Hydrocarbon manufacturing equipment

Abstract

To provide a hydrocarbon production apparatus that allows for the uniform use of the catalyst layer with a simple structure. [Solution] The hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 comprises an inner tube 40, an outer tube 50 that houses the inner tube 40, and a catalyst layer 70 that produces hydrocarbons with 2 or more carbon atoms from a mixed raw material containing at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner tube 40, the mixed raw material is supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different positions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrocarbon production apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Hydrocarbons are widely used as an energy source and a raw material for chemical products, and many of them are produced from fossil fuels. However, burning products derived from fossil fuels increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is regarded as a cause of global warming. On the other hand, hydrocarbons can be produced from raw materials containing carbon dioxide. Conventionally, a method of producing methane by a methanation reaction is known.

[0003] Citation Document 1 discloses a reaction apparatus including one or a plurality of reaction tubes in which an input gas is subjected to a methanation reaction in the presence of a catalyst. It is disclosed that the reaction tube has an inlet for the input gas not only at one end but also at an intermediate portion. According to the reaction apparatus according to Citation Document 1, the reaction efficiency of the methanation reaction can be increased by making the reaction temperature in the reaction tube uniform.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a typical shell-and-tube reactor, the reaction mainly proceeds upstream of the catalyst layer, and the entire catalyst layer does not contribute much to the reaction. On the other hand, the reactor described in Patent Document 1 can achieve uniformity of the reaction temperature in the reaction tube. However, if multiple manifolds are installed outside the reaction tube and input gas inlets are provided at intermediate points in the reaction tube, the reactor structure becomes complex, which may lead to increased shell size or higher reactor costs.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a hydrocarbon production apparatus that allows for the uniform use of a catalyst layer with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The hydrocarbon production apparatus according to this disclosure comprises an inner tube, an outer tube housing the inner tube, and a catalyst layer that generates hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms from a mixed raw material containing at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner tube, the mixed raw material is supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer from multiple different positions.

[0008] At least a portion of the catalyst layer may be positioned between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube.

[0009] The inner tube has at least one outlet from which the mixed raw materials are discharged, and at least one outlet may be embedded in the catalyst layer.

[0010] An outlet may be provided at one end of the inner tube.

[0011] The inner tube includes a circumferential wall, and at least one outlet may be one of several outlets provided in the circumferential wall.

[0012] The hydrocarbon production apparatus may further include a flow path length adjustment unit that adjusts the length of the first flow path through which the mixed raw materials in the inner tube pass. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a hydrocarbon production apparatus that can uniformly use a catalyst layer with a simple structure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a hydrocarbon production system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a hydrocarbon production system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a hydrocarbon production system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing a hydrocarbon production system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of a hydrocarbon production system according to one embodiment before adjusting the length of the first channel. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the state after adjusting the length of the first flow channel of a hydrocarbon production system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Several exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0016] [First Embodiment] First, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a first raw material supply unit 10, a second raw material supply unit 15, and a hydrocarbon production apparatus 30.

[0017] The first raw material supply unit 10 supplies the first raw material to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30. The first raw material contains at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. The first raw material supply unit 10 includes a first raw material supply channel 11, a first raw material tank 12, and a first raw material flow rate adjustment unit 13. The first raw material supply channel 11 is provided with the first raw material tank 12 and the first raw material flow rate adjustment unit 13. The first raw material tank 12 stores the first raw material. The first raw material flow rate adjustment unit 13 is provided downstream of the first raw material tank 12 and adjusts the flow rate of the first raw material discharged from the first raw material tank 12 and supplied to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30. Note that the first raw material supply unit 10 may include a carbon dioxide recovery apparatus that recovers carbon dioxide from a power plant, a factory, or the like and supplies the recovered carbon dioxide to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30.

[0018] The second raw material supply unit 15 supplies the second raw material to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30. The second raw material contains hydrogen. The second raw material supply unit 15 includes a second raw material supply channel 16, a second raw material tank 17, and a second raw material flow rate adjustment unit 18. The second raw material supply channel 16 is provided with the second raw material tank 17 and the second raw material flow rate adjustment unit 18. The second raw material tank 17 stores the second raw material. The second raw material flow rate adjustment unit 18 is provided downstream of the second raw material tank 17 and adjusts the flow rate of the second raw material discharged from the second raw material tank 17 and supplied to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30. Note that the second raw material may be hydrogen obtained by electrolyzing water using renewable energy such as sunlight, wind power, and hydraulic power. By using such hydrogen, the carbon dioxide emission amount of the entire hydrocarbon production system 1 can be reduced.

