EFFICIENT, INDIRECT ELECTRIC HEATING

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device comprising at least one pipeline and a method for heating a feedstock in a pipeline.

[0002] Such devices are generally known. For example, WO 2015 / 197181 A1 describes a device for heating a fluid, comprising at least one electrically conductive conduit for receiving the fluid, and at least one voltage source connected to the at least one conduit. The at least one voltage source is configured to generate an alternating electrical current in the at least one conduit, which heats the at least one conduit to heat the fluid.

[0003] WO 2020 / 035575 describes a device for heating a fluid. The device comprises - at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment for receiving the fluid, and - at least one direct current and / or direct voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or each pipeline segment is assigned a direct current and / or direct voltage source which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or to the respective pipeline segment, wherein the respective direct current and / or direct voltage source is designed to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or in the respective pipeline segment, which heats the respective pipeline and / or the respective pipeline segment through Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, in order to heat the fluid.

[0004] Demand-controlled water heaters and methods for operating the same are known from CA 2 613 726 A1. The water heater contains an electrolytic heating subsystem, which is a pulsed electrolysis system that heats up during operation. A heat exchange line integrated into a water pipe is located near the electrolysis tank of the electrolytic heating subsystem. When water flows through the demand-controlled water heater, the water passes through the heat exchange line and is thereby heated. CA 2 613 908 A1 discloses a radiant heating system and a method for operating the same. The system uses an electrolytic heating subsystem. The electrolytic heating subsystem is a pulsed electrolysis system that heats the medium contained in the electrolysis tank during operation.The heated medium is circulated through a heat exchanger, which is connected to the electrolysis tank via a first line, thereby heating the heat exchanger. A heat transfer medium is circulated through the radiant heating hose and the heat exchanger via a second line. As the heat transfer medium circulates through the heat exchanger, it is heated, and the absorbed heat is then radiated away through the radiant heat pipe hose. US 3,855,449 A describes two communicating chambers, each containing a quantity of liquid electrolyte and a quantity of electrolyte in vapor form. The vapor-containing parts of the chambers are connected to each other, and the liquid-containing parts of the chambers are connected to each other. One of the chambers houses electrodes that can be connected to an electrical energy source to cause heating of the electrodes and vaporization of the liquid electrolyte.The other chamber contains a heat exchanger through which a medium to be heated can flow. A valve is located in the connection between the vapor-containing parts of the chambers. This valve responds to the temperature of the medium to be heated. When heating of the medium is required, the valve opens, allowing evaporated electrolyte from the chamber containing the electrodes to flow into the other chamber and condense on the heat exchanger. The heat released by the condensed electrolyte is transferred to the medium.

[0005] However, known devices for heating a fluid in a pipeline are often technically complicated or can only be implemented with great technical effort.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device comprising at least one pipeline for receiving at least one feedstock and a method for heating a feedstock, which at least largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods. In particular, the device and method should be technically simple to implement and carry out, as well as economical.In particular, the device should be usable and the method should be applicable in a plant selected from the group consisting of: a plant for carrying out at least one endothermic reaction, a plant for heating, a plant for preheating, a steam cracker, a steam reformer, a device for alkane dehydrogenation, a reformer, a device for dry reforming, a device for styrene production, a device for ethylbenzene dehydrogenation, a device for splitting ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a device for dehydrogenation.

[0007] This object is achieved by a device, a method, and a system having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified, among other things, in the associated subclaims and subclaim combinations.

[0008] In the following, the terms "have," "have," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used non-exclusively. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A has B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no further element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example, element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0009] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of these terms or similar terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be provided singly or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent re-mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be provided singly or multiple times.

[0010] Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and these features are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. Thus, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or "in an embodiment of the invention" are understood to be optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave untouched all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features, whether optional or non-optional.

[0011] In a first aspect of the present invention, a device comprising at least one pipeline for receiving at least one feedstock is proposed.

[0012] Within the scope of the present invention, a "feedstock" can be understood as basically any material, also referred to as feed or feedstock, from which reaction products can be generated and / or produced, in particular by at least one chemical reaction. The reaction can be an endothermic reaction. The reaction can be a non-endothermic reaction, for example, preheating or heating. The feedstock can in particular be a reactant with which a chemical reaction is to be carried out. The feedstock can be liquid or gaseous. The feedstock can be a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked and / or a mixture. The feedstock can comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: methane, ethane, propane, butane, naphtha, ethylbenzene, gas oil, condensates, bioliquids, biogases, pyrolysis oils, waste oils, and liquids from renewable raw materials.Biofluids can be, for example, fats or oils or their derivatives from renewable raw materials, such as bio-oil or biodiesel. Other feedstocks are also conceivable.

[0013] Within the context of the present invention, a "pipeline" can be understood as any shaped device configured to receive and / or transport the feedstock. The pipeline can be and / or comprise at least one reaction tube in which at least one chemical reaction can take place. The pipeline can comprise at least one pipe and / or at least one pipeline segment and / or at least one pipeline coil. A pipeline segment can be a portion of a pipeline. The terms "pipeline," "pipeline segment," and "pipeline coil" are used synonymously below. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipeline can depend on the feedstock to be transported. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipeline can also be selected depending on a desired reaction and / or the avoidance of a specific reaction.For example, ceramic tubes can be chosen to reduce coking.

[0014] The device may have a plurality of pipelines. The device may have I pipelines, where I is a natural number greater than or equal to two. For example, the device may have at least two, three, four, five, or even more pipelines. The device may, for example, have up to one hundred pipelines. The pipelines may be identical or different.

[0015] The pipelines can comprise symmetrical and / or asymmetrical pipes and / or combinations thereof. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipeline can depend on the feedstock to be transported or on reaction optimization or other factors. In a purely symmetrical design, the facility can comprise pipelines of an identical pipe type. "Asymmetrical pipes" and "combinations of symmetrical and asymmetrical pipes" can be understood to mean that the facility can comprise any combination of pipe types, which can, for example, be connected in parallel or in series as desired. A "pipe type" can be understood to mean a category or type of pipeline characterized by specific features.The pipe type can be characterized by at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: a horizontal configuration of the pipe; a vertical configuration of the pipe; a length at the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and / or transition (l3); a diameter at the inlet (d1) and outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3); number n of passes; length per pass; diameter per pass; geometry; surface; and material. The device can have a combination of at least two different pipe types connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the device can have pipes of different lengths at the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and / or transition (l3). For example, the device can have pipes with an asymmetry of the diameters at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3).For example, the facility may have pipelines with a varying number of passes. For example, the facility may have pipelines with passes of varying lengths per pass and / or varying diameters per pass. In principle, any combination of all pipe types in parallel and / or in series is conceivable. One or more current or voltage sources can be assigned to the individual pipelines. The current and / or voltage supply can be adjusted, for example, by using at least one controller, depending on the reaction and process technology.

[0016] The facility may have a plurality of inlets and / or outlets and / or production streams. The pipelines of different or identical pipe types can be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple inlets and / or outlets. Pipelines of different pipe types can be provided in modular form and can be selected and combined as required depending on the intended use. Using pipelines of different pipe types can enable more precise temperature control, and / or adaptation of the reaction in the event of fluctuating feed, and / or selective reaction yield, and / or optimized process technology. The pipelines can have identical or different geometries, surfaces, and / or materials.

