Device for heating a feedstock

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (110) for heating a feedstock. The device (110) comprises a plurality of electrically conductive pipelines (114) for receiving the feedstock. The pipelines (114) are arranged in parallel to be flowed through by the feedstock. The device (110) has at least one current or voltage source (126) which is configured to generate an electrical current in the pipelines (114), which heats the pipelines (114) by means of Joule heating, which is produced when the electrical current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the feedstock. Each of the pipelines (110) has a first end (116) and a second end (118). At the first end (116) and the second end (118) at least one electric insulator (132) is arranged such that the respective pipeline (114) and at least one supplying pipeline (120) and at least one discharging pipeline (122) are galvanically separated from one another. The individual pipelines (114) are electrically connected to one another in a series circuit.

Description

[0001] Device for heating a feedstock

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device for heating a feedstock and a plant comprising a device for heating a feedstock. The device can be used in particular for heating 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 device is in particular configured for electrically heating the feedstock, for example as an electric furnace or part of an electric furnace.The plant can, for example, be configured to carry 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, a dehydrogenation device, or a device for producing acetylene from hydrocarbons. However, other applications are also conceivable.

[0004] Such devices for electrically heating a feedstock are generally known. For example, WO 2015 / 197181 A1 describes a device for heating a fluid with 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.

[0005] 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, to heat the fluid.

[0006] WO 2021 / 160777 A1 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 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 electric current 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, is heated 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.

[0007] Despite the numerous advantages achieved with known devices and methods, numerous technical challenges remain. For example, the power input per pipeline (or pipeline segment or section) in such electrical heating systems cannot be increased indefinitely. For example, a maximum pipeline length may be limited by a maximum residence time. A voltage or current ratio may be determined by the resistance of the pipeline. A pipeline material cannot be optimized for the appropriate specific resistance. Thus, the maximum voltage that can be applied per pipeline may be limited.

[0008] The maximum applicable voltage is limited to values ​​that must be manageable, especially in the event of a fault. Furthermore, existing devices require a lot of space and installation space for switchgear, cables, busbars, actuators, and transformers. In particular, voltage adjustment from several kV to < 100 V over several stages must be ensured.

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for heating a feedstock and a system that at least largely avoids the disadvantages of known devices and methods. To this end, the applicable voltage should be increased as much as possible. In particular, the device should be simple to implement, compact, and simultaneously ensure a high level of electrical safety.

[0010] This object is achieved by a device and a system having the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified, inter alia, in the associated subclaims and subclaim links. 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 (ieto a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), as well as to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example element e, 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 once or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example when the feature or element is first introduced. When the feature or element is subsequently mentioned again, 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 once or multiple times.

[0012] Furthermore, the terms “preferably”, “in particular”, “for example” or similar terms are used hereinafter 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 by “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 feedstock is proposed.

[0014] In particular, the device should be usable 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 plant for alkane dehydrogenation, a reformer, a plant for dry reforming, a plant for styrene production, a plant for ethylbenzene dehydrogenation, a plant for cracking ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a plant for dehydrogenation, a plant for producing acetylene from hydrocarbons.

[0015] The device comprises a plurality of electrically conductive pipes for receiving the feedstock. The pipes are arranged in parallel so that the feedstock can flow through them. The device has at least one current and / or voltage source which is designed to inject an electrical current into the pipes, which heats the pipes using Joule heating, which is generated when the electrical current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the feedstock. Each of the pipes has a first end and a second end. At least one electrical insulator is arranged at the first end and the second end, such that the respective pipe and at least one supply pipe and at least one discharge pipe are galvanically isolated from one another. The individual pipes are electrically connected to one another in a series circuit.

[0016] By electrically connecting the pipelines in series, also known as connecting them in series, the electrical conductor can be extended as desired while simultaneously maintaining the process parameters through process-related parallelization. This can increase the electrical resistance of the system. Thus, the applicable voltage per series connection can be increased. The deliverable power can increase by at least an order of magnitude. At the same time, the number of required voltage-reducing components can be reduced.

[0017] The term “feedstock” as used here is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to any material, also referred to as feed or feedstock. The feedstock can comprise at least one material from which reaction products can be generated and / or produced, in particular by at least one chemical reaction. 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, 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. Within the scope of the present invention, reference is made to fluids as examples, representing each of the other listed feedstocks.

[0018] The term "heating the feedstock" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a process which leads to a change in the temperature of the feedstock, in particular an increase in the temperature of the feedstock, for example to heating of the feedstock. The heating of the feedstock can be carried out electrically, in particular purely electrically. The device can be used as an electric furnace. However, other embodiments are also conceivable. Use as a hybrid furnace may also be possible, for example operated with gas, electricity, or gas and electricity.As stated above, the device comprises at least one current and / or voltage source configured to inject an electric current into the pipes, which heats the pipes through Joule heat generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, thereby heating the feedstock. The feedstock can be heated, for example, by heating to a predefined or predetermined temperature. 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.

[0019] The term "pipeline" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device having an interior space separated from an external environment by a shell surface. The term pipeline encompasses a pipe, a pipeline segment, and / or a pipeline coil. 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 subsection of a pipeline. The terms "pipeline," "pipeline segment," and "pipeline coil" are used synonymously below.The pipelines can be designed as single pipelines, double pipelines, or even multiple pipelines. With double or multiple pipelines, two or more pipelines can be supplied with the feed material in parallel from a common supply and a common discharge pipeline.

[0020] The pipeline can have an at least partially cylindrical section. For example, the pipeline can be designed as a hollow cylinder, such as a circular cylinder with a radius r and a length h, also referred to as the height. The circular cylinder can have a bore along an axis. Deviations from a circular cylinder geometry are also conceivable. For example, the hollow cylinder can be an elliptical cylinder. For example, the hollow cylinder can be a prismatic cylinder.

[0021] The term "feedstock containment" as used herein is a broad term that should be given its ordinary and customary meaning as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, specifically refer to transporting the feedstock from a first end of the pipeline to a second end of the pipeline. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipelines may depend on the feedstock to be contained.

[0022] The pipelines can be designed to carry out at least one reaction and / or heat the feedstock. The device, in particular the pipelines, can therefore also be referred to as a reactor or furnace, in particular an electric furnace. For example, the pipeline can be and / or have at least one reaction tube in which at least one chemical reaction can take place. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipelines can also be selected depending on a desired reaction and / or avoiding a specific reaction. The reaction can take place in the pipeline and / or outside the pipeline. The reaction can be an endothermic reaction. The reaction can be a non-endothermic reaction. The reaction can, for example, be preheating or warming up.An "endothermic reaction" can be understood as a reaction in which energy, particularly in the form of heat, is absorbed from the environment. In particular, the feedstock can be heated in the pipeline.

