Connection device for connecting a catalyst distribution device to a catalyst supply inlet of a heat exchanger

Abstract

TITLE: Connection device for connecting a catalyst distribution device to a catalyst supply inlet of a heat exchanger. The invention relates to a connection device (10) for connecting a catalyst distribution device (20) (200) to a catalyst supply inlet (301) (200) of a cryogenic heat exchanger (30), the connection device (10) extending between an upstream end (101) configured to be connected to the catalyst distribution device (20) (200) and a downstream end (102) configured to be connected to the supply inlet (301) of the heat exchanger (30), the upstream end (101) and the downstream end (102) being connected to each other by a catalyst flow passage (120) (200) delimited by a peripheral wall (121), the peripheral wall comprising a control orifice (122). opening into the drainage passage (120),The control port (122) is configured to allow the introduction into the flow passage (120) of a measuring means (20) intended to monitor the level of catalyst (200) in the heat exchanger (30). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Connection device for connecting a catalyst distribution device to a catalyst supply inlet of a heat exchanger

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of heat exchangers, more particularly to heat exchangers for hydrogen liquefaction. More specifically, the invention relates to connection devices suitable for connecting to a plate and wave heat exchanger for filling it with a catalyst powder intended to initiate a physicochemical reaction. It also relates to a measurement kit comprising such a connection device and a measuring means that can be inserted into such an exchanger via the connection device in order to monitor the catalyst level in the heat exchanger. The invention also relates to a system for securing such a connection device. Finally, the invention relates to a method for securing such a connection device.

[0002] Brazed plate and wave heat exchangers are classically used in the cryogenic industry for the separation and liquefaction of gases, particularly in the energy and petrochemical sectors.

[0003] These heat exchangers are formed from a set of parallel metal plates between which are generally inserted intercalated elements, such as corrugated structures or waves, which form finned heat exchange structures. The stacked plates form a stack of flat passages for different fluids to be connected for heat exchange.

[0004] Thus, a heat exchanger has internal metallic passages forming cavities through which a fluid circulates in each passage. Depending on the requirements, a cryogenic heat exchanger can be designed for the liquefaction of a gas using several dedicated fluids.

[0005] During the manufacture of the exchanger, the plates, the finned interlayer elements and other constituent elements of the exchanger are pressed together and then joined together by brazing in a vacuum furnace.

[0006] Today, brazed plate and wave heat exchangers are being adapted to new liquefaction processes. This is the case with regard to hydrogen liquefaction processes.

[0007] Hydrogen, for example, is more stable at low temperatures when it is in the parahydrogen state, unlike in the orthohydrogen state. At low temperatures, particularly the liquefaction temperature, orthohydrogen tends to spontaneously transform into parahydrogen, releasing unwanted heat.

[0008] In order to keep hydrogen in a liquid state, two options exist.

[0009] A first option consists of continuously extracting the heat released by the conversion of orthohydrogen to parahydrogen. In practice, this technique proves to be particularly energy-intensive and not industrially profitable.

[0010] A second option is to convert orthohydrogen into parahydrogen. An exothermic catalytic reaction combined with cooling allows most of the orthohydrogen to be converted into parahydrogen. Spontaneous conversions of orthohydrogen to parahydrogen are then reduced.

[0011] This second option is one of the frameworks in which the present invention can be included without being limited to it.

[0012] To this end, a catalyst, for example in the form of catalytic powder, is inserted into the brazed plate and wave heat exchanger from an upper portion configured to receive the catalyst. During this insertion, the catalyst flows by spillage from catalyst storage means to the upper portion of the heat exchanger having a feed inlet, and then to the lower portion of the heat exchanger having a collection outlet.

[0013] A good distribution of the catalyst within the heat exchanger naturally promotes the efficiency rate of the heat exchanger.

[0014] However, ensuring good distribution of the catalyst within the heat exchanger along its height, particularly between its upper and lower parts, is not currently possible because the filling process is approximate. As a result, the catalyst is not distributed homogeneously between the upper and lower parts.

