点众多、流道不独立引发的泄漏风险高、运行周期短的技术问题。
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Figure CN224894098U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of propane dehydrogenation technology, and in particular to an internal component of a propane dehydrogenation reactor. Background Technology
[0002] With the widespread adoption of propane dehydrogenation to propylene processes in the petrochemical industry, the design and performance of the internal components of the dehydrogenation reactor, as its core equipment, directly determine the overall energy efficiency and operational stability of the unit. Early reactor internal designs focused primarily on achieving basic reaction functions, resulting in relatively simple structures and cumbersome catalyst loading and replacement processes, often requiring system shutdowns and severely impacting the unit's continuous operation efficiency. With advancements in process technology and increasing demands for economic efficiency, reactor internals have gradually evolved towards modularization and integration. The industry has begun exploring internal designs that enable rapid assembly and disassembly of catalyst units, facilitate maintenance, and optimize reactant distribution, aiming to improve reaction conversion rates and extend operating cycles.
[0003] Currently, although modular design concepts have been introduced, many existing propane dehydrogenation units still suffer from several significant drawbacks in practical applications. First, to achieve multi-channel fluid introduction and export, internal components typically have numerous independent flange interfaces and connecting pipelines on the top or side, resulting in complex structures and numerous sealing points. This not only increases manufacturing costs and installation difficulty but also introduces potential leakage risks under high-temperature and high-pressure conditions. Second, the connection between catalyst modules and fixed interfaces often employs direct welding or multiple bolt fastening, making online isolation and replacement of individual modules extremely difficult. Maintenance requires a complete shutdown, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, preventing true "hot-swap" functionality. Furthermore, the internal flow channel design of the modules is not optimized, leading to uneven material distribution or excessive flow resistance, which can easily cause localized overheating and increased coking in the catalyst bed, thus shortening catalyst life and affecting product selectivity. In addition, the entanglement of integrated temperature and pressure measuring instrument lines with process pipelines further increases structural complexity and maintenance inconvenience.
[0004] Therefore, to address the issues of low reliability, inconvenient maintenance, and short operating cycles inherent in the existing structure, and to meet the demands for larger-scale and more flexible operations, it is necessary to conduct targeted improvements and in-depth optimizations to the overall structure of the propane dehydrogenation reactor internals, particularly its modular connection method and internal flow channel layout. Through innovative design, a new internal structure is aimed at achieving more reliable connections, simpler sealing, rapid online replacement of catalyst units, and ensuring uniform distribution of reactants and effective monitoring of bed conditions. This is of great significance for improving unit operating efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing process economics. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a dehydrogenation reactor internal component for a propane dehydrogenation device.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A propane dehydrogenation device includes the following internal components of a dehydrogenation reactor: A mounting plate with insertion holes; A catalytic column is inserted into the insertion hole, with its upper end protruding from the fixing plate; A flange is fitted and fixed to the outer side of the top of the catalyst column; And, a first connector, a second connector, and a third connector are disposed on the lower wall of the fixed plate; The catalytic column is provided with an upper gas distributor, a catalyst bed, and a lower gas distributor in sequence from top to bottom. The catalytic column has multiple sets of first axial channels, second axial channels and third axial channels spaced axially along its sidewall. The fixing plate is mounted on the outer periphery of the insertion hole, and is provided with a first annular boss, a second annular boss and a third annular boss in sequence from the outside to the inside. The lower wall of the flange is provided with a first bottom annular groove, a second bottom annular groove, and a third bottom annular groove that are respectively inserted and engaged with the first annular boss, the second annular boss, and the third annular boss. The inner wall of the flange is provided with a first side annular groove, a second side annular groove and a third side annular groove from top to bottom.