[0017] The pipelines can be interconnected and thus form a pipeline system for receiving the feedstock. A "pipe system" can be understood as a device consisting of at least two, in particular interconnected, pipelines. The pipe system can have supply and discharge pipelines. The pipe system can have at least one inlet for receiving the feedstock. The pipe system can have at least one outlet for discharging the feedstock. "Interconnected" can be understood as meaning that the pipelines are in fluid communication with one another. Thus, the pipelines can be arranged and connected in such a way that the feedstock flows through the pipelines sequentially. Several or all of the pipelines can be configured in series and / or in parallel. The pipelines can be connected in parallel to one another in such a way that the feedstock can flow through at least two pipelines in parallel.The pipelines, particularly the parallel pipelines, can be configured to transport different feedstocks in parallel. In particular, for transporting different feedstocks, the parallel pipelines can have different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials. In particular, for transporting a single feedstock, several or all of the pipelines can be configured in parallel, so that the feedstock can be distributed among the parallel pipelines. Combinations of serial and parallel connections are also conceivable.

[0018] For example, the pipeline can comprise at least one electrically conductive pipe for receiving the feedstock. An "electrically conductive pipe" can be understood as meaning that the pipe, in particular the material of the pipe, is designed to conduct electrical current. However, designs as electrically non-conductive pipes or poorly conductive pipes are also conceivable. The pipe can be electrically conductive or electrically insulating. Both metallic and ceramic pipes are conceivable.

[0019] The pipelines and corresponding supply and discharge pipelines can be connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner. If electrically conductive pipelines are used, the supply and discharge pipelines can be galvanically isolated from one another. "Galvanically isolated from one another" can be understood to mean that the pipelines and the supply and discharge pipelines are separated from one another in such a way that no electrical conduction and / or tolerable electrical conduction occurs between the pipelines and the supply and discharge pipelines. The device can have at least one insulator, in particular a plurality of insulators. The galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines and the supply and discharge pipelines can be ensured by the insulators. The insulators can ensure a free flow of the feedstock.

[0020] The device comprises at least one electrically conductive medium. The device comprises at least one current or voltage source configured to generate an electric current in the electrically conductive medium, which heats the pipeline through Joule heat generated when the electric current passes through the electrically conductive medium.

[0021] In the context of the present invention, a "current-conducting medium" can be understood as any medium that has current-conducting and / or magnetic properties. Magnetic materials, i.e., current-conducting media with magnetic properties, can heat up more quickly than non-magnetic materials due to the effects of hysteretic heating. Magnetic materials can exhibit a natural resistance to rapidly changing magnetic fields. Materials with poor magnetic conductivity, such as aluminum or copper, can heat up more slowly due to their low magnetic permeability. For example, the current-conducting medium can be and / or comprise at least one material with ferromagnetic properties; for example, the magnetic permeability can be from approximately 1 to 1,000,000 H / m. For example, the current-conducting medium can comprise cobalt, iron, nickel, and / or ferrites.The current-conducting medium can have a specific resistance. The current-conducting medium can be a high-resistance medium. The current-conducting medium can have a specific resistance ρ of 0.1 Ωmm 2 < / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm 2 < / m, preferably of 10 Ωmm 2 < / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm 2 < / m. Using such a current-conducting medium can minimize the amount of current required to heat the feedstock. Basically, the power is simplified as P = UI =I 2•< R, with the voltage U, the current I and the resistance R. Taking into account additional inductive effects, the power can be expressed as P=((I 2< *R) 2< +( I 2< *2 π*f*L) 2< ) 0.5<, where L is the inductance and f is the frequency. A wider range of voltage and current flows can be provided by an appropriate choice of the specific ohmic resistance of the current-conducting medium.Conductive media that can be used at higher temperatures may be preferred. In contrast, very high pressures are required for water to reach these temperatures, for example, 300 °C corresponds to 90 bar.

[0022] The conductive medium can be in any physical state. The conductive medium can be in a solid, liquid, and / or gaseous state, and can be mixtures, for example, emulsions and suspensions. The conductive medium can be a conductive granulate or a conductive fluid. The conductive medium can comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of: carbon, carbides, silicides, electrically conductive oils, molten salts, inorganic salts, and solid-liquid mixtures.

[0023] The current and / or voltage source may comprise a single-phase or multi-phase alternating current and / or single-phase or multi-phase alternating voltage source, or a direct current and / or direct voltage source. The device may have at least one supply and discharge line that electrically connects the current and / or voltage source to the current-conducting medium.

[0024] The device can, for example, have at least one alternating current and / or at least one alternating voltage source. The alternating current and / or alternating voltage source can be single-phase or multi-phase. An "alternating current source" can be understood as a power source configured to provide an alternating current. An "alternating current" can be understood as an electric current whose polarity changes in a regular, temporally repetitive manner. For example, the alternating current can be a sinusoidal alternating current. A "single-phase" alternating current source can be understood as an alternating current source that provides an electric current with a single phase. A "multi-phase" alternating current source can be understood as an alternating current source that provides an electric current with more than one phase.An "AC voltage source" can be understood as a voltage source configured to provide an alternating voltage. An "AC voltage" can be understood as a voltage whose magnitude and polarity repeat regularly over time. For example, the alternating voltage can be a sinusoidal alternating voltage. The voltage generated by the AC voltage source causes a current to flow, in particular an alternating current to flow. A "single-phase" AC voltage source can be understood as an AC voltage source that provides the alternating current with a single phase. A "multi-phase" AC voltage source can be understood as an AC voltage source that provides the alternating current with more than one phase.

[0025] The device can comprise at least one direct current and / or at least one direct voltage source. A "direct current source" can be understood as a device configured to provide a direct current. A "direct voltage source" can be understood as a device configured to provide a direct voltage. The direct current source and / or the direct voltage source can be configured to generate a direct current in the current-conducting medium. "Direct current" can be understood as an electrical current that is essentially constant in strength and direction. "Direct voltage" can be understood as an electrical voltage that is essentially constant. "Essentially constant" can be understood as a current or voltage whose fluctuations are insignificant for the intended effect.

[0026] The device can have a plurality of current and / or voltage sources, wherein the current and / or voltage sources are selected from the group consisting of: single-phase or multi-phase AC and / or single-phase or multi-phase AC voltage sources or DC and / or DC voltage sources, and a combination thereof. The device can have 2 to M different current and / or voltage sources, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The current and / or voltage sources can be designed with or without the possibility of regulating at least one electrical output variable. The current and / or voltage sources can be electrically controllable independently of one another. The current and / or voltage sources can be designed identically or differently. For example, the device can be set up such that the current and / or voltage can be adjusted for different zones of the device.The device can comprise a plurality of pipelines, each of which belongs to different temperature ranges or zones. The pipeline itself can also have temperature zones. By using a plurality of current and / or voltage sources, the voltage can be varied for different zones. This ensures that the current does not become too high, which would result in excessively hot pipelines, or conversely, in excessively cold pipelines.

[0027] The device can have a plurality of single-phase or multi-phase alternating current or alternating voltage sources. Each of the pipelines can be assigned a current-conducting medium with an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source, which is connected to the current-conducting medium, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which at least two pipelines share a current-conducting medium and an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source. To connect the alternating current or alternating voltage source and the current-conducting media, the electrically heatable reactor can have 2 to N supply and discharge lines, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective alternating current and / or alternating voltage source can be configured to generate an electric current in the respective current-conducting medium.The AC and / or AC voltage sources can be either regulated or unregulated. The AC and / or AC voltage sources can be designed with or without the possibility of regulating at least one electrical output variable. An "output variable" can be understood as a current and / or voltage value and / or a current and / or voltage signal. The device can have 2 to M different AC and / or AC voltage sources, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The AC and / or AC voltage sources can be electrically controlled independently of one another. For example, a different current can be generated in the respective current-conducting medium and different temperatures can be achieved in the pipes.

