Optimized structure of micro-channel of microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522576442.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-04
AI Technical Summary
Existing microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactors suffer from problems such as uneven mixing, excessive pressure drop, high energy consumption, incomplete reaction, high catalyst mass transfer resistance, low reaction efficiency, and insufficient system stability.
By employing a spiral structure of microchannel tubes and internally spaced micro-turbulence protrusions, combined with liquid cooling channels and catalyst coating design, fluid turbulence and uniform heat dissipation are achieved. Flow rate is controlled by micro-valve to optimize reaction conditions.
Reduce system energy consumption, increase CO2 hydrogenation conversion rate, reduce by-product generation, enhance system stability, generate higher-value products, and improve economic efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN224926095U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the fields of microfluidic technology and chemical reaction engineering technology, specifically an optimized microchannel structure for a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor. Background Technology
[0002] Carbon dioxide hydrogenation technology is an important way to utilize the greenhouse gas CO2, reacting it with H2 to produce high-value-added chemicals such as methanol, low-carbon olefins, and alkanes. With the acceleration of global industrialization, CO2 emissions continue to rise, and the increasing depletion of traditional fossil fuels has made it imperative to find sustainable energy solutions. Against this backdrop, carbon dioxide hydrogenation technology has emerged, providing not only an effective way to reduce CO2 emissions but also converting CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels, achieving the recycling of carbon resources and providing a new opportunity for sustainable development. Microchannel reactors have gained widespread attention in the field of CO2 catalytic hydrogenation in recent years due to their simple and compact structure and strong heat and mass transfer capabilities. Microchannel reactors control reactants through microchannels and microvalves, enabling precise mixing and reaction of reactants, and are characterized by small size, low energy consumption, and high efficiency. However, existing microchannel designs suffer from problems such as uneven mixing, excessive pressure drop, or low conversion rates, which seriously restrict the industrial application of CO2 hydrogenation technology.
[0003] However, the laminar flow dominance in common microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactors leads to fluid stratification and low mixing intensity. Under laminar flow conditions, pressure drop is high, resulting in high system energy consumption. Incomplete reactions and the potential for side reactions are also issues. Furthermore, the mass transfer resistance between the catalyst and the fluid is significant, leading to low reaction efficiency. Finally, the system suffers from insufficient stability. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide an optimized microchannel structure for a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor in order to solve the problems mentioned above.
[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A microchannel optimized structure for a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor, comprising a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor, wherein a microchannel and a liquid cooling channel are fixedly connected to the inner side of the microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor, the microchannel comprising a reactant input pipe, a microvalve, a reactant distribution layer, a microchannel pipe, a reactant manifold layer, and a reactant output pipe, and the liquid cooling channel comprising a coolant input pipe, a coolant distribution layer, a liquid cooling channel pipe, a coolant manifold layer, and a coolant output pipe.
[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, during equipment operation, the synergistic effect of the spiral structure of the microchannel tube and the micro-turbulence created by the fixedly connected, spaced micro-turbulence protrusions inside the microchannel tube can reduce pressure drop, lower system energy consumption, and improve energy utilization efficiency. Furthermore, the spiral structure of the microchannel tube, the turbulence created by the spaced micro-turbulence protrusions, and the catalyst coated on the inner wall of the microchannel tube can improve mass transfer efficiency, promote CO2 activation and hydrogenation, increase CO2 hydrogenation conversion rate, and reduce the formation of byproducts such as CO and methane. Improved methanol selectivity allows for the production of higher-value products, enhancing economic benefits.
[0007] Dynamic flow output control can be achieved by a micro-valve fixedly connected to the outside of the reactant input pipe. The flow rate can be adjusted in real time according to changes in reaction conditions to avoid local overheating or overcooling. Furthermore, the heat emitted by the internal reaction on the micro-channel tube can be removed through the liquid cooling channel by wrapping the micro-channel, achieving uniform heat dissipation and enhancing system stability.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the microchannel tube is fixedly connected with spaced micro-turbulence protrusions.
