Reaction apparatus and method for producing products

Abstract

The present invention provides a reaction apparatus and a method for producing products that can reduce the time lost in determining the liquid volume of each liquid phase. [Solution] A reaction apparatus 100 for producing a product by chemically reacting reactants in a liquid containing a first solution A and a second solution B with different densities, comprising: a reaction vessel 1 that contains the liquid and is capable of forming a first liquid phase composed of the first solution A and a second liquid phase composed of the second solution B inside; a stirring device 2 that can stir the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1 to promote the chemical reaction of the reactants; a weight measuring unit 4 that acquires the weight of at least a portion of the liquid; a liquid level measuring unit 5 that acquires the volume of at least a portion of the liquid; and a control unit 6 that calculates the liquid volume of the first solution A and the liquid volume of the second solution B in the liquid based on the weight acquired by the weight acquiring unit, the volume acquired by the volume acquiring unit, the density of the first solution A, and the density of the second solution B.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a reaction apparatus for causing a chemical reaction to occur in a reactant and a technique for a method of producing a product.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, techniques for causing a chemical reaction to occur in a reactant have become known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a method for producing a product by a chemical reaction using two liquid phases is known.

[0003] In the invention described in Patent Document 1, while a water phase in which a substance used in a chemical reaction is dissolved in water and an organic phase in which a raw material is dissolved in an organic solvent are placed in a reaction vessel, light is irradiated to each liquid phase to cause a chemical reaction to occur and produce a product. In such a two-phase reaction system using two kinds of liquids that do not dissolve in each other and have different densities, if the apparatus is operated while the liquid volume of each liquid phase decreases, the reaction efficiency may decrease. In order to suppress the decrease in reaction efficiency, it is necessary to accurately grasp the liquid volume of each liquid phase and compensate for the decreased amount.

[0004] In such a two-phase reaction system, in the reaction step, the liquid in the reaction vessel may be stirred to promote the reaction. Each liquid phase separates into two phases due to the difference in density between them when stirring stops, but they are mixed with each other during stirring. Therefore, conventionally, in order to confirm the liquid volume of each liquid phase, it was necessary to stop stirring and wait until the liquid in the reaction vessel separated into two phases. For this reason, time loss has occurred for confirming the liquid volume of each liquid phase.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide a reaction apparatus and a method for producing products that can reduce the time loss required to determine the liquid volume of each liquid phase. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0008] That is, claim 1 is a reaction apparatus for producing a product by chemically reacting reactants in a liquid containing a first solution and a second solution with different densities, comprising: a reaction vessel for containing the liquid and capable of forming a first liquid phase composed of the first solution and a second liquid phase composed of the second solution inside; a stirring device capable of stirring the liquid contained in the reaction vessel in order to promote the chemical reaction of the reactants; a weight acquisition unit for acquiring the weight of at least a portion of the liquid; a volume acquisition unit for acquiring the volume of at least a portion of the liquid; and a calculation unit for calculating the liquid volume of the first solution and the liquid volume of the second solution in the liquid based on the weight acquired by the weight acquisition unit, the volume acquired by the volume acquisition unit, the density of the first solution, and the density of the second solution.

[0009] Claim 2 comprises a liquid level acquisition unit for acquiring the liquid level of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel, and the volume acquisition unit acquires the volume based on the liquid level measured by the liquid level acquisition unit and the bottom area of ​​the reaction vessel.

[0010] In claim 3, the liquid level acquisition unit includes a level sensor capable of measuring the liquid level of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel.

[0011] In claim 4, the liquid level acquisition unit includes a pressure sensor capable of detecting the water pressure of the liquid in the reaction vessel, and acquires the liquid level of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel based on the water pressure.

[0012] In claim 5, the liquid level acquisition unit includes an imaging unit capable of imaging the liquid level of the liquid in the reaction vessel, and acquires the liquid level of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel based on the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0013] Claim 6 comprises a sampling unit for sampling a sample liquid, which is a part of the liquid, from a plurality of positions at different heights of the reaction vessel, wherein the weight obtained by the weight acquisition unit includes the weight of the sample liquid and the weight of the liquid in the reaction vessel after sampling the sample liquid, and the volume obtained by the volume acquisition unit includes the volume of the sample liquid.

[0014] In claim 7, the sampling unit acquires the sample liquid such that the amount of sample liquid acquired from each of the plurality of positions is equal.

[0015] In claim 8, the volume acquisition unit includes a flow meter capable of measuring the flow rate of the sample liquid flowing from the reaction vessel to the sampling unit.

[0016] Claim 9 provides a method for producing a product by chemically reacting reactants in a liquid containing a first solution and a second solution with different densities, comprising: a liquid phase formation step of forming a first liquid phase composed of the first solution and a second liquid phase composed of the second solution inside a reaction vessel; a stirring step of stirring the liquid contained in the reaction vessel to promote the chemical reaction of the reactants; a weight acquisition step of obtaining the weight of at least a portion of the liquid; a volume acquisition step of obtaining the volume of at least a portion of the liquid; and a calculation step of calculating the liquid volume of the first solution and the liquid volume of the second solution in the liquid based on the weight obtained in the weight acquisition step, the volume obtained in the volume acquisition step, the density of the first solution, and the density of the second solution. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0018] Claim 1 makes it possible to reduce the time loss required to determine the liquid volume of each liquid phase.