[0007] Sealing elements are provided between the first annular boss and the first bottom annular groove, between the second annular boss and the second bottom annular groove, and between the third annular boss and the third bottom annular groove to form a seal, and respectively constitute the first gap, the second gap and the third gap; The first annular boss has a first communicating hole that passes through the first gap and the first connector; The second annular boss has a second communicating hole that passes through the second gap and the second connector; The third annular boss is provided with a third connecting hole that passes through the third gap and the third connector; The first side annular groove, the second side annular groove, and the third side annular groove are respectively connected to the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap through radial holes; The upper end of the first axial channel is connected to the first side annular groove through a radial hole, and its lower end is connected to the gas distribution cavity of the upper gas distributor through a radial hole. The upper end of the second axial channel is connected to the second side annular groove through a radial hole, and its lower end is connected to the interior of the catalyst bed through a radial hole. The upper end of the third axial channel is connected to the third side annular groove through a radial hole, and its lower end is connected to the gas distribution cavity of the lower gas distributor through a radial hole.
[0008] The first and third connectors are configured as main interfaces for the flow of the main process fluid, and the second connector is configured as an auxiliary interface for the flow of auxiliary media.
[0009] The flange is fixed to the catalyst column by welding.
[0010] This utility model has the following beneficial effects: By integrating catalysis and distribution functions into a separate catalytic column and utilizing a unique annular boss and groove insertion sealing structure between the external flange and the fixed plate, multiple isolated and clearly defined axial fluid channels are constructed. This enables the integrated and rapid docking and separation of reactants, products, and auxiliary media within a single module. This allows a single catalyst module to be isolated, extracted, and replaced without interfering with the operation of other modules. This solves the technical problems of existing technologies, such as maintenance difficulties due to complex internal structures and interwoven pipelines, the inability to replace catalysts online, and the high risk of leakage and short operating cycles caused by numerous sealing points and non-independent flow channels. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention along the AA direction; Figure 3 For the present utility model Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point D; Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention along the BB direction; Figure 5 For the present utility model Figure 4 A magnified view of a section at point E in the middle; Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the present invention along the CC direction; Figure 7 For the present utility model Figure 6 A magnified view of a section at point F.
[0012] Legend: 1. Fixed plate; 2. Catalyst column; 3. Flange; 4. Upper gas distributor; 5. Catalyst bed; 6. Lower gas distributor; 7. First axial channel; 8. Second axial channel; 9. Third axial channel; 10. First connector; 11. Second connector; 12. Third connector; 101. First annular boss; 102. Second annular boss; 103. Third annular boss; 1011. First connecting hole; 1021. Second connecting hole; 1031. Third connecting hole; 3011. First bottom annular groove; 3021. Second bottom annular groove; 3031. Third bottom annular groove; 3012. First side annular groove; 3022. Second side annular groove; 3032. Third side annular groove. Detailed Implementation
[0013] 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.
[0014] Reference Figures 1 to 7 The specific implementation method of the internal components of the dehydrogenation reactor in this propane dehydrogenation unit is as follows: To achieve modular independence and rapid assembly / disassembly of the catalytic reaction unit, and to solve the problems of complex internal structure and difficult maintenance in traditional systems, this invention designs an integrated catalyst module unit. The core of this unit is the catalytic column 2, which integrates, from top to bottom, an upper gas distributor 4, a catalyst bed 5, and a lower gas distributor 6, forming a complete microreactor. Multiple sets of first axial channels 7, second axial channels 8, and third axial channels 9 are pre-installed within the sidewalls of the catalytic column 2. The entire catalytic column 2 is connected to the outside as a whole via a fixed flange 3 fitted on its top outer side. When catalyst replacement or maintenance is required, the catalytic column 2 can be lifted out as an independent module unit, enabling online maintenance of the reactor. This solves the problems of long maintenance cycles and significant downtime losses caused by the inherent rigidity of the equipment and the inability to replace parts in existing technologies.
