Carrier apparatus for catalyst charger and catalyst charging method using the same

Abstract

To easily move a catalyst filling machine to a position where a target reaction tube can be filled with a catalyst in a multitubular reactor.SOLUTION: In a multitubular reactor 2 having a plurality of reaction tubes 15 filled with a catalyst, a conveying device 1 for conveying a catalyst filling machine 3 includes a lift device 6 provided so as to lift the catalyst filling machine 3, and one or more rails 8, 9 for movably supporting the lift device 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device for a catalyst loading machine for loading a catalyst into a plurality of reaction tubes in a multi-tubular reactor, and a catalyst loading method using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, fixed-bed multi-tubular reactors, which have multiple reaction tubes packed with a solid catalyst, are widely used in various chemical processes such as petroleum refining, chemical production, and gas processing.

[0003] In a multi-tubular reactor, a raw material gas is supplied to each reaction tube filled with a catalyst, and the target reaction is carried out while the raw material gas is circulated through the reaction tube. However, if the catalyst deteriorates due to long-term use of the multi-tubular reactor, it may have an adverse effect on the reaction efficiency, the quality of the reaction product, etc. Therefore, the catalyst packed in each reaction tube needs to be replaced with a new catalyst periodically.

[0004] However, since a multi-tubular reactor has a large number of reaction tubes (for example, several thousand to several tens of thousands), catalyst replacement requires a large number of workers and a long working time. Therefore, technologies for improving the efficiency of catalyst replacement in a multi-tubular reactor have been developed. For example, a technology is known in which an autonomously traveling unmanned guided vehicle carries a work device used by a worker to replace the catalyst inside the multi-tubular reactor (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 210959 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the multi-tubular reactor, upper ends of a plurality of reaction tubes may be provided so as to protrude upward beyond the upper surface of the tube plate to which the reaction tubes are fixed. In this case, unevenness is formed on the upper surface of the tube plate due to the protruding parts of the reaction tubes and openings of the reaction tubes.

[0007] In the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, if there are irregularities on the upper surface of the tube sheet, it becomes difficult for an automated guided vehicle carrying a working device to travel smoothly on the tube sheet. Therefore, in the conventional technology, if there are irregularities on the upper surface of the tube sheet, it is not easy to move the working device to a position where a catalyst can be filled into the reaction tube to be worked on.

[0008] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide a transporting device for a catalyst loading machine, which enables the catalyst loading machine to be easily moved to a position in a multi-tubular reactor where a catalyst can be loaded into a target reaction tube, and a catalyst loading method using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a transport device (1) for transporting a catalyst filler (3) in a multi-tubular reactor (2) having a plurality of reaction tubes (15) filled with a catalyst (17), the transport device (1) comprising: a lift device (6) that is provided so as to be able to lift the catalyst filler; and one or more rails (8, 9) that extend horizontally and movably support the lift device.

[0010] According to this aspect, in the multi-tubular reactor, the lift device moves on the rails while lifting the catalyst filler, and thus the catalyst filler can be easily moved to a position where the catalyst can be filled into a target reaction tube.

[0011] In the above aspect, at least a part of the one or more rails may be provided detachably with respect to the multi-tubular reactor.

[0012] According to this embodiment, at least a part of the rail can be removed during operation of the multi-tubular reactor, and therefore, it is possible to prevent the reaction (including gas flow, etc.) in the multi-tubular reactor from being hindered by the rail.

[0013] In the above aspect, the one or more rails may include a first rail (8) that supports the lift device so that it can move linearly.

[0014] According to this aspect, the lift device moves linearly on the rails within the multi-tubular reactor, and thus the catalyst packing machine can be moved with a simple configuration.

[0015] In the above aspect, the multi-tubular reactor may have a cylindrical peripheral wall, and the first rail may extend in a radial direction of the peripheral wall within the multi-tubular reactor.

[0016] According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to move the lift device and the catalyst packing machine over a wider range within the multi-tubular reactor.

[0017] In the above aspect, it is preferable to further include a second rail (9) having an annular or arc shape that displaceably supports both ends of the first rail so that the first rail can rotate.

[0018] According to this embodiment, by combining linear movement of the lift device and catalyst loading machine using the first rail with displacement (i.e., rotation) of the first rail using the second rail, the degree of freedom of movement of the lift device and catalyst loading machine can be increased.

[0019] In the above aspect, the second rail may extend in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall within the multi-tubular reactor.

[0020] According to this embodiment, it is possible to easily move the catalyst filler to a position where all the reaction tubes in the multi-tubular reactor can be filled with the catalyst by using one first rail and one second rail.

