Device and method for heating a fluid in a pipeline with single-phase alternating current

Abstract

A device (110) for heating a fluid is proposed. The device comprises - at least one electrically conductive pipeline (112) and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment (114) for accommodating the fluid, and - at least one single-phase alternating-current and / or at least one single-phase alternating-voltage source (126), wherein each pipeline (112) and / or each pipeline segment (114) is assigned a respective single-phase alternating-current and / or a respective single-phase alternating-voltage source (126) which is connected to the respective pipeline (112) and / or to the respective pipeline segment (114), wherein the respective single-phase alternating-current and / or single-phase alternating-voltage source (126) is designed to generate an electrical current in the respective pipeline (112) and / or in the respective pipeline segment (114), which electrical current warms the respective pipeline (112) and / or the respective pipeline segment (114) by Joule heat, which arises as the electrical current passes through conductive pipe material, in order to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase alternating-current and / or the single-phase alternating-voltage source (126) is connected in electrically conductive fashion to the pipeline (112) and / or to the pipeline segment (114) such that the generated alternating current flows via a forward conductor (128) into the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) and flows back via a return conductor (130) to the alternating-current and / or alternating-voltage source (126).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for heating a fluid 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 designed to generate an alternating electrical current in the at least one conduit, which heats the at least one conduit to heat the fluid.

[0003] However, known devices for heating a fluid in a pipeline are often technically complicated or can only be implemented with great technical effort.

[0004] FR 2 722 359 A1 describes a fluid flowing through a uniform central bore of a channel whose wall thickness increases uniformly axially. An electrical energy source is connected between the ends. The resistance heating per unit length decreases with increasing thickness, with the required energy distribution being achieved by choosing suitable dimensions.

[0005] WO 2013 / 143435 A1 describes an electric high-frequency heating material tube, consisting of a tube body made of conductive material that fits together with at least one group of heating devices. The heating devices are arranged on the material tube body and externally connected to a high-frequency AC power supply. The heating device comprises at least two conductive components. The two conductive components are each provided with a conductive ring. The conductive rings are each pushed onto the material tube body and arranged separately on the left and right sides.The two conductive rings are each connected to a conductive wire, and the other ends of the two conductive wires are respectively connected to the different electrodes of the high-frequency AC power supply to conduct and collect the high-frequency current to the surface of the material tube body, so that the high-frequency AC current flows on the surface of the material tube body and the temperature rises rapidly to heat the surface of the material tube body due to the existence of impedance.

[0006] In the technical field of submarine pipelines, as described in EP 3 579 659 A1, a submarine direct electric heating energy supply system for providing electrical energy for heating a submarine pipeline section is known. The system comprises input means adapted to couple the direct electric heating energy supply system to a power supply, and a submarine variable-speed drive for receiving electrical energy from the input means and providing an AC output.

[0007] In the technical field of oil pipelines, as described in GB 2 341 442 A, a pipeline heating system comprising a thermally insulated pipeline is known, in which a portion of the pipeline acts as a heating element. The heating element has connections to corresponding supply and return cables at opposite ends of the length of pipeline defining the heating element, with the thermal insulation providing electrical insulation for the heating element.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for heating a fluid that 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 and method should be applicable to the heating of fluids that cause a reduction in insulation, for example, coking in cracking furnaces.

[0009] This object was achieved by a device having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified, among other things, in the associated subclaims and their interrelations.

[0010] 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, besides 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.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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 as 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.

[0013] In a first aspect of the present invention, a device for heating a fluid is proposed.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, a "fluid" is understood to mean a gaseous and / or liquid medium. The fluid can, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: water, steam, combustion air, a hydrocarbon mixture, and a hydrocarbon to be cracked. For example, the fluid can be a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked. For example, the fluid can be water or steam and additionally contain a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked. The fluid can, for example, be a preheated mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked and steam. Other fluids are also conceivable.

[0015] "Heating a fluid" can be understood as a process that leads to a change in the temperature of the fluid, in particular to an increase in the temperature of the fluid, for example, to a warming of the fluid. The fluid can be heated, for example, by heating to a predefined or predetermined temperature value. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 200°C to 1200°C. The temperature range can depend on an application. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 1100°C. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 200°C to 800°C, preferably from 400°C to 700°C.

[0016] The facility can be part of a plant. For example, the plant can be selected from the group consisting of: a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, and a dry reforming device. For example, the plant can be configured to carry out at least one process selected from the group consisting of: steam cracking, steam reforming, alkane dehydrogenation, and dry reforming.

[0017] The device 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.

