Reaction apparatus

Abstract

To provide a reaction apparatus capable of preferably performing a chemical reaction on reactants, under multiple different conditions.SOLUTION: A reaction apparatus is equipped with multiple reactors 40 that react an inside first reactant under mutually different conditions, an adjustment tank 30 that stores a fluid containing a second reactant that reacts with the first reactant, a gas input path L2 that connects the adjustment tank 30 and the multiple reactors 40 to allow the fluid from the adjustment tank 30 to be introduced into the reactors 40, a catalyst transfer path L that enables the circulation of the first reactant between the multiple reactors 40, a vacuum pump 60 that allows fluid to circulate in the gas input path L2 and facilitates the circulation of the first reactant in the catalyst transfer path L4, and a control unit 90 that can perform control to introduce fluid into one 40 of the multiple reactors 40 filled with the first reactant using the vacuum pump 60, and transfer the first reactant that has reacted with the second reactant inside one of the reactors 40 to the other reactor 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a reactor that causes a chemical reaction to occur on a reactant under a plurality of mutually different conditions. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for carrying out chemical reactions with reactants have been publicly known. For carrying out the above-mentioned chemical reactions, it is known to use a granular zeolite catalyst, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] When producing a desired product using the above-mentioned zeolite catalyst, there is a method in which the same zeolite catalyst is repeatedly used in the production process to carry out multiple chemical reactions. When carrying out the above-mentioned multiple chemical reactions, multiple steps may be carried out under different conditions, such as a step of carrying out a chemical reaction under high temperature conditions or a step of carrying out a chemical reaction under irradiation with light from a light source, depending on what is reacted with the reactant (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen).

[0004] However, when a single reaction vessel is used to carry out both a process of carrying out a chemical reaction under high temperature conditions and a process of carrying out a chemical reaction under light irradiation conditions, there is a possibility that the light source may be damaged by heat. For this reason, a reaction apparatus capable of carrying out a chemical reaction on a reactant under a plurality of mutually different conditions is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-3013 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a reaction apparatus capable of suitably carrying out a chemical reaction on a reactant under a plurality of mutually different conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, the present invention includes a plurality of reaction vessels in which a first reactant is reacted under mutually different conditions; a storage section for storing a fluid containing a second reactant that reacts with the first reactant; an input path connecting the storage section and the plurality of reaction vessels so that the fluid in the storage section can be input into the reaction vessels; a transfer path connecting the plurality of reaction vessels so that the first reactant can be circulated between them; a pump capable of circulating the fluid in the input path and of circulating the first reactant in the transfer path; and a control unit capable of executing control using the pump to input the fluid into one of the plurality of reaction vessels filled with the first reactant, and to transfer the first reactant that has reacted with the second reactant in one of the reaction vessels to the other reaction vessel.

[0009] In claim 2, the multiple reaction vessels include a first reaction vessel having a heating section and reacting the first reactant with the second reactant in a state where the inside is heated to a high temperature by the heating section, and a second reaction vessel having a light source and reacting the first reactant with the second reactant in a state where light is irradiated by the light source.

[0010] In claim 3, the multiple reaction vessels are equipped with a pressure gauge capable of measuring the internal pressure, and the control unit determines the timing to stop the reaction in the reaction vessel based on the measurement results of the pressure gauge.

[0011] In claim 4, a discharge path is provided that is connected to the plurality of reaction vessels so as to be able to discharge the fluid within the reaction vessels, and the pump is disposed on the discharge path downstream of the plurality of reaction vessels.

[0012] In claim 5, the pump is capable of depressurizing the plurality of reaction vessels to a specified vacuum level.

[0013] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the discharge path is connected to the reservoir so that the fluid in the reaction vessel can be collected in the reservoir.

[0014] In claim 7, the storage section is provided in plurality so as to be able to store a plurality of the second reactants corresponding to the conditions of the plurality of reaction vessels.

[0015] In claim 8, the fluid includes an inert fluid that does not react with the first reactant, the storage section includes an inert fluid storage section in which the inert fluid is stored, and the control section pours the inert fluid into one of the reaction vessels and transfers the first reactant to the other reaction vessel. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The present invention has an effect of being able to suitably cause a chemical reaction to occur on a reactant under a plurality of mutually different conditions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a reaction apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing reactors controlled by a controller. [Diagram 3] (a) An enlarged front view showing the adjustment valve, and (b) an enlarged front view showing the reaction vessel. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a process executed by a reaction device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing a high-temperature reaction process. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing the processing of a photoreaction process. [Figure 7] 1 is a flow chart showing the gas discharge and recovery process. [Figure 8] 4 is a flow chart showing the processing of a catalyst transport process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The configuration of a reaction apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

[0019] The reactor 1 performs a chemical reaction on a reactant under a plurality of different conditions. The reactor 1 according to this embodiment performs a chemical reaction using a catalyst 2. The catalyst 2 is a granular (powdered) solid having fine pores. For example, a zeolite catalyst can be used as the catalyst 2. The catalyst 2 is used as a catalyst when producing a product such as methanol. More specifically, the catalyst 2 supports a reactant (e.g., zinc, etc.) used in a chemical reaction for producing the product. The catalyst 2 is not limited to a zeolite catalyst, and various granular (powdered) catalysts such as activated carbon can be used. In this embodiment, the same catalyst 2 is used repeatedly in the production process to perform a plurality of chemical reactions on the reactant supported on the catalyst 2 under different conditions.

[0020] The reaction device 1 according to the present embodiment sequentially performs a process of reacting a first gas, which will be described later, with a reactant of the catalyst 2, and a process of reacting a second gas, which will be described later. In the process of reacting the first gas, a chemical reaction (hereinafter referred to as a "high-temperature reaction") is performed in which the reactant of the catalyst 2 reacts with the first gas under high-temperature environmental conditions. In the process of reacting the second gas, a chemical reaction (hereinafter referred to as a "photoreaction") is performed in which the reactant of the catalyst 2 reacts with the second gas under environmental conditions in which light is irradiated. The reaction device 1 can generate a product by alternately repeating the high-temperature reaction and the photoreaction to a certain extent. The reaction device 1 includes a raw material tank 10, an inert gas tank 20, an adjustment tank 30, a reaction vessel 40, a flow path switching valve 50, a vacuum pump 60, a gas separation filter 70, a product recovery tank 80, and a control unit 90.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the components constituting the reaction apparatus 1 (raw material tank 10, inert gas tank 20, adjustment tank 30, reaction vessel 40, flow path switching valve 50, vacuum pump 60, gas separation filter 70, and product recovery tank 80) are connected to each other via paths through which gas and catalyst 2 can flow (gas supply path L1, gas input path L2, gas exhaust path L3, and catalyst transfer path L4, which will be described later).