[0028] The device can have a plurality of direct current and / or direct voltage sources. Each pipeline can be assigned a current-conducting medium and a direct current and / or direct voltage source, which is connected to the current-conducting medium, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection. To connect the direct current and / or direct voltage sources and the current-conducting medium, the device can have 2 to N positive poles and / or conductors and 2 to N negative poles and / or conductors, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective direct current and / or direct voltage sources can be configured to generate an electric current in the respective current-conducting medium. The generated current can heat the respective pipeline through Joule heat, which arises when the electric current passes through the current-conducting medium, in order to heat the feedstock.

[0029] The current generated in the conductive medium can heat the respective pipeline through Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through the conductive medium, to heat the feedstock. "Heating the pipeline" can be understood as a process that leads to a change in the temperature of the pipeline, in particular an increase in the temperature of the pipeline. The temperature of the pipeline can remain constant, for example, if the reaction taking place in the pipeline absorbs the same amount of heat as it receives.

[0030] The device can be configured to heat the feedstock to a temperature in the range from 200°C to 1700°C, preferably from 300°C to 1400°C, particularly preferably from 400°C to 875°C. The pipeline can be configured to at least partially absorb the Joule heat generated by the electrically conductive medium and at least partially transfer it to the feedstock. At least one endothermic reaction can take place in the pipeline. An "endothermic reaction" can be understood as a reaction in which energy, in particular in the form of heat, is absorbed from the environment. The endothermic reaction can comprise heating and / or preheating of the feedstock.

[0031] "Heating" the feedstock can be understood as a process that leads to a change in the temperature of the feedstock, in particular to an increase in the temperature of the feedstock, for example, to a warming of the feedstock. The feedstock can be heated, for example, by heating to a specified or predetermined temperature value.

[0032] The facility may be part of a plant. For example, the plant may be selected from the group consisting of: a plant for carrying out at least one endothermic reaction, a heating plant, a preheating plant, a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation plant, a reformer, a dry reforming plant, a styrene production plant, an ethylbenzene dehydrogenation plant, a plant for cracking ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, and a dehydrogenation plant.

[0033] The facility can, for example, be part of a steam cracker. "Steam cracking" can be understood as a process in which longer-chain hydrocarbons, such as naphtha, propane, butane, and ethane, as well as gas oil and hydrowax, are converted into short-chain hydrocarbons by thermal cracking in the presence of steam. Steam cracking can produce hydrogen, methane, ethene, and propene as the main products, as well as butenes and pyrolysis gasoline, among others. The steam cracker can be configured to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 1100°C.

[0034] For example, the device can be part of a reformer furnace. "Steam reforming" can be understood as a process for producing hydrogen and carbon oxides from water and carbon-containing energy sources, in particular hydrocarbons such as natural gas, light gasoline, methanol, biogas, or biomass. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 200 °C to 875 °C, preferably from 400 °C to 700 °C.

[0035] For example, the device can be part of an alkane dehydrogenation device. "Alkane dehydrogenation" can be understood as a process for producing alkenes by dehydrogenating alkanes, for example, dehydrogenation of butane to butenes (BDH) or dehydrogenation of propane to propene (PDH). The alkane dehydrogenation device can be configured to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range of 400°C to 700°C.

[0036] However, other temperatures and temperature ranges are also conceivable.

[0037] The conductive medium can be arranged in any container, such as a tube or cylinder. The conductive medium can be electrically heated directly or indirectly by heating the container.

[0038] The conductive medium and the pipeline can be arranged relative to one another such that the conductive medium at least partially surrounds the pipeline and / or the pipeline at least partially surrounds the conductive medium. "At least partially surrounded" can be understood to mean embodiments in which the conductive medium completely surrounds the pipeline or the pipeline completely surrounds the conductive medium, and embodiments in which only partial areas of the pipeline are surrounded by the conductive medium or partial areas of the pipeline are surrounded by the conductive medium. For example, the pipeline can be arranged as an inner cylinder in a hollow cylinder and surrounded by outer granules. For example, the conductive medium, for example as granules, can be arranged in a tube within the pipeline.For example, a plurality of tubes filled with the electrically conductive medium can be arranged within the pipeline. For example, several pipelines with the feedstock can be provided, which are surrounded by a cylinder with electrically conductive medium. For example, several cylinders with electrically conductive medium can be arranged in a clamp-like manner around the pipeline with the feedstock. For example, the pipeline can be spiral and a cylinder with the electrically conductive medium, for example a granulate, can be arranged around the pipeline. For example, a spiral tube with electrically conductive medium can be provided, which is surrounded by the pipeline with the feedstock. For example, multiple spiral elements can be provided in the pipeline or in the electrically conductive medium.Embodiments are also conceivable in which the current-conducting medium is arranged in a plurality of hollow cylinders around different areas of a pipeline and enables individual heating of the areas of the pipeline.

[0039] Indirect heating of the pipeline enables a simplified power supply concept. Problems that occur with direct heating, such as very hot pins and strands and high current flow, can be avoided. By optimizing the ohmic resistance of the current-conducting medium, the current can be minimized, so that only a smaller power requirement is required compared to a directly heated pipeline and correspondingly lower-power transformers are possible. Furthermore, safety can be easier to implement because the pipeline itself is not live. The inductive resistances (reactances) that can arise with direct heating and lead to undesirable effects, such as uncontrolled, asymmetrical distribution of electrical currents in the heated pipeline, can be minimized or avoided by using indirect heating.Upscaling can be achieved much more easily because the pipeline is decoupled from the power supply. Furthermore, any power type, e.g., direct current, three-phase alternating current, etc., can be used for this concept and even combined for a single process. Many combinations of pipe types are possible, allowing for a flexible reactor design. An independent feedstock concept is possible, such as single-feed, co-crack, or split-crack.

[0040] The device may comprise at least one coil for inductive heating.

[0041] The current or voltage source can be connected to this coil, which is configured to apply a voltage or current to the coil. The current-conducting medium and the coil can be arranged such that the electromagnetic field of the coil induces an electric current in the current-conducting medium, which heats the current-conducting medium through Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through the current-conducting medium, to heat the feedstock.

[0042] The device can have at least one further voltage source or current source connected to the coil and configured to apply a voltage or current to the coil. The coil can be configured to generate at least one electromagnetic field through the application. For example, the pipeline can be designed to be both electrically and magnetically conductive, and the coil can be arranged such that the electromagnetic field of the coil induces an electric current in the pipeline, which heats the pipeline through Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the feedstock.

[0043] The coil geometry can be designed in any way. For example, the coil can be vertical, horizontal, cylindrical, or other shapes.

[0044] Several inductive heaters can be provided in the reaction chamber, which can be arranged, for example, in parallel, serially or otherwise.

[0045] With regard to the design of the device, in particular the piping, the conductive medium and the feed material, reference is made to the description of the device above.

[0046] In a further aspect, within the scope of the present invention, a system comprising a device according to the invention is proposed. Regarding the design of the system, reference is made to the description of the devices above or below.

[0047] The plant can be selected from the group consisting of: a plant for carrying out at least one endothermic reaction, a plant for heating, a plant for preheating, a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, a reformer, a dry reforming device, a styrene production device, an ethylbenzene dehydrogenation device, a device for splitting ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a dehydrogenation device.

[0048] In a further aspect, the present invention proposes a method for heating a feedstock. A device according to the invention is used in the method.

[0049] The procedure includes the following steps: Providing at least one pipeline for receiving the feedstock and receiving the feedstock into the pipeline; providing at least one current and / or at least one voltage source; generating an electric current in a current-conducting medium of the device, which heats the pipeline by Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through the current-conducting medium, to heat the feedstock.