[0015] The invention therefore aims to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0016] To this end, a connection device is proposed for connecting a catalyst distribution device to a catalyst supply inlet of a cryogenic heat exchanger, the connection device extending between an upstream end configured to be connected to the catalyst distribution device and a downstream end configured to be connected to said supply inlet, the upstream end and the downstream end being connected to each other by a catalyst flow passage delimited by a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall comprising a control orifice opening into the flow passage, the control orifice being configured to allow the introduction into the flow passage of a measuring means intended to control the catalyst level in the heat exchanger.

[0017] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to control the distribution of the catalyst inside the heat exchanger, particularly in the upper part of the heat exchanger. Furthermore, the insertion of a means for measuring the rate of The distribution of the catalyst through a specially designed control orifice forms a non-permanent measuring device that can be removed from the heat exchanger. This measuring device can then be reused to monitor the distribution in another heat exchanger.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the measuring means is configured to emit and receive waves by reflection in a region of the heat exchanger.

[0019] Thus, it is possible, in a region of the heat exchanger in which the measuring means is located, to measure the rate of distribution of the catalyst by means of a measurement of wave propagation time.

[0020] Advantageously, the measuring means is a sensor. Preferably, the sensor is an ultrasonic and / or radiation sensor.

[0021] For example, the sensor can be an endoscope or a camera.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the control orifice is provided with a tubular extension, preferably extending along a longitudinal axis, projecting from the peripheral wall of the flow passage.

[0023] Such a tubular extension makes it easier to introduce and maintain the means for measuring the distribution rate in the flow passage.

[0024] Thus, it is possible to control the distribution of the catalyst inside the heat exchanger while ensuring a seal at the point of its insertion.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tubular extension includes a sealing means configured to ensure a seal between the measuring means and the control orifice.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sealing means further forms a locking means configured to retain the measuring means in the control orifice in a locking position.

[0027] Thus, it is possible to lock the measuring means in the heat exchanger in a predetermined position in order to be able to carry out the measurements necessary to control the distribution of the catalyst inside the heat exchanger.

[0028] It will be understood that the blocking position corresponds to an insertion position of the measuring means in the control orifice.

[0029] Advantageously, the locking means is a clamping nut.

[0030] For example, the blocking means is a cable gland.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the tubular extension has a longitudinal axis inclined at an angle of inclination less than 90°, preferably less than 60°, relative to a main axis of the flow passage.

[0032] Such an inclination of the longitudinal axis of the tubular extension relative to the longitudinal axis of the flow passage makes it possible to facilitate the insertion and withdrawal of the measuring means along the flow passage from the tubular extension.

[0033] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a catalyst distribution measurement kit in a cryogenic heat exchanger, the kit comprising a connection device as defined and at least one catalyst filling level measurement means configured to be inserted through the control port of the connection device.

[0034] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a fastening system for a connection device, as defined, to a catalyst supply inlet of a heat exchanger, the supply inlet being provided with a tubular portion, the fastening system comprising:

[0035] - a first means of positioning the connection device configured for to securely enclose the said tubular portion,

[0036] - a second means of positioning the configured connection device to securely clamp said downstream end of the connection device,

[0037] the fastening system comprising longitudinal fastening means suitable for connecting together said first positioning means and said second positioning means, so as to maintain in an aligned position the peripheral wall of the connection device with respect to the tubular portion of the catalyst supply inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the longitudinal attachment means can be configured to exert individually on each other, an attachment force oriented along an attachment axis perpendicular to a principal axis of said tubular portion.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the first positioning means comprises a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion complementary to each other, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion being configured to be of complementary shape to said tubular portion.

[0040] The fixing system of the invention makes it possible to guarantee the alignment of the connection device with the inlet of the heat exchanger.

[0041] Advantageously, the first clamping portion and a second clamping portion include complementary fastening means provided for keeping the first and second clamping portions fixed to each other.

[0042] Advantageously, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are removable from said tubular portion.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the second positioning means includes an annular projection provided to receive the longitudinal attachment means.

[0044] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method of fixing the fixing system according to the invention, the feed inlet being provided with a tubular portion, the method comprising the following steps:

[0045] - fixing the first positioning means onto the tubular portion of the inlet feeding system such that the first positioning means encloses the tubular portion,

[0046] - fixing the second positioning means onto the tubular portion of the inlet food,

[0047] - fixing the second positioning means to the first means of positioning using longitudinal attachment methods,

[0048] - tightening of the longitudinal fastening means, so that the second means of positioning is maintained fixed to the first positioning method, and

[0049] - connection of the connection device to the second means of positioning, so that the downstream end of the connecting device is held fixed to the second positioning means.

