Reaction apparatus

Abstract

The present invention provides a reaction apparatus that can improve production efficiency while suppressing the increase in internal pressure of the reaction vessel. [Solution] The reaction apparatus 1 comprises a reaction tank 10 that chemically reacts raw material gases to produce products, a raw material supply unit 20 that can supply raw material gases to the reaction tank 10 and can adjust the amount of raw material gas supplied to the reaction tank 10, and a pressure adjustment unit 40 that can adjust the internal pressure of the reaction tank 10. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment unit 40 is configured to decrease the internal pressure of the reaction tank 10 by receiving raw material gases from the reaction tank 10 and to increase the internal pressure of the reaction tank 10 by returning the raw material gases to the reaction tank 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of a reaction apparatus for causing a chemical reaction to occur with respect to a reactant.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, technologies for causing a chemical reaction to occur with respect to a reactant are well-known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a reaction apparatus that produces a product by a chemical reaction using two liquid phases is known.

[0003] In such a reaction apparatus, a raw material gas is supplied from a raw material tank to a reaction tank in which a chemical reaction takes place. Here, if the raw material gas is continuously supplied to the reaction tank, there is a risk that the internal pressure of the reaction tank may increase excessively. Then, when the raw material gas is flammable, etc., there is a problem that the risk increases. On the other hand, if the supply amount of the raw material gas is reduced too much in order to avoid an increase in the internal pressure, there is a problem that the production efficiency decreases.

[0004] Therefore, it is desired to suppress an increase in the internal pressure of the reaction tank while suppressing a decrease in the production efficiency.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved is to provide a reaction apparatus capable of suppressing an increase in the internal pressure of a reaction tank while suppressing a decrease in the production efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[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] In other words, claim 1 comprises a reaction vessel that chemically reacts raw material gases to produce products, a raw material supply unit capable of supplying raw material gases to the reaction vessel and adjusting the amount of raw material gas supplied to the reaction vessel, and a pressure adjustment unit capable of adjusting the internal pressure of the reaction vessel.

[0009] In claim 2, the pressure adjustment unit is configured to decrease the internal pressure of the reaction vessel by receiving the raw material gas from the reaction vessel and to increase the internal pressure of the reaction vessel by returning the raw material gas to the reaction vessel.

[0010] In claim 3, the pressure adjustment unit comprises a first cylinder having a first piston biased in a first direction, wherein the first cylinder is capable of receiving raw material gas by moving the first piston in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the biasing force as the internal pressure of the reaction vessel increases, and by returning the raw material gas to the reaction vessel as the internal pressure of the reaction vessel decreases as the biasing force moves the first piston in the first direction.

[0011] In claim 4, the raw material supply unit comprises a raw material tank capable of storing raw materials, and a second cylinder having a second piston capable of reciprocating in a third direction and a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, wherein the second cylinder is configured to receive raw materials from the raw material tank by moving the second piston in the third direction, and to supply raw material gas to the reaction vessel by moving the second piston in the fourth direction.

[0012] In claim 5, the raw material supply unit comprises a raw material supply valve capable of switching whether or not to supply raw material gas from the second cylinder to the reaction vessel, and the pressure adjustment unit comprises a pressure adjustment valve capable of switching whether or not to supply raw material gas from the reaction vessel to the first cylinder and from the first cylinder to the reaction vessel, and the raw material gas is supplied from the second cylinder to the reaction vessel when the raw material supply valve and the pressure adjustment valve are opened.

[0013] Claim 6 comprises a weight measuring unit capable of measuring the weight of the product and a control unit that controls the operation of the raw material supply unit, wherein the control unit calculates the amount of raw material gas consumed based on the weight of the product measured by the weight measuring unit, and determines the amount of raw material gas to be supplied from the raw material supply unit to the reaction vessel based on the calculated consumption amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The present invention provides the following effects:

[0015] In claim 1, it is possible to suppress the decrease in production efficiency while suppressing the increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel.

[0016] In claim 2, the decrease in production efficiency can be further suppressed.

[0017] Claim 3 eliminates the need to measure the internal pressure of the reaction vessel or to control the internal pressure.

[0018] In claim 4, the raw material gas can be supplied to the reaction vessel with a simple configuration.