[0018] 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, especially 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 800°C, preferably 400°C to 700°C.

[0019] 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.

[0020] However, other temperatures and temperature ranges are also conceivable.

[0021] The facility includes: at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment for receiving the fluid, and at least one single-phase alternating current and / or at least one single-phase alternating voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or each pipeline segment is assigned a single-phase alternating current and / or a single-phase alternating voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or to the respective pipeline segment, wherein the respective single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating 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 by Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, in order to heat the fluid,wherein the single-phase alternating current and / or the single-phase alternating voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source via a return conductor.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, a pipeline can be understood as any shaped device designed to receive and transport the fluid. A pipeline segment can be understood as a partial region of a pipeline. The pipeline can have at least one symmetrical and / or at least one asymmetrical pipe. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipeline can depend on the fluid to be transported.

[0023] An "electrically conductive pipeline" can be understood to mean that the pipeline, in particular the material of the pipeline, is designed to conduct electrical current.

[0024] The fluid can flow through the respective pipes and / or pipe segments of the device and be heated therein by heating the pipes and / or pipe segments by an alternating current impressed into these pipes and / or pipe segments from the alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources, so that Joule heat is generated in the pipes and / or pipe segments, which Joule heat is transferred to the fluid, so that the fluid is heated as it flows through the pipes and / or pipe segments.

[0025] The pipeline can be configured as a reaction tube of a reformer furnace. The pipeline can be configured as a reaction tube of at least one plant selected from the group consisting of: a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, and a dry reforming device.

[0026] The device may comprise a plurality of pipelines and / or pipeline segments. The device may comprise L pipelines and / or pipeline segments, where L is a natural number greater than or equal to two. For example, the device may comprise at least two, three, four, five, or even more pipelines and / or pipeline segments. The device may, for example, comprise up to one hundred pipelines and / or pipeline segments. The pipelines and / or pipeline segments may be identical or different.

[0027] The pipelines and / or pipeline segments can comprise symmetrical and / or asymmetrical pipes and / or combinations thereof. In a purely symmetrical configuration, the device can comprise pipelines and / or pipeline segments of an identical pipe type. "Asymmetrical pipes" and "combinations of symmetrical and asymmetrical pipes" can be understood to mean that the device 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 and / or pipeline segment 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 pipeline and / or the pipeline segment; a vertical configuration of the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment; 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.

[0028] The device can comprise a combination of at least two different pipe types which are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the device can comprise pipes and / or pipe segments of different lengths at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and / or transition (L3). For example, the device can comprise 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 can comprise pipes and / or pipe segments with a different number of passes. For example, the device can comprise pipes and / or pipe segments 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.The facility may have a plurality of feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production streams. "Feed" can be understood as a material stream that is fed into the facility. The pipelines and / or pipeline segments of different or identical pipe types can be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets. Pipelines and / or pipeline segments can be available in various pipe types in the form of a modular system and can be selected and combined as desired depending on the intended use. Using pipelines and / or pipeline segments of different pipe types can enable more precise temperature control, adaptation of the reaction in the presence of fluctuating feed, selective reaction yield, and / or optimized process technology.The pipes and / or pipe segments can have identical or different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials. The pipes and / or pipe segments can be interconnected, thus forming a pipe system for receiving the fluid. A "pipe system" can be understood as a device comprising at least two, in particular interconnected, pipes and / or pipe segments. The pipe system can have supply and discharge pipes. The pipe system can have at least one inlet for receiving the fluid. The pipe system can have at least one outlet for discharging the fluid. "Interconnected" can be understood as meaning that the pipes and / or pipe segments are fluidly connected to one another.The pipelines and / or pipeline segments can be arranged and connected in such a way that the fluid flows through the pipelines and / or pipeline segments one after the other. The pipelines and / or pipeline segments can be connected in parallel such that the fluid can flow through at least two pipelines and / or pipeline segments in parallel. The pipelines and / or pipeline segments, in particular the pipelines and / or pipeline segments connected in parallel, can be configured to transport different fluids in parallel. In particular, for transporting different fluids, the pipelines and / or pipeline segments connected in parallel can have different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials.Particularly for the transport of a fluid, several or all of the pipelines and / or pipeline segments can be configured in parallel, allowing the fluid to be distributed among those parallel-configured pipelines. Combinations of serial and parallel circuits are also conceivable.