[0050] The elements of the invention connected to each other or to the heat exchanger by an assembly advantageously include sealing joints to make these elements watertight between each other.

[0051] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a cryogenic heat exchanger comprising a connection device as defined, or a measurement kit as defined, or a fastening system as defined.

[0052] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the reading of the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings.

[0053] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a distribution head of a cryogenic heat exchanger.

[0054] Fig. 2 represents a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the distribution head of Fig. 1 illustrating a catalyst distribution.

[0055] Fig. 3 represents a cross-sectional view along plane P of Fig. 2 to illustrate an example of passage stacking.

[0056] Fig. 4 represents a perspective view of two connection devices according to the invention mounted on the distribution head shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, as well as a catalyst distribution device.

[0057] Fig. 5 represents a partial cross-sectional view of Fig. 4 illustrating a single connection device from which a measuring means is inserted.

[0058] Fig. 6 represents an enlarged isolated view of a connecting device shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0059] Fig. 7A represents a perspective view of a power inlet of the distribution head equipped with a section adapter.

[0060] Fig. 7B represents a perspective view of the power supply inlet equipped with the connection device as shown in Fig. 6.

[0061] Fig. 8A represents an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the section adapter shown in Fig. 7A.

[0062] Fig. 8B represents a cross-sectional view of Fig. 8A.

[0063] Fig. 8C represents a cross-sectional view of a sealing and blocking device.

[0064] Fig.9 represents a cross-sectional view of the connection device shown in Fig.6, equipped with a measuring means.

[0065] A brazed plate and wave heat exchanger 30 is formed from a set of parallel plates between which corrugated structures or waves can be inserted, forming finned heat exchange structures. As shown in [Fig. 3], such stacked exchange structures 31 form a stack of flat passages for different fluids to be connected for heat exchange.

[0066] To ensure the liquefaction of a gas, such as hydrogen, a cryogenic heat exchanger 30 generally includes a distribution head 32, arranged opposite a collection head (not shown). The distribution head 32 distributes the fluid entering the heat exchanger 30, and the collection head collects the fluid exiting the heat exchanger 30.

[0067] Figures 1 and 2 represent a distribution head 32 of a cryogenic heat exchanger 30. Such a distribution head 32 may have one or more supply inlets 301 for supplying the distribution head 32 of the heat exchanger 30 with a fluid, generally gaseous, intended to be liquefied following its circulation through a series of passages constituting the heat exchanger 30.

[0068] The supply inlets 301 of a distribution head 32 are designed to open at the level of the stack of exchange structures 31 formed by cavities through which the gas to be liquefied flows. The characteristic size of these cavities is on the order of a millimeter and they have high length-to-width ratios.

[0069] In the context of an application to the liquefaction of hydrogen, the use of a catalyst 200 makes it possible to convert most of the hydrogen in the form of orthohydrogen into parahydrogen.

[0070] For this, we seek to fill the passages traversed by hydrogen with a catalyst 200 in the form of catalysis powder.

[0071] The catalyst 200 can be introduced from the supply inlet(s) 301 to reach the cavities 31A of the exchange structures 31 into which these supply inlets 301 open.

[0072] Fig. 3 represents an example of a stack of exchange structures 31 accessible from the distribution head 32 through the supply inlets 301, and forming a distribution plane P of the catalyst 200.

[0073] Today, it is difficult to estimate the distribution of the catalyst 200 in the distribution plane P. At best, a distribution can be estimated as a function, for example, of the sizing of the cryogenic heat exchanger 30, particularly the dimensions of its distribution head 32, the cross-section of the feed inlets 301 and the flow rate and insertion speed of the catalyst 200 introduced by the feed inlets 301.

[0074] However, the actual distribution of the catalyst 200 in the cavities 31A accessible from the distribution plane P cannot be known.

[0075] The invention falls within this context and proposes a connection device 10 to a supply inlet 301 of a distribution head 32 of a cryogenic heat exchanger 30 allowing a measuring means 40 to access the internal volume of the distribution head 32 in order to control the level of catalyst 200 in the distribution plane P.