[0023] The pipelines are electrically conductive. The term "electrically conductive," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a property of the pipeline such that the pipeline, in particular the material of the pipeline, is designed to conduct electrical current. The pipeline may have a specific electrical resistance of less than 10 1Q m. In the context of the present invention, the specific electrical resistance refers to the specific electrical resistance at room temperature. The pipeline can have a specific electrical resistance p of 1 »10' 8 m < p < 10 1 m. For example, the pipeline can be made of and / or comprise one or more of metals and alloys such as copper, aluminum, iron, steel or Cr, Ni alloys, graphite, carbon, carbides, silicides. The pipeline can comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of ferritic or austenitic materials. For example, the pipeline can be made of and / or comprise a CrNi alloy. For example, the pipeline can be made of at least one metal and have a specific electrical resistance of 1 * 10 8 up to 200*10 8m. For example, the pipe can be made of metal silicide and have a specific electrical resistance of 1 * 10 8 Q - 200 •10' 8 m. For example, the pipe can be made of metal carbide and have a specific electrical resistance of 20*10 8 - 5,000 * 10' 8 m. For example, the pipe can be made of carbon and have a specific electrical resistance of 50,000 *10 -8 Q -100,000*10 8 m. For example, the pipe can be made of graphite and have a specific electrical resistance of 5,000*1 O' 8 -100,000*1 O' 8 m. For example, the pipe can be made of B-carbide and have a specific electrical resistance of 10 1 - 10 2 have.

[0024] The device comprises a plurality of electrically conductive conduits. The device can have I conduits, where I is a natural number greater than or equal to two. For example, the device can have at least two, three, four, five, or even more conduits. The device can, for example, have up to one hundred conduits. The conduits can be identical or different. The conduits can be different in terms of diameter, length, and / or geometry.

[0025] The pipelines may comprise symmetrical and / or asymmetrical pipes and / or combinations thereof. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipelines may depend on the feedstock or on reaction optimization or other factors. In a purely symmetrical design, the device may comprise pipelines 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. 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 (11) and / or outlet (12) and / or transition (13); 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 which are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the device can have pipes of different lengths at the inlet (11) and / or outlet (12) and / or transition (13). 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 different number of passes. For example, the facility may have pipelines with passes of different lengths per pass and / or different diameters per pass. Possible pipelines can be available in various pipe types in the form of a modular system 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 case of fluctuating feed, and / or selective reaction yield, and / or optimized process technology. The pipelines can have identical or different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials.

[0026] The pipelines are arranged parallel so that the feedstock can flow through them. The term “parallel flow through” as used here is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a process-related parallel arrangement of the pipelines. The pipelines can be arranged at least partially parallel to one another. “At least partially parallel” can be understood to mean that an overall flow direction of the feedstock through the respective pipelines is parallel to an overall flow direction of the feedstock in the other pipelines, whereby deviations from a parallel arrangement are possible in partial areas of the respective pipeline. The pipelines can, for example, be arranged next to one another.However, other piping arrangements are also possible, in which the feedstock can flow through the pipes in parallel. For example, linear arrangements, W-arrangements, U-arrangements, and circular arrangements are possible. The flow direction can be opposite. Supply and discharge lines can be on one side, for example, in an arrangement in which the pipes are arranged side by side.

[0027] The shape of the pipes and / or the flow of the medium in relation to the electrical current direction can be arbitrary. From a purely electrical engineering point of view, any shape and flow through the reaction tube are possible. For example, within a heating section, the shape of the pipe and the flow of the medium in relation to the electrical current direction can be different, in particular freely selectable. A heating section can be one or more of a reaction section to be heated, a section of a pipe to be heated, or a plurality of pipes to be heated. By using the described electrical insulator, it can be possible to connect several pipes into any individual heating sections. The heating sections can be connected in several series and / or series in any electrical networks, such asStar, delta, open delta, or similar, can be connected to heating groups, especially without affecting the process design.

[0028] The resistance of a pipeline can be defined by parameters such as material, wall thickness, also known as thickness, and length of the pipeline, and can determine the electrical design. The specific resistance can be defined by the material, although the possible materials are limited due to the high temperature and pressure requirements. The length of the pipeline can define the residence time of the medium and cannot be changed arbitrarily for process-related reasons. In most cases, the wall thickness of the pipeline can only be increased, since a wall thickness that is too thin would lead to an unstable pipeline. As a result, the pipelines cannot be electrically adapted or optimized as desired and must be connected together in individual groups. The proposed invention can enable the process-related parameters to be independent of the electrical parameters.This allows the design of the pipelines to be optimized from a process engineering perspective, especially without constraints imposed by the electrical engineering. The electrical engineering can be optimized by combining the given parameters, especially the resistance of the pipelines, into optimal networks in various electrical circuits. This makes it possible to apply higher voltages while simultaneously reducing the number of required components.

[0029] The pipes can be interconnected and thus form a pipe system for receiving the feedstock. The term “pipe system,” as used here, is a broad term which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not restricted to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a device comprising at least two, in particular interconnected, pipes. The pipe system can have inlet and outlet pipes. The pipes can be fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet pipes. 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 to mean that the pipes are fluidically connected to one another.The pipelines can be arranged and connected in such a way that the feedstock flows through the pipelines parallel to one another. The pipelines can be configured to transport one feedstock in parallel. The pipelines can be configured to transport different feedstocks in parallel. In particular, for the transport of different feedstocks, the parallel-connected pipelines can have different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials. In particular, for the transport of one feedstock, several or all of the pipelines can be configured in parallel so that the feedstock can be distributed between those parallel-configured pipelines. A combination of a parallel and serial arrangement of pipelines is also conceivable.For example, the device may comprise a plurality of groups of parallel flow-through pipes, which in turn are arranged serially, in particular one after the other in a flow direction.

[0030] The device comprises at least one current and / or voltage source. 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 comprise at least one supply and discharge line that electrically connects the current and / or voltage source to the pipeline.

[0031] 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 to mean a power source that is configured to provide an alternating current. An “alternating current” can be understood to mean 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 to mean an alternating current source that provides an electric current with a single phase. A “multi-phase” alternating current source can be understood to mean 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 that is designed 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.

[0032] The device can have at least one direct current and / or at least one direct voltage source. A “direct current source” can be understood as a device which is designed to provide a direct current. A “direct voltage source” can be understood as a device which is designed to provide a direct voltage. The direct current source and / or the direct voltage source can be designed to generate a direct current in the pipeline. “Direct current” can be understood as an electrical current which is essentially constant in strength and direction. “Direct voltage” can be understood as an electrical voltage which is essentially constant. “Essentially constant” can be understood as a current or voltage whose fluctuations are immaterial for the intended effect.