[0029] The pipelines and / or pipeline segments and corresponding supply and discharge pipelines can be fluidically connected to one another, wherein the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and 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 / or pipeline segments and the supply and discharge pipelines are separated from one another in such a way that no electrical conduction and / or a tolerable electrical conduction occurs between the pipelines and / or pipeline segments 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 / or pipeline segments and the supply and discharge pipelines can be ensured by the insulators.The insulators can ensure free flow of the fluid. For the respective galvanically isolated pipes and / or pipe segments, the device can have at least one forward conductor and at least one return conductor. The forward conductor and the return conductor for the respective galvanically isolated pipes and / or pipe segments can be connected to an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source. Thus, an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source, at least one forward conductor, and at least one return conductor can be provided for each of the respective galvanically isolated pipes and / or pipe segments.

[0030] An "alternating current source" can be understood as a power source that is designed 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.

[0031] The device can be configured to apply the alternating current to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment and / or to provide the alternating current to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment. The device can have a forward conductor configured to conduct the generated alternating current to another element, in particular the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment, such that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment via the forward conductor. A "forward conductor" can be understood as any electrical conductor, in particular a supply conductor, wherein the word "toward" indicates a direction of flow from the alternating current source or alternating voltage source to that of the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment.

[0032] An "AC voltage source" can be understood as a voltage source that is 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 AC voltage can be a sinusoidal AC 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.

[0033] The alternating current source and / or the alternating voltage source are configured to generate an alternating current in the respective pipeline and / or the respective pipeline segment. The generated alternating current can heat the respective pipeline and / or the respective pipeline segment through Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid. "Heating the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment" can be understood as a process that leads to a change in the temperature of the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment, in particular an increase in the temperature of the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment.

[0034] The alternating current and / or alternating voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment via the forward conductor and back to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source via a return conductor. The device can have at least one return conductor. A "return conductor" can be understood as any electrical conductor configured to conduct the alternating current away from the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment after it has flowed through it, in particular to the alternating current or alternating voltage source. The word "back" indicates a direction of flow from the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment to the alternating current or alternating voltage source.

[0035] The device may comprise a plurality of single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources.

[0036] Each of the pipelines and / or each pipeline segment can be assigned an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or to the respective pipeline segment, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which at least two pipelines and / or each pipeline segment share an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source.

[0037] To connect the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources and the respective pipelines and / or to the respective pipeline segments, the device can have 2 to N forward conductors and 2 to N return conductors, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective single-phase AC current and / or AC voltage source can be configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or in the respective pipeline segment.

[0038] 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 a voltage value and / or a current and / or a 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 pipes and different temperatures can be achieved in the pipes.

[0039] Furthermore, the device can comprise at least one heating wire, which can be wound, for example, around the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment. The alternating current and / or alternating voltage source can be connected to the heating wire. The alternating current and / or alternating voltage source can be configured to generate a current in the heating wire and thus heat. The heating wire can be configured to heat, in particular to heat, the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment.

[0040] In a further aspect, the present invention proposes a method for heating a fluid. A device according to the invention is used in the method.

[0041] The procedure includes the following steps: Providing at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment for receiving the fluid; receiving the fluid in the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment; providing at least one single-phase alternating current and / or at least one single-phase alternating voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or each pipeline segment is assigned a single-phase alternating current and / or a single-phase alternating voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or to the respective pipeline segment; generating an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or in the respective pipeline segment by the respective single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating voltage source, 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,to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase alternating current and / or the single-phase alternating voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source via a return conductor.

[0042] For further embodiments and definitions, reference can be made to the above description of the unit. 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 application or not.

[0043] The fluid can flow through the respective pipes and / or pipe segments of the device and be heated therein by heating the pipes by an alternating current impressed into these pipes and / or pipe segments from the single-phase alternating current and / or the single-phase alternating voltage source, so that Joule heat is generated in the pipes and / or pipe segments, which Joule heat is transferred to the fluid, so that the fluid is heated as it flows through the pipes and / or pipe segments.

[0044] For example, a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked, can be heated as the fluid.

[0045] For example, water or steam can be heated as the fluid, wherein the water or steam is heated in particular to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 700°C, and the fluid additionally comprises, in particular contains, a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked. The fluid to be heated can be a preheated mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked and steam.

[0046] For example, combustion air from a reformer furnace can be preheated or heated as a fluid, for example to a temperature in the range of 200 °C to 800 °C, preferably 400 °C to 700 °C.

[0047] For example, the pipeline can be designed as a reaction tube of a reformer furnace.

[0048] The device and method according to the invention offer numerous advantages over known devices and methods. The device and method according to the invention allow for temperature control, current or voltage control, yield optimization, any desired reactor design, and any desired combination of reactors.