[0019] Claim 2 allows for the determination of the volume of liquid contained in the reaction vessel with a simple configuration.

[0020] Claim 3 allows for the determination of the volume of liquid contained in the reaction vessel with a simple configuration.

[0021] Claim 4 allows for the determination of the volume of liquid contained in the reaction vessel with a simple configuration.

[0022] Claim 5 allows for the determination of the volume of liquid contained in the reaction vessel with a simple configuration.

[0023] In claim 6, the liquid volumes of the first solution and the second solution in the reaction vessel can be determined without stopping the stirring by the stirring device, and consequently, time loss can be further reduced.

[0024] In claim 7, the volume ratio of the first solution and the second solution in the sample solution can be made to approximate the volume ratio of the first solution and the second solution in the liquid in the reaction vessel.

[0025] In claim 8, the volume of the sample liquid can be obtained without waiting for the liquid level of the sample liquid collected by the sampling unit to stabilize, thereby further reducing time loss.

[0026] Claim 9 makes it possible to reduce the time loss required to determine the liquid volume of each liquid phase. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0027] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing a reaction apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing a reaction apparatus with the stirring device in operation. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing the procedure for obtaining the respective volumes of the first solution and the second solution in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing a reaction apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing the procedure for obtaining the respective volumes of the first solution and the second solution in the second embodiment. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing a reaction apparatus in a different example. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing a reaction apparatus in a different example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The configuration of the reaction apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0029] The reaction apparatus 100 produces products through a chemical reaction of reactants in a liquid contained inside the reaction vessel 1. In this embodiment, as an example, an example in which methanol is produced as a product is described. The reactants include a first reactant and a second reactant. The first reactant is used to oxidize the second reactant. In this embodiment, sodium chlorite is used as the first reactant and methane is used as the second reactant. In this specification, the decomposition products of the first reactant (e.g., chlorine dioxide) may also be referred to as the first reactant (sodium chlorite).

[0030] The liquids used in the above reaction include two liquids with different densities (specific gravities): Solution A and Solution B. More specifically, Solution B is denser than Solution A. That is, the density of Solution B is ρ b The density ρ of the first solution A is aIt is greater than. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the first solution A and the second solution B are separated in the reaction vessel 1 such that the second solution B is located below the first solution A. As the first solution A, a solution in which the solubility of the product is greater than that of the second solution B is used. Also, as the second solution B, a solution in which the solubility of the second reactant is greater than that of the first solution A is used. Also, as the first solution A, a solution in which the solubility of the first reactant is greater than that of the second solution B is used. For example, water is used as the first solution A. For example, a fluorescein solvent is used as the second solution B.

[0031] The reaction apparatus 100 according to this embodiment can produce a product by a chemical reaction between a first reactant and a second reactant in a liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1. A detailed explanation of the chemical reaction in the reaction vessel 1 will be given later. The reaction apparatus 100 comprises a reaction vessel 1, a stirring device 2, an irradiation device 3, a weight measuring unit 4, a liquid level measuring unit 5, and a control unit 6.

[0032] Reaction vessel 1 contains the first reactant (sodium chlorite), the second reactant (methane), the first solution A, and the second solution B. The shape of reaction vessel 1 is not limited, but in this embodiment, it is formed in the shape of a hollow rectangular parallelepiped capable of containing the first reactant, the second reactant, the first solution A, and the second solution B. Reaction vessel 1 is made of a material that is resistant to the first reactant, the second reactant, the first solution A, and the second solution B.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, the "first liquid phase" and the "second liquid phase" are formed inside the reaction vessel 1 from top to bottom. The "first liquid phase" is the phase (aqueous phase) composed of the first solution A. The "second liquid phase" is the phase (solvent phase) composed of the second solution B. In the separated state of the first and second liquid phases, the first reactant (sodium chlorite) is contained in the first liquid phase, and the second reactant (methane) is contained in the second liquid phase.

[0034] The stirring device 2 stirs the first solution A and the second solution B inside the reaction vessel 1. The stirring device 2 is installed inside the reaction vessel 1. The stirring device 2 is equipped with a propeller or the like that rotates around a rotation axis with its axis oriented vertically. The stirring device 2 is installed approximately in the center of the reaction vessel 1 in a plan view. Note that the stirring device 2 is not limited to one equipped with a propeller, and various configurations capable of stirring the first solution A and the second solution B can be adopted. By operating the stirring device 2, the first solution A and the second solution B can be mixed. By mixing the first solution A and the second solution B, the contact area between the first solution A and the second solution B can be increased, thereby promoting the reaction. Note that the inside of the reaction vessel 1 will separate again into the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stirring by the stirring device 2 stopped.