[0033] 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 alternating current and / or single-phase or multi-phase alternating voltage sources or direct current and / or direct 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 controlling 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 in such a way that the current and / or voltage can be adjusted for different zones, in particular heating zones of the device. The pipes can belong to different temperature ranges or zones. The pipes themselves can also have temperature zones. One or more current or voltage sources can be assigned to the individual pipes. The current and / or voltage supply can be adjusted, for example, by using at least one controller, depending on the reaction and process technology. By using a plurality of current and / or voltage sources, the voltage in particular can be varied for different zones. In this way, it can be ensured that the current does not become too high, which would result in pipes that are too hot, or conversely, in pipes that are too cold.

[0034] The current and / or voltage source is configured to inject an electric current into the piping. The term "inject" as used herein is a broad term, which should be given its usual and common meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term can refer, without limitation, to one or more of feeding, supplying, and applying.

[0035] The current and / or voltage source can be adjustable and configured to supply a current corresponding to the required power. The device can have at least one temperature sensor configured to determine a temperature of at least one of the pipes. The temperature sensor can comprise an electrical or electronic element configured to generate an electrical signal as a function of the temperature. For example, the temperature sensor can have at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a thermistor, a PTC thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, a temperature sensor with an oscillating quartz crystal, a thermocouple, a pyroelectric material, a pyrometer, a thermal imaging camera, a ferromagnetic temperature sensor, and a fiber optic temperature sensor. The temperature can be measured at the inlet and outlet of the feedstock in and / or on the pipe.For example, measurements can be taken at multiple points in the pipeline to determine the temperature along the length of the reactor and adjust it for optimal process control. The temperature can be controlled using at least one control element. This can, for example, switch off the power or voltage supply in the event of a so-called hotspot. If the temperature is too low, the control element can increase the power or voltage supply. The temperature sensor can be connected to the control unit via a radio link or a fixed connection. The control unit can be connected to the power or voltage source via a radio link or a fixed connection. The device can have at least one control unit which is designed to control the power or voltage source depending on a temperature measured by the temperature sensor or an equivalent measured variable.A “control unit” can generally be understood to mean an electronic device that is configured to control and / or regulate at least one element of the device. For example, the control unit can be configured to evaluate signals generated by the temperature sensor and to regulate the current or voltage source as a function of the measured temperature. For example, one or more electronic connections can be provided between the temperature sensor and the control unit for this purpose. The control unit can, for example, comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one computer or microcontroller. The data processing device can have one or more volatile and / or non-volatile data memories, wherein the data processing device can, for example, be programmatically configured to control the temperature sensor.The control unit can further comprise at least one interface, for example an electronic interface and / or a human-machine interface such as an input / output device such as a display and / or a keyboard. The control unit can, for example, be centrally or decentrally constructed. Other configurations are also conceivable. The control unit can have at least one A / D converter. The device can be set up for online temperature measurement. In the context of the present invention, “online temperature measurement” can be understood as a measurement of the temperature with the at least one temperature sensor, which takes place during the transport and / or the reaction of the feedstock in the pipeline. In this way, the temperature can be regulated during operation. In particular, temperature measurement and regulation can take place over the length of a reactor.

[0036] Each of the conduits has a first end and a second end. The term "end" of the conduit, as used herein, is a broad term to be given its ordinary and customary meaning as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to an inlet or an outlet. At least one electrical insulator is arranged at the first end and the second end so that the respective conduit and at least one supply conduit and at least one discharge conduit are galvanically isolated from one another. The device may comprise a plurality of electrical insulators. The galvanic isolation between the respective conduits and the supply and discharge conduits may be ensured by the electrical insulators.The term "galvanically isolated" of the pipeline, as used herein, is a broad term to be given its ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to any specific or adapted meaning. The term may, without limitation, refer in particular to a separation of the pipeline and the supply and discharge piping such that no electrical conduction and / or tolerable electrical conduction occurs between the piping and the supply and discharge piping.

[0037] The term "electrical insulator" of the pipeline, as used here, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by a person skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a non-conductor or a poor conductor. The electrical insulator can provide electrical insulation. The electrical insulator can have a minimum total resistance for the respective electrical system considered of 100 kΩ to 1000 MΩ, preferably of 300 kΩ to 300 MΩ, more preferably of 1 MΩ to 100 MΩ, at 900°C, wherein the respective electrical system considered is the power supply module. The electrical insulator can, for example, have a minimum total resistance of 300 kΩ at 900°C for the respective electrical system considered.

[0038] The electrical insulator can be designed to provide electrical insulation in a high-temperature range, particularly at temperatures between 500 and 1400 °C. The electrical insulator can be designed to be resistant to temperature changes in accordance with DIN EN 993-11.

[0039] The electrical isolator can provide a free flow of the feedstock. The electrical isolator at the first end can be configured to provide a flow of the feedstock from an inlet conduit to the conduit. The electrical isolator at the second end can be configured to provide a flow of the feedstock from the conduit to an outlet conduit. The electrical isolator can be configured to provide a fluidic connection between the first end of the conduit and an inlet conduit. The electrical isolator can be configured to provide a fluidic connection between the second end of the conduit and an outlet conduit.

[0040] With known insulators, a problem can arise with regard to permanent tightness, particularly when the materials differ in terms of their thermal expansion coefficients, for example in a composite of ceramic and metal with different thermal expansion coefficients. The electrical insulator according to the invention can be designed to ensure negligible or even no pressure loss in the device. The electrical insulator can be designed to provide a pressure-loss-free, also referred to as leak-free, fluidic connection in a pressure range from 0 to 50 bar, in particular from 0 to 10 bar, where pressure-loss-free is understood to mean negligible pressure loss or no pressure loss. The electrical insulator can be resistant to pressure differences of up to approximately 100 bar.For example, the electrical insulator can be resistant to an absolute pressure of 300 mbar to 100 bar, preferably 1 bar to 50 bar, particularly preferably 1.5 bar to 30 bar.

[0041] The electrical insulator may comprise at least one suitable material that satisfies the above-mentioned conditions. For example, the electrical insulator may comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of ceramic materials, glass-like materials, glass-fiber reinforced materials, plastic-like materials, or resin-like materials. The electrical insulator may, for example, comprise at least one mixture selected from the group consisting of: binary and ternary mixtures of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, and yttrium oxide (e.g.Zirconium oxide reinforced aluminum oxide); mixtures of silicon carbide and aluminum oxide; mixtures of aluminum oxide and magnesium oxide (MgO spinel); mixtures of aluminum oxide and silicon oxide (mullite); mixtures of aluminum and magnesium silicates, ternary mixture of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide and magnesium oxide (cordierite); steatite (magnesium silicate); zirconia reinforced aluminum oxide; stabilized zirconium oxide (ZrO2): stabilizers in the form of magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO) or yttrium oxide (Y2O3), optionally cerium oxide (CeO2), scandium oxide (ScOs) or ytterbium oxide (YbOs) are also used as stabilizers; also aluminum titanate (stoichiometric mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide); silicon nitride and aluminum oxide (silicon aluminum oxynitride SIALON).