[0015] To achieve rapid and reliable connection and sealing of multiple fluid paths between the module and external pipelines, and to solve the problems of multiple sealing points, cumbersome operation, and easy leakage in traditional flange connections, this invention designs an integrated plug-in sealing system between the fixed plate 1 and the flange 3. Specifically, the upper wall of the fixed plate 1 is surrounded by plug-in holes, with a first annular boss 101, a second annular boss 102, and a third annular boss 103 arranged sequentially from the outside to the inside; the lower wall of the flange 3 is correspondingly provided with a first bottom annular groove 3011, a second bottom annular groove 3021, and a third bottom annular groove 3031. Each boss and annular groove has a sealing element between their plug-in mating surfaces, forming a first gap, a second gap, and a third gap that are mutually isolated. Through this structure, when the catalyst column 2 module is vertically lowered into place, the flange 3 and the fixed plate 1 only need to be plugged in once to simultaneously complete the positioning and initial sealing of three independent flow channels. This simplifies the connection of multiple independent flanges, bolts, and complex pipelines on a traditional reactor into an integrated operation on a single plane, greatly improving the efficiency and reliability of the connection.
[0016] To achieve precise and independent communication between external pipelines and different functional chambers within the module, and to construct a clear fluid path, solving the problems of intersecting flow channels, easy crosstalk, and uneven pressure drop in traditional designs, this invention constructs a complete internal communication network. On the fixed plate 1, the first annular boss 101, the second annular boss 102, and the third annular boss 103 are respectively provided with a first connecting hole 1011, a second connecting hole 1021, and a third connecting hole 1031. These connecting holes respectively connect their respective sealing gaps to the first joint 10, the second joint 11, and the third joint 12 on the lower wall of the fixed plate 1. Simultaneously, on the inner wall of the flange 3, from top to bottom, are sequentially provided a first side annular groove 3012, a second side annular groove 3022, and a third side annular groove 3032, which are respectively connected to their corresponding gaps through radial holes. Finally, the first side annular groove 3012 is connected to the upper end of multiple sets of first axial channels 7 through radial holes, and its lower end is connected to the upper gas distributor 4; the second side annular groove 3022 is connected to the second axial channel 8, and its lower end leads to the catalyst bed 5; the third side annular groove 3032 is connected to the third axial channel 9, and its lower end is connected to the lower gas distributor 6. Through the tight hierarchical connection structure, the fluid input from the outside through the three joints is strictly and independently guided to the upper, middle or bottom of the catalyst bed, ensuring that the process fluid flows according to the preset path, realizing precise control of the fluid flow direction under various operating conditions such as reaction, regeneration, and purging, and avoiding crosstalk and deflection of the fluid.
[0017] To achieve flexible switching between different process conditions and the integration of auxiliary functions, and to solve the problems of limited functionality and poor expandability of traditional equipment, this invention optimizes the interface configuration. Specifically, the first connector 10 and the third connector 12 are configured as the main interfaces for the flow of the main process fluid, while the second connector 11 is configured as the auxiliary interface for the flow of the auxiliary medium. When the equipment is in reaction mode, the first connector 10 serves as the reaction product outlet, and the third connector 12 serves as the reaction raw material inlet, allowing the main process fluid to complete the reaction cycle. When catalyst regeneration or system purging is required, the second connector 11 can be used to introduce regeneration medium or purging gas, and the functions of the first connector 10 and the third connector 12 can be switched accordingly to regeneration waste gas outlet and regeneration medium inlet. This flexible interface configuration allows a single modular internal component to adapt to various process flow requirements, improving the operational flexibility and functionality of the equipment.
[0018] The working principle of this invention is based on the design concept of modularization and precise separation of flow channels. The entire system takes the catalyst column 2 as the core reaction unit, which is connected to the fixed plate 1 through the flange 3 at the top.
[0019] In the mating state, the three annular bosses on the fixing plate 1 insert into the three bottom annular grooves on the flange 3, forming a sealing gap. External pipelines, through the three joints at the bottom of the fixing plate 1 and the connecting holes inside the bosses, transport fluid raw materials, products, and auxiliary media to the corresponding sealing gaps. Subsequently, the fluid enters the corresponding side annular groove on the inner wall of the flange 3 from the gap through the radial holes.