[0021] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the vehicle further comprises traveling units (25) attached to both ends of the first rail, each of the traveling units including wheels (41, 61) that travel on the second rail.

[0022] According to this aspect, the first rail can be displaced (that is, rotated) on the second rail with a simple configuration.

[0023] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises a support unit (122) including a support plate (132) capable of supporting the catalyst filling machine and capable of being lifted by the lift device.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the catalyst packing machine can be stably supported by the lift device. In addition, by placing the catalyst packing machine together with the support plate on the work place, the catalyst packing machine can be stably moved on the support plate regardless of the presence or absence of unevenness in the work place (for example, the protrusion of multiple reaction tubes from the upper surface of the tube plate).

[0025] In the above aspect, the catalyst loading machine is provided with a moving device (140) for moving on the support plate, and a recess (132A) is formed in the upper part of the support plate in which the catalyst loading machine can be placed, and the recess preferably has a circular outer shape in a plan view.

[0026] According to this aspect, the catalyst filler can be stably disposed in the recess of the support plate. Furthermore, since the recess has a circular outer shape, the catalyst filler can be moved more freely within the recess by the moving device.

[0027] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one aspect of the present invention is a catalyst filling method for filling a catalyst (17) into a plurality of reaction tubes (15) in a multi-tubular reactor (2) by using the transport device (1) for the catalyst filling machine described in claim 1, wherein the catalyst filling machine is lifted by the lift device, and moved horizontally by moving the lift device using one or more rails provided in the multi-tubular reactor, and the catalyst is supplied from the catalyst filling machine to the reaction tubes to be filled with the catalyst at a catalyst filling position in the horizontal direction.

[0028] According to this aspect, in the multi-tubular reactor, the lift device moves on the rails while lifting the catalyst filler, and thus the catalyst filler can be easily moved to a position where the catalyst can be filled into a target reaction tube. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to the above aspect, it becomes possible to easily move the catalyst filler to a position in the multi-tubular reactor where the catalyst can be filled into a target reaction tube. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a conveying device for a catalyst packing machine provided in a multi-tubular reactor according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the reaction tubes shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conveying device for the catalyst pump shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] Side view of the propulsion unit shown in Figure 1 [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the driving wheel mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the non-driving wheel mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing how to install the circular rail ((A) before installation, (B) after installation) [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing how to remove the travel rail [Figure 9] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the non-driving wheel mechanism shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the catalyst filling machine shown in FIG. 1 placed in a work area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, a transporting device for a catalyst loading machine and a catalyst loading method using the same according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, a transporting device 1 for a catalyst filling machine (hereinafter referred to as the transporting device 1) is installed inside a multi-tubular reactor 2 and is used to transport a catalyst filling machine 3. The multi-tubular reactor 2 is out of operation (i.e., undergoing maintenance).

[0033] The transporting device 1 includes a lifting device 6 that is capable of lifting the catalyst filling machine 3, and one or more rails that extend horizontally and movably support the lifting device 6. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the transporting device 1 includes a substantially linear lateral rail 8 (an example of a first rail) and a substantially circular annular rail 9 (an example of a second rail). The one or more rails that make up the transporting device 1 are not limited to those that directly support the lifting device 6. For example, the one or more rails may be those that indirectly support the lifting device 6 (i.e., support via other members or devices). Furthermore, the one or more rails may be any rails that extend generally horizontally, and at least a portion of the rail may be inclined to an extent that does not impede transportation of the catalyst filling machine 3.

[0034] The multi-tubular reactor 2 is a fixed-bed reactor having a known configuration. The multi-tubular reactor 2 has, as its outer shell, a body 11 including a substantially cylindrical peripheral wall, and an upper cover 12 including a dome-shaped upper wall that seals the upper part of the body 11. Although not shown, the multi-tubular reactor 2 also has a lower cover that includes a dome-shaped lower wall that seals the lower part of the body 11, similar to the upper cover 12.

[0035] A plurality of (here, tens of thousands of) reaction tubes 15 extending in the vertical direction are provided inside the multi-tubular reactor 2. As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of reaction tubes 15 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is arranged horizontally at predetermined intervals. A catalyst 17 is filled inside each reaction tube 15. The multi-tubular reactor 2 is provided with a substantially circular tube plate 19 (see FIG. 1) so as to partition the upper part of the internal space. Each reaction tube 15 penetrates the tube plate 19 and is fixed (here, welded) with its upper end 15A protruding slightly (for example, by about several mm) from the tube plate 19. Although not shown, the lower end of each reaction tube 15, like the upper end 15A, is fixed to a tube plate provided at the lower part of the multi-tubular reactor 2.