[0022] The raw material tank 10 stores raw material gases used in a chemical reaction with a reactant. In this embodiment, the raw material tank 10 includes a first raw material tank 10A and a second raw material tank 10B, in which different types of gases are stored.

[0023] The first raw material tank 10A stores a first gas, which is a gas used in a high-temperature reaction. As the first gas, for example, hydrogen can be used.

[0024] The second raw material tank 10B stores a second gas used in the photoreaction. As the second gas, for example, oxygen can be used.

[0025] The inert gas tank 20 stores an inert gas that is used to transport the catalyst 2. As the inert gas, a gas that does not react with the reactants of the catalyst 2 (does not generate by-products through a chemical reaction) is used.

[0026] The adjustment tank 30 stores gas supplied from the raw material tank 10 and the inert gas tank 20, which are gas supply sources. The adjustment tank 30 can discharge the stored gas to a reaction vessel 40, which will be described later. The adjustment tank 30 also collects gas discharged from the reaction vessel 40. The discharge and collection of the gas will be described in detail later. As shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment tank 30 is connected to the gas supply sources (the raw material tank 10 and the inert gas tank 20) ​​via a gas supply path L1, which is a flow path through which gas from the gas supply sources flows.

[0027] In this embodiment, the adjustment tanks 30 include a first adjustment tank 30A, a second adjustment tank 30B, and a third adjustment tank 30C, which correspond to the first raw material tank 10A, the second raw material tank 10B, and the inert gas tank 20, respectively. That is, the first adjustment tank 30A can store the first gas supplied from the first raw material tank 10A, the second adjustment tank 30B can store the second gas supplied from the second raw material tank 10B, and the third adjustment tank 30C can store the inert gas supplied from the inert gas tank 20.

[0028] Each of the adjustment tanks 30 (the first adjustment tank 30A, the second adjustment tank 30B, and the third adjustment tank 30C) has a similar configuration. In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first adjustment tank 30A, the second adjustment tank 30B, and the third adjustment tank 30C, they may be simply referred to as "adjustment tanks 30." The adjustment tank 30 includes a gas supply port 31, a discharge port 32, a recovery port 33, and a pressure gauge 34.

[0029] The gas supply port 31 shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3(a) is a portion into which gas is supplied from a gas supply source (the raw material tank 10 and the inert gas tank 20). As shown in Fig. 3(a), a gas supply path L1 is connected to the gas supply port 31. The gas supply port 31 is provided with a valve 31a capable of opening and closing the gas supply port 31. When the valve 31a is open, gas is supplied from the gas supply source to the adjustment tank 30. On the other hand, when the valve 31a is closed, the supply of gas from the gas supply source to the adjustment tank 30 is stopped.

[0030] The exhaust port 32 is a portion that exhausts the gas stored in the adjustment tank 30 to the reaction vessel 40. As shown in Fig. 3(a), a gas input path L2 described later is connected to the exhaust port 32. In addition, the exhaust port 32 is provided with a valve 32a that can open and close the exhaust port 32.

[0031] The recovery port 33 is a portion into which the gas recovered from the reaction vessel 40 is introduced. As shown in Fig. 3(a), a gas exhaust path L3 described later is connected to the recovery port 33. In addition, the recovery port 33 is provided with a valve 33a that can open and close the recovery port 33.

[0032] The pressure gauge 34 measures the pressure inside the adjustment tank 30.

[0033] The reaction vessel 40 uses the gas supplied from the adjustment tank 30 to carry out a chemical reaction with the reactant of the catalyst 2. The inside of the reaction vessel 40 is filled with the catalyst 2. In FIG. 1, the catalyst 2 in the reaction vessel 40 is shown filled in. The reaction vessel 40 has pressure resistance that can withstand an internal vacuum. In this embodiment, the reaction vessels 40 are provided with a first reaction vessel 40A and a second reaction vessel 40B, which carry out chemical reactions under different conditions (high-temperature reaction and photoreaction).

[0034] 1, each reaction vessel 40 (first reaction vessel 40A and second reaction vessel 40B) is connected to the adjustment tank 30 via a gas input path L2, which is a flow path through which gas input from the adjustment tank 30 flows. In addition, each reaction vessel 40 is connected to the adjustment tank 30 and the product recovery tank 80 via a gas discharge path L3, which is a flow path through which gas discharged to the adjustment tank 30 and products (e.g., gaseous products) discharged to the product recovery tank 80 described below flow. In addition, each reaction vessel 40 (first reaction vessel 40A and second reaction vessel 40B) is connected to each other via a catalyst transfer path L4, which is a flow path through which a catalyst 2 flows.

[0035] The configuration of each reaction vessel 40 (first reaction vessel 40A and second reaction vessel 40B) will be described below with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3(b). In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the first reaction vessel 40A and the second reaction vessel 40B, they may be simply referred to as "reaction vessel 40."

[0036] First, a description will be given of the configuration common to each reaction vessel 40. Note that Fig. 3(b) shows only the configuration common to each reaction vessel 40. Each reaction vessel 40 has a gas inlet 41, a gas outlet 42, a catalyst inlet 43, a catalyst outlet 44, and a pressure gauge 45 as common configurations.

[0037] The gas inlet 41 is a portion where gas is introduced from the adjustment tank 30. As shown in FIG. 3(b), a gas introduction path L2 is connected to the gas inlet 41. The gas inlet 41 is connected to the exhaust port 32 of the adjustment tank 30 via the gas introduction path L2 (see FIG. 3(a)). In addition, the gas inlet 41 is provided with a valve 41a that can open and close the gas inlet 41.

[0038] The gas exhaust port 42 is a portion that exhausts the gas in the reaction vessel 40 to the adjustment tank 30 or the product recovery tank 80 described later. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the gas exhaust port 42 is connected to a gas exhaust path L3. The gas exhaust port 42 is connected to the recovery port 33 of the adjustment tank 30 via the gas exhaust path L3 (see FIG. 3(a)). The gas exhaust port 42 is also connected to the product recovery tank 80 described later via the gas exhaust path L3 (see FIG. 1). The gas exhaust port 42 is provided with a valve 42a that can open and close the gas exhaust port 42. The gas exhaust port 42 is also provided with a filter 42b that is formed to allow gas to pass through but is formed to prevent the catalyst 2 from passing through. By providing the filter 42b, it is possible to prevent the catalyst 2 from being mixed into the gas exhaust path L3.

