A tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of chemical production, and concretely relates to a tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology, which comprises a heating cylinder, a reaction system and a temperature control mechanism. The reaction system is provided with a spiral reaction tube, the spiral reaction tube prolongs the reaction path in a limited space, one end of the reaction tube is provided with a uniform mixing tube, and the spiral groove structure of the uniform mixing tube effectively strengthens the radial mixing degree of the material and improves the uniformity of the material distribution. The heating cylinder and the heat conduction medium provide a uniform and stable heat environment for the reaction tube, the temperature control mechanism realizes accurate and rapid adjustment of the reaction temperature through the heat exchanger and the control box, and local overheating or uneven temperature distribution is avoided. The whole system operates in a continuous flow mode, can timely remove the reaction heat, fundamentally eliminates the risk of reaction out of control caused by heat accumulation in the traditional batch process, and improves the continuity and controllability of the production process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chemical production technology, and more specifically, to a tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology. Background Technology

[0002] In synthesis processes involving high-temperature, high-pressure reactions and unstable raw materials or intermediates (such as the reaction of thiocyanonitroaniline with methanol), traditional batch reactor processes often face limitations in production efficiency and scale. This process is prone to reduced reaction selectivity and increased byproducts during production, and in highly exothermic or rapid reaction stages, heat accumulation can lead to runaway reactions, posing significant safety hazards.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, continuous flow reaction technology can replace traditional batch reactor processes. Continuous flow reaction technology is a chemical synthesis method that allows reactants to continuously flow and react within narrow pipes or microchannels. It is driving the transformation of industries such as chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing from traditional batch production to more efficient, safe, and controllable continuous manufacturing models. Continuous flow reaction technology typically uses tubular reactors for process control. A tubular reactor is a continuous flow reaction device with a large length-to-diameter ratio, belonging to plug flow reactors. However, the mixing effect in existing tubular reactors mainly relies on the turbulent diffusion and radial mixing of the fluid itself. Under conditions of low flow rate, high viscosity, or small pipe diameter, the flow may be in a laminar state, leading to insufficient radial mixing and thus uneven distribution of reactants. Furthermore, due to the long reaction tube section, temperature control of the reactants within the tube is difficult, easily resulting in uneven temperature distribution. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology, aiming to improve the mixing effect and temperature control capability of existing tubular reactors.

[0005] A tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: A heating cylinder, wherein a drain pipe is provided at the upper part of the heating cylinder and a liquid inlet pipe is provided at the lower part of the heating cylinder; The reaction system includes a spiral reaction tube disposed within the heating cylinder, the reaction tube being immersed in a heat-conducting medium within the heating cylinder; a homogenizing tube is disposed at one end of the reaction tube, and a spiral groove is disposed on the inner circumferential wall of the homogenizing tube. A temperature control mechanism is provided, which includes a control box containing a heat exchanger. The output end of the heat exchanger is connected to the liquid inlet pipe, and the input end of the heat exchanger is connected to the liquid outlet pipe.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the reaction system includes a raw material pump, a first pipeline and a first servo valve. The output end of the raw material pump is connected to one end of the first pipeline, the other end of the first pipeline is connected to the homogenizing pipe, and the first servo valve is disposed on the first pipeline.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the reaction system includes a second pipe and a flow meter, one end of the second pipe is connected to the reaction tube, and the flow meter is disposed on the second pipe.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a pressure gauge is provided on the heating cylinder.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a temperature gauge is provided on the upper part of the heating cylinder, and the lower end of the temperature gauge passes through the heating cylinder and extends to the middle part of the heating cylinder.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a pressure relief valve is provided on the heating cylinder.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a second servo valve is provided on the drain pipe.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this utility model, a third servo valve is provided on the liquid inlet pipe.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the control box is provided with a control panel.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the drain pipe and the inlet pipe are respectively located on both sides of the axis of the heating cylinder.

[0015] A tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: According to the present invention, the spiral reaction tube extends the reaction path within a limited space. Combined with the spiral groove structure of the homogenizing tube, it effectively enhances the radial mixing degree of the materials and improves the uniformity of material distribution. The heating cylinder and the heat transfer medium provide a uniform and stable thermal environment for the reaction tube. The temperature control mechanism achieves precise and rapid adjustment of the reaction temperature through a heat exchanger and control box, avoiding local overheating or uneven temperature distribution. The entire system operates in a continuous flow mode, which can remove the heat of reaction in a timely manner, fundamentally eliminating the risk of reaction runaway caused by heat accumulation in traditional batch processes, while improving the continuity and controllability of the production process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a perspective structural diagram of the heating cylinder of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the reaction tube of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of one structure of the homogenizing tube of this utility model.