[0036] A manhole 21 for maintenance is provided on the side of the multi-tubular reactor 2. The lower end of the opening of the manhole 21 is located above the tube sheet 19. When maintenance is performed on the multi-tubular reactor 2, the manhole 21 is temporarily opened. This allows workers to enter and exit the multi-tubular reactor 2 and allows equipment required for catalyst filling (or replacement) to be carried in and out. The equipment required for the catalyst filling includes at least a part of the transport device 1, the traverse rail 8, the circular rail 9, and the catalyst filling machine 3. A gas inlet pipe 22 provided on the top of the multi-tubular reactor 2 (i.e., the top cover 12) is used to introduce raw material gas used in the reaction and to purge gas inside the reactor during maintenance.

[0037] In this embodiment, the multi-tubular reactor 2 is used for a dehydrogenation reaction of an aromatic compound. Therefore, the catalyst 17 is a solid catalyst that functions as a dehydrogenation catalyst. However, the configuration and uses of the multi-tubular reactor to which the conveying device 1 can be applied are not limited to those shown in this embodiment.

[0038] Next, the traverse rail 8, the circular rail 9, and their peripheral structures will be described. In this embodiment, the traverse rail 8 supports the lift device 6 so that it can move linearly. In addition, the circular rail 9 supports both ends of the traverse rail 8 so that the traverse rail 8 can rotate.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the lateral rail 8 extends radially (here, along the diameter) of the peripheral wall of the body 11, which is substantially circular in plan view. The lateral rail 8 is made of steel having an I-shaped (or H-shaped) cross section (see FIG. 4). Traveling units 25 are attached to both longitudinal ends of the lateral rail 8. The lateral rail 8 is supported on the annular rail 9 via the traveling units 25. The traveling units 25 function as a carriage that can travel on the annular rail 9 while supporting the lateral rail 8. It is preferable that both longitudinal ends of the lateral rail 8 are located near the inner circumferential surface of the multi-tubular reactor 2 to ensure a wide movement area for the lifting device 6 and the catalyst filling machine 3 supported thereby.

[0040] 4, each traveling unit 25 has a main frame 31 and a drive wheel mechanism 32 and a non-drive wheel mechanism 33 attached to the lower part of the main frame 31. Each traveling unit 25 also has an attachment mechanism 34 for attaching the main frame 31 to the traverse rail 8. The attachment mechanism 34 has a function of displacing the position of the traveling unit 25 in the longitudinal direction of the traverse rail 8 when the traverse rail 8 is installed or removed.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 3, the main frame 31 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., extension direction) of the transverse rail 8. The main frame 31 is made of a steel material having an I-shaped (or H-shaped) cross section, just like the transverse rail 8. As shown in Fig. 4, a lower flange 8B of the transverse rail 8 is fixed to the longitudinal center of an upper flange 31A of the main frame 31 with a plurality of bolts 35.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 5, the driving wheel mechanism 32 has a driving wheel 41, a wheel cover 42 that functions as a wheel house for the wheel 41, and an electric motor 43 that drives the wheel 41.

[0043] The wheel 41 has a wheel body 41A that rotates on the annular rail 9 and an axle 41B that protrudes in the front-rear direction of the wheel body 41A. The axle 41B extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the annular rail 9 extends. The wheel body 41A includes a gear part 41C provided on the front side (here, corresponding to the radially inner side of the multi-tubular reactor 2). In the wheel body 41A, the gear part 41C has a larger outer diameter than a part located on the rear side (here, corresponding to the radially outer side of the multi-tubular reactor 2). The gear part 41C meshes with a pinion 45 that transmits power from a drive shaft of a motor 43. As a result, the wheel 41 is driven by the motor 43.

[0044] Wheel cover 42 has upper wall 42A and lower wall 42B arranged to sandwich wheel 41 from above and below, and front wall 42C and rear wall 42D arranged to sandwich wheel 41 from the front and rear. Each of these walls 42A to 42D is generally flat.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 4, the upper surface of the upper wall 42A is attached to the bottom surface of the lower flange 31B of the main frame 31. As shown in Fig. 5, the lower wall 42B has an opening 51 into which the lower part of the wheel 41 is inserted. The lower part of the wheel main body 41A protruding downward from the opening 51 abuts against the upper surface of the head part 9A of the circular rail 9.