[0050] For embodiments and definitions, reference can be made to the above description of the device. The method steps can be performed in the specified order, wherein one or more of the steps can also be performed at least partially simultaneously, and wherein one or more of the steps can be repeated multiple times. Furthermore, further steps can be performed additionally, regardless of whether they are mentioned in the present description or not.

[0051] In addition, the following examples are put forward: A device comprising at least one pipeline for receiving at least one feedstock is proposed, wherein the device has at least one current-conducting medium, wherein the device has at least one current or voltage source which is designed to generate an electric current in the current-conducting medium, which heats the pipeline by Joule heat which is generated when the electric current passes through the current-conducting medium.

[0052] In one embodiment, the device is configured to heat the feedstock to a temperature in the range of 200 °C to 1700 °C, preferably 300 °C to 1400 °C, particularly preferably 400 °C to 875 °C.

[0053] In one embodiment, the current-conducting medium and the pipeline are arranged relative to one another in such a way that the current-conducting medium at least partially surrounds the pipeline and / or that the pipeline at least partially surrounds the current-conducting medium.

[0054] In one embodiment, the current-conducting medium has a solid, liquid and / or gaseous state of aggregation and mixtures selected from the group consisting of solid, liquid and gaseous.

[0055] In one embodiment, the electrically conductive medium is an electrically conductive granulate or an electrically conductive fluid.

[0056] In one embodiment, the current-conducting medium comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: carbon, carbides, silicides, electrically conductive oils, molten salts, inorganic salts and solid-liquid mixtures.

[0057] In one embodiment, at least one endothermic reaction takes place in the pipeline, wherein the endothermic reaction comprises heating and / or preheating of the feedstock.

[0058] In one embodiment, the current-conducting medium has a specific resistance ρ of 0.1 Ωmm 2< / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm 2< / m, preferably of 10 Ωmm 2< / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm 2< / m.

[0059] In one embodiment, the current and / or voltage source comprises a single-phase or multi-phase AC current and / or single-phase or multi-phase AC voltage source or a DC current and / or DC voltage source.

[0060] In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of current and / or voltage sources, wherein the current and / or voltage sources are selected from the group consisting of: single-phase or multi-phase AC current and / or single-phase or multi-phase AC voltage sources or DC current and / or DC voltage sources, and a combination thereof.

[0061] In one embodiment, the current and / or voltage sources are designed with or without the possibility of regulating at least one electrical output variable.

[0062] In one embodiment, the current and / or voltage sources are electrically controllable independently of each other.

[0063] In one embodiment, the current and / or voltage sources are identical or different.

[0064] In one embodiment, current and / or voltage are adjustable for different zones of the device.

[0065] In one embodiment, the device comprises 2 to M different current and / or voltage sources, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three.

[0066] In one embodiment, the device has at least one supply and discharge line which electrically connects the current and / or voltage source to the current-conducting medium.

[0067] In one embodiment, the pipeline is designed to be electrically conductive or electrically insulating.

[0068] In one embodiment, the device comprises a plurality of pipelines, wherein the pipelines are interconnected and thus form a pipe system for receiving the feedstock.

[0069] In one embodiment, the device comprises I pipes, where I is a natural number greater than or equal to two, the pipes comprising symmetrical or asymmetrical pipes and / or a combination thereof.

[0070] In one embodiment, the pipelines are designed differently in terms of diameter, and / or length, and / or geometry.

[0071] In one embodiment, the pipelines and corresponding supply and discharge pipelines are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner, wherein the pipelines are metallic pipelines, wherein the pipelines and the supply and discharge pipelines are galvanically separated from one another, wherein the device has insulators which are configured for galvanic separation between the respective pipelines and the supply and discharge pipelines, wherein the insulators are configured to ensure a free flow of the feedstock.

[0072] In one embodiment, several or all of the pipelines are configured in series and / or parallel.

[0073] In one embodiment, the feedstock is a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked and / or a mixture.

[0074] In one embodiment, the device has at least one coil for inductive heating, wherein the current or voltage source is connected to the coil and is configured to apply a voltage or a current to the coil, wherein the current-conducting medium and the coil are arranged such that the electromagnetic field of the coil induces an electric current in the current-conducting medium, which heats the current-conducting medium by Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through the current-conducting medium, in order to heat the feedstock.

[0075] In one embodiment, the device has at least one coil for inductive heating, wherein the device has at least one further voltage source or current source which is connected to the coil and is configured to apply a voltage or a current to the coil, wherein the coil is configured to generate at least one electromagnetic field by the application, wherein the pipeline and the coil are arranged such that the electromagnetic field of the coil induces an electric current in the pipeline, which heats the pipeline by Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, in order to heat the feedstock.

[0076] A system comprising at least one device according to the present invention is proposed.

[0077] In one embodiment, the plant is selected from the group consisting of: a plant for carrying out at least one endothermic reaction, a plant for heating, a plant for preheating, a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, a reformer, a dry reforming device, a styrene production device, an ethylbenzene dehydrogenation device, a device for cracking ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a dehydrogenation device.

[0078] A method for heating at least one feedstock using a device according to the present invention is proposed, the method comprising the following steps: Providing at least one pipeline for receiving the feedstock and receiving the feedstock into the pipeline; providing at least one current and / or at least one voltage source; generating an electric current in a current-conducting medium of the device, which heats the pipeline by Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through the current-conducting medium, to heat the feedstock. Short description of the characters

[0079] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures designate identical or functionally identical elements, or elements that correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

[0080] In detail: Figures 1a to 1c show schematic representations of embodiments of a device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; Figures 3a1, 3a2, 3b1 and 3b2 show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device according to the invention; Figures 5a to 5d show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention; Figures 6a1 and 6cv show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention; Figures 7a to 7y show a construction kit with pipe types and inventive embodiments of combinations of pipelines and / or pipeline segments; Figures 8a to 8g show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention;Figures 9a to 9g show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention; and Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention. Examples of implementation

[0081] Figures 1a to 1c Each shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention comprising at least one pipeline 112 for receiving at least one feedstock. The device 110 can have at least one reactive chamber 111.

[0082] The feedstock, also referred to as feed, can be any material from which reaction products can be generated and / or produced, in particular by at least one chemical reaction. The feedstock can be, in particular, a reactant with which a chemical reaction is to be carried out. The feedstock can be liquid or gaseous. The feedstock can be a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked and / or a mixture. The feedstock can comprise at least one element selected from the group consisting of: methane, ethane, propane, butane, naphtha, ethylbenzene, gas oil, condensates, biofluids, biogases, pyrolysis oils, waste oils, and liquids from renewable raw materials. Biofluids can be, for example, fats or oils or their derivatives from renewable raw materials, such as bio-oil or biodiesel. Other feedstocks are also conceivable.

[0083] The pipeline 112 can be configured to receive and / or transport the feedstock. The pipeline can be and / or have at least one reaction tube in which at least one chemical reaction can take place. The pipeline 112 can comprise at least one pipe and / or at least one pipeline segment 114 and / or at least one pipeline coil. A pipeline segment 114 can be a portion of a pipeline 112. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipeline 112 can depend on a feedstock to be transported.

[0084] Figure 1a shows an embodiment in which the device comprises a pipeline 112. The device 110 may comprise a plurality of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114, for example as in Figure 1b shown two or as in Figure 1cshown three. The device 110 can have I pipelines 112, where I is a natural number greater than or equal to two. For example, the device 110 can have at least two, three, four, five, or even more pipelines 112. The device 110 can, for example, have up to one hundred pipelines 112. The pipelines 112 can be identical or different.