[0042] As zirconium oxide-reinforced aluminum oxide, Al2O3 with 10 to 20 mol% ZrO2 is advantageously used. To stabilize ZrO2, 10 to 20 mol% CaO, preferably 16 mol%, 10 to 20 mol% MgO, preferably 16, or 5 to 10 mol% Y2O3, preferably 8 mol% ("fully stabilized zirconium oxide") or 1 to 5 mol% Y2O3, preferably 4 mol% ("partially stabilized zirconium oxide") can advantageously be used. For example, 80% Al2O3, 18.4% ZrO2, and 1.6% Y2O3 are advantageous as a ternary mixture.

[0043] The electrical insulator can be configured to prevent potential increases and leakage currents in the pipeline. This allows the supply voltage of the pipelines to be selected without considering undesirable potentials and leakage currents on metallic system components outside the heating range of the device. For example, the supply voltage in the low-voltage range can be up to approximately 1000 V. For example, the supply voltage in the medium-voltage range can be > 1 kV to approximately 30 kV.

[0044] The individual pipelines are electrically interconnected in a series circuit. The term "series circuit," as used herein, is a broad term to which its usual and common meaning should be given, as understood by those skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to an electrical series connection of the pipeline in a circuit. For example, an electrical connection can be provided between the pipelines. The current and / or voltage source can, for example, be connected to a first pipeline, which is connected in series to the other pipelines by means of electrical connections.The supply pipeline and the discharge pipeline can be galvanically separated from the process pipelines (or parallel pipelines through which the feedstock flows) by means of the electrical insulators described above. The device can comprise a plurality of serially connected pipelines. By using the electrical insulators, the number of serially connected pipelines can, in principle, be any. For example, approximately five pipelines can be connected in series, particularly in the case of the low-voltage range. For example, for 30 kV, up to 150 pipelines can be connected in series.

[0045] The present invention proposes an improvement to known plant designs for electric furnaces with a view to increasing the input power and simultaneously reducing the space and installation requirements for switchgear, transformers, etc. This is possible through a combination of process-related parallelization of the pipeline and serial electrical interconnection of the pipelines using galvanic isolators. Without galvanic isolation, the maximum applicable voltage is limited to low values ​​that must be manageable, even in the event of a fault. The use of electrically, process-related, and mechanically suitable isolators now enables the applicable voltage to be increased, for example, by an order of magnitude. This increase in voltage is achieved through electrical serialization of the pipeline, whereby this type of interconnection allows a reduction in space and installation requirements.Process parallelization can further enable short residence times and thus lead to high selectivity and yield of valuable components. WO 2021 / 160777 A1 does not describe electrical serialization of the pipelines on page 16, lines 5 to 13. A combination of process parallelization of the pipeline and serial electrical connection of the pipelines is therefore not disclosed. Such a combination enables the aforementioned optimization of the known plant design of electric furnaces.

[0046] In a further aspect, within the scope of the present invention, a system comprising a device according to the invention is proposed. The system can have a plurality of devices. The devices can be electrically connected in series and / or parallel to one another. Regarding the design of the system, reference is made to the description of the device above or below.

[0047] The system comprises at least one device according to the invention and at least one power supply module. The power supply module has at least one voltage converter configured to transform a medium or high voltage mains input corresponding to the power requirement into an output voltage usable by the device and to provide it to the current and / or voltage source.

[0048] The term "power supply module" as used herein is a broad term to which its ordinary and common meaning should be given, as understood by one skilled in the art. The term is not limited to a specific or adapted meaning. The term can, without limitation, refer in particular to a unit of the system configured to provide a usable output voltage from the current and / or voltage source of the device. The power supply module can be configured to receive a mains input medium or high voltage and transform it into the required output voltage. The power supply module can comprise at least one three-phase controller and / or adjustable rectifier with at least one transformer and / or a variable transformer. For example, the power supply module can comprise a medium-voltage transformer and a thyristor system.For example, for a 12 MW low voltage, the power supply module can comprise a 10 kV / 950 V, 12 MVA MV transformer and a thyristor system. Compared to known power supply devices, the power supply module according to the invention can thus comprise a reduced number of electrical components. The mains input medium or high voltage can be provided, for example, via cable from a more distant switchgear. Each device in the system can be assigned a power supply module. However, other configurations are also possible. In particular, by reducing the required components, the power supply module can be designed to be compact. The power supply module can have a height h of 2 m > h > 5 m, a width b of 4 m > b > 7 m, and a depth t of 2 m > t > 5 m. The power supply module can be arranged outdoors in the immediate vicinity of the device or on the furnace.

[0049] 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, 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 cracking ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a device for dehydrogenation, a device for producing acetylene from hydrocarbons.

[0050] The device and system offer a number of advantages over known devices. Paralleling the process pipelines can enable short residence times and thus high selectivity and / or yield of valuable components. A serial connection of pipelines, on the other hand, would have the disadvantage of poor yields and selectivities. The electrical series connection can enable high voltages (»690 V instead of -100 V). The present invention can enable an increase in the applicable voltage and thus the impressed power by an order of magnitude. Furthermore, it can enable less electrical equipment, conserve resources (fewer copper rails), increase availability because there is less equipment with potential faults, achieve cost efficiency, and reduce the space required for transformers in systems.

[0051] In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred within the scope of the present invention:

[0052] Embodiment 1 A device for heating a feedstock, the device comprising a plurality of electrically conductive pipes for receiving the feedstock, the pipes being arranged in parallel so that the feedstock can flow through them, the device having at least one current and / or voltage source configured to inject an electrical current into the pipes, which heats the pipes by Joule heat generated when the electrical current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the feedstock, each of the pipes having a first end and a second end, at least one electrical insulator being arranged at the first end and the second end, so that the respective pipe and at least one supply pipe and at least one discharge pipe are galvanically separated from one another,where the individual pipes are electrically connected to each other in a series circuit.,

[0053] Embodiment 2 Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device is designed to heat the feedstock to a temperature in the range from 200 °C to 1700 °C, preferably 300 °C to 1400 °C, particularly preferably 400 °C to 875 °C.

[0054] Embodiment 3 Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the device has at least one temperature sensor which is set up to determine a temperature of at least one of the pipes, wherein the device has at least one control unit which is set up to regulate the current or voltage source depending on a temperature measured with the temperature sensor or an equivalent measured variable.