[0019] In claim 5, the raw material gas can be supplied to the reaction vessel while the internal pressure of the reaction vessel is adjustable.

[0020] Claim 6 makes it possible to suppress both an excess and a deficiency in the supply of raw material gas to the reaction vessel.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram showing a reaction apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Block diagram showing a reaction apparatus. [Figure 3] Diagram schematically showing an example of a reaction process. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the processing executed by the reaction apparatus.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, the configuration of the reaction apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] The reaction apparatus 1 generates a product by a chemical reaction of a raw material gas in a liquid accommodated in the reaction tank 10. Specifically, the reaction apparatus 1 irradiates light on a liquid in which the raw material gas and chlorine dioxide radicals as an oxidizing agent are present, thereby oxidizing the raw material gas to generate a product (oxidation reaction product).

[0024] As the raw material gas, a hydrocarbon or its derivative can be used. The hydrocarbon may be a saturated hydrocarbon. The saturated hydrocarbon may be, for example, methane, ethane or cyclohexane. Further, the hydrocarbon may be an aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon. Further, the hydrocarbon may be an aromatic hydrocarbon. The aromatic hydrocarbon may be, for example, benzene. In the present embodiment, methane is used as the raw material gas.

[0025] The liquid (reaction system) used in the above reaction contains a first solution and a second solution, which are two types of liquids having different specific gravities from each other. As the solvent of the first solution, a solvent capable of dissolving the product can be used, and for example, water can be used. As the solvent of the second solution, an organic solvent capable of dissolving the raw material gas can be used, and for example, a fluorinated solvent can be used.

[0026] The second solution contains chlorine dioxide radicals. In the reaction system, the first solution contains a source of an oxidizing agent such as chlorine dioxide radicals, and chlorine dioxide radicals are generated in the first solution (first liquid phase). The generated chlorine dioxide radicals can then be extracted from the first solution (first liquid phase) in the second solution (second liquid phase). In this embodiment, sodium chlorite is included as the source of chlorine dioxide radicals.

[0027] Furthermore, the second solution has a higher specific gravity than the first solution. Therefore, as shown in Figure 1, the first solution (first liquid phase) and the second solution (second liquid phase) are separated within the reaction vessel 10.

[0028] The reaction apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can produce products by oxidizing a raw material gas in a reaction vessel 10. The reaction apparatus 1 can produce alcohols, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, ketones, percarboxylic acids, and hydroperoxides as products. In this embodiment, the reaction apparatus 1 produces methanol and formic acid as products. A detailed explanation of the chemical reaction in the reaction vessel 10 will be given later. The reaction apparatus 1 comprises a reaction vessel 10, a raw material supply unit 20, a product recovery unit 30, a pressure adjustment unit 40, and a control unit 50.

[0029] The reaction vessel 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is used to chemically react the raw material gas. The reaction vessel 10 is formed as a sealed container capable of containing the raw material gas, the first solution, and the second solution. The reaction vessel 10 is formed with a relatively large depth (vertical dimension) to facilitate the separation of the first solution and the second solution, as will be described later. The reaction vessel 10 is made of a material that is resistant to solvents and raw material gases.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, inside the reaction vessel 10 containing the raw material gas, the first solution, and the second solution, the following phases are formed in order from top to bottom: "gas phase," "first liquid phase," and "second liquid phase." The "gas phase" is a mixture of the raw material gas that did not dissolve completely in the second solution and other gases (gases that have evaporated from the liquid phase, air inside the reaction vessel 10, etc.). The "first liquid phase" is the phase composed of the first solution (aqueous phase). The "second liquid phase" is the phase composed of the second solution (solvent phase). The reaction vessel 10 is equipped with a stirring device 11 and an irradiation device 12.

[0031] The stirring device 11 shown in Figure 2 stirs the first solution and the second solution in the reaction vessel 10. The stirring device 11 is installed inside the reaction vessel 10. Various configurations can be used for the stirring device 11 that are capable of stirring the first solution and the second solution, for example, a propeller can be used. By operating the stirring device 11 and mixing the first solution and the second solution, the contact area between the first solution and the second solution can be increased, thereby promoting the reaction. The mixed first solution and the second solution will separate again after a predetermined time has elapsed since the stirring was stopped.

