Reaction apparatus, and method for producing reaction product using the same

Abstract

To provide a reaction apparatus enabling a more efficient reaction in a chemical reaction which needs predetermined agitation such as for a hydrogenation reaction, and a method for producing a reaction product using the same.SOLUTION: A reaction apparatus includes a reaction vessel for housing a reaction liquid, a liquid-dispersing part provided in the reaction vessel, and a gas-dispersing pipe for supplying a gas phase constituent to the reaction liquid. The liquid-dispersing part includes one rotational shaft disposed along a vertical direction, and at least one liquid-flowing member fixed to the rotational shaft, the liquid-flowing member includes a discharge part positioned at an upper part than a liquid surface of the reaction liquid, a liquid suction part positioned at a lower part than the liquid surface of the reaction liquid, and a flow path extending between the discharge part and the liquid suction part, and for flowing the reaction liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reaction apparatus and a method for producing a reaction product using the same.

Background Art

[0002] For example, by performing a hydrogenation reaction on vegetable oil or the like, the melting point of the fat or oil obtained can be increased, and at the same time, deterioration due to oxidation can be prevented. Such a hydrogenation reaction is carried out, for example, in the production of fats and oils used in shortening.

[0003] The hydrogenation reaction is a reaction in which hydrogen is added to the double bond of unsaturated fatty acids in fats and oils to convert them into single bonds, so that an oil that is liquid at room temperature can be converted into a semi-solid or solid fat or oil.

[0004] In such a hydrogenation reaction, appropriate stirring may be performed on the reaction system in order to carry out an efficient reaction.

[0005] However, reaction control using such stirring is not always easy, and improvements for performing a more efficient reaction are desired.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a reaction apparatus that enables a more efficient reaction in a chemical reaction that requires a predetermined stirring such as a hydrogenation reaction, and a method for producing a reaction product using the same.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes a reaction tank that houses a reaction liquid, a liquid dispersion unit provided in the reaction tank, and a gas dissipation pipe for supplying a gas phase component to the reaction liquid. The liquid dispersion unit includes a single rotating shaft arranged along the vertical direction and at least one liquid flow member attached to the rotating shaft. The liquid flow member is a reaction device including a discharge portion located above the liquid level of the reaction liquid, a liquid absorption portion located below the liquid level of the reaction liquid, and a flow path extending between the discharge portion and the liquid absorption portion through which the reaction liquid flows.

[0008] In one embodiment, the gas phase component is at least one gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, saturated hydrocarbons, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, and acetic acid.

[0009] In one embodiment, the reaction tank includes means for monitoring the gas phase components contained therein.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the means for monitoring the gas phase components monitors the gas phase components contained in the reaction liquid.

[0011] In still a further embodiment, the means for monitoring the gas phase components monitors the gas phase components dissolved in the reaction liquid.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the reaction tank is sealed, and the means for monitoring the gas phase components monitors the gas phase components contained in the space above the liquid level of the reaction liquid in the reaction tank.

[0013] In one embodiment, with respect to the rotation axis, the liquid absorption portion of the liquid flow member is inclined and arranged so as to be closer to the rotation axis than the discharge portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the liquid dispersing portion includes a plurality of the liquid flow members around the axis of the rotation axis.

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid flow member has a cylindrical form with both ends open.

[0016] In one embodiment, the liquid flow member has a trough-like form.

[0017] The present invention also provides a reaction apparatus comprising a reaction vessel for containing a reaction liquid, a liquid dispersing section provided in the reaction vessel, and means for monitoring a gas phase component contained inside the reaction vessel. The liquid dispersing section includes a single rotating shaft arranged along the vertical direction and at least one liquid flowing member attached to the rotating shaft. The liquid flowing member includes a discharge section positioned above the liquid level of the reaction liquid, a liquid suction section positioned below the liquid level of the reaction liquid, and a flow path extending between the discharge section and the liquid suction section through which the reaction liquid flows, and is a reaction apparatus.