[0046] A pair of vertically extending shafts (not shown) are provided on the lower wall 42B so as to protrude from the lower surface. A guide roller 53 is rotatably attached to each shaft. Each guide roller 53 guides the movement of the wheel 41 on the circular rail 9. The guide rollers 53 are positioned to sandwich the wheel 41 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 5 (roughly corresponding to the left-right direction in FIG. 4). The outer circumferential surface of each guide roller 53 faces the inner circumferential surface of the head portion 9A of the circular rail 9 of the wheel 41. This allows each guide roller 53 to rotate in accordance with the movement of the traveling unit 25 on the circular rail 9. The circular rail 9 has a configuration generally similar to that of a known railway rail. In addition to the head portion 9A described above, the circular rail 9 includes a body portion 9B connected to the bottom of the head portion 9A and a bottom portion 9C connected to the lower end of the body portion 9B. Each guide roller 53 prevents the wheel 41 from falling off the circular rail 9.

[0047] The front wall 42C and the rear wall 42D are provided with shaft holes (not shown) into which the front and rear ends of the axle 41B are inserted, respectively. This allows the wheel 41 to be rotatably supported by the front wall 42C and the rear wall 42D. Known bearings that support the front and rear ends of the axle 41B, respectively, may be provided in the front wall 42C and the rear wall 42D. The drive shaft side of the motor 43 is fixed to the front wall 42C. The pinion 45 attached to the motor 43 is inserted into an opening 55 in the front wall 42C, allowing it to mesh with the gear portion 41C of the wheel 41.

[0048] The axle 41B extends in the radial direction of the multi-tubular reactor 2 in a plan view. More specifically, the axle 41B is arranged along an axis C1 passing through the center O of the multi-tubular reactor 2 shown in FIG. 3. That is, the axial direction of the axle 41B is set according to the magnitude of the radius (degree of curvature) of the annular rail 9. This enables the wheels 41 to stably move on the annular rail 9 having an annular (or arc-shaped) shape.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 6, the non-drive wheel mechanism 33 has a non-drive wheel 61 and a wheel cover 62 that functions as a wheel house for the wheel 61. The non-drive wheel mechanism 33 has a similar configuration to the drive wheel mechanism 32 described above, but does not include a drive device such as the motor 43 or a configuration used for driving the drive device. Hereinafter, matters regarding the wheel mechanism 33 that are not specifically mentioned will be considered to be the same as those regarding the wheel mechanism 32 described above.

[0050] Wheel 61 has a wheel body 61A and an axle 61B that have the same configurations as wheel body 41A and axle 41B of wheel 41 described above. However, wheel 61 does not include the configuration corresponding to gear part 41C of wheel 41 described above.

[0051] The wheel cover 62 has an upper wall 62A, a lower wall 62B, a front wall 62C, and a rear wall 62D having the same configurations as the upper wall 42A, the lower wall 42B, the front wall 42C, and the rear wall 42D of the wheel cover 42 described above, respectively.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 4, the upper surface of the upper wall 62A is attached to the bottom surface of the lower flange 31B of the main frame 31, similar to the above-described upper wall 42A. As shown in Fig. 6, the lower wall 62B is formed with an opening 71 into which the lower part of the wheel 61 is inserted, similar to the above-described lower wall 42B. The lower part of the wheel main body 61A protruding downward from the opening 71 abuts against the upper surface of the head part 9A of the annular rail 9. In addition, a pair of guide rollers 73 having a configuration similar to the above-described guide rollers 53 are rotatably attached to the lower wall 62B.

[0053] The axle 61B is arranged in the radial direction of the multi-tubular reactor 2 in a plan view. More specifically, the axle 61B is arranged along the axis C2 passing through the center O of the multi-tubular reactor 2 shown in FIG. 3. That is, the axial direction of the axle 61B is set according to the radius of the annular rail 9. This allows the wheel 61 to move stably on the annular rail 9, similar to the wheel 41.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 4, the mounting mechanism 34 has a pair of flat plates 77 arranged in parallel with each other and ribs 78 protruding from each flat plate 77. The pair of flat plates 77 are arranged to sandwich both sides of the transverse rail 8. Each rib 78 is made of a plate-like member that extends outward from the side surface of each flat plate 77 (i.e., in a direction away from the transverse rail 8). Each rib 78 has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the transverse rail 8. The lower edges of each flat plate 77 and each rib 78 are fixed (welded in this case) to the upper part of the upper flange 31A of the main frame 31.