[0032] The irradiation device 12 shown in Figure 2 irradiates light into the reaction vessel 10. In this embodiment, a photoreaction is carried out by irradiating the first solution and the second solution, which have been stirred in the reaction vessel 10, with light. The irradiation device 12 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.

[0033] Figure 3 schematically shows an example of the reaction steps for producing methanol. As shown in Figure 3, chlorite ions (ClO2) are present in the first liquid phase (aqueous phase). - ) reacts with an acid to form a chlorine dioxide radical (ClO2 · ) occurs. ClO2 · It dissolves in the second liquid phase (organic phase). Next, chlorine dioxide radical (ClO2 ·By irradiating the second liquid phase (organic phase) containing ) with light and applying light energy hν (h is Blank's constant, ν is the frequency of light), chlorine dioxide radicals (ClO2) in the second liquid phase (organic phase) are produced. · ) decomposes into chlorine radicals (Cl · ) and oxygen molecules (O2) are generated. As a result, the starting material (RH) in the second liquid phase (organic phase) is oxidized, and methanol, which is the oxidation reaction product, is produced.

[0034] The raw material supply unit 20 shown in Figures 1 and 2 supplies raw material gas (methane) to the reaction vessel 10. The raw material supply unit 20 comprises a raw material tank 21, a raw material gas preparation cylinder 22, a first raw material supply route 23, and a second raw material supply route 24.

[0035] The raw material tank 21 shown in Figure 1 is the source of the raw material gas and stores the raw material gas. The raw material tank 21 is provided so that the raw material gas can be supplied to the reaction vessel 10 via the first raw material supply route 23, the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22, and the second raw material supply route 24, which will be described later.

[0036] The raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 shown in Figures 1 and 2 prepares the amount of raw material gas supplied from the raw material tank 21 to the reaction vessel 10. Inside the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 is a piston 22a that can reciprocate up and down (see Figure 1). The piston 22a is provided to reciprocate using a power source such as hydraulics.

[0037] The first raw material supply route 23 shown in Figure 1 is a route for supplying raw material gas from the raw material tank 21 to the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22. One end of the first raw material supply route 23 is connected to the raw material tank 21. The other end of the first raw material supply route 23 is connected to the upper part of the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22.

[0038] The first raw material supply path 23 is provided with a first valve 23a that can open and close the first raw material supply path 23. When the first valve 23a is open, raw material gas can be supplied from the raw material tank 21 to the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22. On the other hand, when the first valve 23a is closed, raw material gas cannot be supplied from the raw material tank 21 to the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22.

[0039] The second raw material supply path 24 shown in Figure 1 is a path for supplying raw material gas from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10. One end of the second raw material supply path 24 is connected to the upper part of the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22. The other end of the second raw material supply path 24 is connected to the reaction vessel 10. More specifically, the other end of the second raw material supply path 24 is formed to extend to the lower part of the inside of the reaction vessel 10 (a position corresponding to the separated second liquid phase).

[0040] The second raw material supply path 24 is provided with a second valve 24a that can open and close the second raw material supply path 24. When the second valve 24a is open, raw material gas can be supplied from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10. On the other hand, when the second valve 24a is closed, raw material gas cannot be supplied from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10.

[0041] The product recovery unit 30 shown in Figure 1 recovers the products (methanol and formic acid) generated inside the reaction vessel 10. The product recovery unit 30 comprises a distillation apparatus 31, a first product recovery path 32, a product storage tank 33, a second product recovery path 34, and a weight measuring unit 35.

[0042] The distillation apparatus 31 distills the product recovered from the reaction vessel 10. The distillation apparatus 31 distills the product recovered from the reaction vessel 10 via the first product recovery route 32, which will be described later, and separates (fractionates) it into methanol and formic acid.

[0043] The first product recovery path 32 is a path for recovering the product from the reaction vessel 10 and supplying the recovered product to the distillation apparatus 31. One end of the first product recovery path 32 is connected to the reaction vessel 10. More specifically, one end of the first product recovery path 32 is formed to extend to the upper and lower intermediate part inside the reaction vessel 10 (a position corresponding to the separated first liquid phase). The other end of the first product recovery path 32 is connected to the distillation apparatus 31.

[0044] The product storage tank 33 stores the products (methanol and formic acid) separated in the distillation apparatus 31. The product storage tank 33 includes a methanol storage tank 33a and a formic acid storage tank 33b.