[0035] The irradiation device 3 irradiates light into the reaction vessel 1. The irradiation device 3 is positioned to the side of the reaction vessel 1 and is configured to irradiate light onto the solutions (first solution A and second solution B) contained inside the reaction vessel 1. The irradiation device 3 is equipped with a light source that emits light of the wavelength required for the reaction. LEDs, halogens, etc., can be used as the light source. Various light sources capable of irradiating light of the wavelength required for the reaction can be used as the light source.

[0036] As described above, the reaction vessel 1, stirring device 2, and irradiation device 3 generate the product inside the reaction vessel 1. Below, the process of product generation in the reaction apparatus 100 will be explained using Figures 1 and 2. The weight measuring unit 4 and liquid level measuring unit 5 will be described later.

[0037] Inside reaction vessel 1, a first liquid phase composed of first solution A and a second liquid phase composed of second solution B are formed from top to bottom. The first reactant (sodium chlorite) is dissolved in first solution A (first liquid phase), and the second reactant (methane) is dissolved in second solution B (second liquid phase).

[0038] When the stirring device 2 is activated, the first solution A and the second solution B are mixed, and a mixed solution is formed inside the reaction vessel 1, as shown in Figure 2. In this state, the irradiation device 3 is activated and light is irradiated onto the mixed solution. As a result, the first reactant (sodium chlorite) becomes a radical (chlorine radical), and the radical (chlorine radical) oxidizes the second reactant (methane). This produces the product (methanol). Due to the difference in solubility between the first solution A and the second solution B, the product (methanol) moves to the first liquid phase (not shown) above the mixed solution and is recovered by a recovery device (not shown). In this way, the reaction apparatus 100 can produce and recover the product (methanol).

[0039] Here, as the first solution A and the second solution B evaporate over time, their volumes gradually decrease. As the volumes of the first solution A and the second solution B decrease, the concentrations of the first reactant in the first solution A and the second reactant in the second solution B change. Therefore, if the reaction apparatus 100 is operated while the volumes of the first solution A and the second solution B remain reduced, the reaction efficiency may decrease. To suppress the decrease in reaction efficiency, it is necessary to accurately know the volumes of the first solution A and the second solution B and compensate for the decrease.

[0040] Here, when the stirring device 2 is stopped, the first solution A and the second solution B separate into two phases due to the difference in their densities. However, when stirring is performed by the stirring device 2 (reaction step), the first solution A and the second solution B become a mixed solution. Therefore, conventionally, in order to determine the volume of each liquid phase during the reaction step, it was necessary to stop stirring by the stirring device 2 and wait for the first solution A and the second solution B to separate into two phases. This required stopping the device for a long time just to check the volume of each liquid phase, resulting in a time loss. To address this, the reaction device 100 is equipped with a weight measuring unit 4, a liquid level measuring unit 5, and a control unit 6 to reduce the time loss required to check the volume of the first solution A and the second solution B.

[0041] The weight measuring unit 4 is for measuring the total weight of the first solution A and the second solution B in the reaction vessel 1. A load cell is used as the weight measuring unit 4. The weight measuring unit 4 is installed so that the reaction vessel 1 is placed on its upper surface. The weight measuring unit 4 can measure the total weight of the first solution A and the second solution B in the reaction vessel 1 by, for example, setting the empty state of the reaction vessel 1 as the zero point. The weight measuring unit 4 is electrically connected to the control unit 6, which will be described later, and is configured to transmit a signal indicating the measurement result to the control unit 6.

[0042] The liquid level measuring unit 5 is for measuring the liquid level h of the liquids (first solution A and second solution B) in the reaction vessel 1. For example, a level sensor is used as the liquid level measuring unit 5. The level sensor can continuously measure the liquid level h of the liquids in the reaction vessel 1. The liquid level measuring unit 5 is installed along the inner wall of the reaction vessel 1. The liquid level measuring unit 5 is electrically connected to the control unit 6, which will be described later, and is provided to transmit a signal indicating the measurement result to the control unit 6.

[0043] The control unit 6 calculates the liquid volumes of the first solution A and the second solution B. The control unit 6 is equipped with a storage unit such as RAM, ROM, and HDD, and an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU. The control unit 6 is electrically connected to the weight measuring unit 4 so that it can acquire the measurement results of the weight measuring unit 4. The control unit 6 is also electrically connected to the liquid level height measuring unit 5 so that it can acquire the measurement results of the liquid level height measuring unit 5.

[0044] The control unit 6 can obtain the total weight m of the liquids (first solution A and second solution B) in the reaction vessel 1 based on the measurement results of the weight measuring unit 4. The control unit 6 can also calculate the total volume Vt of the liquids (first solution A and second solution B) in the reaction vessel 1 based on the measurement results of the liquid level measuring unit 5. Specifically, the control unit 6 can obtain the liquid level h of the liquids (first solution A and second solution B) in the reaction vessel 1 from the liquid level measuring unit 5, and calculate the total volume Vt of the liquids in the reaction vessel 1 by multiplying the liquid level h by the bottom area S of the reaction vessel 1.