[0055] Embodiment 4: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the current and / or voltage source comprises 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. Embodiment 5: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the current and / or voltage source is adjustable and configured to supply a current corresponding to the required power.

[0056] Embodiment 6 Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the electrical insulator comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of ceramic materials, glass-like materials, glass-fiber reinforced materials, plastic-like materials or resin-like materials.

[0057] Embodiment 7 Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the electrical insulator has a minimum total resistance for the respective electrical system considered of 100 kQ to 1000 MQ, preferably of 300 kQ to 300 MQ, particularly preferably of 1 MQ to 100 MQ, at 900 °C.

[0058] Embodiment 8 Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the pipelines have symmetrical or asymmetrical pipes and / or a combination thereof, and / or wherein the pipelines are designed differently with regard to diameter, and / or length, and / or geometry.

[0059] Embodiment 9 Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the pipes are fluidically connected to the supply and discharge pipes.

[0060] Embodiment 10 Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the pipelines are interconnected and thus form a pipe system for receiving the feedstock or that the pipelines are designed to be fluidically separated from one another.

[0061] Embodiment 11 Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the feedstock is a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked and / or a mixture.

[0062] Embodiment 12: A system comprising at least one device according to one of the preceding embodiments and at least one power supply module, wherein the power supply module has at least one voltage adapter configured to transform a mains input medium or high voltage corresponding to the power requirement into an output voltage usable by the device and to provide it to the current and / or voltage source. Embodiment 13: A system according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the system has a plurality of devices.

[0063] Embodiment 14 System according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the devices are electrically connected in series and / or parallel to one another.

[0064] Embodiment 15 System according to one of the two preceding embodiments, characterized in that each device is assigned a power supply module.

[0065] Embodiment 16 System according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the power supply module has a height h of 2m > h > 5m, a width b of 4m > b > 7m and a depth t of 2m > t > 5m.

[0066] Embodiment 17 Plant according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that 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, 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 cracking ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a device for dehydrogenation, a device for producing acetylene from hydrocarbons.

[0067] Short description of the characters

[0068] 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.

[0069] In detail:

[0070] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the device according to the invention;

[0071] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention; Figures 3A to 3C show further embodiments of the device according to the invention;

[0072] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the system according to the invention; and

[0073] Figure 5 shows an example of a connection between a pipeline and an electrical insulator.

[0074] Examples of implementation

[0075] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a feedstock. In particular, the device 110 is intended to be usable in a plant 112, for example in a plant shown in Figure 4. The plant 112 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 plant, a reformer, a dry reforming plant, a styrene production plant, an ethylbenzene dehydrogenation plant, a urea, isocyanate, melamine cracker, a catalytic cracker, a dehydrogenation plant, and a plant for producing acetylene from hydrocarbons.

[0076] The feedstock can be any material in principle. The feedstock can comprise at least one material from which reaction products can be generated and / or produced, in particular by at least one chemical reaction. 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, 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, for example bio-oil or biodiesel. Other feedstocks are also conceivable.In the context of the present invention, reference is made by way of example to fluids, representative of each of the other listed feedstocks.

[0077] Heating the feedstock can comprise a change in the temperature of the feedstock, in particular an increase in the temperature of the feedstock, for example to heat the feedstock. The feedstock can be heated, for example, by heating to a predefined or predetermined temperature value. The device 110 can be configured to heat the feedstock to a temperature in the range from 200°C to 1700°C, preferably 300°C to 1400°C, particularly preferably 400°C to 875°C. The feedstock can be heated electrically, in particular purely electrically. The device can be used as an electric furnace. However, other embodiments are also conceivable. Use as a hybrid furnace may also be possible, for example operated with gas, electricity, or gas and electricity.

[0078] The device 110 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive conduits 114 for receiving the feedstock. The conduits 114 are arranged in parallel so that the feedstock can flow through them. The conduit 114 can comprise at least one pipe and / or at least one conduit segment and / or at least one conduit coil. A conduit segment can be a portion of a conduit. The conduit 114 can be configured to transport the feedstock from a first end 116 of the conduit 114 to a second end 118 of the conduit 114. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the conduits can depend on the feedstock to be received.

[0079] The pipelines 114 can be configured to carry out at least one reaction and / or heat the feedstock. The device 110, in particular the pipelines 114, can therefore also be referred to as a reactor or furnace, in particular an electric furnace. For example, the pipeline 114 can be and / or have at least one reaction tube in which at least one chemical reaction can take place. The geometry and / or surfaces and / or material of the pipelines can also be selected depending on a desired reaction and / or avoiding a specific reaction. The reaction can take place in the pipeline 114 and / or outside the pipeline 114. The reaction can be an endothermic reaction. The reaction can be a non-endothermic reaction. The reaction can be, for example, preheating or warming up. In particular, the feedstock can be heated in the pipeline 114.

[0080] The pipes 114 are electrically conductive. The pipe 114 can have a specific electrical resistance of less than 10 1 Q m. In the context of the present invention, the specific electrical resistance refers to the specific electrical resistance at room temperature. The pipe 114 can have a specific electrical resistance p of 1 * 10 8 m < p < 10 1m. For example, the pipeline 114 can be made of and / or comprise one or more of metals and alloys such as copper, aluminum, iron, steel or Cr, Ni alloys, graphite, carbon, carbides, silicides. The pipeline 114 can comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of ferritic or austenitic materials. For example, the pipeline can be made of and / or comprise a CrNi alloy. For example, the pipeline can be made of at least one metal and have a specific electrical resistance of 1 * 10 8 up to 200*10 8 m. For example, the pipe 114 may be made of metal silicide and have a specific electrical resistance of 1 * 10' 8 - 200*1 O' 8 m. For example, the pipe 114 may be made of metal carbide and have a specific electrical resistance of 20*108 - 5,000 »IO 8 m. For example, the pipe 114 may be made of carbon and have a specific electrical resistance of 50,000 »IO 8 -100,000*10 8 m. For example, the pipe 114 may be made of graphite and have a specific electrical resistance of 5,000*10 8 -100,000* 10 8 m. For example, the pipe 114 may be made of B-carbide and have a specific electrical resistance of 10 1 - 10' 2 have.

[0081] The device 110 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive conduits 114. The device 110 can have I conduits 114, 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 conduits 114. The device 110 can, for example, have up to one hundred conduits 114. The conduits 114 can be identical or different. The conduits 114 can be configured differently in terms of diameter, length, and / or geometry.

[0082] The pipelines 114 are arranged parallel to allow the feedstock to flow through them. The pipelines 114 can be arranged at least partially parallel to one another. The overall flow direction of the feedstock through the respective pipelines 114 can be parallel to the overall flow direction of the feedstock in the other pipelines 114, although deviations from a parallel arrangement are possible in partial areas of the respective pipeline 114.