[0045] The methanol storage tank 33a stores the methanol separated in the distillation apparatus 31. The methanol storage tank 33a receives and stores the methanol separated in the distillation apparatus 31 via the methanol recovery path 34a, which will be described later.

[0046] The formic acid storage tank 33b stores the formic acid separated in the distillation unit 31. The formic acid storage tank 33b receives and stores the formic acid separated in the distillation unit 31 via the formic acid recovery path 34b, which will be described later.

[0047] The second product recovery route 34 is a route for recovering the product separated in the distillation apparatus 31 and supplying the recovered product to the product storage tank 33. The second product recovery route 34 includes a methanol recovery route 34a and a formic acid recovery route 34b.

[0048] The methanol recovery path 34a is a path for recovering methanol separated in the distillation apparatus 31 and supplying the recovered methanol to the methanol storage tank 33a. One end of the methanol recovery path 34a is connected to the distillation apparatus 31. The other end of the methanol recovery path 34a is connected to the methanol storage tank 33a.

[0049] The formic acid recovery route 34b is a route for recovering the formic acid separated in the distillation apparatus 31 and supplying the recovered formic acid to the formic acid storage tank 33b. One end of the formic acid recovery route 34b is connected to the distillation apparatus 31. The other end of the formic acid recovery route 34b is connected to the formic acid storage tank 33b.

[0050] The gravimetric unit 35 shown in Figures 1 and 2 measures the weight of the product. The gravimetric unit 35 includes a methanol gravimetric unit 35a and a formic acid gravimetric unit 35b.

[0051] The methanol weight measuring unit 35a measures the weight of the generated methanol. For example, a load cell is used as the methanol weight measuring unit 35a. The methanol weight measuring unit 35a is installed in the methanol storage tank 33a. The methanol weight measuring unit 35a is installed so as to be able to measure the weight of the methanol storage tank 33a. The measurement result of the methanol weight measuring unit 35a (weight of the methanol storage tank 33a) can be transmitted to the control unit 50, which will be described later.

[0052] The formic acid weight measuring unit 35b measures the weight of the formic acid produced. For example, a load cell is used as the formic acid weight measuring unit 35b. The formic acid weight measuring unit 35b is installed in the formic acid storage tank 33b. The formic acid weight measuring unit 35b is installed so as to be able to measure the weight of the formic acid stored in the formic acid storage tank 33b. The measurement result of the formic acid weight measuring unit 35b (weight of the formic acid storage tank 33b) can be transmitted to the control unit 50, which will be described later.

[0053] The pressure adjustment unit 40 shown in Figures 1 and 2 adjusts the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 and suppresses an excessive increase in internal pressure. The pressure adjustment unit 40 comprises a pressure adjustment cylinder 41 and a pressure adjustment path 42.

[0054] The pressure regulating cylinder 41 shown in Figure 1 adjusts the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10. Inside the pressure regulating cylinder 41 is a piston 41a that can reciprocate vertically. The piston 41a is biased (pressure P is applied) from above to below by a spring, gravity, etc. The pressure P is set to a value that is above atmospheric pressure and below the allowable upper limit of the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10.

[0055] The pressure regulating path 42 shown in Figure 1 facilitates the transfer of gas between the reaction vessel 10 and the pressure regulating cylinder 41 (supply of gas from the reaction vessel 10 to the pressure regulating cylinder 41, and supply of gas from the pressure regulating cylinder 41 to the reaction vessel 10). One end of the pressure regulating path 42 is connected to the upper end of the reaction vessel 10 (the position corresponding to the gas phase). The other end of the pressure regulating path 42 is connected to the lower end of the pressure regulating cylinder 41.

[0056] The pressure adjustment path 42 is provided with a third valve 42a that can open and close the pressure adjustment path 42. When the third valve 42a is open, gas can be transferred between the reaction vessel 10 and the pressure adjustment cylinder 41. On the other hand, when the third valve 42a is closed, gas cannot be transferred between the reaction vessel 10 and the pressure adjustment cylinder 41.

[0057] In this way, by connecting the pressure adjustment unit 40 to the reaction vessel 10, the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be adjusted.