[0039] The catalyst inlet 43 is a portion where the catalyst 2 is introduced from another reaction vessel 40 (the source reaction vessel 40). As shown in FIG. 3(b), a catalyst transfer path L4 is connected to the catalyst inlet 43. The catalyst inlet 43 is connected to a catalyst discharge port 44 (described later) of the source reaction vessel 40 via the catalyst transfer path L4 (see FIG. 1). The catalyst inlet 43 is provided with a valve 43a that can open and close the catalyst inlet 43.

[0040] The catalyst discharge port 44 is a portion that discharges the catalyst 2 to another reaction vessel 40 (a destination reaction vessel 40). As shown in FIG. 3(b), a catalyst transfer path L4 is connected to the catalyst discharge port 44. The catalyst discharge port 44 is connected to the catalyst inlet 43 of the destination reaction vessel 40 via the catalyst transfer path L4 (see FIG. 1). The catalyst discharge port 44 is provided with a valve 44a that can open and close the catalyst discharge port 44.

[0041] The pressure gauge 45 measures the pressure inside the reaction vessel 40 .

[0042] Next, the specific configurations of the first reaction vessel 40A and the second reaction vessel 40B will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0043] First, the first reaction vessel 40A will be described. The first reaction vessel 40A is for carrying out a high-temperature reaction. More specifically, the first reaction vessel 40A chemically reacts the reactant of the catalyst 2 filled inside the first reaction vessel 40A with the first gas introduced from the first adjustment tank 30A while keeping the inside of the first reaction vessel 40A at a high temperature. The first reaction vessel 40A is heat resistant. The first reaction vessel 40A is equipped with a temperature raising section 46.

[0044] The temperature increasing section 46 is capable of increasing the temperature inside the first reaction vessel 40A. The temperature increasing section 46 may be provided with a jacket that is disposed so as to cover the outside of the first reaction vessel 40A and that is capable of adjusting the temperature inside the first reaction vessel 40A by a heat medium that flows inside the first reaction vessel 40A. The temperature increasing section 46 may be capable of adjusting the temperature including not only increasing the temperature (heating) but also cooling.

[0045] Next, the second reaction vessel 40B will be described. The second reaction vessel 40B is for carrying out a photoreaction. More specifically, the second reaction vessel 40B chemically reacts the reactant of the catalyst 2 with the second gas introduced from the second adjustment tank 30B while irradiating the catalyst 2 filled inside the second reaction vessel 40B with light. The second reaction vessel 40B is equipped with a light source 47.

[0046] The light source 47 irradiates light onto the catalyst 2. In this embodiment, a UV light capable of irradiating ultraviolet light is adopted as the light source 47. Note that the light source 47 is not limited to a UV light, and various light sources capable of activating a reactant can be adopted.

[0047] In this embodiment, the catalyst 2 can be transferred between the first reaction vessel 40A and the second reaction vessel 40B by circulating the catalyst 2 through the catalyst transfer path L4. This allows the high-temperature reaction and the photoreaction to be carried out continuously using the same catalyst 2.

[0048] In the reaction vessel 40, a chemical reaction (high-temperature reaction and light reaction) occurs as a result of a reaction between the reactant of the catalyst 2 filled inside and the gas (first gas and second gas) that has passed through the filled catalyst 2. After the chemical reaction, the catalyst 2 and the gas (first gas, second gas and inert gas) introduced from the adjustment tank 30 are present in the reaction vessel 40. In this embodiment, the high-temperature reaction and the light reaction are alternately repeated to a certain extent to generate a product gas in the reaction vessel 40.

[0049] The flow path switching valve 50 switches the gas flow path in the gas input path L2 when the gas from the adjustment tank 30 is input into the reaction vessel 40. The flow path switching valve 50 is disposed in the middle of the gas input path L2 (between each adjustment tank 30 and each reaction vessel 40). The flow path switching valve 50 can switch the flow path of the gas input path L2 that connects any adjustment tank 30 that is a gas supply source and any reaction vessel 40 that is a gas supply destination.

[0050] Specifically, the flow path switching valve 50 can switch the flow path of the gas input path L2 between a state in which the first gas in the first adjustment tank 30A can be supplied to the first reaction vessel 40A, a state in which the second gas in the second adjustment tank 30B can be supplied to the second reaction vessel 40B, a state in which the inert gas in the third adjustment tank 30C can be supplied to one of the first reaction vessel 40A and the second reaction vessel 40B, and a state in which the gas in each adjustment tank 30 is not supplied to any of the reaction vessels 40 (supply is stopped).

[0051] 1 and 2, the vacuum pump 60 circulates the gas and catalyst 2 in each path (gas supply path L1, gas input path L2, gas exhaust path L3, and catalyst transfer path L4). The vacuum pump 60 is disposed in the gas exhaust path L3 downstream of each reaction vessel 40. More specifically, the vacuum pump 60 is disposed in a portion of the gas exhaust path L3 between each reaction vessel 40 and a gas separation filter 70 described later.

[0052] By operating the vacuum pump 60, the inside of each reaction vessel 40 can be depressurized to a designated vacuum level. The designated vacuum level is, for example, 10 -1 Pa~10 3 A value of about Pa can be adopted. When the reaction vessel 40 is evacuated to the above-mentioned degree of vacuum, the gas in each adjustment tank 30 and the catalyst 2 from which it is transferred can be drawn into the reaction vessel 40.

[0053] The gas separation filter 70 shown in FIG. 1 separates the multiple gases discharged from each reaction vessel 40 into different types. For example, a porous filter or the like can be used as the gas separation filter 70. More specifically, the gas separation filter 70 separates the first gas, the second gas, the inert gas, and products produced by chemical reactions discharged from each reaction vessel 40. The gas separation filter 70 includes a separation membrane capable of separating the above gases. The gas separation filter 70 is disposed downstream of the vacuum pump 60 in the gas discharge path L3.

[0054] The first gas, second gas, and inert gas separated by the gas separation filter 70 are supplied (recovered) to the first adjustment tank 30A, the second adjustment tank 30B, and the third adjustment tank 30C, respectively, via the gas exhaust path L3 (see FIG. 1). The product separated by the gas separation filter 70 is supplied to a product recovery tank 80, which will be described later, via the gas exhaust path L3. The gas separation filter 70 may be configured to separate by-products generated by chemical reactions in each reaction vessel 40. In this case, a path for discharging the separated by-products may be provided.