[0018] The present invention also provides a method for producing a reaction product, the method including a step of stirring the reaction liquid through rotation of the liquid flowing member constituting the liquid dispersing section in the above reaction apparatus.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, the scooped-up reaction liquid is moved above the liquid level and dispersed, so that the reaction liquid can be efficiently mixed and returned. At this time, for example, with respect to the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel, in addition to stirring based on horizontal rotation, vertical movement and circulation can be promoted. Further, the reaction liquid thus mixed and returned facilitates the incorporation of the gas phase component necessary for the reaction, and as a result, the generation of the reaction product in the reaction liquid can be effectively promoted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] (Reactor) The reactor of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the configurations with the same reference numerals common to all the following drawings are the same as those shown in the other drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of the reactor of the present invention. The reactor 100 includes a reaction tank 110 and a liquid dispersion part 120.

[0023] The reaction tank 110 is a sealable tank that can contain and stir a reaction liquid 116 containing, for example, a reactant 117 and a catalyst 117b. For example, it has a wall surface portion 110a having a shape such as a cylinder, an elliptical cylinder, or a rectangular prism, and a bottom portion 109 having a flat bottom, a round bottom, a conical bottom, or inclined downward. Further, the upper part of the reaction tank 110 may have a lid portion 110b having an openable and closable structure such as a maintenance hole. Further, a pressure adjustment port (not shown) for adjusting the pressure in the reaction tank 110 may be provided in the upper part of the reaction tank 110 (for example, the lid portion 110b). Further, the pressure adjustment port may be connected to a decompression pump (not shown), for example.

[0024] In the present invention, the size (capacity) of the reaction tank 110 is not necessarily limited because it is appropriately set according to the type of the reactant 117 used in the reactor 100, the amount of the reaction liquid, etc., but for example, it is 0.1 liter to 100,000 liters.

[0025] In one embodiment, the reaction tank 110 also includes a reaction liquid supply port 112 and a reaction liquid discharge port 114. The reaction liquid supply port 112 is an inlet for newly supplying the reaction liquid 116 into the reaction tank 110. The reaction liquid supply port 112 can be opened and closed by means (not shown), and is provided, for example, above the reaction tank 110 (e.g., the lid portion 110b). Alternatively, the reaction liquid supply port 112 may be provided on the wall surface portion 110a of the reaction tank 110. The number of reaction liquid supply ports 112 provided in the reaction tank 110 is not limited to one. For example, a plurality of reaction liquid supply ports may be provided in the reaction tank 110.

[0026] The reaction liquid discharge port 114 is an outlet for taking out the reactant 117 (e.g., unreacted material), the catalyst 117b, and / or its reaction product accommodated in the reaction tank 110 from the reaction tank 110. The reaction liquid discharge port 114 can also discharge waste liquid, etc. in addition to the reactant 117, the catalyst 117b, and / or its reaction product, and the discharge can be adjusted, for example, by opening and closing a valve 115 provided on the downstream side of the reaction liquid discharge port 114. In FIG. 1, the reaction liquid discharge port 114 is provided in communication with the center of the bottom 109 in the reaction tank 110, for example, but is not particularly limited to this arrangement.

[0027] The liquid dispersing portion 120 is provided inside the reaction tank 110, and is composed of a single rotating shaft 121 arranged vertically in the reaction tank 110 and a liquid flowing member 123 attached to the rotating shaft 121 via a fixture 122 preferably extending in the horizontal direction. The liquid dispersing portion 120 can scoop up the reaction liquid 116 accommodated in the reaction tank 110 and make it flow from below to above in the reaction tank 110 by the rotation of the rotating shaft 121 and the centrifugal force applied to the liquid flowing member 123 accompanying it. Here, the liquid flowing member 123 includes a liquid absorbing portion 124 and a discharging portion 125, and a flow path 126 extending between the liquid absorbing portion 124 and the discharging portion 125. Further, the liquid absorbing portion 124 is arranged to be below the liquid surface 128 of the reaction liquid 116, and the discharging portion 125 is arranged to be above the liquid surface 128 of the reaction liquid 116.