[0055] A shaft 79 is provided on the top of the pair of flat plates 77 to connect them, and a pair of rotating rollers 80 is attached to the shaft 79. The pair of rotating rollers 80 can roll on the upper flange 8A of the transverse rail 8 by having their outer circumferential surfaces abut against the upper surface of the upper flange 8A of the transverse rail 8. This allows each traveling unit 25 to be displaced (i.e., slidable) in the longitudinal direction of the transverse rail 8 when the bolts 35 for fixing the transverse rail 8 to the main frame 31 are removed.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 3, the annular rail 9 extends horizontally along the inner surface of the circumferential wall of the fuselage 11, which is generally circular in plan view. That is, in plan view, the imaginary circle corresponding to the annular rail 9 is concentric with the imaginary circle corresponding to the circumferential wall of the fuselage 11. The annular rail 9 includes multiple segmented rails (see, for example, segmented rail 98 in Figure 8) that are generally arc-shaped in plan view, and are connected together in an annular shape. The number of segmented rails that make up the annular rail 9 and the size (length) of each segmented rail can be set as appropriate.

[0057] Support members 85 (see FIG. 1 ) that support the annular rail 9 are provided at predetermined intervals on the peripheral wall of the body 11 of the multi-tubular reactor 2. As also shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), each support member 85 has a plate-like vertical piece 86 that protrudes radially inward from the peripheral wall of the body 11, and a plate-like horizontal piece 87 that is attached to the upper edge of the front end side of the vertical piece 86. The left and right side surfaces of each vertical piece 86 (here, corresponding to the side surfaces that are approximately perpendicular to the circumferential direction of the multi-tubular reactor 2) form vertical surfaces. The upper surface of each horizontal piece 87 forms a horizontal surface. At least a part of the support member 85 (here, the vertical piece 86) may be attached to the inner wall of the upper cover 12.

[0058] A pair of bolt holes 87A are formed in each horizontal piece 87. Both sides of the bottom portion 9C of each divided rail that constitutes the annular rail 9 are clamped and fixed between the rail clip 90 and the horizontal piece 87. To fix the annular rail 9 with each rail clip 90, a bolt 91 is inserted into the corresponding bolt hole 87A, as shown in FIG. 7(A). The annular rail 9 (i.e., each divided rail) can be removed from the support member 85 by removing the bolt 91.

[0059] Furthermore, when removing the transverse rail 8 from the circular rail 9, the bolts 35 (see FIG. 4) fixing the lower flange 8B of the transverse rail 8 are released while the transverse rail 8 is suspended by a crane (not shown). Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the mounting mechanism 34 is used to move each traveling unit 25 toward the center of the transverse rail 8. Then, by removing the pair of split rails 98 that supported both ends of the transverse rail 8, the transverse rail 8 can be lowered by a crane and placed on a work site (such as on a tube plate 19). Note that the transverse rail 8 can be attached to the circular rail 9 by reversing the above procedure.

[0060] The configuration of the circular rail 9 is not limited to the above and can be modified in various ways. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , a circular rail 109 having an L-shaped cross section may be used. The circular rail 109 includes a plate-shaped bottom wall 109A fixed to the horizontal piece 87 of the support member 85 and a cylindrical side wall 109B extending upward from the inner peripheral edge of the bottom wall 109A. Like the above-described circular rail 9, the circular rail 109 may be composed of multiple divided rails. The pair of guide rollers 173 has a configuration similar to the above-described guide roller 73. The outer peripheral surface of each guide roller 173 is arranged opposite the inner peripheral surface of the side wall 109B. This allows each guide roller 173 to rotate in accordance with the movement of the traveling unit 25 on the circular rail 109.

[0061] In FIG. 9, some components shown in FIG. 6 are assigned the same reference numerals as those in the above-described case, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 1, the lift device 6 includes a slider 120 attached to the traverse rail 8, a hoisting device 121 attached to the slider 120, and a support unit 122 suspended from the hoisting device 121.

[0063] The slider 120 is provided so as to be able to move back and forth along the longitudinal direction of the traverse rail 8. The hoisting device 121 has a known configuration and includes a device main body 125 equipped with a motor, a reducer, etc., a wire rope 126 that is wound (or let out) by the device main body 125, and a hook 127 attached to the bottom of the wire rope 126. A support unit 122 that supports the catalyst filling machine 3 is attached to the hook 127. The hoisting device 121 can raise and lower an object (here, the support unit 122 and the catalyst filling machine 3) attached to the hook 127 by winding and letting out the wire rope 126 by the device main body 125.