[0055] The product recovery tank 80 recovers the product generated in the reaction vessel 40. The product recovery tank 80 is connected to the reaction vessel 40 via a gas exhaust path L3.

[0056] The control unit 90 shown in FIG. 2 is capable of processing various types of information. The control unit 90 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 90 is electrically connected to each adjustment tank 30, each reaction vessel 40, the flow path switching valve 50, and the vacuum pump 60 of the reaction device 1. The control unit 90 can control the operation of each device (each valve, the heating unit 46, the light source 47, the flow path switching valve 50, the vacuum pump 60, and the like) included in each part of the reaction device 1. The control unit 90 can also acquire the measurement results of the pressure gauge 34 of each adjustment tank 30 and the pressure gauge 45 of each reaction vessel 40. The control unit 90 can execute control to continuously perform a high-temperature reaction and a photoreaction on the catalyst 2 by operating each device of the reaction device 1 based on the measurement results of the pressure gauge 45.

[0057] The operation of the reaction device 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4, the reaction device 1 according to this embodiment can carry out a high-temperature reaction and a light reaction continuously using the same catalyst 2 by combining the control of four types of sub-processes: a "high-temperature reaction process (S100)", a "light reaction process (S200)", a "gas discharge / recovery process (S300)" and a "catalyst transfer process (S400)".

[0059] Each process will be described in detail below. At the start of the following control, all valves (valve 31a, valve 32a, etc.) of the devices in the reaction device 1 are assumed to be closed. Also, each reaction vessel 40 is assumed to be at a designated vacuum level, and the internal pressure of each adjustment tank 30 is assumed to be normal pressure (approximately atmospheric pressure).

[0060] First, the high-temperature reaction process (S100) will be described using the flowchart of FIG. 5. The high-temperature reaction process is a control for performing a high-temperature reaction using the first reaction vessel 40A. When performing the high-temperature reaction process, the flow path switching valve 50 is switched to a state in which the first gas in the first adjustment tank 30A can be supplied to the first reaction vessel 40A. In the following, the description will be given assuming that the catalyst 2 is filled in the first reaction vessel 40A.

[0061] In the processing of steps S101 and S102, the control unit 90 opens the valve 41a of the gas inlet 41 of the first reaction vessel 40A (step S101) and also opens the valve 32a of the outlet 32 ​​of the first adjustment tank 30A (step S102). By opening the above valves, a path through which the first gas can flow is formed between the first adjustment tank 30A and the first reaction vessel 40A. As a result, the first gas in the first adjustment tank 30A is introduced (sucked) into the first reaction vessel 40A due to the pressure difference between the first adjustment tank 30A and the first reaction vessel 40A. At this time, the vacuum pump 60 may be operated to promote the suction of the first gas into the first reaction vessel 40A. After executing the processing of step S102, the control unit 90 proceeds to the processing of step S103.

[0062] In the process of step S103, the control unit 90 judges whether the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is approximately normal pressure. The control unit 90 makes the above judgment using the measurement result of the pressure gauge 45 of the first reaction vessel 40A. When the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is normal pressure (step S103: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S104. On the other hand, when the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is not normal pressure (step S103: NO), it proceeds to the process of step S102.

[0063] In the processing of steps S104 and S105, the control unit 90 closes the valve 41a of the first reaction vessel 40A and the valve 32a of the first adjustment tank 30A (step S104), and operates the temperature raising unit 46 to raise the temperature inside the first reaction vessel 40A (step S105). As a result, a high-temperature reaction is carried out in which the reactant of the catalyst 2 and the first gas react with each other in a high-temperature state inside the sealed first reaction vessel 40A. When the high-temperature reaction is carried out, the first gas is consumed in the first reaction vessel 40A. As a result, the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A decreases. When the high-temperature reaction is almost completed and the consumption of the first gas in the first reaction vessel 40A stops, the decrease in the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A stops, and the internal pressure becomes almost constant. After carrying out the processing of step S105, the control unit 90 proceeds to the processing of step S106.

[0064] In the process of step S106, the control unit 90 judges whether the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is constant. The control unit 90 makes the above judgment using the measurement result of the pressure gauge 45 of the first reaction vessel 40A. If the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is approximately constant, it is estimated that the high-temperature reaction is completed. For example, if the amount of change in the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A within a predetermined period is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is constant. If the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is constant (step S106: YES), the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S107. On the other hand, if the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the first reaction vessel 40A is not constant (step S106: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S105 (continues raising the temperature of the first reaction vessel 40A).

[0065] In the process of step S107, the control unit 90 stops the operation of the temperature increasing unit 46 and stops increasing the temperature of the first reaction vessel 40 A. After executing the process of step S107, the control unit 90 ends the high-temperature reaction process.

[0066] Next, the photoreaction process (S200) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. The photoreaction process is a control for performing a photoreaction using the second reaction vessel 40B. When performing the photoreaction process, the flow path switching valve 50 is switched to a state in which the second gas in the second adjustment tank 30B can be supplied to the second reaction vessel 40B. In the following, the description will be given on the assumption that the catalyst 2 is filled in the second reaction vessel 40B.

[0067] In the processing of steps S201 and S202, the control unit 90 opens the valve 41a of the gas inlet 41 of the second reaction vessel 40B (step S201) and also opens the valve 32a of the outlet 32 ​​of the second adjustment tank 30B (step S202). By opening the above valves, a path through which the second gas can flow is formed between the second adjustment tank 30B and the second reaction vessel 40B. As a result, the second gas in the second adjustment tank 30B is introduced (sucked) into the second reaction vessel 40B due to the pressure difference between the second adjustment tank 30B and the second reaction vessel 40B. At this time, the vacuum pump 60 may be operated to promote the suction of the second gas into the second reaction vessel 40B. After executing the processing of step S202, the control unit 90 proceeds to the processing of step S203.

[0068] In the process of step S203, the control unit 90 judges whether the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is approximately normal pressure. The control unit 90 makes the above judgment using the measurement result of the pressure gauge 45 of the second reaction vessel 40B. When the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is normal pressure (step S203: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S204. On the other hand, when the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is not normal pressure (step S203: NO), it proceeds to the process of step S202.