[0017] In the picture: 100-Heating cylinder, 110-Drain pipe, 111-Second servo valve, 120-Inlet pipe, 121-Third servo valve, 130-Pressure gauge, 140-Temperature meter, 150-Pressure relief valve; 200 - Reaction system, 210 - Reaction tube, 220 - Homogenization tube, 221 - Spiral groove, 230 - Raw material pump, 240 - First pipeline, 250 - First servo valve, 260 - Second pipeline, 270 - Flow meter; 300 - Temperature control mechanism, 310 - Control box, 311 - Control panel, 320 - Heat exchanger. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0019] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, etc., are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0020] In the description of this utility model, "multiple" refers to two or more. The use of "first" and "second" is for distinguishing technical features only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or their sequential relationship.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0022] Reference Figures 1 to 4As shown, this utility model discloses a tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology, including a heating cylinder 100, a reaction system 200, and a temperature control mechanism 300. The heating cylinder 100 has a drain pipe 110 at its upper part and an inlet pipe 120 at its lower part. The reaction system 200 has a spiral reaction tube 210 inside the heating cylinder 100, which is immersed in a heat-conducting medium within the heating cylinder 100. One end of the reaction tube 210 has a homogenizing pipe 220, and the inner circumferential wall of the homogenizing pipe 220 has a spiral groove 221. The temperature control mechanism 300 has a control box 310, and a heat exchanger 320 is installed inside the control box 310. The output end of the heat exchanger 320 is connected to the inlet pipe 120, and the input end of the heat exchanger 320 is connected to the drain pipe 110. Specifically, in this embodiment, through a structured flow path design and a closed-loop temperature control system, efficient mixing of reactants and precise, uniform control of reaction temperature are achieved. The specific workflow is as follows: The reactants first enter the homogenizing tube 220. The spiral grooves 221 on the inner circumferential wall of the homogenizing tube 220 induce regular secondary flow and radial shear as the material flows through, thereby achieving preliminary and sufficient premixing before the material enters the reaction tube 210, effectively improving the uniformity of material distribution. The premixed material then enters the spiral reaction tube 210 located inside the heating cylinder 100. The reaction tube 210 is immersed in a heat-conducting medium filled within the heating cylinder 100. In this embodiment, the heat-conducting medium can be a liquid medium with high thermal conductivity, such as heat-conducting oil. The spiral pipe layout significantly extends the reaction path within a limited volume, not only providing the required reaction residence time, but its curved structure itself also helps to promote radial mixing of the fluid during its forward movement. The entire reaction tube 210 is completely enveloped by the heat-conducting medium, ensuring that heat can be uniformly transferred to or removed from the reaction system. The temperature control mechanism 300 is responsible for the dynamic stability of the entire system's thermal environment. Its control box 310 monitors the temperature in real time and instructs the heat exchanger 320 to heat or cool the heat transfer medium. The temperature-controlled heat transfer medium is pumped from the output end of the heat exchanger 320 to the inlet pipe 120 at the bottom of the heating cylinder 100, entering the heating cylinder 100. Inside the heating cylinder 100, the heat transfer medium undergoes efficient heat exchange with the reaction tube 210, absorbing or releasing reaction heat, thus changing its temperature. The temperature-changed heat transfer medium flows out from the drain pipe 110 at the top of the heating cylinder 100 and returns to the input end of the heat exchanger 320 via pipeline, thus forming a continuous cycle. This closed-loop design allows the temperature of the heat transfer medium to be quickly and accurately regulated, and ensures a highly uniform and constant temperature environment on the outer wall of the entire reaction tube 210 through continuous circulation.Through the design of this scheme, the mixing is enhanced by the homogenizing tube 220, the path is extended and the mixing is assisted by the spiral reaction tube 210, and a closed-loop temperature control system consisting of the heating cylinder 100, the heat transfer medium, the temperature control mechanism 300, the control box 310, the heat exchanger 320, the liquid inlet pipe 120 and the liquid outlet pipe 110 is used to achieve high-precision control of the internal reaction conditions of the tubular reactor on which the continuous flow reaction technology is based.