[0064] 10, the support unit 122 has an upper frame 131 attached to a hook 127, and a substantially circular support plate 132 attached to the upper frame 131. The upper frame 131 is suspended from the hook 127 by an upper cable 133 for suspension. The support plate 132 is suspended from the upper frame 131 by a lower cable 134. The lower cable 134 connects both ends of the upper frame 131 to the four sides of the lower cable 134.

[0065] The support plate 132 is provided so as to be able to support the catalyst filler 3. A recess 132A is formed in the upper part of the support plate 132, in which the catalyst filler 3 can be placed. The recess 132A has a substantially circular shape in a plan view.

[0066] The catalyst filling machine 3 has a filling machine main body 137 that holds the catalyst to be filled, and a plurality of catalyst filling nozzles 138 that extend laterally from the filling machine main body 137. A plurality of wheel casters 140 (an example of a moving device) are provided on the bottom of the filling machine main body 137. These wheel casters 140 allow the catalyst filling machine 3 to move parallel and rotationally within the recess 132A of the support plate 132.

[0067] The moving device for the catalyst filling machine 3 is not limited to a device that uses wheels such as the wheel caster 140. For example, a ball caster or an air bearing may be used as the moving device for the catalyst filling machine 3. Furthermore, if the friction between the bottom surface of the catalyst filling machine 3 and the upper surface of the support plate 132 is relatively small (for example, if the catalyst filling machine 3 can be easily moved by human power), a configuration without the moving device is also possible.

[0068] A plurality of (here, 10) catalyst filling nozzles 138 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction. The pitch (i.e., the dimension of the arrangement interval) of the catalyst filling nozzles 138 may be approximately the same as the pitch of the plurality of reaction tubes 15 to be filled with the catalyst, as shown in FIG. 10 . Each catalyst filling nozzle 138 may be provided so as to be movable up and down with respect to the filling machine body 137 so as to approach the opening of the corresponding reaction tube 15 when filling the reaction tube 15 with the catalyst. Alternatively, each catalyst filling nozzle 138 may be provided with a hose (not shown) for connecting a catalyst injection port 138A forming the tip end thereof to the upper end 15A (see FIG. 1 ) of the corresponding reaction tube 15. This allows the catalyst to be supplied from each catalyst filling nozzle 138 to the corresponding reaction tube 15 through the hose.

[0069] For example, when the catalyst filling machine 3 is a vibration type filling machine (i.e., a filling machine equipped with a vibration feeder), it is preferable to provide a structure (e.g., a funnel-shaped portion) at the upper end of the above-mentioned hose to facilitate the receipt of the catalyst, and to separate the upper end of the hose from the filling nozzle 138. This can prevent the vibration of the catalyst filling machine 3 from being transmitted to the reaction tube 15. Furthermore, the member for assisting the supply of the catalyst from the filling nozzle 138 to the reaction tube 15 (i.e., transporting the catalyst) is not limited to the above-mentioned hose, and various members such as a trough-shaped member can be employed. Furthermore, the positional relationship between the filling nozzle 138 and the plurality of reaction tubes 15 to be filled with the catalyst is not limited to that shown in FIG. 10 (i.e., positioned vertically relative to each other). For example, the catalyst may be supplied to a reaction tube 15 positioned obliquely below the filling nozzle 138.

[0070] Next, a method for filling a catalyst into the reaction tubes 15 of the multi-tubular reactor 2 using the transporting device 1 and the catalyst filling machine 3 will be described.

[0071] When the catalyst used in the multi-tubular reactor 2 needs to be replaced, the reactor is shut down and the gas inside is purged using the existing piping. Eventually, the gas inside the multi-tubular reactor 2 is replaced with air that does not contain flammable gases. After that, an appropriate amount of air is continuously supplied to the multi-tubular reactor 2, and the internal pressure is maintained at a positive pressure.

[0072] When the inside of the multi-tubular reactor 2 becomes operable, the manhole 21 is opened, and the conveying device 1, catalyst filler 3, and other components required for the catalyst filling operation are carried into the multi-tubular reactor 2. The manhole 21 can be kept open until the catalyst filling operation into all of the reaction tubes 15 is completed. Even in this case, the inside of the multi-tubular reactor 2 is maintained at a positive pressure by the air continuously supplied as described above. However, during the catalyst filling operation, the manhole 21 may be opened only when necessary to prevent gas from entering from the periphery of the multi-tubular reactor 2. In addition, the used catalyst is discharged from each reaction tube 15. At this time, only some of the components of the conveying device 1 may be carried in (i.e., the conveying device 1 may be detachably attached to the multi-tubular reactor 2). In other words, among the multiple components of the conveying device 1, those (e.g., the support member 85) that do not hinder the reaction (including the gas flow, etc.) in the multi-tubular reactor 2 may be permanently installed in the multi-tubular reactor 2.