[0085] The pipelines 112 can be interconnected and thus form a pipeline system 118 for receiving the feedstock. The pipeline system 118 can be a device comprising at least two, in particular interconnected, pipelines 112. The pipeline system 118 can have supply and discharge pipelines. The pipeline system 118 can have at least one inlet 120 for receiving the feedstock. The pipeline system 118 can have at least one outlet 122 for discharging the feedstock. The pipelines 112 can be interconnected such that the pipelines 112 are in fluid communication with one another. Thus, the pipelines 112 can be arranged and connected such that the feedstock flows through the pipelines 112 one after the other. Several or all of the pipelines 112 can be configured in series and / or in parallel. Figures 1a to 1c the feed material flows through the pipes 112 serially, i.e. one after the other.

[0086] However, a parallel connection may also be possible, such that the feedstock can flow through at least two pipelines 112 in parallel. Such embodiments are described, for example, in the Figures 3a1 to 3b2 shown. The pipelines 112, in particular the parallel-connected pipelines, can be configured to transport different feedstocks in parallel. In particular, for transporting different feedstocks, the parallel-connected pipelines 112 can have different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials. In particular, for transporting one feedstock, several or all of the pipelines 112 can be configured in parallel, so that the feedstock can be distributed among those parallel-configured pipelines 112.

[0087] Combinations of serial and parallel circuits are also conceivable.

[0088] For example, the pipeline 112 can comprise at least one electrically conductive pipeline 112 for receiving the feedstock. The electrically conductive pipeline 112 can be configured to conduct electrical current. However, configurations as electrically non-conductive pipelines 112 or poorly conductive pipelines 112 are also conceivable. The pipeline 112 can be electrically conductive or electrically insulating. Both metallic pipelines 112 and ceramic pipelines 112 are conceivable.

[0089] When using electrically conductive pipelines 112, the supply and discharge pipelines can be galvanically isolated from one another. The pipelines 112 and the supply and discharge pipelines can be separated from one another in such a way that no electrical conduction and / or a tolerable electrical conduction occurs between the pipelines 112 and the supply and discharge pipelines. The device 110 can have at least one insulator 124, in particular a plurality of insulators 124. The galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines 112 and the supply and discharge pipelines can be ensured by the insulators 124. The insulators 124 can ensure a free flow of the feedstock.

[0090] The device 110 has at least one electrically conductive medium 129. The device 110 has at least one current or voltage source 126, which is configured to generate an electrical current in the electrically conductive medium 129, which heats the pipeline 112 through Joule heat, which is generated when the electrical current passes through the electrically conductive medium 129.

[0091] The current-conducting medium 129 can be any medium that has current-conducting and / or magnetic properties. Magnetic materials, i.e., current-conducting media 129 with magnetic properties, can heat up faster than non-magnetic materials due to the effects of hysteretic heating. Magnetic materials can have a natural resistance to the rapidly changing magnetic fields. Materials that are poor magnetic conductors, such as aluminum or copper, can heat up more slowly due to their low magnetic permeability. For example, the current-conducting medium can be and / or comprise at least one material with ferromagnetic properties; for example, the magnetic permeability can be from approximately 1 to 1,000,000 H / m. For example, the current-conducting medium 129 can comprise cobalt, iron, nickel, and / or ferrites. The current-conducting medium 129 can have a specific resistance.The current-conducting medium 129 can be a high-resistance medium. The current-conducting medium 129 can have a specific resistance ρ of 0.1 Ωmm 2 < / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm 2 < / m, preferably of 10 Ωmm 2 < / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm 2 < / m. Using such a current-conducting medium 129 can enable minimization of the amount of current required to heat the feedstock.

[0092] The electrically conductive medium 129 can be in any desired state of matter. The electrically conductive medium 129 can be in a solid, liquid, and / or gaseous state, and can be mixtures, e.g., emulsions and suspensions. The electrically conductive medium 129 can be an electrically conductive granulate or an electrically conductive fluid. The electrically conductive medium 129 can comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of: carbon, carbides, silicides, electrically conductive oils, molten salts, inorganic salts, and solid-liquid mixtures.

[0093] The current and / or voltage source 126 may comprise a single-phase or multi-phase AC current and / or single-phase or multi-phase AC voltage source, or a DC current and / or DC voltage source. The device 110 may have at least one supply and discharge line 127 that electrically connects the current and / or voltage source 126 to the current-conducting medium 129.

[0094] The device 110 can, for example, have at least one alternating current and / or at least one alternating voltage source. The alternating current and / or one alternating voltage source can be single-phase or multi-phase. The alternating current source can be and / or comprise a current source configured to provide an alternating current. The alternating current can be an electrical current whose polarity changes in a time-regular repetition. For example, the alternating current can be a sinusoidal alternating current. The single-phase alternating current source can be and / or comprise an alternating current source providing an electrical current with a single phase. The multi-phase alternating current source can be and / or comprise an alternating current source providing an electrical current with more than one phase. The alternating voltage source can be and / or comprise a voltage source configured to provide an alternating voltage.The alternating voltage can be a voltage whose magnitude and polarity repeat regularly over time. For example, the alternating voltage can be a sinusoidal alternating voltage. The voltage generated by the alternating voltage source causes a current to flow, in particular an alternating current to flow. The single-phase alternating voltage source can be and / or comprise an alternating voltage source that provides the alternating current with a single phase. The multi-phase alternating voltage source can be and / or comprise an alternating voltage source that provides the alternating current with more than one phase.

[0095] The device 110 can have at least one direct current and / or at least one direct voltage source. The direct current source can be and / or comprise a device configured to provide a direct current. The direct voltage source can be and / or comprise a device configured to provide a direct voltage. The direct current source and / or the direct voltage source can be configured to generate a direct current in the current-conducting medium. The direct current can be an electrical current that is substantially constant in strength and direction. The direct voltage can be a substantially constant electrical voltage.

[0096] The device 110 may comprise a plurality of current and / or voltage sources 126, see for example Figures 1b and 1cThe current and / or voltage sources are selected from the group consisting of: single-phase or multi-phase AC current and / or single-phase or multi-phase AC voltage sources or DC current and / or DC voltage sources, and a combination thereof. The device 110 can have 2 to M different current and / or voltage sources, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three.

[0097] The current and / or voltage sources 126 can be configured with or without the ability to control at least one electrical output variable. For example, the device 110 can have at least one controller 131. Figures 5c and 5dshow examples of the use of regulators 131. The aim of the regulator can be to add a corresponding amount of voltage or current to the system, i.e. to regulate the current strength. The pipes 112 can require different amounts of current. For example, the amount of current can depend on the reaction. For example, in a steam cracker, more energy may be required at the beginning of the pipe 112 and less at the end of the pipe. For example, coking on the pipe can lead to increased electrical resistance over its service life. The regulator 131 can, for example, be an external regulator, i.e., a regulator 131 arranged outside the reaction chamber 111. The current and / or voltage sources 126 can be electrically controllable independently of one another. The current and / or voltage sources 126 can be identical or different.For example, the device 110 can be configured such that current and / or voltage can be adjusted for different zones of the device 110. The device 110 can have a plurality of pipelines 112, wherein the pipelines 112 belong to different temperature ranges or zones. The pipeline 112 itself can also have temperature zones. By using a plurality of current and / or voltage sources 126, the voltage, in particular, can be varied for different zones. This ensures that the current does not become too high, which would result in excessively hot pipelines, and not too low, which would result in less product or more by-products.