[0045] Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 3, in the reaction apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment, a procedure for calculating the volumes (liquid amounts) of the first solution A and the second solution B in the reaction vessel 1 will be described. The flow shown in FIG. 3 is repeatedly executed at predetermined intervals.

[0046] During stirring by the stirring device 2, the liquid level of the mixed solution in the reaction vessel 1 is not stable. More specifically, as it approaches the central side (the side of the stirring device 2) in a plan view of the reaction vessel 1, the liquid level height decreases (see FIG. 2). Therefore, at an appropriate timing after the reaction starts, the stirring of the stirring device 2 is stopped (step S11).

[0047] After the stirring by the stirring device 2 has made the fluctuation of the liquid level height in the reaction vessel 1 disappear (the height difference between the uppermost and lowermost parts of the liquid level has become less than or equal to a predetermined value) (step S12), the liquid level height h is measured by the liquid level height measuring unit 5 (step S13). After measuring the liquid level height h, the weight of the liquid in the reaction vessel 1 is measured by the weight measuring unit 4 (step S14).

[0048] Based on the measurement values of the liquid level height measuring unit 5 and the weight measuring unit 4, the control unit 6 calculates the volume V a of the first solution A and the volume V b of the second solution B accommodated in the reaction vessel 1 (step S15). The volume V a of the first solution A and the volume V b of the second solution B are calculated based on the total weight m and total volume Vt of the liquid, and the density ρ a of the first solution A and the density ρ b of the second solution B. Specifically, the volume V a of the first solution A is calculated by the following formula 1, and the volume V b of the second solution B is calculated by the following formula 2.

[0049] V a =(ρ b Sh - m) / (ρ b - ρ a ) ··· (Formula 1)

[0050] V b =(m - ρa Sh) / (ρ b -ρ a )...(Formula 2)

[0051] As mentioned above, "V a " indicates the volume of the first solution A in reaction vessel 1. a " indicates the density of the first solution A. b " indicates the volume of the second solution B in reaction vessel 1. b " indicates the density of the second solution B. "m" indicates the total weight of the liquid in reaction vessel 1.

[0052] Furthermore, "S" represents the bottom area of ​​reaction vessel 1. "h" represents the liquid level height of the liquid inside reaction vessel 1. In other words, "Sh" in equations 1 and 2 represents the total volume Vt of the liquid inside reaction vessel 1.

[0053] Thus, the volume V of the first solution A in reaction vessel 1 a and volume V of the second solution B b The precise values ​​of each can be determined. This allows for the replenishment of the first solution A and the second solution B as needed. Next, stirring is started in the stirring device 2 (step S16), and the reaction is restarted.

[0054] Thus, in the reaction apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the total weight m and total volume Vt of the liquid in the reaction vessel 1 are obtained, and the density ρ of the first solution A is obtained. a and the density ρ of the second solution B b Based on the difference, the volume of first solution A in the liquid inside reaction vessel 1 (volume V) a ) and the volume of the second solution B (volume V b This allows for the calculation of the volume of each solution in the reaction vessel 1, Solution A and Solution B, without having to wait for them to separate into two phases. Therefore, the time lost waiting for Solution A and Solution B to separate into two phases can be reduced.

[0055] Also, the volume of the first solution A in the liquid inside reaction vessel 1 (volume V) a ) and the volume of the second solution B (volume V b Since this can be acquired automatically, operators are not required for visual verification. This reduces operational costs and human errors.

[0056] Furthermore, the reaction apparatus 100 can be combined with a system that automatically replenishes the reduced liquid (first solution A and second solution B). This automates the process from checking the liquid level in the reaction vessel 1 to replenishing it. In this case, the time span between checking the liquid level and replenishing it can be freely set, and by shortening the span, a constant liquid level can be maintained in the reaction vessel 1 at all times. Therefore, the reaction can be continued without reducing the reaction efficiency.

[0057] Next, the configuration of the reaction apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. In the following, components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the reaction apparatus 100 calculates the volumes of the first solution A and the second solution B by stopping the stirring by the stirring device 2, whereas in the second embodiment, the reaction apparatus 200 can calculate the volumes of the first solution A and the second solution B without stopping the stirring by the stirring device 2. The reaction apparatus 200 is equipped with a lower recovery unit 10, an upper recovery unit 20, a sample weight measuring device 30, and a return unit 40 instead of a liquid level height measuring unit 5.

[0059] The lower recovery section 10 is a part for recovering the liquid inside the reaction vessel 1. The lower recovery section 10 is equipped with a recovery path 11, a pump 12, a valve 13, and a flow meter 14.