[0073] The installation location of the multi-tubular reactor 2 may become a hazardous area defined by the presence of flammable gas due to the operation of surrounding reactors, etc. Even in this case, since the internal pressure of the multi-tubular reactor 2 is maintained at a positive pressure as described above, there is no need to make the devices and equipment (such as the transport device 1 and catalyst filler 3) used in the multi-tubular reactor 2 explosion-proof.

[0074] After that, once the installation of the transporting device 1 inside the multi-tubular reactor 2 is completed, the catalyst filling operation begins. In the catalyst filling operation, as shown in Fig. 1, the catalyst filling machine 3 is lifted by a lifting device 6 and carried horizontally to the catalyst filling position (i.e., near the reaction tube to be worked on).

[0075] At this time, the worker can use the lateral rails 8 to move the lift device 6 and the catalyst loading machine 3 linearly in the horizontal direction as needed. In addition, the worker can use the circular rails 9 to displace (i.e., rotate) the lateral rails 8 as needed. That is, the worker can run the traveling units 25 attached to both ends of the lateral rails 8 on the circular rails 9. This allows the worker to make the catalyst loading machine 3 access all of the reaction tubes 15 of the multi-tubular reactor 2 (i.e., move it to a position where the catalyst loading work can be performed). Note that the movement of the catalyst loading machine 3 using the transport device 1 may be performed automatically based on the control of a control device (not shown) (i.e., according to the processing of a program by a processor) without being operated by the worker.

[0076] The catalyst can be supplied to the catalyst charging machine 3 as needed. For example, the catalyst charging machine 3 is provided with one catalyst storage chamber (i.e., catalyst storage container) for storing the catalyst supplied from the multiple catalyst charging nozzles 138. In this case, the catalyst storage chamber may store an amount of catalyst (e.g., 10 x 2 kg) to be filled into multiple (e.g., 10) reaction tubes 15 in one operation. This simplifies the operation of supplying the catalyst to the catalyst charging machine 3. Alternatively, for example, the catalyst charging machine 3 may be provided with multiple catalyst storage chambers (i.e., catalyst storage chambers the same number as the catalyst charging nozzles 138) corresponding to the respective catalyst charging nozzles 138. In this case, each catalyst storage chamber may store an amount of catalyst (e.g., 2 kg) to be filled into the reaction tube 15 in one operation. This simplifies the operation of supplying the catalyst to the catalyst charging machine 3.

[0077] Therefore, the catalyst loading machine 3 is lowered by the lift device 6 while being placed on the support plate 132 at the above-mentioned catalyst loading position, and is placed on the tube plate 19 (or on the plurality of reaction tubes 15 protruding from the tube plate 19).

[0078] Thereafter, the operator can move the catalyst filler 3 on the support plate 132 to a position where the catalyst can be filled into the target reaction tube 15 (i.e., adjust the position of the catalyst injection port 138A). As a result, as shown in Fig. 10, the multiple catalyst filling nozzles 138 and the openings of the target reaction tube 15 are aligned. Subsequently, a catalyst (i.e., a new catalyst) is supplied from each catalyst filling nozzle 138 to the corresponding reaction tube 15.

[0079] Such movement of the catalyst filler 3 on the support plate 132 and supply of catalyst from each catalyst filling nozzle 138 to the corresponding reaction tube 15 can be repeated.

[0080] Thereafter, the catalyst filling machine 3 is lifted again by the lifting device 6 and transported to the next work site in the same manner as in the above case, where the same catalyst filling work is carried out. However, a plurality of catalyst filling machines 3 and support units 122 may be used for the catalyst filling work in the multi-tubular reactor 2. In that case, the catalyst filling work is carried out in parallel at a plurality of locations in the multi-tubular reactor 2.

[0081] Finally, when the catalyst filling operation into all the reaction tubes 15 is completed, the conveying device 1, the catalyst filling machine 3, etc. are carried out from the multi-tubular reactor 2. Thereafter, the manhole 21 is closed, and thus the multi-tubular reactor 2 becomes operable.

[0082] The above is the explanation of the embodiment including the specific examples, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples, and can be widely modified and implemented. Not all of the components of the transport device for a catalyst loading machine and the catalyst loading method using the same shown in the above-mentioned embodiment (including each example) are necessarily required, and at least those skilled in the art can select appropriate components as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention.