[0098] The device 110 may include a plurality of single-phase or multi-phase AC or AC voltage sources. As shown in the Figures 1b and 1cAs shown, the pipes 112 can each be assigned an electrically conductive medium 129 with an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source, which is connected to the electrically conductive medium 129, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which at least two pipes 112 share an electrically conductive medium 129 and an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source. To connect the alternating current or alternating voltage source and the electrically conductive media 129, the electrically heatable reactor 2 can have up to N supply and discharge lines 127, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective alternating current and / or alternating voltage source can be configured to generate an electrical current in the respective electrically conductive medium 129 for the purpose of generating Joule heat.

[0099] The alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources can be either regulated or unregulated. The alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources can be designed with or without the possibility of regulating at least one electrical output variable. The output variable can be a current and / or a voltage value and / or a current and / or a voltage signal. The device 110 can have 2 to M different alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources can be electrically regulated independently of one another. For example, a different current can be generated in the respective current-conducting medium 129 and different temperatures can be achieved in the pipes 112.

[0100] The device 110 may include a plurality of DC current and / or DC voltage sources. As shown in the Figures 1b and 1cAs shown, each pipeline 112 can be assigned a current-conducting medium 129 and a direct current and / or direct voltage source, which is connected to the current-conducting medium 129, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection. To connect the direct current and / or direct voltage sources and the current-conducting medium, the device 110 can have 2 to N positive poles and / or conductors and 2 to N negative poles and / or conductors, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective direct current and / or direct voltage source can be configured to generate an electrical current in the respective current-conducting medium 129.

[0101] The current generated in the electrically conductive medium 129 can heat the respective pipeline 112 through Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through the electrically conductive medium, to heat the feedstock. Heating the pipeline 112 can be and / or include a process that leads to a change in the temperature of the pipeline 112, in particular an increase in the temperature of the pipeline 112. The temperature of the pipeline 112 can remain constant, for example, if the reaction taking place in the pipeline 112 absorbs the same amount of heat as it receives.

[0102] The device 110 can be configured to heat the feedstock to a temperature in the range of 200°C to 1700°C, preferably 300°C to 1400°C, particularly preferably 400°C to 875°C. The pipeline 112 can be configured to at least partially absorb the Joule heat generated by the electrically conductive medium 129 and at least partially transfer it to the feedstock. At least one endothermic reaction can take place in the pipeline 112. The endothermic reaction can comprise heating and / or preheating of the feedstock.

[0103] The device 110 can be part of a plant. For example, the plant can be selected from the group consisting of: a plant for carrying out at least one endothermic reaction, a heating plant, a preheating plant, a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, a reformer, a dry reforming device, a styrene production device, an ethylbenzene dehydrogenation device, a urea, isocyanate, melamine cracker, a catalytic cracker, and a dehydrogenation device.

[0104] The electrically conductive medium 129 can be arranged in any container 140, for example, a tube or a cylinder. The electrically conductive medium 129 can be electrically heated directly or indirectly by heating the container 140.

[0105] The current-conducting medium 129 and the pipeline 112 can be arranged relative to one another in such a way that the current-conducting medium 129 at least partially surrounds the pipeline and / or that the pipeline at least partially surrounds the current-conducting medium. Figures 1a to 1c show embodiments in which the current-conducting medium 129 completely surrounds the pipes 112. Figures 1a to 1c show embodiments in which the pipes 112 are arranged as inner cylinders in a hollow cylinder and are surrounded by the current-conducting medium 129, for example a granulate. In Figures 1b and 1c the device 110 has two separate containers 140 for the respective pipelines 112.

[0106] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the device 110 according to the invention. Regarding the design of the device, reference is made to the description of Figure 1areferred to with the following special features. In this embodiment, the device 110 has a pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 with three legs or turns, which are fluidically connected. However, more than three legs are also possible. The device has the inlet 120 and the outlet 122. The feedstock can flow serially through the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segments 114 from the inlet 120 to the outlet 122. For galvanic isolation, the device 110 can have the insulators 124, for example as in Figure 2 shown two insulators 124. In this embodiment, the device 110 has a current and / or voltage source 126. To connect the current and / or voltage source 126 and the current-conducting medium 129, the device 110 can have electrical supply and discharge lines 127.

[0107] Figures 3a1 to 3b2show embodiments with parallel connected pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114. In Figure 3a1 an embodiment is shown with two parallel pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114, which are surrounded by a common current-conducting medium 129. In Figure 3a1 The device 110 comprises three parallel pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114, which are surrounded by a common current-conducting medium 129. Other numbers of parallel pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 are also conceivable. Figures 3a1 and 3a2The device 110 has an inlet 120 and an outlet 122. The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can be interconnected such that the feedstock can flow through at least two pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 in parallel. The parallel-connected pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can have different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials. For example, the parallel-connected pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can have different numbers of legs or turns.

[0108] In the Figure 3b1Two parallel pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 are shown, each surrounded by an electrically conductive medium 129, wherein the respective electrically conductive media 129 are arranged in separate containers 140. The electrically conductive media 129 can be identical or different. The electrically conductive media 129 can be selected depending on a temperature requirement. In Figure 3b1 The device 110 has an inlet 120, wherein the feedstock is subsequently divided into two pipe strings and passes through the pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 in parallel. After passing through the parallel pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114, the feed can be recombined and leave the reactive chamber 111 through the outlet 122. Figure 3b2 shows a corresponding embodiment with three parallel pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114. The current and / or voltage sources in the Figures 3a1 to 3b2can be designed with control option by controller 131 or without control option. In the Figures 3 Embodiments without regulator 131 are shown. Each pipe 112 is in the Figures 3 a separate current or voltage source 126 and a reactive chamber or heating unit 111, also referred to as a reaction box. The reactive chambers or heating units 111 can be isolated from each other by galvanic walls 130. In the Figures 5 Embodiments are shown in which a current or voltage source 126 is used for multiple pipelines 112. The common current or voltage source 126 can be used with one or more controllers for multiple pipelines 112.

[0109] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the device 110 according to the invention. Regarding the design of the device, reference is made to the description of Figure 2with the following special features. In this embodiment, the device 110 has a pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 with a plurality of legs or turns that are fluidically connected. Furthermore, the device 110 in this embodiment includes a three-phase AC current or AC voltage source 126. The three outer conductors are designated L1, L2, and L3, and the neutral conductor is designated N. A multi-phase AC current or AC voltage source is also conceivable with nx3 conductors.

[0110] The pipelines 112 can comprise symmetrical and / or asymmetrical pipes and / or combinations thereof. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipeline 112 can depend on the feedstock to be transported. In a purely symmetrical configuration, the device 110 can comprise pipelines 112 of an identical pipe type. The device 110 can comprise any combination of pipe types, which can, for example, be connected in parallel or in series as desired. The "pipe type" can be a category or type of pipeline 112 characterized by specific features.The pipe type can be characterized by at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: a horizontal configuration of the pipe 112; a vertical configuration of the pipe; a length at the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and / or transition (l3); a diameter at the inlet (d1) and outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3); number n of passes; length per pass; diameter per pass; geometry; surface; and material. The device 110 can have a combination of at least two different pipe types, which are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the device can have pipes 112 of different lengths at the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and / or transition (l3). For example, the device 110 can have pipes 112 with an asymmetry of the diameters at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3).For example, the device 110 may have pipelines 112 with a different number of passes. For example, the device 110 may have pipelines 112 with passes of different lengths per pass and / or different diameters per pass. In principle, any combination of all pipe types in parallel and / or in series is conceivable.