[0060] The recovery path 11 is a path for recovering the solution from inside the reaction vessel 1. One end of the recovery path 11 is connected to the reaction vessel 1 at a position where the mixed solution can be recovered. The other end of the recovery path 11 is connected to a relatively low part of the reaction vessel 1. The other end of the recovery path 11 is connected to the sample container 31, which will be described later.

[0061] Pump 12 is responsible for sending the solution in the reaction vessel 1 downstream. Pump 12 is located midway along the recovery path 11. By operating, pump 12 can recover the mixed solution in the reaction vessel 1 via the recovery path 11 and supply it to the sample weight measuring device 30, which will be described later.

[0062] Valve 13 switches the flow path of the liquid in the recovery path 11. Valve 13 is located midway along the recovery path 11, and more specifically, upstream of pump 12.

[0063] The flow meter 14 measures the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the recovery path 11. The flow meter 14 is installed midway through the recovery path 11, and more specifically, downstream of the pump 12.

[0064] The upper recovery section 20 is a part for recovering the liquid inside the reaction vessel 1. The upper recovery section 20 is equipped with a recovery path 21, a pump 22, a valve 23, and a flow meter 24.

[0065] The recovery path 21 is a path for recovering the solution from inside the reaction vessel 1. One end of the recovery path 21 is connected to the reaction vessel 1 at a position where the mixed solution can be recovered. More specifically, one end of the recovery path 21 is connected to the reaction vessel 1 above the point where the recovery path 11 and the reaction vessel 1 are connected. The other end of the recovery path 21 is connected to the sample container 31, which will be described later. The recovery path 21 is positioned such that the midpoint in the height direction between one end of the recovery path 21 and one end of the recovery path 11 roughly coincides with the center in the height direction of the mixed solution before the reaction in the reaction vessel 1.

[0066] Pump 22 is used to pump the solution in the reaction vessel 1 downstream. Pump 22 is located midway along the recovery path 21. By operating, pump 22 can recover the mixed solution in the reaction vessel 1 via the recovery path 21 and supply it to the sample weight measuring device 30, which will be described later.

[0067] Valve 23 switches the flow path of the liquid in the recovery path 21. Valve 23 is located midway along the recovery path 21, more specifically upstream of pump 22.

[0068] The flow meter 24 measures the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the recovery path 21. The flow meter 24 is installed midway through the recovery path 21, more specifically downstream of the pump 22.

[0069] The sample weight measuring device 30 is for measuring the weight of the liquid (first solution A and second solution B) recovered from the reaction vessel 1 via the lower recovery section 10 and the upper recovery section 20. Hereinafter, the liquid recovered from the reaction vessel 1 via the lower recovery section 10 and the upper recovery section 20 may also be referred to as the "sample liquid". The sample weight measuring device 30 comprises a sample container 31 and a weight measuring section 32.

[0070] The sample container 31 contains the sample liquid recovered from the reaction vessel 1. The shape of the sample container 31 is not limited and is formed in a shape that can accommodate the sample liquid inside.

[0071] The weight measuring unit 32 is for measuring the total weight of the sample liquid in the sample container 31. For example, a load cell is used as the weight measuring unit 32. The weight measuring unit 32 is installed so that the sample container 31 is placed on its upper surface. The weight measuring unit 32 can measure the total weight of the sample liquid in the sample container 31 by, for example, setting the empty state of the sample container 31 as the zero point. The weight measuring unit 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 6 and is configured to transmit a signal indicating the measurement result to the control unit 6.

[0072] The return section 40 is the part that returns the sample liquid in the sample container 31 to the reaction vessel 1. The return section 40 comprises a return path 41 and a pump 42.

[0073] The return route 41 is a route for returning the sample liquid in the sample container 31 to the reaction vessel 1. One end of the return route 41 is connected to the sample container 31. The other end of the return route 41 is connected to the reaction vessel 1 above the point where the recovery route 21 and the reaction vessel 1 are connected. More specifically, the other end of the return route 41 is connected to the reaction vessel 1 above the liquid level of the mixed solution in the reaction vessel 1.

[0074] Pump 42 is responsible for sending the solution in the sample container 31 to the reaction vessel 1. Pump 42 is located midway along the return path 41. By operating, pump 42 can supply the sample liquid from the sample container 31 to the reaction vessel 1 via the return path 41.

[0075] The procedure for calculating the volumes (liquid amounts) of the first solution A and the second solution B in the reaction vessel 1 in the reaction apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 5.

[0076] First, while stirring is being performed by the stirring device 2, a certain amount of liquid (sample liquid) is collected (sampled) from the reaction vessel 1 into the sample weight measuring device 30 (sample container 31) (step S21). Here, the amount of sample liquid supplied from the lower recovery unit 10 to the sample container 31 is equal to the amount of sample liquid supplied from the upper recovery unit 20 to the sample container 31. After the sample liquid is supplied to the sample container 31, the flow rate of the sample liquid collected via the recovery path 11 is measured by the flow meter 14, and the flow rate of the sample liquid collected via the recovery path 21 is measured by the flow meter 24. In addition, the total weight m1 of the liquid in the reaction vessel 1 after sampling (after the sample liquid has been collected in the sample container 31) is measured by the weight measuring unit 4, and the total weight m2 of the sample liquid in the sample container 31 is measured by the weight measuring unit 32 (step S22).