[0083] For example, the shape, size, and number of the lateral rails 8 shown in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. The lateral rails do not necessarily have to be straight, and at least a part of them may be curved. Furthermore, a plurality of lateral rails may be arranged at appropriate positions in the multi-tubular reactor 2 while being spaced apart from each other. In this case, at least a part of the lateral rails may not be supported by the annular rail 9.

[0084] Similarly, the shape, size, and number of the annular rail 9 shown in the above embodiment can be changed as appropriate. For example, the annular rail does not necessarily have to be annular, and an arc-shaped rail may be used. Also, a plurality of annular rails may be arranged at appropriate positions in the multi-tubular reactor 2 while being spaced apart. In the conveying device 1, the annular rail may be omitted, and only transverse rails may be used.

[0085] Furthermore, the transporting device 1 and the catalyst loading method using the same are particularly effective when the catalyst loading work location (i.e., the surface on which the catalyst loading machine 3 is placed) has unevenness due to the protrusion of the plurality of reaction tubes 15 from the upper surface of the tube sheet 19 as described above. However, the transporting device 1 and the catalyst loading method using the same can also be applied to cases where the catalyst loading work location does not have unevenness. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: Transport device 2: Multi-tubular reactor 3:Catalyst filling machine 6: Lifting device 8:Traverse rail 9: Circular rail 11: Torso 12: Top cover 15: Reaction tube 17: Catalyst 19:Tube plate 21: Manhole 22: Gas inlet pipe 25: Traveling unit 31: Mainframe 32: Wheel mechanism 33: Wheel mechanism 34: Mounting mechanism 35: Bolt 41 :Wheel 42: Wheel cover 43: Motor 45: Pinion 51 :Aperture 53: Guide roller 55 :Aperture 61 :Wheel 62: Wheel cover 71 :Aperture 73: Guide roller 77: Flat plate 78: Rib 79: Axis 80: Rotating roller 85: Support member 86: Vertical piece 87:Horizontal piece 90: Rail clip 91: Bolt 98: Split rail 109: Circular rail 120: Slider 121: Winding device 122: Support unit 125: Device body 126: Wire rope 127: Hook 131: Upper frame 132: Support plate 132A: Recess 133: Upper cable 134: Lower cable 137: Filling machine body 138: Catalyst filling nozzle 138A: Catalyst injection port 140: Wheel caster 173: Guide roller

Claims

1. A transporting device for transporting a catalyst packing machine in a multi-tubular reactor having a plurality of reaction tubes packed with a catalyst, comprising: a lifting device that is capable of lifting the catalyst filling machine; one or more rails extending horizontally and movably supporting the lift device; A conveying device for a catalyst filling machine, comprising:

2. 2. The transporting device for a catalyst loading machine according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the one or more rails is detachably provided with respect to the multi-tubular reactor.

3. 2. The transport device for a catalyst loading machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more rails include a first rail that supports the lift device for linear movement.

4. The multi-tubular reactor has a cylindrical peripheral wall, 4. The transport device for a catalyst loading machine according to claim 3, wherein the first rail extends in the radial direction of the peripheral wall within the multi-tubular reactor.

5. 5. The transport device for a catalyst filling machine according to claim 4, further comprising a second rail having an annular or arc-shaped configuration that displaceably supports both ends of the first rail so that the first rail can rotate.

6. 6. The transport device for a catalyst loading machine according to claim 5, wherein the second rail extends in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall within the multi-tubular reactor.

7. Further, a traveling unit is attached to each of the two end portions of the first rail, The transport device for a catalyst loading machine according to claim 5 , wherein each of the traveling units includes a wheel that travels on the second rail.

8. 2. The transport device for a catalyst loading machine according to claim 1, further comprising a support unit including a support plate capable of supporting the catalyst loading machine and being capable of being lifted by the lift device.

9. the catalyst filling machine is provided with a moving device for moving on the support plate; a recessed portion on which the catalyst filler can be placed is formed in an upper portion of the support plate; The transport device for a catalyst filling machine according to claim 8 , wherein the recess has a circular outer shape in a plan view.

10. A catalyst filling method for filling a catalyst into a plurality of reaction tubes in a multi-tubular reactor by using the transporting device for the catalyst filling machine according to claim 1, comprising: Lifting the catalyst filling machine with the lifting device; The catalyst packing machine is moved in a horizontal direction by moving the lift device using one or more rails provided in the multi-tubular reactor; a catalyst filling machine for supplying a catalyst to the reaction tube to be filled with the catalyst at a catalyst filling position in a horizontal direction;

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