[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the direction of fluid inside the microchannel tube can be changed by the micro-turbulence protrusion, enhancing lateral mass transfer and generating chaotic convection, thereby improving mixing efficiency.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the inner wall of the microchannel tube is coated with a catalyst.
[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the catalyst is designed with an inner wall coating to increase the dispersion of the catalyst and the number of active sites, and optimize the contact between the catalyst and the reactants.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor has a coolant distribution layer and a reactant distribution layer above it. The bottom of the coolant distribution layer is connected to the inside of the microchannel tube, and the top of the coolant distribution layer is connected to the coolant inlet pipe.
[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, coolant is injected into the coolant distribution layer through the coolant inlet pipe, and then distributed to the liquid cooling channel pipe through the coolant distribution layer, cooling the heat emitted by the microchannel pipe due to the internal reaction, thus achieving uniform heat dissipation.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the lower part of the reactant distribution layer communicates with the inside of the microchannel tube, and the upper part of the reactant distribution layer communicates with the reactant input tube.
[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, reactant is injected into the reactant distribution layer through the reactant inlet pipe, and then evenly distributed into the microchannel tubes through the reactant distribution layer. This enables multi-channel reactions and improves reaction efficiency.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment, a coolant manifold and a reactant manifold are provided below the microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor. The upper part of the coolant manifold is connected to a liquid cooling channel pipe, and the lower part of the coolant manifold is connected to a coolant output pipe.
[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the coolant flowing out of the liquid cooling channel pipe is collected through the coolant manifold and then discharged through the coolant output pipe.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the upper part of the reactant manifold is connected to a microchannel tube, and the lower part of the reactant manifold is connected to a reactant output tube.
[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, the reacted material in the microchannel tube is collected through the reactant manifold layer and then discharged through the reactant output tube.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a miniature valve is fixedly connected to the outside of the reactant input pipe.
[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, dynamic flow output control can be achieved through a micro valve fixedly connected to the outside of the reactant input pipe. The flow rate can be adjusted in real time according to changes in reaction conditions to avoid local overheating or overcooling.
[0022] In summary, due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this application are:
[0023] During equipment operation, the synergistic effect of the spiral structure of the microchannel tube and the micro-turbulence created by the fixedly connected, spaced micro-turbulence protrusions within the microchannel tube reduces pressure drop, lowers system energy consumption, and improves energy efficiency. Furthermore, the spiral structure of the microchannel tube, the turbulence created by the spaced micro-turbulence protrusions, and the catalyst coated on the inner wall of the microchannel tube enhance mass transfer efficiency, promote CO2 activation and hydrogenation, increase CO2 hydrogenation conversion rate, and reduce the formation of byproducts such as CO and methane. Improved methanol selectivity allows for the production of higher-value products, enhancing economic benefits.
[0024] Dynamic flow output control can be achieved by a micro-valve fixedly connected to the outside of the reactant input pipe. The flow rate can be adjusted in real time according to changes in reaction conditions to avoid local overheating or overcooling. Furthermore, the heat emitted by the internal reaction on the micro-channel tube can be removed through the liquid cooling channel by wrapping the micro-channel, achieving uniform heat dissipation and enhancing system stability. Attached Figure Description
[0025] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of the device in this application;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall bottom view of the device in this application;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall internal structure of the device in this application;
[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the microchannel tube in the device of this application;
[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow divider structure of the device in this application;
[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the busbar structure of the device in this application.
[0031] The diagram shows the following labels: 1. Microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor; 2. Liquid cooling channel tube; 3. Microchannel tube; 4. Coolant distribution layer; 5. Reactant distribution layer; 6. Coolant manifold layer; 7. Reactant manifold layer; 8. Catalyst; 9. Micro-turbulence protrusion; 10. Coolant inlet pipe; 11. Micro-valve; 12. Reactant inlet pipe; 13. Coolant outlet pipe; 14. Reactant outlet pipe. Detailed Implementation
[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0033] Example:
[0034] Reference Figure 1-6 This invention provides an optimized microchannel structure for a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor, aiming to address the problems in existing technologies where laminar flow dominance leads to fluid stratification, low mixing intensity, high pressure drop and high system energy consumption under laminar flow conditions, incomplete reaction and easy generation of side reactions, large mass transfer resistance between catalyst and fluid, low reaction efficiency, and insufficient system stability.