[0058] Specifically, the raw material gas supplied from the raw material tank 21 to the reaction vessel 10 basically dissolves in the second liquid phase, but any raw material gas that does not completely dissolve in the second liquid phase remains in the gas phase. As the amount of raw material gas in the gas phase increases, the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 increases. As the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 increases, the piston 41a of the pressure regulating cylinder 41 moves upward against the downward biasing force (pressure P). More specifically, when the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 exceeds the pressure P applied to the piston 41a, the piston 41a is pushed upward by the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 acting on the lower surface of the piston 41a. As a result, the gas phase (gas) in the reaction vessel 10 is supplied to the pressure regulating cylinder 41 via the pressure regulating path 42. In this way, by releasing the gas in the reaction vessel 10 into the pressure regulating cylinder 41, it is possible to suppress the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 from exceeding pressure P, and consequently, to suppress an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10.

[0059] As the chemical reaction in the reaction vessel 10 progresses, the raw material gas dissolved in the second solution is consumed accordingly. This allows any raw material gas that could not be dissolved in the second container (i.e., contained in the gas phase) to dissolve in the second solution, thereby reducing the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10. As the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 decreases, the piston 41a of the pressure regulating cylinder 41 moves downward due to a downward biasing force (pressure P). More specifically, when the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 falls below the pressure P applied to the piston 41a, the piston 41a is pushed downward by the downward pressure P acting on its upper surface. As a result, the gas inside the pressure regulating cylinder 41 is returned to the reaction vessel 10 via the pressure regulating path 42. This allows the raw material gas that was released into the pressure regulating cylinder 41 to be returned to the reaction vessel 10. Therefore, the raw material gas can be used in the chemical reaction without waste, and consequently, the efficiency of product formation inside the reaction vessel 10 can be improved.

[0060] The control unit 50 shown in Figure 2 is capable of processing various types of information. The control unit 50 includes a CPU, memory, etc. As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 50 is electrically connected to the methanol weight measuring unit 35a and the formic acid weight measuring unit 35b so that it can receive the measurement results from the weight measuring unit 35 (methanol weight measuring unit 35a and formic acid weight measuring unit 35b). The control unit 50 is also electrically connected to the reaction vessel 10 (stirring device 11 and irradiation device 12), the raw material supply unit 20 (raw material gas preparation cylinder 22, first valve 23a and second valve 24a), and the pressure adjustment unit 40 (third valve 42a) so that it can control the operation of each of these devices. The control unit 50 can control the operation of the valves and pumps in each of the above devices. In addition, the control unit 50 can acquire the measurement results from the sensors in each of the devices of the reaction apparatus 1.

[0061] The following describes the operation of supplying the raw material gas to Reactor 1. Reactor 1 (control unit 50) supplies the raw material gas to the reaction vessel 10 and generates the product by controlling each process shown in the flowchart of Figure 4. The control shown in Figure 4 is executed continuously and repeatedly. At the start of the following control, all valves (first valve 23a, second valve 24a, and third valve 42a) are assumed to be closed.

[0062] First, the control unit 50 measures the weight of each product storage tank 33 (step S11). Specifically, the control unit 50 receives the measurement result of the methanol weight measuring unit 35a (weight of methanol storage tank 33a) from the methanol weight measuring unit 35a. The control unit 50 also receives the measurement result of the formic acid weight measuring unit 35b (weight of formic acid storage tank 33b) from the formic acid weight measuring unit 35b.

[0063] Next, the control unit 50 calculates the raw material consumption from the increase in the amount of product (step S12). Specifically, first, the control unit 50 calculates the increase in methanol since the previous measurement (hereinafter referred to as "methanol increase m1") based on the measurement result of the methanol weight measuring unit 35a received in step S11 and the previous measurement result of the methanol weight measuring unit 35a. The control unit 50 also calculates the increase in formic acid since the previous measurement (hereinafter referred to as "formic acid increase m2") based on the measurement result of the formic acid weight measuring unit 35b received in step S11 and the previous measurement result of the formic acid weight measuring unit 35b. Note that "previous measurement result" refers to the measurement result in step S11 of the previous cycle in the flow shown in Figure 4, which is executed repeatedly. If the flow shown in Figure 4 is the first cycle, the previous measurement result is 0.