[0023] In some embodiments of this invention, the reaction system 200 includes a raw material pump 230, a first pipeline 240, and a first servo valve 250. The output end of the raw material pump 230 is connected to one end of the first pipeline 240, and the other end of the first pipeline 240 is connected to a homogenizing pipe 220. The first servo valve 250 is mounted on the first pipeline 240. Specifically, in this embodiment, the raw material pump 230 serves as a power source, responsible for continuously and stably pumping the reactants into the system. The output end of the raw material pump 230 is connected to one end of the first pipeline 240, conveying the material into the first pipeline 240. The first pipeline 240 serves as a conveying channel, with its other end connected to the inlet of the homogenizing pipe 220, thereby directionally guiding the material into the subsequent mixing and reaction stages. The first servo valve 250, mounted on the first pipeline 240, is a key control element. It adjusts the flow rate and pressure of the material flowing through the first pipeline 240 in real time according to process requirements. By rapidly and precisely controlling the valve opening, the first servo valve 250 ensures that the material flow rate and pressure entering the homogenizing tube 220 remain constant or vary according to a preset program. This design enables precise, reliable, and programmable control of the reactant input conditions. The feed pump 230 provides the basic flow, the first conduit 240 forms the flow path, and the first servo valve 250 performs fine-tuning. This ensures that the reactants enter the homogenizing tube 220 in a constant flow state that meets the process design requirements, laying a stable flow and pressure foundation for efficient and uniform mixing and reaction within the homogenizing tube 220 and the spiral reaction tube 210. This design enhances the control capability of the entire continuous flow reaction technology system over process parameters and is a crucial element in ensuring reaction reproducibility and safety.

[0024] In some embodiments of this invention, the reaction system 200 includes a second pipe 260 and a flow meter 270. One end of the second pipe 260 is connected to the reaction pipe 210, and the flow meter 270 is mounted on the second pipe 260. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second pipe 260 serves as a product outflow channel. One end of the second pipe 260 is connected to the outlet of the reaction pipe 210, used to receive and transport the reacted materials, guiding them to subsequent post-processing or collection units. The flow meter 270 is used to continuously and in real-time measure the volumetric flow rate of the materials flowing through the pipe. Through the design of this structure, the real-time flow data provided by the flow meter 270 is a key process parameter for monitoring the operating status of the reaction system. This data can be correlated and compared with the delivery setpoints of the raw material pump 230 and the first servo valve 250 at the front end of the reaction system 200, thereby providing a direct basis for evaluating reaction stability, verifying system tightness, and calculating material balance. The configuration of the second pipeline 260 and the flow meter 270 enables the entire reaction system 200 to form a complete closed-loop monitoring and control loop from material input and reaction to product output, further improving the reliability and controllability of the continuous flow reaction technology. In some embodiments of this invention, a pressure gauge 130 is provided on the heating cylinder 100. Further, a thermometer 140 is provided on the heating cylinder 100, with its lower end passing through the heating cylinder 100 and extending to the middle of the heating cylinder 100. Further, a pressure relief valve 150 is provided on the heating cylinder 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pressure gauge 130 is installed on the heating cylinder 100 to continuously monitor the real-time pressure inside the cylinder. This pressure data is a key indicator for evaluating the system's airtightness and the internal pressure generated by the volume expansion of the heat-conducting medium after heating, providing direct status parameters for operational safety. The sensing end of the thermometer 140 extends from the upper part of the heating cylinder 100 and extends to the middle space of the cylinder. This position can more accurately reflect the temperature of the main area of ​​the heat-conducting medium surrounding the reaction tube 210, rather than the boundary temperature near the cylinder wall. The measured temperature signal is the core feedback input for temperature regulation in the control box 310 of the temperature control mechanism 300, ensuring the representativeness and accuracy of temperature control. The pressure relief valve 150 is installed on the heating cylinder 100 as a passive safety protection device. When the pressure inside the cylinder exceeds its preset safety threshold due to abnormal conditions, such as overheating and vaporization of the heat transfer medium or system blockage, the pressure relief valve 150 will automatically open to release excess pressure, thereby preventing damage to the heating cylinder 100 and its related pipelines due to overpressure, ensuring equipment and personnel safety. Through this structural design, the pressure gauge 130 and the temperature instrument 140 together form a real-time monitoring system for key process parameters inside the heating cylinder 100, providing data support for process control and safety assessment; the pressure relief valve 150 serves as a final safety redundancy, providing reliable overpressure protection for the system. These components, together with the original control box 310, heat exchanger 320, etc., work together to ensure the safe, stable, and controllable operation of the entire temperature control system.