[0083] The pipelines 114 can be interconnected and thus form a pipeline system for receiving the feedstock. The pipeline system can have inlet and outlet pipelines 120, 122. A process direction (here identical to the overall flow direction) is indicated by the arrows 124. The pipelines 114 can be fluidically connected to the inlet and outlet pipelines 120, 122. The pipeline system can have at least one inlet for receiving the feedstock. The pipeline system can have at least one outlet for discharging the feedstock. The pipelines 114, 120, 122 are fluidically connected to one another. Thus, the pipelines 114 can be arranged and connected such that the feedstock flows through the pipelines parallel to one another. The pipelines 114 can be configured to transport a feedstock in parallel.The pipelines 114 can be configured to transport different feedstocks in parallel. In particular, for transporting different feedstocks, the parallel-connected pipelines 114 can have different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials. In particular, for transporting one feedstock, several or all of the pipelines 114 can be configured in parallel, so that the feedstock can be distributed between those parallel-configured pipelines. A combination of a parallel and serial arrangement of pipelines 114 is also conceivable. For example, the device can have a plurality of groups of parallel-flowable pipelines 114, which in turn are arranged serially, in particular one after the other in a flow direction.

[0084] The device 110 has at least one current and / or voltage source 126, which is configured to inject an electric current into the pipes 114, which heats the pipes 114 through Joule heat, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the feedstock. Figure 1 shows the current and / or voltage source 126 purely schematically. The current and / or voltage source 126 can 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 110 can have at least one supply and discharge line, which electrically connects the current and / or voltage source 126 to the pipe 114.

[0085] Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the current and / or voltage source 126 can be a multi-phase alternating current and / or multi-phase alternating voltage source. Three serially arranged groups of pipes 114 are shown, wherein in the respective groups the pipes 114 are arranged in parallel so that the feed material can flow through them. The three outer conductors are designated L1, L2, and L3, and the neutral conductor is designated N. A multi-phase alternating current or alternating voltage source with nx3 conductors is also conceivable. For the further description of Figure 2, reference is made to the description of Figure 1.

[0086] Figures 3 show further exemplary embodiments with further electrical switching options for the pipelines 114 or groups of pipelines 114. Figure 3A shows an individual supply for the groups of parallel pipelines. Figure 3B shows an exemplary embodiment in which the groups of pipelines are supplied in parallel. The pipelines are designed as individual pipelines. Figure 3C shows an exemplary embodiment in which the individual pipelines are supplied in parallel. The pipelines are designed as double pipelines. The current and / or voltage source 126 can each be designed as a direct current and / or direct voltage source or as an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source.

[0087] The current and / or voltage source 126 can be adjustably configured to supply a current corresponding to the required power. As shown schematically in Figure 1, the device 110 can have at least one temperature sensor 128 configured to determine a temperature of at least one of the pipes. The temperature sensor 128 can comprise an electrical or electronic element configured to generate an electrical signal as a function of the temperature. For example, the temperature sensor 128 can have at least one element selected from the group consisting of: a thermistor, a PTC thermistor, a semiconductor temperature sensor, a temperature sensor with a quartz crystal, a thermocouple, a pyroelectric material, a pyrometer, a thermal imaging camera, a ferromagnetic temperature sensor, and a fiber optic temperature sensor.The temperature can be measured at the inlet and outlet of the feedstock in and / or on the pipeline 114. For example, measurements can be taken at multiple points in the pipeline 114 to determine the temperature along the length of the reactor and adjust it for optimal process control. The temperature can be controlled using at least one control element. This can, for example, switch off the power or voltage supply in the event of a so-called hot spot. If the temperature is too low, the control element can increase the power or voltage supply. The temperature sensor 128 can be connected to the control system via a radio link or a fixed connection. The control system can be connected to the power or voltage source 126 via a radio link or a fixed connection.The device 110 can have at least one control unit 130, which is configured to regulate the current or voltage source 126 depending on a temperature measured by the temperature sensor 128 or an equivalent measured variable. For example, the control unit 130 can be configured to evaluate signals generated by the temperature sensor and to regulate the current or voltage source 126 depending on the measured temperature. For example, one or more electronic connections can be provided between the temperature sensor 128 and the control unit 130 for this purpose. The control unit 130 can, for example, comprise at least one data processing device, for example at least one computer or microcontroller.The data processing device can have one or more volatile and / or non-volatile data memories, wherein the data processing device can be configured, for example, using programming, to control the temperature sensor 128. The control unit 130 can further comprise at least one interface, for example an electronic interface and / or a human-machine interface such as an input / output device such as a display and / or a keyboard. The control unit 130 can, for example, be centrally or decentrally constructed. Other configurations are also conceivable. The control unit 130 can have at least one A / D converter. The device 110 can be configured for online temperature measurement. In this way, the temperature can be controlled during operation. In particular, temperature measurement and control can take place over a reactor length.

[0088] Each of the pipelines 114 has a first end 116 and a second end 118. At least one electrical insulator 132 is arranged at the first end 116 and the second end 118, so that the respective pipeline 114 and at least one supply pipeline 120 and at least one discharge pipeline 122 are galvanically isolated from one another. The device 110 can have a plurality of electrical insulators 132. The galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines 114 and the supply and discharge pipelines 120, 122 can be ensured by the electrical insulators 132. The galvanic isolation can be such that no electrical conduction and / or a tolerable electrical conduction occurs between the pipelines 114 and the supply and discharge pipelines 120, 122.

[0089] The electrical insulator 132 can be a non-conductor or a poor conductor. The electrical insulator 132 can provide electrical insulation. The electrical insulator 132 can have a minimum resistance of 100 kΩ to 1000 MΩ, preferably of 300 kΩ to 300 MΩ, particularly preferably of 1 MΩ to 100 MΩ, at 900°C, wherein the electrical system under consideration is the power supply module. The electrical insulator can, for example, have a minimum total resistance of 300 kΩ at 900°C for the electrical system under consideration.

[0090] The electrical insulator 132 can be configured to provide electrical insulation in a high-temperature range, particularly at temperatures between 500 and 1400 °C. The electrical insulator 132 can be designed to be resistant to temperature changes in accordance with DIN EN 993-11.

[0091] The electrical insulator 132 can provide a free flow of the feedstock. The electrical insulator 132 at the first end 116 can be configured to provide a flow of the feedstock from an inlet conduit 120 to the conduit 114. The electrical insulator 132 at the second end 118 can be configured to provide a flow of the feedstock from the conduit 114 to an outlet conduit 122. The electrical insulator 132 can be configured to provide a fluidic connection between the first end 116 of the conduit 114 and an inlet conduit 120. The electrical insulator 132 can be configured to provide a fluidic connection between the second end 118 of the conduit 114 and an outlet conduit 122.