[0077] The control unit 6 determines the volume V of the first solution A contained in the reaction vessel 1 based on the measurements from the flow meters 14, 24 and the weight measuring units 4, 32. a and volume V of the second solution B b Calculate the volume of the first solution A (step S23). a and volume V of the second solution B b m1 is the total weight of the liquid in reaction vessel 1 after sampling, m2 is the total weight of the sample liquid in sample container 31, and ρ is the density of the first solution A. a and the density ρ of the second solution B b It is calculated based on the volume V of the first solution A. a The volume V of the second solution B is calculated by the following equation 3. b This is calculated by the following equation 4.

[0078] V a ={(m1+m 2) / m2}×{(ρ b xV x -m2) / (ρ b -ρ a )}...(Formula 3)

[0079] V b ={(m1+m 2) / m2}×{(m2-ρ a xV x ) / (ρ b -ρ a )}...(Formula 4)

[0080] As mentioned above, "V a " indicates the volume of the first solution A in reaction vessel 1. a " indicates the density of the first solution A. b " indicates the volume of the second solution B in reaction vessel 1. b " indicates the density of the second solution B. "m1" indicates the total weight of the liquid in reaction vessel 1 after sampling. "m2" indicates the total weight of the sample solution in sample container 31. "V x" represents the volume of sample liquid collected at each location (by the lower collection unit 10 and the upper collection unit 20, respectively), and is calculated based on the measurements of flow meters 14 and 24. x represents the number of sampling locations for the sample liquid, which is "2" in the example shown in Figure 4.

[0081] Thus, the volume V of the first solution A a and volume V of the second solution B b The precise values ​​of each can be determined. This allows for the replenishment of Solution A and Solution B as needed. Volume V of Solution A a and volume V of the second solution B b After calculating the value, the sample liquid in the sample container 31 is returned to the reaction vessel 1 via the return section 40 (return path 41) (step S24).

[0082] Thus, in the reaction apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, the liquid in the reaction vessel 1 is collected as a sample liquid in the sample container 31, and the total weight (m1) and total volume (xV) of the sample liquid are measured. x Since the respective volumes of solution A and solution B can be calculated based on this, the respective volumes of solution A and solution B can be determined without stopping the stirring by the stirring device 2. Therefore, time loss can be reduced.

[0083] Furthermore, by obtaining the volume of the sample liquid in the sample container 31 based on the measurements of the flow meters 14 and 24, rather than based on the liquid level of the sample liquid in the sample container 31, it is not necessary to wait for the liquid level of the sample liquid in the sample container 31 to stabilize. Therefore, time loss can be reduced.

[0084] Furthermore, while the first solution A and the second solution B are mixed during stirring by the stirring device 2, the volume ratio of the first solution A to the second solution B changes depending on the height of the point from which the sample liquid is taken from the reaction vessel 1, even during stirring, due to the difference in their densities. Therefore, in the reaction apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment, equal amounts of the sample liquid are taken into the sample container 31 from multiple positions at different heights. This makes it possible to suppress the dominance of the volume ratio of the first solution A to the second solution B in the sample liquid (i.e., the difference between the volume ratio of the first solution A to the second solution B in the sample liquid and the volume ratio of the first solution A to the second solution B in the liquid in the reaction vessel 1 becoming large).

[0085] As described above, the reaction apparatus 100, 200 according to the first and second embodiments are Reactor 100,200 that produces a product by chemically reacting reactants in a liquid containing a first solution A and a second solution B with different densities, A reaction vessel 1 that contains the aforementioned liquid and is capable of forming a first liquid phase composed of the first solution A and a second liquid phase composed of the second solution B inside, To promote the chemical reaction of the reactants, a stirring device 2 capable of stirring the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1 is provided. A weight acquisition unit (weight measuring unit 4, 32) that acquires the weight of at least a portion of the liquid, A volume acquisition unit (liquid level measuring unit 5, control unit 6, flow meters 14, 24) acquires the volume of at least a portion of the liquid, The weight obtained by the weight acquisition unit, the volume obtained by the volume acquisition unit, and the density ρ of the first solution A. a , and the density ρ of the second solution B b Based on this, a calculation unit (control unit 6) calculates the volume of the first solution A and the volume of the second solution B in the liquid, It is equipped with the following features.

[0086] This configuration allows for the determination of the respective liquid volumes of solution A and solution B in reaction vessel 1 without waiting for the two phases to separate. Therefore, the time lost waiting for the two phases to separate can be reduced.

[0087] Furthermore, the reaction apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment is The reaction vessel 1 is equipped with a liquid level acquisition unit (liquid level measurement unit 5) that acquires the liquid level h of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1, The volume acquisition unit is, The volume is obtained based on the liquid level height h measured by the liquid level height acquisition unit and the bottom area S of the reaction vessel 1.