[0049] In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred within the scope of the present invention: Embodiment 1: Device for heating a fluid comprising at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment for receiving the fluid, and at least one single-phase alternating current and / or at least one single-phase alternating voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or each pipeline segment is assigned a single-phase alternating current and / or a single-phase alternating voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or to the respective pipeline segment, wherein the respective single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating 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 by Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material,to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase alternating current and / or the single-phase alternating voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the alternating current and / or voltage source via a return conductor. Embodiment 2: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device comprises a plurality of pipelines and / or pipeline segments, wherein the pipelines and / or pipeline segments are interconnected and thus form a pipe system for receiving the fluid. Embodiment 3: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the device comprises L pipelines and / or pipeline segments, where L is a natural number greater than or equal to two,wherein the pipelines and / or pipeline segments comprise symmetrical or asymmetrical pipes and / or a combination thereof. Embodiment 4: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and corresponding supply and discharge pipelines are fluidically connected to one another, wherein the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the supply and discharge pipelines are galvanically isolated from one another. Embodiment 5: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device comprises insulators configured for galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the supply and discharge pipelines, wherein the insulators are configured to ensure a free flow of the fluid. Embodiment 6: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments,characterized in that several or all of the pipelines and / or pipeline segments are configured in series and / or in parallel. Embodiment 7: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the device comprises a plurality of single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources, wherein the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources are configured with or without the possibility of regulating at least one electrical output variable. Embodiment 8: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device comprises 2 to N forward conductors and 2 to N return conductors for connecting the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources and the respective pipelines and / or to the respective pipeline segments.where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. Embodiment 9: Device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, characterized in that the respective single-phase alternating current or single-phase alternating voltage sources are configured identically or differently. Embodiment 10: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device has 2 to M different single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating voltage sources, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three, wherein the single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating voltage sources are electrically controllable independently of one another. Embodiment 11: Plant comprising at least one device according to one of the preceding embodiments. Embodiment 12: Plant according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the plant is selected from the group consisting of: a steam cracker,a steam reformer, a device for alkane dehydrogenation, a device for dry reforming. Embodiment 13: A method for heating a fluid using a device according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: providing at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment for receiving the fluid; receiving the fluid into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment; providing at least one single-phase alternating current and / or at least one single-phase alternating voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or each pipeline segment is assigned a single-phase alternating current and / or a single-phase alternating voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or to the respective pipeline segment,Generating an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment by the respective single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating voltage source, which heats the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment through Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the alternating current and / or voltage source via a return conductor. Embodiment 14: Method according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the fluid is a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked,in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked, is heated. Embodiment 15: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, characterized in that water or steam is heated as the fluid, wherein said water or steam is heated in particular to a temperature in the range from 550°C to 700°C, and the fluid additionally comprises a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked, wherein the fluid to be heated is a preheated mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked and steam. Embodiment 16: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, characterized in that combustion air from a reformer furnace is preheated as the fluid, for example to a temperature in the range from 200°C to 800°C,preferably 400 °C to 700 °C. Short description of the figures,

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 3a and 3b show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention; Figures 4a to 4c show schematic representations of embodiments of a device according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; Figures 6a and 6f show schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention; Figures 7ai to Cvi show schematic representations of pipe types; and Figures 8a to y show a kit with pipe types and embodiments of the invention of combinations of pipes and / or pipe segments. Examples of implementation

[0052] Figures 1a to 1ceach show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid. The device 110 comprises at least one electrically conductive pipe 112 and / or at least one electrically conductive pipe segment 114 for receiving the fluid. The fluid can be a gaseous and / or liquid medium. The fluid can, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: water, water vapor, combustion air, a hydrocarbon mixture, a hydrocarbon to be cracked. For example, the fluid can be a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked. For example, the fluid can be water or water vapor and additionally comprise a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked.The fluid can, for example, be a preheated mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked and steam. Other fluids are also conceivable. The device 110 can be configured to heat the fluid, in particular to cause an increase in the temperature of the fluid. The fluid can be heated, for example, by heating it to a predefined or predetermined temperature value. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 400°C to 1200°C.