[0092] With known insulators, a problem can arise with regard to permanent tightness, particularly when the materials differ in terms of their thermal expansion coefficients, for example in a composite of ceramic and metal with different thermal expansion coefficients. The electrical insulator 132 according to the invention can be configured to ensure negligible or even no pressure loss in the device. The electrical insulator 132 can be configured to provide a pressure-loss-free, also referred to as leak-free, fluidic connection in a pressure range from 0 to 50 bar, in particular from 0 to 10 bar, wherein pressure-loss-free is understood to mean negligible pressure loss or no pressure loss. The electrical insulator 132 can be resistant to pressure differences of up to approximately 100 bar.For example, the electrical insulator can be resistant to an absolute pressure of 300 mbar to 100 bar, preferably 1 bar to 50 bar, particularly preferably 1.5 bar to 30 bar. The electrical insulator 132 can comprise at least one suitable material that meets the stated conditions. For example, the electrical insulator 132 can comprise at least one material selected from the group consisting of ceramic materials, glass-like materials, glass-fiber reinforced materials, plastic-like materials or resin-like materials. The electrical insulator can, for example, comprise at least one mixture selected from the group consisting of: binary and ternary mixtures of aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide (e.g.Zirconium oxide reinforced aluminum oxide); mixtures of silicon carbide and aluminum oxide; mixtures of aluminum oxide and magnesium oxide (MgO spinel); mixtures of aluminum oxide and silicon oxide (mullite); mixtures of aluminum and magnesium silicates, ternary mixture of aluminum oxide, silicon oxide and magnesium oxide (cordierite); steatite (magnesium silicate); zirconia reinforced aluminum oxide; stabilized zirconium oxide (ZrO2): stabilizers in the form of magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO) or yttrium oxide (Y2O3), optionally cerium oxide (CeO2), scandium oxide (ScOs) or ytterbium oxide (YbOs) are also used as stabilizers; also aluminum titanate (stoichiometric mixture of aluminum oxide and titanium oxide); silicon nitride and aluminum oxide (silicon aluminum oxynitride SIALON).

[0093] The electrical insulator 132 can be configured to prevent potential increases and leakage currents on the pipeline 114. Thus, the supply voltage of the pipelines 114 can be selected without considering undesirable potentials and leakage currents on metallic system components outside a heating area of ​​the device 110. For example, the supply voltage in the low-voltage range can be up to approximately 1000 V. For example, the supply voltage in the medium-voltage range can be > 1 kV to approximately 30 kV.

[0094] The individual pipelines 114 are electrically connected to one another in a series circuit. The pipelines 114 can, in particular, be connected in series electrically. For example, as in Figures 1 to 4, an electrical connection 134 can be provided between the pipelines 114. The current and / or voltage source 126 can, for example, be connected to a first pipeline 114, which is connected in series to the other pipelines 114 by means of electrical connections 134. The supply pipeline 120 and the discharge pipeline 122 can be galvanically isolated from the serially connected pipelines 114 by means of the electrical insulators 132, as described above. The device 110 can have a plurality of serially connected pipelines 114. By using the electrical insulators 132, the number of serially connected pipelines 114 can, in principle, be any desired.For example, approximately 5 pipelines 114 can be connected in series, particularly in the case of the low-voltage range. For example, for 30 kV, up to 150 pipelines 114 can be connected in series. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of the system 112 according to the invention. The system 112 comprises at least one device 110 according to the invention. The system 112 can, as shown in Figure 4, have a plurality of devices 110. The devices 110 can be electrically connected in series and / or parallel to one another. With regard to the design of the devices 110, reference is made to the description of Figures 1 to 3.

[0095] The plant 112 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, 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 cracking ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a device for dehydrogenation, a device for producing acetylene from hydrocarbons.

[0096] The system 112 comprises at least one power supply module 136. The power supply module 136 has at least one voltage adapter 138, which is configured to transform a mains input medium or high voltage 140 corresponding to the power requirement into an output voltage usable by the device 110 and to provide it to the current and / or voltage source 126.

[0097] The power supply module 136 can be configured to provide an output voltage usable by the current and / or voltage source 126 of the device 110. The power supply module 136 can be configured to receive a mains input medium or high voltage 140 and transform it into the required output voltage. The power supply module 136 can comprise at least one three-phase controller and / or adjustable rectifier with at least one transformer and / or a variable transformer. For example, the power supply module 136 can comprise a medium-voltage transformer and a thyristor system. For example, for a 12 MW low voltage, the power supply module can comprise a 10 kV / 950 V, 12 MVA MV transformer and a thyristor system. Compared to known power supply devices, the power supply module 136 according to the invention can thus comprise a reduced number of electrical components.As shown in Figure 4, each device 110 can be assigned a power supply module 136. However, other embodiments are also conceivable in which devices 110 are supplied by a common power supply module 136.

[0098] The grid input medium or high voltage 140 (e.g., 110 kV / 10 kV, max. 40 MVA; 110 kV / 20 kV, max. 80 MVA) can be supplied to the power supply modules 136, for example, via a cable (e.g., 690 A / 345 A) from a more distant switchgear 142 (e.g., a medium-voltage switchgear room). For example, as shown in Figure 4, four or more power supply modules 136 can be assigned to a common switchgear 142.

[0099] In the example shown in Figure 4, the power supply module 136 may include a 10 kV / 950 V, 12 MVA medium-voltage transformer and a thyristor system. The power supply module 136 may then provide 950 V, 7.4 kA to the current and / or voltage source 126 of the device 110 (designated by reference numeral 144).

[0100] In particular, by reducing the required components, the power supply module 136 can be designed to be compact. The power supply module 136 can have a height h of 2m > h > 5m, a width b of 4m > b > 7m, and a depth t of 2m > t > 5m. The power supply module 136 can be arranged in an outdoor installation in the immediate vicinity of the device 110 or on the furnace.

[0101] Figure 5, upper part, shows a schematic longitudinal section through an example of a connection between two pipelines 146, 148 using an electrical insulator 132. Figure 5, lower part, shows a cross-section for this example. The connection can be configured, for example, as described in WO 2019 / 201654 A1.

[0102] A first of the pipes 146 can be made of a metallic material. The first pipe 146 can be made, for example, of centrifugal casting. For example, the pipe 146 can be cylindrical. For example, the first pipe 146 can have geometric dimensions of 52 mm x 5 mm (diameter D x wall thickness s) before installation. The first pipe 146 can have a collar 150a at its connection-side end, in which a circumferential recess is present, in which a sealing element 152a is received. For example, an annular flat gasket made of mica can be inserted into the recess as the sealing element 152a (Klinger milam PSS 300 from Rich. Klinger Dichtungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, 82352 Gumpoldskirchen, Austria).