[0111] The device 110 can have a plurality of inlets 120 and / or outlets 122 and / or production streams. The pipelines 112 of different or identical pipe types can be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple inlets 120 and / or outlets 122. Pipelines 112 can be available in different pipe types in the form of a modular system and can be selected and combined as desired depending on the intended use. Using pipelines 112 of different pipe types can enable more precise temperature control, and / or adaptation of the reaction in the event of fluctuating feed, and / or selective reaction yield, and / or optimized process technology. The pipelines 112 can have identical or different geometries, surfaces, and / or materials.

[0112] Figures 6Ai to 6Civshow exemplary possible embodiments of pipe types in a schematic representation. Figures 6A1 to 6iv indicate the pipe type in each case. This can be divided into the following categories, with all conceivable combinations of the categories being possible: Category A specifies a route of the pipeline 112 and / or a pipeline segment 114, where A1 denotes a pipe type with a horizontal route and A2 denotes a pipe type with a vertical route, i.e. a route perpendicular to the horizontal route. Category B specifies a ratio of lengths at the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and / or diameters at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3), with six different combination options being listed in the kit 134. Category C specifies ratios of lengths at the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and lengths of passes. All combinations are conceivable here, which are designated Ci in the present case. Category D specifies whether the at least one pipeline 112 and / or the at least one pipeline segment 114 is designed with or without galvanic isolation and / or grounding 125.The galvanic isolation can be implemented, for example, using an insulator 124. D1 denotes a pipe type in which galvanic isolation is provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and galvanic isolation is provided at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. D2 denotes a pipe type in which galvanic isolation is provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and grounding 125 is provided at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. D3 denotes a pipe type in which galvanic isolation is provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. D4 denotes a pipe type in which a grounding 125 is provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.D5 designates a pipe type in which the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 is provided without earthing 125 at the inlet 120 and outlet 122 and / or without galvanic isolation at the inlet 120 and outlet 122. Category E specifies a flow direction of the feedstock. The feedstock can basically flow in two flow directions. A pipe type in which the feedstock flows in a first flow direction is referred to as pipe type E1, and a pipe type in which the feedstock flows in a second flow direction is referred to as pipe type E2. The first and second flow directions can be opposite. Category F includes the number of electrodes: F1 specifies that the number of electrodes is ≤ 2, for example for a direct current source or an alternating current source. F2 specifies that the number of electrodes is > 2, for example for a three-phase source.

[0113] In Figure 6Aia pipeline 112 and / or a pipeline segment 114 of the pipe type A1D1Fi is shown. The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 has a horizontal course. The device 110 in this embodiment has two insulators 124, which are arranged after the inlet 120 and before the outlet 122. With regard to the further elements of the Figure 6Ai can refer to the description of the Figure 1a be referred to. In Figure 6Ai Possible flow directions Ei are shown as examples with a double arrow at inlet 120 and outlet 122. In the further Figures 6 Inlet 120 and outlet 122 are referred to jointly.

[0114] The embodiment in Figure 6Aii shows a pipe type A1D2Fi and differs from Figure 6Ai in that the device 110 has only one insulator 124, with an earthing 125 being provided instead of the second insulator. The embodiment in Figure 6Aiiishows a pipe type A1D3Fi and differs from Figure 6Aii that no earthing 125 is provided. In Figure 6Aiv , pipe type A1D4Fi, the device has 110, compared to Figure 6Aiii , instead of the insulator only an earthing 125. Embodiments without insulators 124 or earthing 125 are also possible, as in Figure 6Av , pipe type A1D5Fi, shown.

[0115] In Figure 6Bi , pipe type BiD1Fi, lengths in the inlet (l1), outlet (l2) and transition (l3) as well as diameters in the inlet (d1), outlet (d2) and transition (d3) are shown. The device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with different lengths in the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and / or transition (l3) and / or diameters in the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3). With regard to the further elements of the Figure 6Bi can refer to the description of the Figures 1 The example in Figure 6Biishows a pipe type BiD2Fi and differs from Figure 6Bi in that the device 110 has only one insulator 124, with an earthing 125 being provided instead of the second insulator. The embodiment in Figure 6Biii shows a pipe type BiD3Fi and differs from Figure 6Bii that no earthing 125 is provided. In Figure 6Biv , pipe type BiD4Fi, the device has 110, compared to Figure 6Biii , instead of the insulator only an earthing 125. Embodiments without insulators 124 or earthing 125 are also possible, as in Figure 6Bv , pipe type BiD5Fi, shown.

[0116] Figure 6Ci, pipe type CiD1Fi, shows an embodiment in which the device 110 comprises pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with a plurality n of passes, for example, three as shown here. The passes can each have different lengths l3, l4, l5 and / or diameters d3, d4, d5. With regard to the further elements of the Figure 6Ci can refer to the description of the Figure 2 The example in Figure 6Cii shows a pipe type CiD2Fi and differs from Figure 6Ci in that the device 110 has only one insulator 124, with an earthing 125 being provided instead of the second insulator. The embodiment in Figure 6Ciii shows a pipe type CiD3Fi and differs from Figure 6Cii that no earthing 125 is provided. In Figure 6Civ , pipe type CiD4Fi, the device has 110, compared to Figure 6Ciii, instead of the insulator only an earthing 125. Embodiments without insulators 124 or earthing 125 are also possible, as in Figure 6Cv , pipe type CiD5Fi, shown. Figures 6Ci to 6Cvi show pipe types in which the alternating current is fed in via a connection of the electrical supply or discharge line 127 at the beginning or end of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Figure 6Cvi shows a pipe type CiFi, in which the alternating current is fed in centrally on the pipe 112 and / or on the pipe segment 114.

[0117] The device 110 can have a combination of at least two different pipe types, which are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of different lengths at the inlet (l1) and / or outlet (l2) and / or transition (l3). For example, the device can have pipes and / or pipe segments with an asymmetry of the diameters at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3). For example, the device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with a different number of passes. For example, the device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with passes of different lengths per pass and / or different diameters per pass.

[0118] In principle, any combination of all pipe types, in parallel and / or in series, is conceivable. Pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be available in various pipe types in the form of a modular system 134 and can be selected and combined as desired depending on the intended use. Figure 7a shows an embodiment of a kit 134 with different pipe types.

[0119] Figures 7b to 7y show embodiments according to the invention of combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of the same and / or different pipe types. Figure 7b shows an embodiment with three horizontal pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of pipe type A1, which are arranged one after the other. Figure 7c shows two parallel vertical pipes of pipe type A2 and a downstream pipe 112 and / or a downstream pipe segment 114 also of pipe type A2. In Figure 7da plurality of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of pipe type A2 are shown, all of which are connected in parallel. In Figure 7e An embodiment is shown in which a plurality of pipe types of category B are arranged one after the other. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be identical or different pipe types of category B, which is marked with Bi. Figure 7f shows an embodiment with six pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of category B, wherein two pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 are arranged in two parallel strands and two further pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 are connected downstream. Figure 7gshows an embodiment with pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of category C, wherein two pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 are connected in parallel and one pipeline 112 and / or one pipeline segment 114 is connected downstream. Mixed forms of categories A, B and C are also possible, as in the Figures 7h to 7m is shown. The device 110 may have a plurality of feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production streams. The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of different or identical pipe types may be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets, as shown, for example, in the Figures 7k and 7m is shown.

[0120] Figures 7n to 7p show exemplary combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, D and Fi. Figures 7q and 7rshow exemplary combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories B, D and Fi. Figure 7s shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories C, D and Fi. Figure 7t shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, D and Fi. Figure 7u shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, C, D and Fi. Figure 7v shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories B, C, D and Fi. Figure 7w and 7y show exemplary combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, B, C, D and Fi. Figure 7xshows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, B, D, and F1. The device 110 may have a plurality of feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production streams. The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of different or identical pipe types of categories A, B, C, D, and E may be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets. Examples of a plurality of feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production streams are shown in the Figures 7o, 7p , 7r, 7s, 7v until 7y shown.