[0076] In [Fig.4], two connection devices 10 are shown. Each connection device 10 is intended to be connected to a supply input 301 of the cryogenic heat exchanger 30.

[0077] The use of a connection device 10 for each power supply input 301 advantageously increases the number of access points inside the distribution head 32.

[0078] A catalyst 200 distribution device 20 is provided to distribute the catalyst 200 it contains into the distribution head 32 via the connection devices 10 mounted on the supply inlets 301.

[0079] The catalyst distribution device 20 200 may include a control valve 21 in order to control the distribution of catalyst.

[0080] Any means of support shall be provided which can suspend this distribution device 20 above the distribution head 32 in order to allow the flow by gravity of the catalyst 200 which it contains.

[0081] An upstream end 101 of the connection device 10 is configured to be connected to the catalyst distribution device 200.

[0082] A so-called downstream end 102 of the connection device 10 is configured to be connected to the power input 301 of the distribution head 32 to which it is associated.

[0083] As shown, a connection device 10 is intended for connecting the catalyst 200 distribution device 20 to the catalyst 200 supply inlet 301 to which it is connected.

[0084] Fig. 5 illustrates a position of the measuring means 40 in the distribution head 32 with respect to a region of the distribution plane P.

[0085] Fig. 6 represents an enlargement of one of the connection devices 10 illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0086] As illustrated, the connection device 10 extends between the upstream end 101 configured to be connected to the distribution device 20 and the downstream end 102 configured to be connected to the power input 301.

[0087] The upstream end 101 and the downstream end 102 are connected to each other by a flow passage 120 of catalyst 200 which has a peripheral wall 121.

[0088] The catalyst 200 flowing, via a preferably flexible conduit 22, from the catalyst 20 distribution device 20 enters through the upstream end 101 of the connecting device 10 through the flow passage 120 to reach the downstream end 102 of the connecting device 10 and enter the supply inlet 301 to open into the volume of the distribution head 32.

[0089] The peripheral wall 121 of the connection device 10 advantageously includes a control orifice 122 opening into the flow passage 120.

[0090] The control orifice 122 is advantageously sized to allow the introduction into the flow passage 120 of the measuring means 40.

[0091] The introduction of a measuring means 40 into the flow passage 120 advantageously allows access to the supply inlet 301 to control the level of catalyst 200 in the distribution plane P accessible through the distribution head 32.

[0092] According to one example, the measuring means 40 is a sensor, such as an ultrasonic and / or radiation sensor.

[0093] Such measurement means make it possible to emit and receive waves by reflection in a region of the heat exchanger 30 formed by at least a part of the distribution plane P. The reflection of the waves in the accessible part of the distribution plane P makes it possible to identify the distribution of the catalyst 200 in this part of the distribution plane P.

[0094] The distribution of the catalyst 200 can thus be measured in this region.

[0095] It will be understood that the connection device 10 and at least one means of measurement 40 of the catalyst filling level 200 form a catalyst distribution measurement kit 200 in a cryogenic heat exchanger 30.

[0096] Of course, each connecting device 10 can be used for the insertion of the measuring means 40, or each connecting device 10 can be used for the insertion of a dedicated measuring means 40.

[0097] The connection device 10 shown advantageously comprises a section adapter 11 configured to adapt a tubular portion 3011 of the inlet supply 301 to a portion of the peripheral wall 121 of the downstream end 102 of the connection device 10.

[0098] The section adapter 11 can be press-fitted into the tubular portion 3011 of the power inlet 301 or welded to it. Preferably, the section adapter 11 is removable from the tubular portion 3011 of the power inlet 301.

[0099] As will be described in more detail later, a fixing system 80 is also provided to ensure fixing and alignment of the connection device 10 with respect to the power inlet 301.

[0100] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B represent assembly steps in which the section adapter 11 is first mounted on the tubular portion 3011 of the supply inlet 301 of the distribution head 32.

[0101] The section adapter 11 may advantageously be made of mixed material so that it can conform to a mixed junction weld between two materials allowing both a connection to the connection device 10 and a connection to the power input 301.

[0102] The section adapter 11 advantageously comprises a first portion 110 configured to be connected to the power input 301 and a second portion 111 configured to be connected to the connection device 10.