[0053] For example, the device 110 can be part of a plant. For example, the plant can be selected from the group consisting of: a steam cracker, a steam reformer, a device for alkane dehydrogenation, a device for dry reforming. For example, the device 110 can be configured to carry out at least one process selected from the group consisting of: steam cracking, steam reforming, alkane dehydrogenation, dry reforming. The device 110 can, for example, be part of a steam cracker. The steam cracker can be configured to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range from 550°C to 1100°C. For example, the device 110 can be part of a reformer furnace. For example, the fluid can be combustion air from a reformer furnace, which is preheated or heated, for example to a temperature in the range from 200°C to 800°C, preferably from 400°C to 700°C.For example, device 110 can be part of an alkane dehydrogenation device. The alkane dehydrogenation device can be configured to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range of 400°C to 700°C. However, other temperatures and temperature ranges are also conceivable.

[0054] The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can be configured to receive and transport the fluid. The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can comprise at least one leg or one turn. The pipeline 112 can have at least one symmetrical and / or at least one asymmetrical tube. Figure 1cshows an embodiment with three symmetrical pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipeline 112 can depend on the fluid to be transported. The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can be configured to conduct electrical current. The pipeline 112 can be designed as a reaction tube of a reformer furnace.

[0055] 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 L pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114, where L 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 and / or pipeline segments 114. The device 110 can, for example, have up to one hundred pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114. The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can be identical or different. The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can be interconnected and thus form a pipe system 118 for receiving the fluid. The pipe system 118 can have supply and discharge pipelines 112. The pipe system 118 can have at least one inlet 120 for receiving the fluid. The pipe system 118 may have at least one outlet 122 for discharging the fluid. Figure 1shows an embodiment in which the pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 are arranged and connected such that the fluid flows through the pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 one after the other.

[0056] The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 and corresponding supply and discharge pipelines can be fluidically connected to one another, wherein the pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 and the supply and discharge pipelines can be galvanically isolated from one another. The device 110 can have at least one galvanic isolation, in particular at least one insulator 124, in particular a plurality of insulators 124. The galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 and the supply and discharge pipelines can be ensured by the insulators 124. The insulators 124 can ensure a free flow of the fluid.

[0057] The device 110 comprises at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source 126. For example, the AC current can be a sinusoidal AC current. The single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source 126 can be configured to provide an electrical current with a single phase.

[0058] The device 110 has a forward conductor 128. The forward conductor 128 can be configured to conduct the generated alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114. The forward conductor 128 can be configured to apply the alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 and / or to provide the alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114. The forward conductor 128 can be configured to conduct the generated alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 such that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 via the forward conductor 128. The forward conductor 128 can be a feeder conductor.

[0059] The alternating current source and / or the alternating voltage source 126 are configured to generate an alternating current in the respective pipeline 112 and / or the respective pipeline segment 114. The generated alternating current can heat the respective pipeline 112 and / or the respective pipeline segment 114 using Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid. Heating the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can include a change in the temperature of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114, in particular an increase in the temperature of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114.

[0060] The alternating current and / or alternating voltage source 126 is electrically connected to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 such that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 via the forward conductor 128 and flows back to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source 126 via a return conductor 130. The return conductor 130 can be configured to conduct the alternating current away from the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 after flowing through it, in particular to the alternating current source or the alternating voltage source 126.

[0061] The device may comprise a plurality of single-phase AC or single-phase AC voltage sources 126, for example as shown in Figure 1c Three examples are shown.

[0062] Each of the pipelines 112 and / or for each pipeline segment 114 can be assigned an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source 126, which is connected to the respective pipeline 112 and / or to the respective pipeline segment 114, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection.

[0063] To connect the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources 126 and the respective pipelines 112 and / or to the respective pipeline segments 114, the device 110 may have two to N forward conductors 128 and two to N return conductors 130, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective single-phase AC current and / or AC voltage source 126 may be configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline 112 and / or in the respective pipeline segment 114.

[0064] The alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources 126 can be either regulated or unregulated. The alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources 126 can be designed with or without the possibility of regulating at least one electrical output variable. For example, the device can have at least one controller 127. The controller can be, for example, an external controller, i.e., a controller 127 arranged outside the reaction chamber. The device 110 can have 2 to M different alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources 126, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources 126 can be electrically controlled independently of one another. For example, a different current can be generated in the respective pipes 112 and / or in the respective pipe segments 114, and different temperatures can be achieved in the pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114.

[0065] Figures 4a to 4c each show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid, wherein in the embodiments of the Figures 4a to 4c Furthermore, a reactive chamber 111, also referred to as reaction chamber, of the device 110 is shown. With regard to the other elements of the Figure 4a can refer to the description of the Figure 1a Regarding the other elements of the Figure 4b can refer to the description of the Figure 1b Regarding the other elements of the Figure 4c can refer to the description of the Figure 1c be referred to.