[0069] In the processing of steps S204 and S205, the control unit 90 closes the valve 41a of the second reaction vessel 40B and the valve 32a of the second adjustment tank 30B (step S204), and turns on the light source 47 to irradiate the catalyst 2 in the second reaction vessel 40B with light (step S205). As a result, in the sealed second reaction vessel 40B, a photoreaction is carried out in which the reactant of the catalyst 2 and the second gas react chemically with each other while the catalyst 2 is irradiated with light. When the photoreaction is carried out, the second gas is consumed in the second reaction vessel 40B. As a result, the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B decreases with the consumption of the second gas, roughly similar to the high-temperature reaction. After carrying out the processing of step S205, the control unit 90 proceeds to the processing of step S206.

[0070] In the process of step S206, the control unit 90 judges whether the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is constant. The control unit 90 performs the above judgment using the measurement result of the pressure gauge 45 of the second reaction vessel 40B. When the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is approximately constant, it is estimated that the photoreaction is completed. The control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is constant, for example, when the amount of change in the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B within a predetermined period is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. When the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is constant (step S206: YES), the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S207. On the other hand, when the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure in the second reaction vessel 40B is not constant (step S206: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S205 (continues the irradiation of light in the second reaction vessel 40B).

[0071] In the process of step S207, the control unit 90 turns off the light source 47 and stops the irradiation of light in the second reaction container 40 B. After executing the process of step S207, the control unit 90 ends the photoreaction process.

[0072] Next, the gas discharge / recovery process (S300) will be described with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 7. The gas discharge / recovery process is a control for discharging gas from the target reaction vessel 40 and recovering the discharged gas in the adjustment tank 30 (first adjustment tank 30A and second adjustment tank 30B) corresponding to the gas. Here, the "target reaction vessel 40" refers to the reaction vessel 40 in which a high-temperature reaction or a light reaction has just taken place. The gas discharge / recovery process is carried out after the high-temperature reaction process or the light reaction process.

[0073] In the process from step S301 to step S303, the control unit 90 opens the valve 42a of the gas outlet 42 of the target reaction vessel 40 (step S301) and also opens the valve 33a of the recovery port 33 of the adjustment tank 30 corresponding to the gas to be recovered (step S302). By opening the above valves, a path through which gas can flow is formed between the target reaction vessel 40 and the adjustment tank 30 corresponding to the gas to be recovered. In addition, the control unit 90 operates the vacuum pump 60 (step S303). As a result, the gas in the target reaction vessel 40 is discharged by the operation of the vacuum pump 60. The discharged gas passes through the gas separation filter 70 and is recovered in the corresponding adjustment tank 30. In addition, the product contained in the gas discharged from the reaction vessel 40 is separated by the gas separation filter 70 and supplied to the product recovery tank 80. After executing the process of step S303, the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S304.

[0074] In the process of step S304, the control unit 90 judges whether the internal pressure of the target reaction vessel 40 is the designated vacuum degree. The control unit 90 makes the above judgment using the measurement result of the pressure gauge 45. If the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 40 is the designated vacuum degree, it is presumed that the discharge of the gas inside the reaction vessel 40 is completed. If the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 40 is the designated vacuum degree (step S304: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S305. On the other hand, if the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 40 is not the designated vacuum degree (step S304: NO), it proceeds to the process of step S303 (the vacuum pump 60 continues to operate).

[0075] In the process from step S305 to step S307, the control unit 90 closes the valve 42a of the target reaction vessel 40 and the valve 33a of the adjustment tank 30 (step S305), and stops the vacuum pump 60 (step S306). The control unit 90 also opens the valve 31a of the gas supply port 31 of the adjustment tank 30 corresponding to the collected gas (step S307). As a result, the gas consumed in the high-temperature reaction or photoreaction is replenished from the raw material tank 10.

[0076] In the process of step S308, the control unit 90 judges whether or not the internal pressure of the adjustment tank 30 to which gas has been replenished is normal pressure. The control unit 90 makes this judgment using the measurement result of the pressure gauge 34. If the internal pressure of the adjustment tank 30 is normal pressure, it is presumed that the replenishment of gas to the adjustment tank 30 is completed. If the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure of the adjustment tank 30 is normal pressure (step S308: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S309. On the other hand, if the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure of the adjustment tank 30 is not normal pressure (step S308: NO), it proceeds to the process of step S307 (continues the replenishment of gas).

[0077] In the process of step S309, the control unit 90 closes the valve 31a of the adjustment tank 30 and ends the supply of gas. After executing the process of step S309, the control unit 90 ends the gas discharge / recovery process.

[0078] Next, the catalyst transfer process (S400) will be described with reference to the flow chart of Fig. 8. The catalyst transfer process is a control for transferring the catalyst 2 in the source reaction vessel 40 to the destination reaction vessel 40. Here, the "source reaction vessel 40" refers to the reaction vessel 40 in which a high-temperature reaction or a photoreaction has taken place immediately before the gas discharge and recovery process, and the "destination reaction vessel 40" refers to the reaction vessel 40 in which the reaction has not taken place. The catalyst transfer process is performed after the gas discharge and recovery process.

[0079] When the catalyst transfer process is performed, the flow path switching valve 50 is switched to a state in which the inert gas in the third adjustment tank 30C can be supplied to the source reaction vessel 40. In the following, it is assumed that the source reaction vessel 40 is filled with the catalyst 2, and the destination reaction vessel 40 is not filled with the catalyst 2. In addition, it is assumed that each of the reaction vessels 40 is at a designated vacuum level at the start of the catalyst transfer process.

[0080] In the process from step S401 to step S404, the control unit 90 opens the valve 44a of the catalyst outlet 44 and the valve 41a of the gas inlet 41 of the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer source (step S401). The control unit 90 also opens the valve 43a of the catalyst inlet 43 and the valve 42a of the gas outlet 42 of the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer destination (step S402). The control unit 90 also opens the valve 32a of the outlet 32 ​​and the valve 33a of the recovery port 33 of the third adjustment tank 30C corresponding to the inert gas (step S403). The control unit 90 also operates the vacuum pump 60 (step S404).

[0081] As a result, the catalyst 2 in the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer source can be transferred to the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer destination on the inert gas flow. More specifically, by opening the valves, a path (gas input path L2, gas exhaust path L3, and catalyst transfer path L4) is formed through which the inert gas circulating by the operation of the vacuum pump 60 circulates through the third adjustment tank 30C, the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer source, and the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer destination. The catalyst 2 in the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer source is transferred to the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer destination on the flow of the inert gas flowing as described above through the catalyst transfer path L4. The inert gas drawn into the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer destination passes through the filter 42b of the gas exhaust port 42, flows through the gas exhaust path L3, and is collected in the third adjustment tank 30C.