[0103] Advantageously, the first portion 110 is made of a first material and the second portion 111 is made of a second material. For example, the first material may be aluminum alloy, like the material constituting the feed inlet 301 and the distribution head 32, and the second material may be stainless steel.

[0104] A first positioning means 50 of the connection device 10 is provided to fixably clamp the tubular portion 3011 of the supply inlet 301.

[0105] The section adapter 11, particularly its second portion 111, advantageously forms a second positioning means 60 of the connecting device 10 configured to fixably clamp at least the downstream end 102 of the connecting device 10.

[0106] A clamping collar 112 can be provided at the level of the second portion 111 of the section adapter 11 in order to ensure the tightening of the downstream end 102 of the connection device 10 when the latter is connected to the second portion 111.

[0107] As shown in [Fig. 8A] and [Fig. 8B], the second portion 111 of the adapter with cross-section 11 may advantageously include a first annular projection 111A corresponding to a second annular projection 102A provided at the downstream end 102 of the connecting device 10. An annular groove 11IC, 102C may be provided between the annular projections 111A, 102A to receive a seal sealing 113 in this groove 111C, 102C in order to ensure sealing between the annular projections 111A, 102A.

[0108] The clamping collar 112 advantageously includes an annular recess 112A provided to receive the annular projections 111 A, 102A. A screw pin 112B of the collar 112 allows the clamp 112 to be tightened around the second portion 111 of the adapter of section 11.

[0109] The clamping of the downstream end 102 of the connecting device 10 can advantageously be carried out by the second positioning means 60 which can be provided for this purpose.

[0110] The first positioning means 50 and the second positioning means 60 are intended to form the fixing system 80 of the connection device 10, ensuring the alignment of the connection device 10 with respect to the inlet 301 of the heat exchanger 30.

[0111] The first positioning means 50 comprises a first clamping portion 51 and a second clamping portion 52 complementary to each other, the first clamping portion 51 and the second clamping portion 52 being configured to be of complementary shape to the tubular portion 3011 of the feed inlet 301.

[0112] The first clamping portion 51 and the second clamping portion 52 are intended to be fastened together using additional fastening means 53, here formed by bolt-nut pairs 53A arranged through first blind holes 53B formed in the clamping portions 51, 52. The first clamping portion 51 and the second clamping portion 52 can be disassembled so that they can be reused.

[0113] In addition, the first positioning means 50 and the second positioning means 60 are intended to be fixed together.

[0114] For this purpose, as shown in more detail, in addition to the first positioning means 50 and the second positioning means 60, the fastening system 80 includes longitudinal fastening means 70 suitable for connecting together the second positioning means 60 and the first positioning means 50, so as to maintain in an aligned position the peripheral wall 121 of the connecting device 10 with respect to the tubular portion 3011 of the catalyst supply inlet 301 of the heat exchanger 300. It will be understood that this configuration is achieved when the connecting device 10 is fixed to the section adapter 11, as shown in [Fig.7B].

[0115] As shown in [Fig. 6], the attachment of the second positioning means 60 to the first positioning means 50 is achieved using the longitudinal attachment means 70; these longitudinal attachment means 70 are here formed by longitudinal rods 70A intended to pass through second through holes 70C formed in the positioning means 50, 60 and complementary clamping bolts 70B.

[0116] Thus, each rod 70A exerts an attachment force oriented along an attachment axis A3 perpendicular to a principal axis Al of said tubular portion 3011.

[0117] As represented, the second positioning means 60 includes an annular projection 61 in which the through holes 70C are formed.

[0118] These longitudinal fastening means 70 are advantageously independent of each other. Tightening them independently of each other allows for precise alignment of the section adapter 11, i.e., of the downstream end 102 of the connection device 10 which will be received there, to the supply inlet 301 of the distribution head 32.

[0119] Once the section adapter 11 is assembled, it is possible to connect the downstream end 102 of the connecting device 10 to the section adapter 11 forming the second positioning means 60, so that the downstream end 102 of the positioning device is held fixed to the second positioning means 60.

[0120] As shown in [Fig.6] and [Fig.9], the control port 122 is provided with a tubular extension 122A projecting from the peripheral wall 121 of the flow passage 120 and intended to facilitate access of the measuring means 40 of the distribution to the flow passage 120.