[0066] 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 1referred to with the following special features. In this embodiment, the device 110 comprises a pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 with three legs or turns, which are fluidically connected. The device comprises the inlet 120 and the outlet 122. The fluid 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 comprise the insulators 124, for example as in Figure 2 shown two insulators 124. In this embodiment, the device 110 comprises a single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source 126. To connect the single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source 126 and the pipeline 112 and / or to the respective pipeline segment 114, the device 110 may comprise a forward conductor 128 and a return conductor 130.

[0067] Figure 5shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid, wherein in the embodiment of the Figure 5 Furthermore, a reactive chamber 111 of the device 110 is shown. With regard to the other elements of the Figure 5 can refer to the description of the Figure 2 be referred to.

[0068] In the examples of the Figures 1a and 1c the pipes 112 are arranged in series. Figures 3a and 3b show embodiments with parallel connected pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114, in Figure 3a with two parallel pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 and in Figure 3b with 3 parallel pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114. Other numbers of parallel pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 are also conceivable. In the Figures 3a and 3bThe device 110 has an inlet 120 and an outlet 122. The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can be interconnected such that the fluid 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.

[0069] Figures 6a and 6b show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid, wherein in the embodiments of the Figures 6a and 6b Furthermore, a reactive chamber 111 of the device 110 is shown.

[0070] Regarding the other elements of the Figure 6acan refer to the description of the Figure 3a Regarding the other elements of the Figure 6b can refer to the description of the Figure 3b With regard to Figure 6c and 6e can refer to the description of the Figure 6A In the embodiments of the Figure 6c and 6e the pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 share a common AC current and / or AC voltage source 126. In the embodiment of the Figure 6e The device additionally comprises a controller 127. The controller 127 can be configured to regulate the output variable of the AC current and / or AC voltage source 126, so that the pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can have controllable temperatures, in particular different temperatures. Figure 6d and 6f can refer to the description of the Figure 6b In the embodiments of the Figure 6d and6f the pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 share a common AC current and / or AC voltage source 126. In the embodiment of the Figure 6f The device also has a controller 127.

[0071] The device 110 can have symmetrical and / or asymmetrical pipes and / or combinations thereof. In a purely symmetrical configuration, the device 110 can have pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of an identical pipe type. The device 110 can have any combination of pipe types, which can, for example, also be connected in parallel or in series as desired. The pipe type can be characterized by at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: a horizontal configuration of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114; a vertical configuration of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114; 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.Alternatively or additionally, the pipe type can be selected from at least one pipeline 112 and / or at least one pipeline segment 114 with or without galvanic isolation and / or grounding 125. The galvanic isolation can be configured, for example, using an insulator 124. For example, galvanic isolation can be provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and galvanic isolation at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, galvanic isolation can be provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and grounding 125 at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, galvanic isolation can be provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, a ground 125 may be provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.For example, the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 can be provided without grounding 125 at the inlet 120 and outlet 122 and / or without galvanic isolation at the inlet 120 and outlet 122. Alternatively or additionally, the pipe type can be characterized by a fluid flow direction. The fluid can generally flow in two flow directions, referred to as the first and second flow directions. The first and second flow directions can be opposite.

[0072] Alternatively or additionally, the pipe type can be characterized by applying alternating current to the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, a forward conductor 128 can be connected centrally to the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. The return conductors 130 can be connected at the beginnings or ends of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, the forward conductor 128 can be connected at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114, and the return conductor 130 can be connected at the end of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.

[0073] Any combination of pipe types is possible.

[0074] Figure 7AiFigures 7A1 to Civ show exemplary possible embodiments of pipe types in schematic representations. Figures 7A1 to Civ indicate the pipe type in each case. This can be divided into the following categories, with all conceivable combinations of categories 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 138. Category C specifies ratios of lengths at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and lengths of passes. All commutations are conceivable here, which are denoted by 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 a 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 grounding 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 fluid. The fluid can generally flow in two directions. A pipe type in which the fluid flows in a first direction is referred to as pipe type E1, and a pipe type in which the fluid flows in a second direction is referred to as pipe type E2. The first and second flow directions can be opposite. Category F designates the application of alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. F1 denotes a connection of a forward conductor 128 centrally on the pipeline 112 and / or on the pipe segment 114, with the return conductors 130 being connected to the beginnings or ends of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.F2 denotes a connection of the forward conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and the return conductor 130 at the end of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. .