[0028] In the present invention, these arrangements of the liquid suction part 124 and the liquid discharge part 125 are maintained not only in the stationary stage (i.e., when the rotation of the rotary shaft 121 stops and the liquid surface of the reaction liquid 116 spreads in a substantially horizontal direction), but also in the stage where the rotary shaft 121 is rotated at a desired rotational speed (i.e., when the reaction liquid 116 is being stirred as described later through the rotation of the rotary shaft 121). As a result, the reaction liquid 116 in the reaction tank 110 can be easily pumped up from the liquid suction part 124 of the liquid flow member by the rotation of the rotary shaft 121 and the liquid flow member, and then moved to the liquid discharge part 125 through the flow path 126 in the liquid flow member by centrifugal force, and can be discharged from the liquid discharge part 125, for example, toward the inner wall 111 of the reaction tank 110 or the liquid surface 128 of the reaction liquid 116.

[0029] The rotary shaft 121 is a shaft having a predetermined rigidity, and has, for example, a cylindrical or columnar shape. The rotary shaft 121 is usually arranged in the vertical direction within the reaction tank 110. The thickness of the rotary shaft 121 is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 8 mm to 200 mm. The length of the rotary shaft 121 varies depending on the size of the reaction tank 110 to be used, etc., and an appropriate length can be selected by those skilled in the art.

[0030] In the reaction apparatus 100 of the present invention, one end of the rotary shaft 121 is connected to a rotating means such as a motor 140 at the upper part of the reaction tank 110. The other end of the rotary shaft 121 is not connected to the bottom 109 of the reaction tank 110, and is arranged, for example, at a certain interval from the bottom 109 of the reaction tank 110 (preferably away from the liquid surface 128 of the reaction liquid 116). Thereby, the chance of the rotary shaft 121 coming into contact with the reaction liquid 116 can be reduced. Alternatively, the other end of the rotary shaft may be accommodated in a bearing provided at the bottom 109 of the reaction tank 110.

[0031] Furthermore, in the reaction apparatus 100, the liquid-absorbing portion 124 of the liquid-flowing member 123 is arranged to be inclined with respect to the rotating shaft 121 such that it is closer to the rotating shaft 121 than the liquid-discharging portion 125. In FIG. 1, the liquid-flowing member 123 is inclined and attached so as to form a predetermined angle (also referred to as the mounting inclination angle) θ1 with respect to the axial direction of the rotating shaft 121. The mounting inclination angle θ1 can be set to any angle by those skilled in the art, for example, 10° to 45°, preferably 15° to 25°.

[0032] In the reaction apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1, as the liquid-dispersing portion 120, two liquid-flowing members 123 are symmetrically provided around the rotating shaft 121. Here, the number of liquid-flowing members that can be provided in the reaction apparatus of the present invention is not necessarily limited, for example, one or more, preferably two to eight, more preferably two to six. These liquid-flowing members are preferably attached at substantially equal angles around the axis of the rotating shaft.

[0033] In the present invention, the liquid-flowing member 123 may be, for example, entirely processed into a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or a rectangular cylindrical shape), or may have a so-called gutter shape such as a semi-cylindrical shape, a semi-rectangular cylindrical shape, or a V shape. The lower end and the upper end may have such a gutter shape, and the intermediate portion therebetween may be processed into a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or a rectangular cylindrical shape). Alternatively, only the lower end or only the upper end may have such a gutter shape, and the other portion may be processed into a cylindrical shape (e.g., a circular cylindrical shape, an elliptical cylindrical shape, or a rectangular cylindrical shape).