[0121] By using pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of different pipe types, a more precise temperature control, and / or an adjustment of the reaction in the case of fluctuating feed and / or a selective yield of the reaction and / or an optimized process technology can be enabled.

[0122] Figures 8a to 8e show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention. Figure 8a shows a container 140 in the form of a hollow cylinder, which has the current-conducting medium 129 and surrounds a pipeline 112 in the form of an inner cylinder. Figure 8b shows an embodiment in which the device 110 has a plurality of pipelines 112 with feedstock, also referred to as reaction fluid, wherein a container 140 in the form of a cylinder is arranged around the pipelines 112 and is filled with the current-conducting medium 129. Figure 8c shows an embodiment in which the device 110 comprises several tubes with current-conducting medium 129, with a pipeline 112 with the feedstock being arranged around the tubes. As in Figure 8dAs shown, several cylinders with current-conducting medium 129 can be arranged in a clamp-like manner around the pipeline 112 with the feed material. As shown in Figure 8e As shown, the pipe 112 may be spiral-shaped and a cylinder with the current-conducting medium 129 may be arranged around the pipe 112. Figure 8f shows an asymmetrical pipeline 112 in which inlet 120 and outlet 122 are arranged on the same side of the pipeline 112. Figure 8g shows another clamp-shaped embodiment, wherein each clamp 141 is assigned its own current or voltage source 126 so that in this embodiment the clamps 141 are heated separately. For example, one of the clamps 141 can be used for preheating and the other for a reaction, or both clamps 141 can be used for preheating or for reactions.

[0123] Figures 9a to 9gshow further schematic representations of further embodiments of the device 110 according to the invention. Figure 9a to f show embodiments in which the current-conducting medium 129 is heated by means of 3-phase alternating current or 3-phase alternating voltage. The three outer conductors are designated L1, L2, and L3, and the neutral conductor is designated N. In Figure 9a A hollow cylinder is provided for the current-conducting medium 129 with an inner cylinder for the feed material. Figure 9b shows an embodiment with several pipes 112, which are surrounded by a cylinder filled with electrically conductive medium 129. In Figure 9c Several containers 140 in the form of cylinders with electrically conductive medium 129 are provided, which are surrounded by a pipeline 112 with feed material. In Figure 9d an embodiment is shown with three clamps 141 with current-conducting medium 129, which are arranged around a pipeline 112 with feed material. In Figure 9e A spiral-shaped pipe 112 with feed material is shown, which is surrounded by a cylinder with an electrically conductive medium 129. Embodiments are also conceivable in which a spiral-shaped pipe with an electrically conductive medium 129 is provided, which is surrounded by a pipe 112. Furthermore, embodiments with a concatenation of pipes in the electrical engineering sense are possible, for example, multiple spiral-shaped elements in the cylinder. Figure 9f shows an embodiment with an asymmetry of the pipeline 112. Asymmetry can generally be possible, for example inlet 120 and outlet 122 can be on the same side of the pipeline. Figure 9g shows an embodiment in which the current-conducting medium 129 is arranged in hollow cylinders around different areas of a pipeline 112 and is arranged in the electrotechnical sense.

[0124] Figure 10shows an embodiment with inductive heating of the pipeline 112. The device 110 can have at least one coil 132. The current or voltage source 126 can be connected to the coil 132 and is configured to apply a voltage or current to the coil 132. The current-conducting medium 129 and the coil 132 can be arranged such that the electromagnetic field of the coil 132 induces an electric current in the current-conducting medium, which heats the current-conducting medium through Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through the current-conducting medium 129, to heat the feedstock. The coil geometry can be configured as desired. For example, the coil 132 can be vertical, horizontal, cylindrical, or otherwise configured.In the reactive chamber or heating 111, several inductive heaters can be provided, which can be arranged, for example, in parallel, serially or otherwise. List of reference symbols

[0125] 110Equipment 111Reactive chamber or warm-up 112Pipe 114Pipe segment 118Pipe system 120Inlet 122Outlet 124Insulator 125Grounding 126Voltage / current source 127Electrical supply and discharge lines 128Electrodes 129Currently conducting medium 130Galvanically insulating wall 131Regulator 132Coil 133Electrode bridge 134Modular system 140Container e.g. cylinder 141Clamp

Claims

1. A device (110) comprising at least one pipeline (112) for receiving at least one feedstock, said device (110) having at least one current-conducting medium (129), said device (110) having at least one power source or voltage source (126) set up to generate an electrical current in the current-conducting medium (129) which heats the pipeline (112) by Joule heating that arises on passage of the electrical current through the current-conducting medium (129), wherein said current-conducting medium (129) has a specific resistivity ρ of 0.1 Ωmm2 / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm2 / m.

2. The device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the device (110) is set up to heat the feedstock to a temperature in the range from 200°C to 1700°C, preferably 300°C to 1400°C, more preferably 400°C to 875°C.

3. The device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the current-conducting medium (129) and the pipeline (112) are arranged relative to one another such that the current-conducting medium (129) at least partly surrounds the pipeline (112) and / or that the pipeline (112) at least partly surrounds the current-conducting medium (129).

4. The device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the current-conducting medium (129) is in a solid, liquid and / or gaseous state of matter selected from the group consisting of solid, liquid, gaseous and mixtures.

5. The device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the current-conducting medium (129) is a current-conducting granular material or a current-conducting fluid.

6. The device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the current-conducting medium (129) includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of: carbon, carbides, silicides, electrically conductive oils, salt melts, inorganic salts and solid / liquid mixtures.

7. The device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the current-conducting medium (129) a specific resistivity ρ of 10 Ωmm2 / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm2 / m.

8. The device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power source and / or voltage source (126) comprises a single-phase or multiphase AC power source and / or a single-phase or multiphase AC voltage source, or a DC power source and / or DC voltage source.

9. The device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (110) has a plurality of pipelines (112), said device (110) having 1 pipelines (112) where 1 is a natural number not less than two, and said pipelines (112) having symmetric or asymmetric pipes and / or a combination thereof.

10. The device (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pipelines (112) are of different configuration with regard to diameter, and / or length, and / or geometry.

11. The device (110) according to either of the two preceding claims, wherein two or more or all of the pipelines (112) are in series and / or parallel configuration.

12. The device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the feedstock is a hydrocarbon to be subjected to thermal cleavage and / or a mixture.

13. A plant comprising at least one device (110) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of: a plant for performance of at least one endothermic reaction, a plant for heating, a plant for preheating, a steamcracker, a steam reformer, an apparatus for alkane dehydrogenation, a reformer, an apparatus for dry reforming, an apparatus for styrene production, an apparatus for ethylbenzene dehydrogenation, an apparatus for cracking of ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, an apparatus for dehydrogenation.

14. A method of heating at least one feedstock using a device (110) according to any of the preceding claims relating to a device, said method comprising the following steps: - providing at least one pipeline (112) for receiving the feedstock and receiving the feedstock in the pipeline (112); - providing at least one power source and / or at least one voltage source (126); - generating an electrical current in a current-conducting medium (129) in the device (110), which heats the pipeline (112) by Joule heating that arises on passage of the electrical current through the current-conducting medium (112), in order to heat the feedstock, said current-conducting medium (129) having a specific resistivity ρ of 0.1 Ωmm2 / m ≤ ρ ≤ 1000 Ωmm2 / m.