[0035] An optimized microchannel structure for a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor includes a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor 1. A microchannel and a liquid cooling channel are fixedly connected to the inner side of the microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor 1. The microchannel includes a reactant inlet pipe 12, a microvalve 11, a reactant distribution layer 5, a microchannel pipe 3, a reactant manifold layer 7, and a reactant outlet pipe 14. The liquid cooling channel includes a coolant inlet pipe 10, a coolant distribution layer 4, a liquid cooling channel pipe 2, a coolant manifold layer 6, and a coolant outlet pipe 13.
[0036] During equipment operation, the synergistic effect of the spiral structure of the microchannel tube 3 and the micro-turbulence created by the spaced micro-turbulence protrusions 9 fixedly connected inside the microchannel tube 3 reduces pressure drop, lowers system energy consumption, and improves energy efficiency. Furthermore, the spiral structure of the microchannel tube 3, the turbulence created by the spaced micro-turbulence protrusions 9, and the catalyst 8 coated on the inner wall of the microchannel tube 3 enhance mass transfer efficiency, promote CO2 activation and hydrogenation, increase CO2 hydrogenation conversion rate, and reduce the formation of byproducts such as CO and methane. Improved methanol selectivity allows for the production of higher-value products, enhancing economic benefits.
[0037] Dynamic flow output control can be achieved through the micro valve 11 fixedly connected to the outside of the reactant input pipe 12. The flow rate can be adjusted in real time according to the changes in reaction conditions to avoid local overheating or overcooling. Furthermore, the heat emitted by the micro channel tube 3 due to the internal reaction can be removed through the liquid cooling channel and the micro channel can be wrapped to achieve uniform heat dissipation, which can enhance the stability of the system.
[0038] The inner wall of the microchannel tube 3 is fixedly connected with spaced micro-turbulence protrusions 9. The micro-turbulence protrusions 9 can change the direction of the fluid inside the microchannel tube 3, enhance lateral mass transfer, generate chaotic convection, and thus improve mixing efficiency.
[0039] The inner wall of the microchannel tube 3 is coated with catalyst 8. The catalyst 8 adopts an inner wall coating design to increase the dispersion of the catalyst and the number of active sites, and optimize the contact between the catalyst and the reactants.
[0040] The microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor 1 has a coolant distribution layer 4 and a reactant distribution layer 5 above it. The bottom of the coolant distribution layer 4 is connected to the inside of the microchannel tube 3, and the top of the coolant distribution layer 4 is connected to the coolant inlet pipe 10. Coolant is injected into the coolant distribution layer 4 through the coolant inlet pipe 10, and then distributed through the coolant distribution layer 4 to the liquid cooling channel tube 2 to cool the heat dissipated by the internal reaction on the microchannel tube 3, thus achieving uniform heat dissipation.
[0041] The lower part of the reactant distribution layer 5 communicates with the inner side of the microchannel tube 3, and the upper part of the reactant distribution layer 5 communicates with the reactant input tube 12. Reactant is injected into the reactant distribution layer 5 through the reactant input tube 12, and then evenly distributed into the microchannel tube 3 through the reactant distribution layer 5. This enables multi-channel reactions and improves reaction efficiency.
[0042] The microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor 1 has a coolant manifold 6 and a reactant manifold 7 at its bottom. The upper part of the coolant manifold 6 is connected to the liquid cooling channel pipe 2, and the lower part of the coolant manifold 6 is connected to the coolant outlet pipe 13. The coolant flowing out of the liquid cooling channel pipe 2 is collected through the coolant manifold 6 and then discharged through the coolant outlet pipe 13.