[0020] Fluids with different functions are completely separated at the side annular groove. According to process requirements, the fluid enters a specific axial channel connected to it from the side annular groove. For example, reaction products enter the first axial channel 7, and raw materials or regeneration media enter the third axial channel 9. These axial channels are like the "blood vessels" of the module, precisely delivering the fluid to the preset chambers inside the catalyst column 2: the upper part flows out through the upper gas distributor 4, the middle part directly enters the catalyst bed 5, or the lower part flows in through the lower gas distributor 6.
[0021] Ultimately, after the fluids react or are treated in catalyst bed 5, they converge and are discharged via the opposite path. The entire process achieves integrated input / output of multiple fluid paths, physical isolation between paths, and independent control. When maintenance is required, the entire catalyst column 2 module can be lifted off as a whole, disconnecting the flow channel connection, while other parallel modules can continue to operate, thus realizing the reactor's "online hot-swap" capability and long-term stable operation.
[0022] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An internal component of a propane dehydrogenation reactor, characterized in that, include: The fixing plate (1) is provided with a plug hole; A catalyst column (2) is inserted into the insertion hole, and its upper end protrudes from the fixing plate (1). A flange (3) is fitted and fixed to the outer side of the top of the catalyst column (2); In addition, a first connector (10), a second connector (11) and a third connector (12) are provided on the lower wall of the fixing plate (1). The catalyst column (2) is provided with an upper gas distributor (4), a catalyst bed (5) and a lower gas distributor (6) from top to bottom. The sidewall of the catalyst column (2) is provided with multiple sets of first axial channels (7), second axial channels (8) and third axial channels (9) spaced apart along the axial direction. The upper wall of the fixing plate (1) is provided with a first annular boss (101), a second annular boss (102) and a third annular boss (103) from the outside to the inside around the insertion hole. The flange (3) has a first bottom annular groove (3011), a second bottom annular groove (3021), and a third bottom annular groove (3031) on its lower wall, which are respectively inserted and engaged with the first annular boss (101), the second annular boss (102), and the third annular boss (103). The inner wall of the flange (3) is provided with a first side annular groove (3012), a second side annular groove (3022) and a third side annular groove (3032) from top to bottom.
2. The internal components of the dehydrogenation reactor in a propane dehydrogenation unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: Sealing elements are provided between the first annular boss (101) and the first bottom annular groove (3011), between the second annular boss (102) and the second bottom annular groove (3021), and between the third annular boss (103) and the third bottom annular groove (3031) to form a seal, and respectively constitute the first gap, the second gap and the third gap; The first annular boss (101) is provided with a first connecting hole (1011) that passes through the first gap and the first connector (10). The second annular boss (102) is provided with a second communicating hole (1021) that passes through the second gap and the second connector (11). The third annular boss (103) is provided with a third connecting hole (1031) that passes through the third gap and the third connector (12). The first side annular groove (3012), the second side annular groove (3022), and the third side annular groove (3032) are respectively connected to the first gap, the second gap, and the third gap through radial holes; The upper end of the first axial channel (7) is connected to the first side annular groove (3012) through a radial hole, and its lower end is connected to the gas distribution cavity of the upper gas distributor (4) through a radial hole. The upper end of the second axial channel (8) is connected to the second side annular groove (3022) through a radial hole, and its lower end is connected to the interior of the catalyst bed (5) through a radial hole; The upper end of the third axial channel (9) is connected to the third side annular groove (3032) through a radial hole, and its lower end is connected to the gas distribution cavity of the lower gas distributor (6) through a radial hole.
3. The internal components of the dehydrogenation reactor in a propane dehydrogenation unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connector (10) and the third connector (12) are configured as main interfaces for the flow of the main process fluid, and the second connector (11) is configured as an auxiliary interface for the flow of auxiliary media.
4. The internal components of the dehydrogenation reactor in a propane dehydrogenation unit according to claim 3, characterized in that, The flange (3) is fixed to the catalyst column (2) by welding.