[0034] For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the liquid flow member 123 has a cylindrical form with both ends open. When such a cylindrical liquid flow member 123 is adopted, at the horizontal end face above the reaction tank 110 in the reaction apparatus 100 (for example, near the discharge portion 125 of the liquid flow member 123 shown in the A-A direction of FIG. 1), as shown in FIG. 2(a) for example, two liquid flow members 123 are attached by the fixture 122 at a substantially equal distance from the rotation axis 121 around the axis of the rotation axis 121. When the rotation axis 121 rotates, the two liquid flow members 123 can rotate near the inner wall 111 rather than the center in the reaction tank 110 via the fixture 122. On the other hand, at the horizontal end face below the reaction tank 110 in the reaction apparatus 100 (for example, near the liquid absorption portion 124 of the liquid flow member 123 shown in the B-B direction of FIG. 1), as shown in FIG. 2(b) for example, the two liquid flow members 123 are arranged closer to the center of the reaction tank 110. When the rotation axis 121 rotates, the two liquid flow members 123 can rotate near the center in the reaction tank 110.

[0035] The size of the liquid flow member 123 is not particularly limited. However, for example, when a cylindrical member as shown in FIG. 3 is used, the inner diameter of the cylindrical portion is, for example, 2 mm to 200 mm. The length from the liquid absorption portion 124 to the discharge portion 125 (that is, the length of the passage 126) is, for example, 40 mm to 8,000 mm.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1 again, the reaction apparatus 100 of the present invention may also include a gas dissipation tube 136 for supplying a gas phase component to the reaction liquid 116. This gas dissipation tube 136 has a form such as a sparger and may be arranged in the reaction tank 110 as shown in FIG. 1 for example.

[0037] The tip of the gas dissipation tube 136 is arranged to be immersed in the reaction liquid 116 as necessary. Alternatively, for example, when it is difficult to directly blow gas into the reaction liquid 116 and / or when it is difficult to disperse bubbles by the shearing of the liquid flow member 123, the tip of the gas dissipation tube 136 may be arranged in the head space existing above the liquid surface 128 in the reaction tank 110.

[0038] The gas-phase components that can be supplied by the gas escape pipe 136 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, saturated hydrocarbons (e.g., methane), methanol, ethanol, ammonia, and acetic acid, as well as combinations thereof. For example, when the reaction apparatus 100 of the present invention is used in a hydrogenation reaction using a reactant such as an unsaturated fatty acid, the gas-phase component supplied by the gas escape pipe 136 is hydrogen.

[0039] The reaction apparatus 100 of the present invention may include means (hereinafter sometimes referred to as monitoring means) 132 and 134 for monitoring the gas-phase components contained inside the reaction vessel 110. For example, in FIG. 1, the monitoring means 132 and 134 are arranged inside the reaction vessel 110.

[0040] The detection part 132a located at the tip of the monitoring means 132 is arranged so as to be immersed in the reaction liquid 116. In FIG. 1, this monitoring means 132 is arranged outside the rotation locus drawn by the liquid flow member 123 of the liquid dispersion part 120 described later in order to prevent damage due to contact with the liquid flow member 123.

[0041] On the other hand, the monitoring means 134 can monitor the gas-phase components contained in the space above the liquid surface 128 of the reaction liquid 116 in the reaction vessel 110. The detection part 134a located at the tip of the monitoring means 134 is directly exposed to the space.

[0042] Specific examples of the gas-phase components that can be detected by the monitoring means 132 and 134 include hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, saturated hydrocarbons such as methane, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, and acetic acid, as well as ions thereof.

[0043] The monitoring means 132 is, for example, a sensor. Specific examples include a dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor, a dissolved carbon dioxide (DCO2) sensor, an alcohol concentration sensor, an ion sensor (ion selective electrode), and a pH meter.

[0044] The monitoring means 134 is, for example, a flow meter or a sensor, and is usually used with the reaction tank 110 in a sealed state. Specific examples of the monitoring means 134 include a digital mass flow controller, a semiconductor type or an electrochemical gas sensor, and a hydrogen-responsive pressure sensor.