[0043] The upper part of the reactant manifold 7 is connected to the microchannel tube 3, and the lower part of the reactant manifold 7 is connected to the reactant output tube 14. The reacted material in the microchannel tube 3 is collected through the reactant manifold 7 and discharged through the reactant output tube 14.
[0044] A miniature valve 11 is fixedly connected to the outside of the reactant inlet pipe 12. Dynamic flow output control can be achieved through the miniature valve 11 fixedly connected to the outside of the reactant inlet pipe 12, which can adjust the flow rate in real time according to changes in reaction conditions to avoid local overheating or overcooling.
[0045] The implementation principle of the microchannel optimized structure embodiment of the microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor of this application is as follows: Reactant is injected into the reactant distribution layer 5 through the reactant input pipe 12. The dynamic flow output is controlled by the micro-valve 11, allowing for real-time adjustment of the flow rate according to changes in reaction conditions. The reactant is then diverted through the reactant distribution layer 5 into the microchannel pipe 3. Turbulence is formed in the microchannel pipe 3 by the obstruction of the micro-turbulence protrusions 9, ensuring sufficient reaction between the reactant and the catalyst 8 inside the microchannel pipe 3. The reactant then converges through the reactant collection layer 7 and is discharged through the reactant output pipe 14. This reduces pressure drop, lowers system energy consumption, and improves energy efficiency. It promotes CO2 activation and hydrogenation, increasing CO2 hydrogenation conversion rate and reducing the formation of byproducts such as CO and methane. It also improves methanol selectivity, enabling the generation of higher-value products and enhancing economic efficiency. Heat is generated during the reaction. Coolant can be injected into the coolant distribution layer 4 through the coolant inlet pipe 10. The coolant is then distributed to the liquid cooling channel pipe 2 through the coolant distribution layer 4, absorbing the heat generated by the reaction inside the microchannel pipe 3. The heat is then gathered through the coolant manifold layer 6 and discharged through the coolant outlet pipe 13, achieving uniform heat dissipation and enhancing system stability.
[0046] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application 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 of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.
Claims
1. A microchannel optimized structure for a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor, comprising a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor (1), wherein a microchannel and a liquid cooling channel are fixedly connected to the inner side of the microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor (1), characterized in that: The microchannel includes a reactant input pipe (12), a micro valve (11), a reactant distribution layer (5), a microchannel pipe (3), a reactant confluence layer (7), and a reactant output pipe (14). The liquid cooling channel includes a coolant input pipe (10), a coolant distribution layer (4), a liquid cooling channel pipe (2), a coolant confluence layer (6), and a coolant output pipe (13).
2. The microchannel optimized structure of a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the microchannel tube (3) is fixedly connected with spaced micro-turbulence protrusions (9).
3. The microchannel optimized structure of a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the microchannel tube (3) is coated with a catalyst (8).
4. The microchannel optimized structure of a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor (1) has a cooling liquid distribution layer (4) and a reactant distribution layer (5) above it. The bottom of the cooling liquid distribution layer (4) is connected to the inside of the microchannel tube (3), and the top of the cooling liquid distribution layer (4) is connected to the cooling liquid input tube (10).
5. The microchannel optimized structure of a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lower part of the reaction material distribution layer (5) is connected to the inner side of the microchannel tube (3), and the upper part of the reaction material distribution layer (5) is connected to the reaction material input tube (12).
6. The microchannel optimized structure of a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor (1) has a cooling liquid manifold (6) and a reactant manifold (7) below it. The upper part of the cooling liquid manifold (6) is connected to the liquid cooling channel pipe (2), and the lower part of the cooling liquid manifold (6) is connected to the cooling liquid output pipe (13).
7. The microchannel optimized structure of a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The upper part of the reaction material manifold (7) is connected to the microchannel tube (3), and the lower part of the reaction material manifold (7) is connected to the reaction material output tube (14).
8. The microchannel optimized structure of a microfluidic carbon dioxide hydrogenation reactor as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A micro valve (11) is fixedly connected to the outside of the reaction material input pipe (12).