[0082] In this way, the catalyst 2 is filled in the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer destination. Here, when passing a gas through the filled catalyst 2 to cause a chemical reaction, it is desirable to fill the catalyst 2 densely in order to increase the reaction efficiency. However, when a catalyst 2 with a small particle size is filled in a general reaction vessel, the particles of the catalyst 2 tend to repel each other, resulting in a low density. For this reason, in the conventional method, the catalyst 2 may be pressurized and filled manually, which places a heavy burden on the worker. In addition, when a catalyst 2 with a small particle size is used, there is a risk that it will fly away due to wind pressure when transferring by pressure feeding using an inert gas, making it difficult to fill.

[0083] On the other hand, according to the configuration of the reaction device 1 of this embodiment, the catalyst 2 is not pushed out (pressurized) by a pump or the like, but is drawn to the outlet side (catalyst outlet 44 side) of the transfer destination reaction vessel 40 by sucking with the vacuum pump 60 downstream of the reaction vessel 40, and the catalyst 2 can be densely packed. In this way, according to this embodiment, the catalyst 2 can be automatically packed densely. This eliminates the need for the operator to manually pressurize and pack the catalyst 2, thereby reducing the number of personnel. In addition, in this embodiment, since the transfer destination reaction vessel 40 is set to a specified vacuum level, the inert gas and the catalyst 2 can be effectively drawn into the reaction vessel 40. After executing the process of step S404, the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S405.

[0084] In the process of step S405, the control unit 90 determines whether or not the entire amount of catalyst 2 in the source reaction vessel 40 has been transferred to the destination reaction vessel 40. The control unit 90 can determine that the entire amount of catalyst 2 has been transferred, for example, based on the measurement results of a sensor (such as a capacity sensor or a weight sensor) capable of measuring the amount of catalyst 2 in the reaction vessel 40. The control unit 90 can also determine that the entire amount of catalyst 2 has been transferred, for example, when a period of time during which the entire amount of catalyst 2 is estimated to have been transferred has elapsed since the start of transfer of catalyst 2.

[0085] When the control unit 90 determines that the entire amount of the catalyst 2 has been transferred (step S405: YES), the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S406. On the other hand, when the control unit 90 determines that the entire amount of the catalyst 2 has not been transferred (step S405: NO), the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S404 (continues the transfer of the catalyst 2).

[0086] In the process of step S406, the control unit 90 closes the valve 32a of the third adjustment tank 30C. This stops the discharge of the inert gas from the third adjustment tank 30C. By operating the vacuum pump 60 in this state, the inert gas in the reaction vessel 40 is collected into the third adjustment tank 30C, and the pressure inside the reaction vessel 40 is reduced. After executing the process of step S406, the control unit 90 proceeds to the process of step S407.

[0087] In the process of step S407, the control unit 90 judges whether the internal pressure of each reaction vessel 40 is the designated vacuum degree. The control unit 90 makes the above judgment using the measurement result of the pressure gauge 45. If the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 40 is the designated vacuum degree, it is presumed that the discharge of the inert gas from each reaction vessel 40 is completed. If the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 40 is the designated vacuum degree (step S407: YES), it proceeds to the process of step S408. On the other hand, if the control unit 90 judges that the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 40 is not the designated vacuum degree (step S407: NO), it proceeds to the process of step S408 (continues the discharge of the inert gas).

[0088] In the processing of steps S408 and S409, the control unit 90 closes all the valves that are open (step S408). Specifically, the control unit 90 closes the valves 44a and 41a of the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer source, the valves 43a and 42a of the reaction vessel 40 at the transfer destination, and the valve 33a of the third adjustment tank 30C. The control unit 90 also stops the vacuum pump 60 (step S409). After executing the processing of step S409, the control unit 90 ends the catalyst transfer process. Note that, when the amount of inert gas in the third adjustment tank 30C decreases after the catalyst transfer process ends, the valve 31a of the gas supply port 31 of the third adjustment tank 30C may be opened to supply the inert gas from the inert gas tank 20 to the adjustment tank 30.

[0089] Above, we have described the four types of sub-processes executed by the reaction apparatus 1. Hereinafter, we will explain an example of control combining the above-mentioned sub-processes with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0090] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 90 of the reaction device 1 first executes a high-temperature reaction process (S100). This allows a high-temperature reaction to occur in a state where the first reaction vessel 40A is filled with the catalyst 2. Next, the control unit 90 executes a gas discharge / recovery process (S300) and a catalyst transfer process (S400). This allows the first gas used in the high-temperature reaction to be recovered, and the catalyst 2 in the first reaction vessel 40A, which is the transfer source, to be transferred to the second reaction vessel 40B, which is the transfer destination.

[0091] Next, the control unit 90 executes a photoreaction process (S200). This allows the photoreaction to be carried out with the catalyst 2 that has undergone the high-temperature reaction packed in the second reaction vessel 40B. Next, the control unit 90 executes a gas discharge / recovery process (S300) and a catalyst transfer process (S400). This allows the second gas used in the photoreaction to be recovered, and the catalyst 2 in the second reaction vessel 40B to be transferred back to the first reaction vessel 40A.

[0092] Next, the control unit 90 executes a high-temperature reaction process (S100). As a result, the catalyst 2 that has undergone a high-temperature reaction and a light reaction can be filled in the first reaction vessel 40A and then the high-temperature reaction can be carried out again. In this example, the final chemical reaction is carried out in the high-temperature reaction process. Next, the control unit 90 executes a gas discharge / recovery process (S300), which is the final step. As a result, the first gas used in the high-temperature reaction is recovered. After executing the gas discharge / recovery process, the control unit 90 ends this control. By making the gas discharge / recovery process the final step of the control, the reaction device 1 can be reset to the state before the control started (a state in which each reaction vessel 40 is at a specified vacuum degree). In the above example, two high-temperature reaction processes and one light reaction process are alternately performed, but the number of times of the high-temperature reaction process and the light reaction process is not limited to the above example, and any number of times can be set.