[0045] In the present invention, both of the monitoring means 132 and 134 may be provided, or either one of them may be provided.

[0046] The reaction solution 116 accommodated in the reaction tank 110 contains, for example, a reactant 117, a catalyst 117b, and other components.

[0047] The reactant 117 is, for example, a chemical substance used in the chemical reaction required in the reaction apparatus of the present invention, and examples include unsaturated fatty acids in a hydrogenation reaction. The catalyst 117b is added to the reaction solution 116 as necessary, and examples include a hydrogenation catalyst (for example, a platinum group element) in a hydrogenation reaction.

[0048] Other components that may be contained in the reaction solution 116 are not necessarily limited, and examples include compounds and impurities other than unsaturated fatty acids contained in fats and oils. The content of other components that may be contained in the reaction solution 116 is not particularly limited.

[0049] According to the reaction apparatus 100 of the present invention, by rotating the rotating shaft 121, the liquid flow member 123 in the liquid scattering section 120 scoops up the reaction liquid 116 from the liquid absorption section 124. The scooped-up reaction liquid moves to the discharge section 125 through the passage 126 due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, and is discharged from the discharge section 125 into the reaction tank 110, specifically, above the liquid surface 128 of the reaction liquid 116 in the reaction tank 110. Thereby, the reaction liquid 116 can move upward from the bottom 109 of the reaction tank 110 while colliding with the inner wall 111 of the reaction tank 110 and the liquid surface 128, and the remixing (for example, stirring or circulation in the vertical direction) of the reaction liquid 116 in the height direction of the reaction tank 110 can be promoted.

[0050] On the other hand, during and before and after the remixing of the reaction liquid 116, a predetermined gas phase component is supplied from the gas dissipation pipe 136 to the reaction liquid 116 in the reaction tank 110, and / or the monitoring means 132, 134 detect the gas phase components contained in the reaction liquid 116 or in the space above the liquid surface 128 of the reaction liquid 116, and the reaction state of the reactant 117 in the reaction tank 110 is continuously or intermittently monitored.

[0051] As a result, a predetermined chemical reaction using the reactant 117 in the reaction apparatus 100 can be effectively carried out.

[0052] Note that the reaction tank 110, the rotating shaft 121, the fixture 122, and the liquid flow member 123 are each independently composed of a material made of a metal such as iron, stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium, and combinations thereof. These may be provided with a coating known in the art such as Teflon (registered trademark), glass lining, or rubber lining in order to enhance chemical resistance.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another example of the reaction apparatus of the present invention. In the reaction apparatus 200, the flow path 226 of the liquid flow member 223 constituting the liquid scattering section 220 has a trough-like form.

[0054] When such a gutter-shaped liquid flow member 223 is adopted, on the horizontal end face above the reaction tank 110 in the reactor 200 (for example, near the discharge part 225 of the liquid flow member 223 shown in the direction of A'-A' in FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. 5(a) for example, two liquid flow members 223 are provided by the fixture 122 around the axis of the rotating shaft 121 at a substantially equal distance from the rotating shaft 121 such that the opening parts point in the advancing direction (tangential direction) of the circular motion. When the rotating shaft 121 rotates, the two liquid flow members 223 can rotate near the inner wall 111 rather than the center in the reaction tank 110 via the fixture 122. On the other hand, on the horizontal end face below the reaction tank 110 in the reactor 200 (for example, near the liquid suction part 224 of the liquid flow member 223 shown in the direction of B'-B' in FIG. 4), as shown in FIG. 5(b) for example, the two liquid flow members 223 are arranged closer to the center of the reaction tank 110. When the rotating shaft 121 rotates, the two liquid flow members 223 can rotate near the center in the reaction tank 110.