[0103] A second of the pipes 148 can be made of a metallic material. The first pipe 148 can be made of centrifugal casting, for example. For example, the pipe 148 can be cylindrical. For example, the second pipe 148 can have geometric dimensions of 52 mm x 5 mm (diameter D x wall thickness s) before installation. The second pipe 148 can have a collar 150b at its connection-side end, in which a circumferential recess is provided, in which a sealing element 152b is received. For example, an annular flat gasket made of mica can be inserted into the recess as the sealing element 152a (Klinger milam PSS 300 from Rich. Klinger Dichtungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, 82352 Gumpoldskirchen, Austria).

[0104] The electrical insulator 132 can be configured as a hybrid tube with a ceramic inner layer and an outer layer made of an oxide-ceramic fiber composite material. The electrical insulator 132 can have an inner layer, for example made of monolithic ceramic, aluminum oxide (Alsint 99.7 from Morgan Advanced Materials). For example, the inner layer of the electrical insulator can have geometric dimensions of 48 mm x 3 mm (diameter D x wall thickness s). The electrical insulator 132 can have an outer layer 164, for example, an OCMC reinforcement. The reinforcement contains a ceramic matrix, for example WPS FW12 from Walter EC Pritzkow Spezialkeramik (70794 Filderstadt-Sielmingen), and as a fiber framework, a fabric, for example of type DF11 from 3M (St. Paul, MN, USA), for example with geometric dimensions of 52 mm x 2 mm (diameter D x wall thickness s).The connection-side ends of the electrical insulator can each have a collar 154a and 154b. The collars 154a and 154b can be made of monolithic ceramic, for example, aluminum oxide (Alsint 99.7 from Haldenwanger). The collars 154a and 154b can, for example, as shown in Figure 5, be manufactured as separate components and bonded to the inner layer of the electrical insulator. The connection can be made, for example, using a glass solder or a ceramic adhesive. The collars 154a and 154b can be surrounded by the outer layer 164 of the electrical insulator 132 and firmly connected to it.

[0105] The connecting elements between the electrical insulator 132 and the connected pipes 146 and 148 can be designed in multiple parts. The connecting elements can be identical on both sides. A connecting element can comprise a clamping sleeve 156a or 156b, a pressure element 160a or 160b on the side of the connected pipes 146 and 148, and a compensating element 158a or 158b. The clamping sleeves 156a or 156b can be made, for example, from a nickel-based alloy with the material number 2.4633. The pressure elements 160a or 160b can be made, for example, from a nickel-based alloy with the material number 2.4633. The compensating elements 158a or 158b can be made, for example, from a steel with the material number 1.4876. The connecting elements press the collars 154a and 154b of the electrical insulator and the collars 150a and 150b of the connected pipe 146 and 148 against each other.This allows a sealed connection to be established between the electrical insulator 132 and the two connected pipes 146 and 148. This has the advantage that the sealing surfaces are subjected to axial pressure, which is a particularly favorable type of stress for ceramic materials. List of reference symbols.

[0106] device

[0107] Attachment

[0108] Pipeline first end

[0109] Second end supply pipe discharge pipe

[0110] Process direction

[0111] Current and / or voltage source

[0112] Temperature sensor

[0113] Control unit electrical isolator electrical connections

[0114] Power supply module

[0115] Voltage adjustment

[0116] Mains input medium or high voltage

[0117] switchgear

[0118] Supply voltage / current first pipe second pipe

[0119] (Sealing) collar on the side of the pipeline sealing element

[0120] (Sealing) collar on the side of the electrical insulator

[0121] Bracing element

[0122] Compensating element

[0123] Pressure element

Claims

Patent claims 1. A device (110) for heating a feedstock, wherein the device (110) comprises a plurality of electrically conductive pipes (114) for receiving the feedstock, wherein the pipes (114) are arranged in parallel so that the feedstock can flow through them, wherein the device (110) has at least one current and / or voltage source (126) which is designed to inject an electrical current into the pipes (114), which heats the pipes (114) by Joule heat, which is generated when the electrical current passes through conductive pipe material, in order to heat the feedstock, wherein each of the pipes (110) has a first end (116) and a second end (118), wherein at least one electrical insulator (132) is arranged at the first end (116) and the second end (118),so that the respective pipeline (114) and at least one supply pipeline (120) and at least one discharge pipeline (122) are galvanically separated from one another, wherein the individual pipelines (114) are electrically connected to one another in a series circuit.

2. Device (110) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (110) is designed to heat the feedstock to a temperature in the range from 200 °C to 1700 °C, preferably 300 °C to 1400 °C, particularly preferably 400 °C to 875 °C.

3. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (110) has at least one temperature sensor (128) which is set up to determine a temperature of at least one of the pipes (114), wherein the device (110) has at least one control unit (130) which is set up to regulate the current or voltage source (126) depending on a temperature measured with the temperature sensor (128) or an equivalent measured variable.

4. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the current and / or voltage source (126) comprises 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.

5. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical insulator (132) comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of ceramic materials, glass-like materials, glass-fiber reinforced materials, plastic-like materials or resin-like materials.

6. Device (110) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electrical insulator (132) has a minimum resistance of 100 kΩ to 1000 MΩ, preferably of 300 kΩ to 300 MΩ, particularly preferably of 1 MΩ to 100 MΩ, at 900 °C.

7. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipes (114) are fluidically connected to the supply and discharge pipes (120, 122).

8. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pipes (114) are interconnected and thus form a pipe system for receiving the feedstock or that the pipes (114) are designed to be fluidically separated from one another.

9. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feedstock is a hydrocarbon to be thermally cracked and / or a mixture.

10. System (112) comprising at least one device (110) according to one of the preceding claims and at least one power supply module (136), wherein the power supply module (136) has at least one voltage adapter (138) which is configured to transform a mains input medium or high voltage (140) corresponding to the power requirement into an output voltage which can be used by the device (110) and to provide it to the current and / or voltage source (126). 11 . System (112) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the system comprises a plurality of devices (110).

12. System (112) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the devices (110) are electrically connected in series and / or parallel to one another.

13. System (112) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that each device (110) is assigned a power supply module (136).

14. System (112) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply module (136) has a height h of 2m > h > 5m, a width b of 4m > b > 7m and a depth t of 2m > t > 5m.

15. Plant (112) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 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, 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 cracking ureas, isocyanates, melamine, a cracker, a catalytic cracker, a device for dehydrogenation, a device for producing acetylene from hydrocarbons.

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