[0075] In Figure 7Ai a pipeline 112 and / or a pipeline segment 114 of pipe type A1D1F2 is shown. The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 has a horizontal course. In this embodiment, the device 110 has two insulators 124, which are arranged after the inlet 120 and before the outlet 122. Regarding the further elements of the Figure 7Ai can refer to the description of the Figure 4a be referred to. In Figure 7Ai Possible flow directions Ei are shown as examples with a double arrow at inlet 120 and outlet 122. In the further Figure 7 Inlet 120 and outlet 122 are referred to jointly. The embodiment in Figure 7Aii shows a pipe type A1D2F2 and differs from Figure 7Ai 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 7Aiii shows a pipe type A1D3F2 and differs from Figure 7Aii that no earthing 125 is provided. In Figure 7Aiv , pipe type A1D4F2, the device has 110, compared to Figure 7Aiii , instead of the insulator only an earthing 125. Also embodiments without insulators 124 or earthing 125 are possible, as in Figure 7Av , pipe type A1D5F2, shown. Figures 7Ai to 7Avi show pipe types in which the alternating current is fed in via a connection of the forward conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Figure 7Avi shows a pipe type A1F1, in which the alternating current is fed in centrally at the pipe 112 and / or at the pipe segment 114.

[0076] In Figure 7Bi, pipe type BiD1F2, lengths at the inlet (L1), outlet (L2) and transition (L3) as well as diameters at 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 at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and / or transition (L3) and / or diameters at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3). With regard to the further elements of the Figure 7Bi can refer to the description of the Figure 4a The example in Figure 7Bii shows a pipe type BiD2F2 and differs from Figure 7Bi 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 7Biii shows a pipe type BiD3F2 and differs from Figure 7Bii that no earthing 125 is provided. In Figure 7Biv, pipe type BiD4F2, the device has 110, compared to Figure 7Biii , instead of the insulator only an earthing 125. Also embodiments without insulators 124 or earthing 125 are possible, as in Figure 7Bv , pipe type BiD5F2, shown. Figures 7Bi to 7Bvi show pipe types in which the alternating current is fed in via a connection of the forward conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Figure 7Bvi shows a pipe type BiF1, in which the alternating current is fed in centrally at the pipe 112 and / or at the pipe segment 114.

[0077] Figure 7Ci , pipe type CiD1F2, 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 7Cican refer to the description of the Figure 5 The example in Figure 7Cii shows a pipe type CiD2F2 and differs from Figure 7Ci 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 7Ciii shows a pipe type CiD3F2 and differs from Figure 7Cii that no earthing 125 is provided. In Figure 7Civ , pipe type CiD4F2, the device has 110, compared to Figure 7Ciii , instead of the insulator only an earthing 125. Also embodiments without insulators 124 or earthing 125 are possible, as in Figure 7Cv , pipe type CiD5F2, shown. Figures 7Ci to 7Cvi show pipe types in which the alternating current is fed in via a connection of the forward conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Figure 7Cvishows a pipe type CiF1, in which the alternating current is fed in centrally on the pipe 112 and / or on the pipe segment 114.

[0078] The device 110 can comprise a combination of at least two different pipe types, which are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the device 110 can comprise 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 comprise 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 comprise pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with a different number of passes. For example, the device 110 can comprise pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with passes of different lengths per pass and / or different diameters per pass.

[0079] In principle, any combination of all pipe types, 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 138 and can be selected and combined as desired depending on the intended use. Figure 8a shows an embodiment of a kit 138 with different pipe types. Figures 8b to y show inventive embodiments of combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of the same and / or different pipe type. Figure 8b 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 8c 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 8da plurality of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of pipe type A2 are shown, all of which are connected in parallel. In Figure 8e An embodiment is shown in which a plurality of Category B pipe types are arranged one after the other. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be identical or different Category B pipe types, which are marked with Bi. Figure 8f 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 8gshows 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 8h to m 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 a plurality of feed inlets and / or feed outlets, as shown, for example, in the Figures 8k and 8m is shown.

[0080] Figures 8n to 8p show exemplary combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, D and F. Figures 8q and 8rshow exemplary combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories B, D and F. Figure 8s shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories C, D and F. Figure 8t shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, D and F. Figure 8u shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, C, D and F. Figure 8v shows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories B, C, D and F. Figure 8w and 8y show exemplary combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, B, C, D and F. Figure 8xshows an exemplary combination of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, B, D, and F. 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, E, and F 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 8o, 8p , 8r , 8s , 8v to 8y shown.