[0055] The gutter-shaped liquid flow member 223 as adopted in the reactor 200 of FIG. 4 can, due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, in addition to the reaction liquid 116 near the liquid suction part 224, also suck up the reaction liquid 116 located in the part where the liquid flow member 223 above the liquid suction part 224 is immersed. Then, the sucked reaction liquid 116 is discharged from the discharge part 225 through the flow path 226 of the liquid flow member 223, which can promote the stirring or circulation of the reaction liquid 116 (and the reactants 117 contained therein) in the height direction of the reaction tank 110. Note that due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 121, at the lower part of the liquid flow member 223, the centrifugal force involved is relatively small, and since the density of the sucked reaction liquid 116 is large, it is considered that the amount rising through the flow path 226 of the liquid flow member 223 is not too much. Therefore, when the gutter-shaped liquid flow member 223 is adopted, the liquid flow member 223 can also act as a conventional stirring blade.

[0056] The size of the gutter-shaped liquid flow member 223 is also not particularly limited. For example, when a liquid flow member having a semi-cylindrical flow path 226 as shown in FIG. 6 is used, the diameter of the semi-cylindrical portion is, for example, 2 mm to 200 mm. The length from the liquid absorption portion 224 to the discharge portion 225 is, for example, 40 mm to 8,000 mm. The material that can constitute the gutter-shaped liquid flow member 223 is the same as that constituting the cylindrical liquid flow member 123 shown in FIG. 1 etc. above.

[0057] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing another example of the reaction apparatus of the present invention.

[0058] The reaction apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 7 includes a first preliminary tank 310a and a second preliminary tank 310b outside the reaction tank 110. The first preliminary tank 310a communicates with the reaction tank 110 via pipes 317a, 318a, and the second preliminary tank 310b communicates with the reaction tank 110 via pipes 317b, 318b. As shown in FIG. 7, valves 325a, 325b may be respectively provided in the pipes 317a, 317b as required. Further, a monitoring means 332 is arranged inside the first preliminary tank 310a, and a gas dissipation pipe 336 is arranged inside the second preliminary tank 310b.

[0059] In the reaction apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 7, for example, by opening the valve 325a, the reaction liquid 116 in the reaction tank 110 is supplied to the first preliminary tank 310a through the pipe 317a using a pump (not shown), for example. Then, the gas phase component of the reaction liquid is monitored by the monitoring means 332 in the first preliminary tank 310a. Thereafter, the reaction liquid in the first preliminary tank 310a can be returned to the reaction tank 110 through the pipe 318a.

[0060] Also, in the reaction apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 7, for example, by opening the valve 325b, the reaction liquid 116 in the reaction tank 110 is supplied to the second preliminary tank 310b through the pipe 317b using a pump (not shown), for example. Then, a gas phase component is supplied to the reaction liquid by the gas dissipation pipe 336 in the second preliminary tank 310b. Thereafter, the reaction liquid in the second preliminary tank 310b can be returned to the reaction tank 110 through the pipe 318b.

[0061] In FIG. 7, an example in which both the monitoring means 332 and the gas escape pipe 336 are arranged outside the reaction tank 110 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For the reaction tank 110, only either the monitoring means 332 or the gas escape pipe 336 may be arranged outside the reaction tank 110.

[0062] The reaction apparatus of the present invention can effectively circulate and stir the reaction liquid by the liquid dispersion part provided in the reaction tank. Further, in the reaction liquid at that time, the gas phase components necessary for the chemical reaction are effectively taken in, for example, by dissolution. As a result, the chemical reaction of the reactants contained in the reaction liquid can be effectively promoted.

[0063] (Method for producing reaction product) Next, a method for producing a reaction product from a predetermined reactant using the above reaction apparatus will be described.

[0064] In the method of the present invention, in the above reaction apparatus, while monitoring the gas phase components contained inside the reaction tank, the reaction liquid containing the reactant is stirred through the rotation of the rotating shaft.