[0088] By configuring it in this way, the volume of the liquid contained in reaction vessel 1 can be determined with a simple setup.

[0089] Furthermore, the liquid level height acquisition unit is The system includes a level sensor capable of measuring the liquid level of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1.

[0090] By configuring it in this way, the volume of the liquid contained in reaction vessel 1 can be determined with a simple setup.

[0091] By configuring it in this way, the volume of the liquid contained in reaction vessel 1 can be determined with a simple setup.

[0092] Furthermore, the reaction apparatus 200 according to the second embodiment is The reaction vessel 1 is equipped with a sampling unit (lower collection unit 10, upper collection unit 20, and sample weight measuring device 30) for collecting a sample liquid, which is a part of the liquid, from multiple positions at different heights. The weight acquired by the weight acquisition unit includes the weight m2 of the sample liquid and the weight m1 of the liquid in the reaction vessel 1 after the sample liquid has been collected. The volume acquired by the volume acquisition unit is the volume V of the sample liquid.x (xV x ) includes.

[0093] By configuring it in this way, the liquid volumes of the first solution A and the second solution B in the reaction vessel 1 can be determined without stopping the stirring by the stirring device 2, and consequently, time loss can be further reduced.

[0094] Furthermore, the collection section (lower collection section 10 and upper collection section 20) The sample solution is acquired such that the amount of sample solution obtained from each of the aforementioned multiple locations is equal.

[0095] By configuring it in this way, the volume ratio of the first solution A and the second solution B in the sample solution can be brought closer to the volume ratio of the first solution A and the second solution B in the liquid in reaction vessel 1.

[0096] Furthermore, the volume acquisition unit is The system includes flow meters 14 and 24 capable of measuring the flow rate of the sample liquid flowing from the reaction vessel 1 to the sampling section.

[0097] By configuring the system in this way, the volume of the sample liquid can be obtained without waiting for the liquid level of the sample liquid collected by the sampling unit to stabilize, thereby further reducing time loss.

[0098] Furthermore, the method for producing the product according to the above embodiment is: A method for producing a product by chemically reacting reactants in a liquid containing a first solution A and a second solution B with different densities, A liquid phase formation step is performed to form a first liquid phase composed of the first solution A and a second liquid phase composed of the second solution B inside the reaction vessel 1. A stirring step is performed to agitate the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1 in order to promote the chemical reaction of the reactants, A weight acquisition step (step S14 in Figure 3, step S22 in Figure 5) is performed to obtain the weight of at least a portion of the liquid, A volume acquisition step (steps S13 and S15 in Figure 3, and step S23 in Figure 5) is performed to obtain the volume of at least a portion of the liquid, The weight obtained in the weight acquisition step, the volume obtained in the volume acquisition step, and the density ρ of the first solution A. a , and the density ρ of the second solution B b Based on this, a calculation step (step S15 in Figure 3, step S23 in Figure 5) is performed to calculate the volume of the first solution A and the volume of the second solution B in the liquid, It is equipped with the following features.

[0099] This configuration allows for the determination of the respective liquid volumes of solution A and solution B in reaction vessel 1 without waiting for the two phases to separate. Therefore, the time lost waiting for the two phases to separate can be reduced.

[0100] Although the first and second embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the configuration of each part constituting the reaction apparatus 100, 200 is not limited to those described above and can be modified as appropriate.

[0101] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the first liquid phase is formed on the upper side and the second liquid phase on the lower side within the reaction vessel 1, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the first liquid phase may be formed on the lower side and the second liquid phase on the upper side.

[0102] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which methanol is produced as a product, the method is not limited to this embodiment. For example, an alcohol may be used as the product. Also, the product is not limited to the example described above, and various substances produced by a chemical reaction using two liquid phases (aqueous phase and solvent phase) can be used.

[0103] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which sodium chlorite is used as the first reactant and methane as the second reactant, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Various substances can be used as the first and second reactants, depending on the product.

[0104] Furthermore, although water was used as the first solution S1 in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Various aqueous solutions constituting the aqueous phase can be used as the first solution S1. Also, although a fluorescein solvent was used as the second solution S2 in this embodiment, the invention is not limited to this configuration. Various solvents constituting the solvent phase can be used as the second solution S2.

[0105] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the lower recovery unit 10 and the upper recovery unit 20 collect the sample liquid from two positions at different heights of the reaction vessel 1, but the sample liquid may be collected from three or more positions at different heights of the reaction vessel 1.

[0106] Furthermore, while the first embodiment uses a level sensor as the liquid level acquisition unit, the liquid level acquisition unit is not limited to this.