[0025] In some embodiments of this utility model, a second servo valve 111 is provided on the drain pipe 110. Further, a third servo valve 121 is provided on the inlet pipe 120. Specifically, in this embodiment, the second servo valve 111 on the drain pipe 110 and the third servo valve 121 on the inlet pipe 120 constitute an active, bidirectional flow regulation unit for the circulating flow of the heat transfer medium. During operation, the second servo valve 111 and the third servo valve 121 are respectively installed on the key pipelines for the heat transfer medium flowing out and into the heating cylinder 100. These two servo valves receive commands from the control box 310 and can independently and precisely adjust the opening of their respective pipelines, thereby actively controlling the instantaneous flow rate and velocity of the heat transfer medium entering and exiting the heating cylinder 100. This achieves precise control of the internal thermal dynamics of the heating cylinder 100. By coordinating the injection flow rate of the inlet pipe 120 and the discharge flow rate of the outlet pipe 110, the system can respond more quickly and smoothly to temperature changes detected by the thermometer 140 and execute temperature adjustment commands issued by the control box 310. For example, when rapid heating is required, the valve can be adjusted synchronously to increase the circulation rate of the heat transfer medium; when precise heat preservation is required, the valve can be adjusted to maintain a stable and slow circulation flow. This not only improves the response speed and accuracy of temperature control but also helps maintain the stability of the pressure inside the heating cylinder 100.

[0026] In some embodiments of this utility model, a control panel 311 is provided on the control box 310. Specifically, in this embodiment, the control panel 311 can provide a visual control interface.

[0027] In some embodiments of this invention, the drain pipe 110 and the inlet pipe 120 are located on opposite sides of the axis of the heating cylinder 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, the heat transfer medium flowing into the inlet pipe 120 and having undergone temperature adjustment by the heat exchanger 320, and the heat transfer medium flowing out of the drain pipe 110 and having completed heat exchange, are spatially separated on opposite sides of the central axis of the cylinder. This arrangement forces the heat transfer medium to traverse the entire cross-sectional area of ​​the cylinder from one side to the other to complete the circulation from the inlet to the outlet. This structural design significantly enhances the overall flow and mixing effect of the heat transfer medium within the heating cylinder 100. This lateral flow pattern, combined with the complex surface of the outer wall of the spiral reaction tube 210, generates stronger convection and turbulence. This firstly ensures a more uniform distribution of heat within the heat transfer medium itself, minimizing the formation of localized cold or hot zones. Secondly, the uniform and fully flowing medium environment makes the heat exchange between the heat-conducting medium and the outer wall of the reaction tube 210 more consistent and efficient, thus providing an extremely uniform and stable outer wall temperature field for the reaction tube 210 immersed in it.

[0028] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology, characterized in that, include: A heating cylinder (100) is provided with a drain pipe (110) at the upper part and a liquid inlet pipe (120) at the lower part. A reaction system (200) is provided with a spiral reaction tube (210) inside the heating cylinder (100), the reaction tube (210) being immersed in a heat-conducting medium inside the heating cylinder (100); a homogenizing tube (220) is provided at one end of the reaction tube (210), and a spiral groove (221) is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the homogenizing tube (220). Temperature control mechanism (300), the temperature control mechanism (300) is provided with control box (310), the control box (310) is provided with heat exchanger (320), the output end of the heat exchanger (320) is connected to the liquid inlet pipe (120), and the input end of the heat exchanger (320) is connected to the liquid outlet pipe (110).

2. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction system (200) includes a raw material pump (230), a first pipeline (240) and a first servo valve (250). The output end of the raw material pump (230) is connected to one end of the first pipeline (240), and the other end of the first pipeline (240) is connected to the homogenizing pipe (220). The first servo valve (250) is installed on the first pipeline (240).

3. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reaction system (200) includes a second pipe (260) and a flow meter (270), one end of the second pipe (260) is connected to the reaction tube (210), and the flow meter (270) is installed on the second pipe (260).

4. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, A pressure gauge (130) is installed on the upper part of the heating cylinder (100).

5. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, A thermometer (140) is provided on the upper part of the heating cylinder (100), and the lower end of the thermometer (140) passes through the heating cylinder (100) and extends to the middle part of the heating cylinder (100).

6. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating cylinder (100) is equipped with a pressure relief valve (150).

7. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second servo valve (111) is provided on the drain pipe (110).

8. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 7, characterized in that, A third servo valve (121) is provided on the inlet pipe (120).

9. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control box (310) is equipped with a control panel (311).

10. The tubular reactor based on continuous flow reaction technology according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain pipe (110) and the inlet pipe (120) are located on both sides of the axis of the heating cylinder (100).

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