[0064] The control unit 50 then calculates the amount of methane consumed (hereinafter referred to as "methane consumption V"), which is the raw material gas, from the methanol increase amount m1 and the formic acid increase amount m2. The methane consumption V [kl] is calculated by the following formula 1.

[0065] V=(m1 / 32)+(m2 / 46)×22.4[kl]...(Formula 1)

[0066] In Equation 1 above, "32" represents the molecular weight of methanol. In Equation 1 above, "46" represents the molecular weight of formic acid. The methane consumption V [kl] can also be calculated using Equation 2 below, which is derived from Equation 1 above.

[0067] V=0.7m1+0.49m2[kl]...(Formula 2)

[0068] Next, the control unit 50 opens the first valve 23a (step S13). Then, the control unit 50 supplies raw material gas (methane) from the raw material tank 21 to the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 (step S14). Specifically, the control unit 50 lowers the piston 22a of the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to create negative pressure inside the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22, thereby drawing methane from the raw material tank 21 into the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22. The amount of methane supplied from the raw material tank 21 to the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 is set to the same amount as the methane consumption V calculated in step S12.

[0069] When methane equal to the methane consumption amount V is supplied from the raw material tank 21 to the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22, the control unit 50 closes the first valve 23a and opens the second valve 24a and the third valve 42a (step S15). Then, the control unit 50 supplies methane from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10 (step S16). Specifically, the control unit 50 raises the piston 22a of the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22, pressurizing (pushing out) the methane inside the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22, thereby supplying methane from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10. As all the methane inside the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 is pushed out, methane equal to the methane consumption amount V is supplied from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10.

[0070] When methane equal to the methane consumption amount V is supplied to the reaction vessel 10, the control unit 50 closes the second valve 24a (step S17). Here, the methane supplied to the reaction vessel 10 dissolves in the second liquid phase (solvent phase) and is oxidized to become methanol and formic acid, which are oxidation reaction products. However, some of the methane supplied to the reaction vessel 10 does not dissolve completely in the second liquid phase and remains in the gas phase of the reaction vessel 10. An increase in the amount of methane in the gas phase of the reaction vessel 10 causes an increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10.

[0071] However, since the third valve 42a is open, even if the amount of methane in the gas phase of the reaction vessel 10 increases, the increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be suppressed. Specifically, when the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 exceeds the pressure P applied to the piston 41a, the piston 41a is pushed upward by the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10. As a result, the gas phase (gas) in the reaction vessel 10 is supplied to the pressure adjustment cylinder 41 via the pressure adjustment path 42. In this way, by releasing the gas in the reaction vessel 10 to the pressure adjustment cylinder 41, the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be prevented from exceeding pressure P, and consequently, an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be suppressed.

[0072] As the chemical reaction in the reaction vessel 10 progresses and methane is consumed, the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 decreases. This causes the piston 41a to be pushed down by the pressure P, and methane is supplied to the reaction vessel 10 from the pressure regulating cylinder 41 (step S18). This accelerates the chemical reaction in the reaction vessel 10 and improves the efficiency of product formation.

[0073] When the piston 41a is pushed all the way down, the control unit 50 closes the third valve 42a (step S19). In this way, methane equal to the methane consumption amount V is supplied (replenished) to the reaction vessel 10, and the products (methanol and formic acid) can be produced. The produced products are sent to the distillation apparatus 31, where they are separated into methanol and formic acid. The separated methanol is supplied to the methanol storage tank 33a via the methanol recovery path 34a. The separated formic acid is supplied to the formic acid storage tank 33b via the formic acid recovery path 34b.

[0074] By repeating the flow shown in Figure 4, the products (methanol and formic acid) can be generated in the reaction vessel 10 using a flow method.

[0075] As described above, in the reaction apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, by providing a pressure adjustment unit 40, when the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 increases due to the supply of raw material gas, the gas inside the reaction vessel 10 can be temporarily released into the pressure adjustment cylinder 41. Therefore, an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be suppressed.

[0076] Therefore, even if the amount of raw material gas supplied from the raw material supply unit 20 to the reaction vessel 10 is excessive compared to the amount consumed, an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be suppressed. In this way, since it is not necessary to drastically reduce the amount of raw material gas supplied from the raw material supply unit 20 to the reaction vessel 10 in order to avoid an increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10, a decrease in the efficiency of product production can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, as the chemical reaction proceeds in the reaction vessel 10 and the raw material gas is consumed, the gas inside the pressure regulating cylinder 41 is returned to the reaction vessel 10 via the pressure regulating path 42. Therefore, the raw material gas can be used in the chemical reaction without waste, and consequently, the efficiency of product formation inside the reaction vessel 10 can be improved.