[0121] The tubular extension 122A advantageously extends along a longitudinal axis inclined Al at an angle of inclination less than 90°, preferably less than 60°, relative to a longitudinal axis A of the flow passage 120. This inclination makes it easier to insert the measuring means 40 of the distribution into the flow passage 120.

[0122] The upstream end 101 of the connection device 10 can also be provided with a tubular extension 10IB which also advantageously extends along a longitudinal axis A2 inclined at an angle of inclination less than 90°, preferably less than 60°, relative to the longitudinal axis A of the flow passage 120. This inclination makes it possible to promote the flow of the catalyst 200 intended to pass through the flow passage 120.

[0123] It may be provided that the tubular extension 122A of the control port 122 includes a sealing means 123 (shown in [Fig.8C]) ensuring a seal between the measuring means 40 and the control orifice 122, more particularly the tubular extension 122A. This sealing means 123 can advantageously also form a locking means capable of retaining the measuring means 40 in the control orifice 122 in a locking position.

[0124] According to an example of an embodiment shown in [Fig.8C], this sealing and blocking means 123 can be, for example, a stuffing box.

[0125] As shown in [Fig. 8C], the sealing and locking means 123 comprises a main body 123A and a secondary body 123B. The secondary body 123B is mounted within the main body 123A to provide a seal against it. The sealing and locking means 123 advantageously comprises an outer surface 123A3 designed to be press-fitted or screwed into the inspection port 122, so as to provide a seal between this outer surface 123A3 and a contact surface of the inspection port 122.Once the seal is ensured at the control orifice 122, it is possible to insert the measuring means 40 from a first opening 123A1 of the sealing and locking means 123, to fit it by force through the circular thread 123B1, so as to seal the connection between the measuring means 40 and the sealing and locking means 123, and to allow the insertion of the measuring means 40 through a second opening 123A2 of the sealing and locking means 123. .

[0126] We will now describe the use of the connection device 10 within the framework of the invention.

[0127] The flexible conduit 22 intended to connect the catalyst distribution device 20 to the upstream end 101 of the connection device 10 is preferably connected to the upstream end 101 of the connection device 10. The retention of the flexible conduit 22 to the upstream end 101 of the connection device 10 is ensured by a clamp 112' provided at the level of the second portion 111 of the adapter of section 11.

[0128] The measuring means 40 advantageously comprises a wire element 41 at the end of which is located a measuring head 42. The measuring head 42 may be a camera or an endoscope, for example. The measuring head 42 is designed to emit and receive waves by reflection in a region of the heat exchanger 30 formed by at least a portion of the distribution plane P in which the measuring head 42 is located.

[0129] In a preferred but not limiting operational configuration, the measuring means 40 is inserted, through the measuring head 42, into the control orifice 122 via the sealing and blocking means 123.

[0130] The sealing and locking means 123 can be adjusted to release or block the movement of the wire element 41 relative to the sealing and locking means 123. Thus, it is possible to adjust the position of the measuring head 42 in the distribution head 32 of the heat exchanger 30 to a desired measuring position.

[0131] It will be understood that the desired measurement position can be determined based on the waves received from the measuring head 42, via the wire element 4L. These received waves can be advantageously used to provide a representation of the region of the exchanger observed by the measuring head 42, this region corresponding to a part of the distribution plane P.

[0132] Once the flexible conduit 22 and the measuring means 40 are fixed to the connection device 10, the distribution head 32 can be supplied with catalyst 200 by triggering, for example, the distribution of catalyst 200 from the distribution device 20 by unlocking its control valve 21. The catalyst 200 can then flow into the distribution head 32, via the flexible conduit 22, from the catalyst 200 distribution device 20 by entering the upstream end 101 of the connection device 10 and passing through the flow passage 120 to reach the supply inlet 301 to which the connection device 10 is connected.

[0133] At the same time as the filling of the distribution head 32 with catalyst 200 is carried out, or alternatively after this has been completed, the measuring means 40 allows the state of filling and the distribution of the catalyst 200 of the observed region to be measured.

[0134] The position of the measuring head 42 in the distribution head 32 can be adjusted during the operation of filling the catalyst 200 by adjusting the sealing and blocking means 123, or alternatively, the control valve 21 of the distribution device 20 can be closed to allow a new adjustment of the position of the measuring head 42 in the distribution head 32.