[0093] By executing the above-mentioned control, a high-temperature reaction and a photoreaction can be carried out successively using the same catalyst 2. In the control executed by the above-mentioned reaction device 1, after the high-temperature reaction or photoreaction is carried out, a gas discharge / recovery process is executed to recover the gas used in the reaction. Furthermore, if a further reaction is to be carried out after the above-mentioned reaction, a catalyst transfer process is executed after the gas discharge / recovery process to transfer the catalyst 2 to the reaction vessel 40 where the next reaction will be carried out. This allows a plurality of chemical reactions to be carried out suitably using the same catalyst 2.

[0094] An example of the control executed by the reaction device 1 has been described above. Note that the control executed by the reaction device 1 is not limited to the above example. For example, each reaction vessel 40 may be provided with a vibrator (not shown) for vibrating the reaction vessel 40, and suction by the vacuum pump 60 may be performed while vibrating the reaction vessel 40. This allows the catalyst 2 in the reaction vessel 40 to be packed more densely.

[0095] In the above example, the timing of opening and closing each valve is controlled using the internal pressure of the adjustment tank 30 and the reaction vessel 40 as a trigger, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the above control may be performed using the lapse of a predetermined period of time, such as the time required for the reaction, as a trigger.

[0096] In the above example, after the high-temperature reaction and the photoreaction, the gas discharge / recovery process is performed to discharge and recover the gas (first gas or second gas) remaining in the reaction vessel 40 by suction with a vacuum pump, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when the amount of gas remaining in the reaction vessel 40 is small, the gas remaining in the reaction vessel 40 may be pushed out using an inert gas. Furthermore, when the gas remaining in the reaction vessel 40 is mixed with the gas used in the next reaction, and no problems such as the generation of by-products occur, the gas discharge / recovery process may be omitted. In this case, the gas remaining in the reaction vessel 40 (residual gas) may be pushed out using the gas used in the next reaction.

[0097] As described above, the reaction apparatus 1 according to this embodiment has the following features: A plurality of reaction vessels 40 for reacting a first reactant (a reactant of catalyst 2) therein under mutually different conditions; A storage section (adjustment tank 30) for storing a fluid containing a second reactant (first gas, second gas) that reacts with the first reactant (reactant of catalyst 2); an input path (gas input path L2) connecting the adjustment tank 30 and the plurality of reaction vessels 40 so that the fluid in the adjustment tank 30 can be input to the reaction vessel 40; A transfer path (catalyst transfer path L4) that connects the first reactant (the reactant of catalyst 2) between the plurality of reaction vessels 40 so as to be able to flow therethrough; a pump (vacuum pump 60) capable of circulating the fluid through the gas input path L2 and circulating the first reactant (the reactant of catalyst 2) through the catalyst transfer path L4; a control unit 90 capable of executing control to use the vacuum pump 60 to introduce the fluid into one of the reaction vessels 40 filled with the first reactant (reactant of catalyst 2) among the plurality of reaction vessels 40, and to transfer the first reactant (reactant of catalyst 2) that has reacted with the second reactant (first gas, second gas) in one of the reaction vessels 40 to the other reaction vessel 40 (steps S401 to S409); It is equipped with the following.

[0098] With this configuration, it is possible to suitably carry out chemical reactions on reactants under a plurality of mutually different conditions. That is, by transferring the catalyst 2 between the plurality of reaction vessels 40, it is possible to carry out chemical reactions under different conditions for each reaction vessel 40.

[0099] In addition, the reaction vessels 40 include A first reaction vessel 40A is provided with a temperature increasing section 46, and in a state where the inside is heated to a high temperature by the temperature increasing section 46, the first reactant (the reactant of the catalyst 2) and the second reactant (the first gas, the second gas) are reacted with each other (steps S101 to S107); A second reaction vessel 40B is provided with a light source 47, and reacts the first reactant (the reactant of the catalyst 2) with the second reactant (the first gas and the second gas) while irradiating the first reactant with light from the light source 47 (steps S201 to S207); The following is included:

[0100] With this configuration, the same catalyst 2 can be used to suitably carry out a chemical reaction under high temperature conditions (high heat reaction) and a chemical reaction using light irradiation (photoreaction).

[0101] In addition, the reaction vessels 40 include A pressure gauge 45 capable of measuring the internal pressure is provided. The control unit 90 Based on the measurement result of the pressure gauge 45, the timing for stopping the reaction in the reaction vessel 40 is determined (steps S106, S206).

[0102] With this configuration, the timing of reaction completion can be estimated based on the measurement results of the pressure gauge 45, and the timing of stopping the reaction can be determined, allowing automatic transition to the process after the reaction is completed.

[0103] Moreover, the reaction apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is a discharge path (gas discharge path L3) connected to the plurality of reaction vessels 40 so as to be able to discharge the fluid in the reaction vessels 40; The vacuum pump 60 is It is disposed downstream of the plurality of reaction vessels 40 in the gas discharge path L3.

[0104] With this configuration, even if the particle size of the catalyst 2 supporting the reactants is very small, the catalyst 2 can be densely packed in the reaction vessel 40. That is, instead of pushing out (pressurizing) the catalyst 2 with a pump or the like, the catalyst 2 can be drawn to the outlet side (catalyst outlet 44 side) of the reaction vessel 40 to which it is to be transferred by sucking it with the vacuum pump 60 downstream of the reaction vessel 40, thereby allowing the catalyst 2 to be densely packed. This also eliminates the need for an operator to manually pressurize and pack the catalyst 2, thereby reducing the number of personnel required.

[0105] The vacuum pump 60 is The reaction vessels 40 can be depressurized to a specified vacuum level (steps S301 to S306).

[0106] With this configuration, the catalyst 2 can be effectively drawn into the reaction vessel 40.

[0107] In addition, the gas exhaust path L3 is The reaction vessel 40 is connected to the adjustment tank 30 so that the fluid in the reaction vessel 40 can be recovered in the adjustment tank 30.

[0108] With this configuration, the second reactants (first gas, second gas) used in the reaction in the reaction vessel 40 can be collected and reused, thereby reducing the cost of raw materials.

[0109] In addition, the adjustment tanks (first adjustment tank 30A, second adjustment tank 30B) are A plurality of reaction vessels 40 are provided so as to be able to store a plurality of the second reactants (first gas, second gas) corresponding to the conditions of the plurality of reaction vessels 40.

[0110] With this configuration, the second reactant (first gas, second gas) according to the conditions of the reaction vessel 40 can be introduced into the reaction vessel 40.