[0078] Furthermore, the control unit 50 calculates the amount of raw material gas consumed based on the increase in the weight of the product measured by the weight measuring unit 35, and determines the amount of raw material gas to be supplied to the reaction vessel 10 based on the calculated consumption. This makes it possible to suppress both an excess and a shortage of raw material gas supplied to the reaction vessel 10, and consequently, to suppress a decrease in the efficiency of product production while suppressing an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10.

[0079] Furthermore, the pressure adjustment unit 40 automatically moves the piston 41a up and down in response to increases or decreases in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10, thereby facilitating the transfer of gas between the unit and the reaction vessel 10. This eliminates the need to measure the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 or to control its internal pressure.

[0080] As described above, the reaction apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is A reaction vessel 10 that chemically reacts raw material gases to produce products, A raw material supply unit 20 is capable of supplying raw material gas to the reaction vessel 10 and adjusting the amount of raw material gas supplied to the reaction vessel 10, The reaction vessel 10 includes a pressure adjustment unit 40 that can adjust the internal pressure, It is equipped with the following features.

[0081] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to suppress the increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 while suppressing the decrease in production efficiency. Specifically, the pressure adjustment unit 40 allows the gas inside the reaction vessel 10 to be temporarily released into the pressure adjustment cylinder 41 when the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 increases due to the supply of raw material gas. Therefore, an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be adjusted, even if the amount of raw material gas supplied from the raw material supply unit 20 to the reaction vessel 10 is excessive relative to the consumption, an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 can be suppressed. In this way, since it is not necessary to drastically reduce the amount of raw material gas supplied from the raw material supply unit 20 to the reaction vessel 10 in order to avoid an increase in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10, a decrease in the efficiency of product production can be suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, the pressure adjustment unit 40 is The system is configured to decrease the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 by receiving the raw material gas from the reaction vessel 10, and to increase the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 by returning the raw material gas to the reaction vessel 10.

[0083] By configuring it in this way, the decrease in production efficiency can be further suppressed. Specifically, since the raw material gas can be returned to the reaction vessel 10, it can be used in the chemical reaction without wasting any raw material gas, and consequently, the efficiency of product formation inside the reaction vessel 10 can be improved.

[0084] Furthermore, the pressure adjustment unit 40 is It comprises a pressure regulating cylinder 41 (first cylinder) having a piston 41a (first piston) biased in a first direction (for example, downward), The pressure regulating cylinder 41 is As the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 increases, the piston 41a moves against the biasing force in a second direction (for example, upward) opposite to the first direction, enabling it to receive the raw material gas. As the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 decreases, the piston 41a moves in the first direction (for example, downward) due to the biasing force, thereby making it possible to return the raw material gas to the reaction vessel 10.

[0085] By configuring it in this way, it becomes unnecessary to measure the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 or to control it for adjustment. Specifically, the pressure adjustment unit 40 automatically moves the piston 41a up and down in response to increases or decreases in the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10, thereby enabling the transfer of gas between the unit and the reaction vessel 10. Therefore, it becomes unnecessary to measure the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 or to control its internal pressure.

[0086] Furthermore, the raw material supply unit 20 is A raw material tank 21 capable of storing raw materials, A raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 (second cylinder) having a piston 22a (second piston) capable of reciprocating in a third direction (e.g., downward) and a fourth direction opposite to the third direction (e.g., upward), It is equipped with, The aforementioned raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 is By moving the piston 22a in the third direction (for example, downward), raw material is received from the raw material tank 21. The piston 22a is configured to be able to supply the raw material gas to the reaction tank 10 by moving it in the fourth direction (for example, upward).

[0087] This configuration allows for the supply of raw material gas to the reaction vessel 10 with a simple setup.