[0081] 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. List of reference symbols

[0082] 110Equipment 111Reactive chamber 112Pipe 114Pipe segment 118Pipe system 120Inlet 122Outlet 124Insulator 125Grounding 126Single-phase AC and / or AC voltage source 127Controller 128Forward conductor 130Return conductor 132Heating wire 134First pipe 136Second pipe 138Modular system

Claims

1. An apparatus (110) for heating a fluid comprising - at least one electrically conductive pipeline (112) and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment (114) for receiving the fluid, and - at least one single-phase AC power source and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source (126), each pipeline (112) and / or each pipeline segment (114) being assigned a single-phase AC power source and / or a single-phase AC voltage source (126) which is connected to the respective pipeline (112) and / or to the respective pipeline segment (114), the respective single-phase AC power source and / or single-phase AC voltage source (126) being designed to generate an electrical current in the respective pipeline (112) and / or in the respective pipeline segment (114), which warms up the respective pipeline (112) and / or the respective pipeline segment (114) by Joulean heat, which is produced when the electrical current passes through conducting pipe material, for heating the fluid, the single-phase AC power source and / or the single-phase AC voltage source (126) being connected to the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) in an electrically conducting manner in such a way that the alternating current generated flows into the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) via a forward conductor (128) and flows back to the AC power source and / or AC voltage source (126) via a return conductor (130), the apparatus (110) comprising a plurality of pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114), the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) being through-connected and thus forming a pipe system for receiving the fluid, the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) and correspondingly incoming and outgoing pipelines being connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner, the pipelines (112) and / or pipe segments (114) and the incoming and outgoing pipelines (112) being galvanically separated from one another.

2. The apparatus (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein the apparatus (110) comprises L pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114), where L is a natural number greater than or equal to two, the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) comprising symmetrical or asymmetrical pipes and / or a combination thereof.

3. The apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (110) comprises isolators (124) which are designed for galvanic separation between the respective pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) and the incoming and outgoing pipelines, the isolators (124) being designed to ensure a free through-flow of the fluid.

4. The apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a number or all of the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (112) are configured in series and / or in parallel.

5. The apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (110) comprises a plurality of single-phase AC power or single-phase AC voltage sources (126), the single-phase AC power and / or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) being configured with or without the possibility of controlling at least one electrical output variable.

6. The apparatus (110) according to the preceding claim, wherein, to connect the single-phase AC power or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) and the respective pipelines (112) and / or with the respective pipeline segments (114), the apparatus (110) comprises 2 to N forward conductors (128) and 2 to N return conductors (130), where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three.

7. The apparatus (110) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the respective single-phase AC power or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) are configured identically.

8. The apparatus (110) according to one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the respective single-phase AC power or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) are configured differently.

9. The apparatus (110) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (110) comprises 2 to M different single-phase AC power and / or single-phase AC voltage sources (126), wherein M is a natural number greater than or equal to three, the single-phase AC power and / or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) being electrically controllable independently of one another.

10. An installation comprising at least one apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims.

11. The installation according to the preceding claim, wherein the installation is selected from the group consisting of: a steam cracker, a steam reformer, a device for alkane dehydrogenation, a device for dry reforming.

12. A method for heating a fluid by using an apparatus (110) according to one of the preceding claims relating to an apparatus, the method comprising the following steps: - providing at least one electrically conductive pipeline (112) and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment (114) for receiving the fluid; - receiving the fluid in the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114); - providing at least one single-phase AC power source and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source (126), each pipeline (112) and / or each pipeline segment (114) being assigned a single-phase AC power source and / or a single-phase AC voltage source (126) which is connected to the respective pipeline (112) and / or to the respective pipeline segment (114), - generating by the respective single-phase AC power source and / or single-phase AC voltage source (126) an electrical current in the respective pipeline (112) and / or in the respective pipeline segment (114), which warms up the respective pipeline (112) and / or the respective pipeline segment (114) by Joulean heat, which is produced when the electrical current passes through conducting pipe material, for heating the fluid, the single-phase AC power source and / or the single-phase AC voltage source (126) being connected to the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) in an electrically conducting manner in such a way that the alternating current generated flows into the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) via a forward conductor (128) and flows back to the AC power source and / or AC voltage source (126) via a return conductor (130).

13. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein, as the fluid, a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked, is heated.

14. The method according to one of the preceding claims relating to a method, wherein, as the fluid, water or steam is heated, with said water or said steam being heated in particular to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 700°C, and the fluid additionally comprising a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked, in particular a mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked, the fluid to be heated being a preheated mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked and steam.

15. The method according to one of the preceding claims relating to a method, wherein, as the fluid, combustion air of a reformer furnace is preheated, for example to a temperature in the range of 200°C to 800°C, preferably 400°C to 700°C.

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