[0135] Thus, it is possible to block the measuring means 40 in the heat exchanger 30 in a predetermined position in order to be able to carry out the measurements necessary to control the distribution of the catalyst 200 inside the heat exchanger 30.

[0136] When the two supply inlets 301 of the distribution head 32 are equipped with a connection device 10 as described, it is possible to control the catalyst distribution of all or part of the distribution plane P.

[0137] Controlling the distribution of the catalyst 200 inside the heat exchanger 30 advantageously allows control of the level of catalyst 200 at the level of the distribution plane P.

[0138] Measuring the distribution of the catalyst 200 in the distribution plane P makes it possible, for example, to identify an undesired accumulation of catalyst 200 in a region of the distribution plane P, or alternatively to confirm a good distribution of the catalyst in this distribution plane P.

[0139] Although the present description refers to specific embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. By Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

Demands

1. A connecting device (10) for connecting a catalyst (20) distribution device (200) to a catalyst (200) feed inlet (301) of a cryogenic heat exchanger (30), the connecting device (10) extending between an upstream end (101) configured to be connected to the catalyst (200) distribution device (20) and a downstream end (102) configured to be connected to said feed inlet (301), the upstream end (101) and the downstream end (102) being connected to each other by a catalyst (200) flow passage (120) delimited by a peripheral wall (121), the peripheral wall comprising a control orifice (122) opening into the flow passage (120), the control orifice (122) being configured to permit the introduction into the flow passage (120) of a measuring means (20) intended to control the level of catalyst (200) in the heat exchanger (30).

2. Connection device (10) according to claim 1, in which the control orifice (122) is provided with a tubular extension (1221), preferably extending along a longitudinal axis (X), projecting from the peripheral wall (121) of the flow passage (120).

3. Connection device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the tubular extension (1221) includes a sealing means (123) configured to ensure a seal between the measuring means (20) and the control orifice (122).

4. Connection device (10) according to any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the tubular extension (1221) has a longitudinal axis (Al) inclined at an angle of inclination less than 90°, preferably less than 60°, with respect to a principal axis (A) of the flow passage (120).

5. Catalyst distribution measurement kit (200) in a cryogenic heat exchanger (30), the kit comprising a connection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one means for measuring the catalyst (200) filling level configured to be inserted through the control port (122) of the connection device (10).

6. A fastening system (80) for a connection device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims to a catalyst (200) feed inlet (301) of a cryogenic heat exchanger (30), the feed inlet (301) being provided with a tubular portion (3011), the fastening system comprising: - a first positioning means (50) for the connection device (10) configured to permanently clamp said tubular portion (3011), - a second positioning means (60) for the connection device (10) configured to permanently clamp said downstream end (102) of the connection device, the fastening system (80) comprising longitudinal fastening means (70) adapted to connect together said first positioning means (50) and said second positioning means (60),so as to maintain the peripheral wall of the connection device (10) in an aligned position with respect to the tubular portion (3011) of the catalyst supply inlet (301) of the heat exchanger (30).

7. A fastening system (80) according to the preceding claim, wherein the longitudinal fastening means (70) are configured to exert individually, from one another, a fastening force oriented along an attachment axis perpendicular to a principal axis of said tubular portion (3011).

8. A fastening system (80) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the first positioning means comprises a first clamping portion (51) and a second clamping portion (52) complementary to each other, the first clamping portion (51) and the second clamping portion (52) being configured to be of complementary shape to said tubular portion (3011).

9. System according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the second positioning means (60) includes an annular projection (61) provided to receive the longitudinal attachment means (70).

10. Method of attaching the fastening system (80) according to any one of claims 6 to 9 to a catalyst (200) feed inlet (301) of a cryogenic heat exchanger (30), the inlet of the feed (301) being provided with a tubular portion (3011), the process comprising the following steps: - fixing the first positioning means (50) on the tubular portion of the feed inlet (301) so that the first positioning means encloses the tubular portion (3011), - fixing the second positioning means (60) on the tubular portion (3011) of the feed inlet (301), - tightening of the longitudinal fastening means (70), so that the second positioning means (60) is held fixedly to the first positioning means (50), and - connection of the connecting device (10) to the second positioning means (50), so that the downstream end (102) of the connecting device (10) is held fixed to the second positioning means (60).

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