[0065] In stirring this reaction liquid, for example, the supply of hydrogen, oxygen, etc. necessary for the chemical reaction of the reactant may be continuously or discontinuously performed through a gas escape pipe. Further, in order to perform the chemical reaction in the reaction tank more efficiently, the reaction tank may be heated to a predetermined temperature.

[0066] The monitoring of the above gas phase components is performed continuously or intermittently. For example, when the concentration of the gas phase components in the reaction tank deviates from a predetermined range through monitoring, for example, the addition of the gas phase components may be performed through a gas escape pipe, or an operator may be notified by alarm means (not shown). The above stirring may also be performed continuously or intermittently.

[0067] In this way, a desired reaction product can be produced in the reaction apparatus.

[0068] The method of the present invention can be used, for example, when obtaining saturated fatty acids from fats and oils containing unsaturated fatty acids as reactants through a hydrogenation reaction.

Industrial Applicability

[0069] According to the present invention, the production of industrially useful reaction products can be efficiently carried out. The reaction products obtained by the present invention are useful as raw materials in, for example, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other technical fields.

Explanation of Signs

[0070] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 Reactor 109 Bottom 110, 310, 410, 510 Reaction tank 110a Wall portion 110b, 310b, 410b, 510b Lid portion 111 Inner wall 112 Reaction liquid supply port 114 Reaction liquid outlet 115 Valve 116 Reaction liquid 117 Reactant 117b Catalyst 120, 220 Liquid dispersion portion 121, 321, 521 Rotating shaft 122, 322, 522 Fixture 123, 223 Liquid flow member 124, 224 Liquid absorption portion 125, 225 Discharge portion 126, 226 Flow path 128, 328, 528 Liquid level 132, 134, 332 Monitoring means 132a, 134a Detection portion 136, 336 Gas dissipation pipe

Claims

1. A reactor for containing a reaction liquid, a liquid dispersing section provided in the reactor, and a gas dispersion pipe for supplying a gas phase component to the reaction liquid, wherein the liquid dispersing section includes one rotating shaft arranged along the vertical direction and at least one liquid flowing member attached to the rotating shaft, and the liquid flowing member includes a discharge section located above the liquid level of the reaction liquid, a liquid suction section located below the liquid level of the reaction liquid, and a flow path extending between the discharge section and the liquid suction section through which the reaction liquid flows, the reaction apparatus.

2. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gas phase component is at least one gas selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, saturated hydrocarbons, methanol, ethanol, ammonia, and acetic acid.

3. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reactor is provided with means for monitoring the gas phase component contained therein.

4. The reaction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for monitoring the gas phase component monitors the gas phase component contained in the reaction liquid.

5. The reaction apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the means for monitoring the gas phase component monitors the gas phase component dissolved in the reaction liquid.

6. The reaction apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the reactor is sealed, and the means for monitoring the gas phase component monitors the gas phase component contained in the space above the liquid level of the reaction liquid in the reactor.

7. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid suction section of the liquid flowing member is inclined and arranged closer to the rotating shaft than the discharge section with respect to the rotating shaft.

8. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid dispersing section includes a plurality of the liquid flowing members around the axis of the rotating shaft.

9. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flowing member has a cylindrical form with both ends open.

10. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid flowing member has a gutter-like form.

11. A reactor for containing a reaction liquid, a liquid dispersing section provided in the reactor, and means for monitoring the gas phase component contained inside the reactor, wherein the liquid dispersing section includes one rotating shaft arranged along the vertical direction and at least one liquid flowing member attached to the rotating shaft, A reaction apparatus, wherein the liquid flow member includes a discharge portion located above the liquid level of the reaction liquid, a liquid suction portion located below the liquid level of the reaction liquid, and a flow path extending between the discharge portion and the liquid suction portion through which the reaction liquid flows.

12. A method for producing a reaction product, the method including a step of stirring a reaction liquid through rotation of a liquid flow member constituting a liquid dispersion portion in the reaction apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 11.

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