[0107] For example, as shown in Figure 6, the liquid level acquisition unit may be a pressure sensor 7 capable of measuring the water pressure of the liquid in the reaction vessel 1. The pressure sensor 7 is installed below the liquid level in the reaction vessel 1. Since the pressure applied to the pressure sensor 7 is proportional to the liquid level h, the control unit 6 can calculate the liquid level h in the reaction vessel 1 based on the measurement result of the pressure sensor 7.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, for example, the liquid level acquisition unit may be a camera 8 capable of imaging the liquid level inside the reaction vessel 1. Note that the stirring device 2 is not shown in Figure 7. The reaction vessel 1 is provided with a window 1a that allows imaging of the interior, and the camera 8 can image the liquid level inside the reaction vessel 1 through the window 1a. The control unit 6 can acquire the liquid level h of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1 by image recognition based on the image captured by the camera 8.

[0109] The camera 8 may be provided to capture images of the interface between the first liquid phase and the second liquid phase in the reaction vessel 1. In this case, in order to improve the accuracy of recognition, either the first solution A or the second solution B may be colored with a substance that does not affect the reaction.

[0110] As described above, the liquid level height acquisition unit is The reaction vessel 1 includes a pressure sensor capable of detecting the water pressure of the liquid inside the reaction vessel, Based on the aforementioned water pressure, the liquid level height of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1 is obtained.

[0111] By configuring it in this way, the volume of the liquid contained in reaction vessel 1 can be determined with a simple setup.

[0112] Furthermore, the liquid level height acquisition unit is It includes an imaging unit capable of imaging the liquid surface in the reaction vessel 1, Based on the image captured by the imaging unit, the liquid level height of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel 1 is obtained.

[0113] By configuring it in this way, the volume of the liquid contained in reaction vessel 1 can be determined with a simple setup. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0114] 1. Reaction vessel 2 Stirring device 4 Weight measurement section 5. Liquid level measurement section 6 Control Unit 7. Pressure Sensor 8 cameras 10 Lower recovery section 14 Flow meter 20 Upper recovery section 24 Flow meter 30 Sample weight measuring device 31 Sample containers 32 Weight measurement section 100 Reactor 200 Reactor

Claims

1. A reaction apparatus that produces a product by chemically reacting reactants in a liquid containing a first solution and a second solution with different densities, A reaction vessel capable of containing the aforementioned liquid and forming a first liquid phase composed of the first solution and a second liquid phase composed of the second solution inside, To promote the chemical reaction of the reactants, a stirring device capable of stirring the liquid contained in the reaction vessel is provided. A weight acquisition unit that acquires the weight of at least a portion of the liquid, A volume acquisition unit that acquires the volume of at least a portion of the liquid, A calculation unit calculates the volume of the first solution and the volume of the second solution in the liquid based on the weight obtained by the weight acquisition unit, the volume obtained by the volume acquisition unit, the density of the first solution, and the density of the second solution. A reaction apparatus equipped with the following.

2. The reaction vessel is equipped with a liquid level acquisition unit that acquires the liquid level of the liquid contained within it. The volume acquisition unit, Based on the liquid level height measured by the liquid level height acquisition unit and the bottom area of ​​the reaction vessel, the volume is acquired. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The liquid level acquisition unit is, The reaction vessel includes a level sensor capable of measuring the liquid level of the liquid contained within it. The reaction apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The liquid level acquisition unit is, Includes a pressure sensor capable of detecting the water pressure of the liquid in the reaction vessel, Based on the water pressure, the liquid level height of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel is obtained. The reaction apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The liquid level acquisition unit is, It includes an imaging unit capable of imaging the liquid surface in the reaction vessel, Based on the image captured by the imaging unit, the liquid level height of the liquid contained in the reaction vessel is obtained. The reaction apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The reaction vessel is equipped with a sampling unit for collecting a sample liquid, which is a part of the liquid, from multiple positions at different heights of the reaction vessel. The weight acquired by the weight acquisition unit includes the weight of the sample liquid and the weight of the liquid in the reaction vessel after the sample liquid has been collected. The volume acquired by the volume acquisition unit includes the volume of the sample liquid. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned sampling unit is The amount of sample solution obtained from each of the aforementioned multiple locations is equal. The reaction apparatus according to claim 6.

8. The volume acquisition unit, Includes a flow meter capable of measuring the flow rate of the sample liquid flowing from the reaction vessel to the sampling section, The reaction apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7.

9. A method for producing a product by chemically reacting reactants in a liquid containing a first solution and a second solution with different densities, A liquid phase formation step in which a first liquid phase composed of the first solution and a second liquid phase composed of the second solution are formed inside the reaction vessel, A stirring step is performed to agitate the liquid contained in the reaction vessel in order to promote the chemical reaction of the reactants, A weight acquisition step to obtain the weight of at least a portion of the liquid, A volume acquisition step to obtain the volume of at least a portion of the liquid, A calculation step for calculating the volume of the first solution and the volume of the second solution in the liquid based on the weight obtained in the weight acquisition step, the volume obtained in the volume acquisition step, the density of the first solution, and the density of the second solution. A method for producing a product comprising the above.

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