[0088] Furthermore, the reaction apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is The raw material supply unit 20 is The system is equipped with a second valve 24a (raw material supply valve) that can switch on or off the supply of raw material gas from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10, The pressure adjustment unit 40 is The system is equipped with a third valve 42a (pressure regulating valve) that can switch between supplying raw material gas from the reaction vessel 10 to the pressure regulating cylinder 41 and supplying raw material gas from the pressure regulating cylinder 41 to the reaction vessel 10. When the second valve 24a and the third valve 42a are opened, the raw material gas is supplied from the raw material gas preparation cylinder 22 to the reaction vessel 10.

[0089] By configuring it in this way, the raw material gas can be supplied to the reaction vessel 10 while the internal pressure of the reaction vessel 10 is adjustable.

[0090] Furthermore, the reaction apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is A weight measuring unit 35 capable of measuring the weight of the aforementioned product, A control unit 50 that controls the operation of the raw material supply unit 20, It is equipped with, The control unit 50 is Based on the weight of the product measured by the weight measuring unit 35, the amount of raw material gas consumed (methane consumption V) is calculated, and based on the calculated consumption, the amount of raw material gas supplied from the raw material supply unit 20 to the reaction vessel 10 is determined.

[0091] By configuring it in this way, it is possible to suppress both an excess and a deficiency in the supply of raw material gas to the reaction vessel 10.

[0092] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the configuration of each part constituting the reaction apparatus 1 is not limited to those described above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the methane consumption V is calculated based on the increase in product measured by the weight measuring unit 35, and methane (raw material gas) is supplied from the raw material supply unit 20 to the reaction vessel 10 by the amount of methane consumption V. However, the methane consumption V may be estimated, and methane may be supplied from the raw material supply unit 20 to the reaction vessel 10 by the amount of this estimated methane consumption V.

[0094] 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 10, 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. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0095] 1. Reactor 10 reaction vessels 20 Raw material supply department 22. Raw material gas preparation cylinder 22a Piston 23a First valve 24a Second valve 35 Weight measurement section 40 Pressure adjustment section 41 Pressure regulating cylinder 41a Piston 42a Third valve 50 Control Unit

Claims

1. A reaction vessel that chemically reacts raw material gases to produce products, A raw material supply unit capable of supplying raw material gas to the reaction vessel and adjusting the amount of raw material gas supplied to the reaction vessel, The reaction vessel includes a pressure adjustment unit capable of adjusting the internal pressure of the reaction vessel, Equipped with, Reaction apparatus.

2. The aforementioned pressure adjustment unit is The system is configured to decrease the internal pressure of the reaction vessel by receiving the raw material gas from the reaction vessel, and to increase the internal pressure of the reaction vessel by returning the raw material gas to the reaction vessel. The reaction apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned pressure adjustment unit is It comprises a first cylinder having a first piston biased in a first direction, The first cylinder is As the internal pressure of the reaction vessel increases, the first piston moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction against the biasing force, enabling it to receive the raw material gas. As the internal pressure of the reaction vessel decreases, the biasing force causes the first piston to move in the first direction, thereby making it possible to return the raw material gas to the reaction vessel. The reaction apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned raw material supply unit is A raw material tank capable of storing raw materials, A second cylinder having a second piston capable of reciprocating in a third direction and a fourth direction opposite to the third direction, It is equipped with, The second cylinder is By moving the second piston in the third direction, raw materials are received from the raw material tank. By moving the second piston in the fourth direction, the raw material gas can be supplied to the reaction vessel. The reaction apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned raw material supply unit is The system is equipped with a raw material supply valve that can switch on or off the supply of raw material gas from the second cylinder to the reaction vessel. The aforementioned pressure adjustment unit is The system is equipped with a pressure regulating valve that can switch between supplying raw material gas from the reaction vessel to the first cylinder and supplying raw material gas from the first cylinder to the reaction vessel. When the raw material supply valve and the pressure regulating valve are opened, the raw material gas is supplied from the second cylinder to the reaction vessel. The reaction apparatus according to claim 4.

6. A weight measuring unit capable of measuring the weight of the aforementioned product, A control unit that controls the operation of the raw material supply unit, It is equipped with, The control unit, Based on the weight of the product measured by the weight measuring unit, the amount of raw material gas consumed is calculated, and based on the calculated consumption amount, the amount of raw material gas supplied from the raw material supply unit to the reaction vessel is determined. The reaction apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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