[0111] The fluid also includes: an inert fluid (inert gas) that does not react with the first reactant (catalyst 2 reactant); The adjustment tank 30 includes: The inert fluid storage section (third adjustment tank 30C) includes an inert fluid storage section in which the inert gas is stored, The control unit 90 The inert gas is introduced into one of the reaction vessels 40, and the first reactant (the reactant of the catalyst 2) is transferred to the other reaction vessel 40.

[0112] With this configuration, the catalyst 2 can be suitably transported by being entrained in the flow of the inert gas.

[0113] The reactant of the catalyst 2 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the first reactant according to the present invention. The first gas and the second gas according to this embodiment are also an embodiment of a second reactant according to the present invention. Moreover, the adjustment tank 30 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a storage section according to the present invention. Moreover, the third adjustment tank 30C according to this embodiment is one embodiment of an inert fluid storage section according to the present invention. The gas supply path L2 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the supply path according to the present invention. The gas exhaust path L3 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the exhaust path according to the present invention. Moreover, the catalyst transfer path L4 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a transfer path according to the present invention.

[0114] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and appropriate modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention described in the claims. For example, the configurations of the components constituting the reaction device 1 are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate. In addition, the specific numerical values ​​exemplified in the above description are merely examples, and can be modified as desired.

[0115] In the above embodiment, an example in which two reaction vessels 40 are provided is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, three or more reaction vessels 40 may be provided. The number of reaction vessels 40 can be appropriately set depending on the type of chemical reaction performed by the reaction device 1.

[0116] When the number of reaction vessels 40 is increased, a reaction apparatus 1 that can accommodate the increased number of reaction vessels 40 can be formed by increasing the number of paths (gas input path L2, gas exhaust path L3, and catalyst transfer path L4) connected to the reaction vessels 40 between the flow path switching valve 50 and the vacuum pump 60.

[0117] In the above embodiment, the reaction vessels 40 are used to carry out high-temperature reactions and photoreactions, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, chemical reactions may be carried out under high-pressure or low-temperature environmental conditions. In this case, a reaction vessel 40 having a configuration according to the environmental conditions, such as one having pressure resistance or a cooling function, can be used.

[0118] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which two adjustment tanks 30 (first adjustment tank 30A and second adjustment tank 30B) are provided to store gases (first gas and second gas) used in the chemical reaction, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, three or more adjustment tanks 30 may be provided. In addition, when a chemical reaction is performed using the same gas in multiple reaction vessels 40, one adjustment tank 30 may be provided. The number of adjustment tanks 30 can be appropriately set depending on the type of gas used in the reaction device 1.

[0119] When the number of the adjustment tanks 30 is increased, a reaction apparatus 1 that can accommodate the increase in the number of adjustment tanks 30 can be formed by increasing the number of paths (gas supply path L1, gas input path L2, and gas exhaust path L3) connected to the adjustment tanks 30 between the flow path switching valve 50 and the gas separation filter 70.

[0120] In the above embodiment, the gas in the raw material tank 10 and the inert gas tank 20 is introduced into the reaction vessel 40 via the adjustment tank 30, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the adjustment tank 30 may not be provided, and the gas in the raw material tank 10 and the inert gas tank 20 may be directly introduced into the reaction vessel 40. In this case, the gas discharged from the reaction vessel 40 may be discharged to the outside of the reaction apparatus 1 without being recovered.

[0121] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which a single vacuum pump 60 is used to circulate gas, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the number of pumps may be increased as appropriate. For example, a pump for pumping gas may be provided upstream of the reaction vessel 40 in the gas input path L2, or downstream of the vacuum pump 60 in the gas exhaust path L3.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the first reactant in the reaction vessel 40 is a granular reactant (a reactant supported on a granular catalyst 2), and the fluid stored in the adjustment tank 30 is a gas (first gas, second gas, and inert gas) 2, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, both or one of the first reactant and the fluid may be liquid. In this case, a granular first reactant may be combined with a liquid fluid. Also, a liquid first reactant may be combined with a liquid or gas fluid. In this case, a liquid pump can be used instead of the vacuum pump 60. In addition, when the first reactant or the fluid is changed to a liquid or the like, adjustments such as changing the positions of the inlets and outlets of the reaction vessel 40 may be appropriately performed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1. Reactor 30 Adjustment tank 40 Reaction vessel

Claims

1. A plurality of reaction vessels each for reacting a first reactant therein under different conditions; A reservoir for storing a fluid containing a second reactant that reacts with the first reactant; an input path that connects the reservoir and the plurality of reaction vessels so that the fluid in the reservoir can be input into the reaction vessel; a transfer path that connects the first reactant between the plurality of reaction vessels in a manner that allows the first reactant to flow therethrough; a pump capable of circulating the fluid through the input path and the first reactant through the transfer path; a control unit capable of executing control to use the pump to introduce the fluid into one of the reaction vessels filled with the first reactant, and to transfer the first reactant that has reacted with the second reactant in the one reaction vessel to the other reaction vessel; A reaction apparatus comprising:

2. The plurality of reaction vessels include a first reaction vessel including a temperature raising section and reacting the first reactant with the second reactant in a state where the inside of the first reaction vessel is heated to a high temperature by the temperature raising section; a second reaction vessel including a light source and reacting the first reactant with the second reactant under irradiation with light from the light source; Contains, 2. The reactor of claim 1.

3. The plurality of reaction vessels include Equipped with a pressure gauge capable of measuring the internal pressure, The control unit is determining a timing for stopping the reaction in the reaction vessel based on the measurement result of the pressure gauge; 2. The reactor of claim 1.

4. a discharge path connected to the reaction vessels so as to be able to discharge the fluid in the reaction vessels; The pump comprises: In the discharge path, a plurality of reaction vessels are disposed downstream of the reaction vessel.

2. The reactor of claim 1.

5. The pump comprises: The reaction vessels can be depressurized to a specified vacuum level.

5. The reactor of claim 4.

6. The discharge path is The reaction vessel is connected to the reservoir so that the fluid in the reaction vessel can be collected in the reservoir.

5. The reactor of claim 4.

7. The storage section includes: A plurality of reaction vessels are provided so as to be able to store a plurality of the second reactants corresponding to the conditions of the plurality of reaction vessels.

2. The reactor of claim 1.

8. The fluid includes: an inert fluid that does not react with the first reactant; The storage section includes: an inert fluid reservoir in which the inert fluid is stored; The control unit is adding the inert fluid into one of the reaction vessels and transferring the first reactant to the other reaction vessel; 2. The reactor of claim 1.

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