[0019] The first raw material supply channel 11 and the second raw material supply channel 16 are connected to a confluence channel 20. A mixed raw material containing the first raw material supplied from the first raw material supply channel 11 and the second raw material supplied from the second raw material supply channel 16 flows through the confluence channel 20. Therefore, the mixed raw material contains at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and hydrogen.

[0020] The confluent flow path 20 is connected to the first mixed raw material supply flow path 21 and the second mixed raw material supply flow path 23. The first mixed raw material supply flow path 21 is connected to the inner pipe 40 of the hydrocarbon production device 30, and the mixed raw material is supplied to the inner pipe 40 of the hydrocarbon production device 30. A first mixed raw material flow rate adjustment section 22 is provided in the first mixed raw material supply flow path 21. The first mixed raw material flow rate adjustment section 22 adjusts the flow rate of the mixed raw material supplied to the inner pipe 40. The second mixed raw material supply flow path 23 is connected to the outer pipe 50 of the hydrocarbon production device 30, and the mixed raw material is supplied to the outer pipe 50 of the hydrocarbon production device 30. A second mixed raw material flow rate adjustment section 24 is provided in the second mixed raw material supply flow path 23. The second mixed raw material flow rate adjustment section 24 adjusts the flow rate of the mixed raw material supplied to the outer pipe 50.

[0021] The hydrocarbon production device 30 produces hydrocarbons. The hydrocarbon production device 30 includes an inner pipe 40, an outer pipe 50, a shell 60, and a catalyst layer 70.

[0022] The inner pipe 40 supplies the mixed raw material supplied from the first mixed raw material supply flow path 21 to the catalyst layer 70. A first flow path P1 through which the mixed raw material passes is provided in the inner pipe 40. The mixed raw material supplied from the first mixed raw material supply flow path 21 to the inner pipe 40 passes through the first flow path P1. The inner pipe 40 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 41. The peripheral wall 41 extends along the flow direction of the mixed raw material. An inlet 42 for introducing the mixed raw material is provided at one end of the inner pipe 40. The first mixed raw material supply flow path 21 is connected to the inlet 42. The mixed raw material is supplied from the first mixed raw material supply flow path 21 to the first flow path P1 in the inner pipe 40. Further, an outlet 43 is provided at one end of the inner pipe 40 opposite to the inlet 42. The first mixed raw material that has passed through the first flow path P1 in the inner pipe 40 is led out from the outlet 43. In the present embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 is not provided inside the inner pipe 40. Further, the peripheral wall 41 is not provided with an outlet for leading out the first mixed raw material.

[0023] The outer tube 50 houses the inner tube 40. In this embodiment, a double tube is formed by the inner tube 40 and the outer tube 50. A second flow path P2 through which the mixed raw materials pass is provided between the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 50. The mixed raw materials supplied from the second mixed raw material supply flow path 23 pass through the second flow path P2. A portion of the catalyst layer 70 is arranged in the second flow path P2. The outer tube 50 has a cylindrical circumferential wall 51. The circumferential wall 51 is arranged to surround the circumferential wall 41 of the inner tube 40. The circumferential wall 51 extends along the flow direction of the mixed raw materials. The outer tube 50 is provided with an inlet 52 through which the mixed raw materials are introduced. The second mixed raw material supply flow path 23 is connected to the inlet 52. The mixed raw materials are supplied from the second mixed raw material supply flow path 23 to the second flow path P2 in the outer tube 50. The outer tube 50 is provided with an outlet 53. The product generated from the mixed raw materials after passing through the catalyst layer 70 is discharged from the outlet 53.

[0024] The shell 60 is arranged to house the outer tube 50. The shell 60 includes a body portion 61, a cooling medium introduction portion 62, and a cooling medium outlet portion 63. The outer tube 50 is housed within the body portion 61. A space is provided between the body portion 61 and the outer tube 50 through which the cooling medium C passes. The outer tube 50 is cooled when the cooling medium C comes into contact with the outer surface of the outer tube 50, and the catalyst layer 70 inside the outer tube 50 is also cooled as a result of the cooling of the outer tube 50. The cooling medium C is supplied into the body portion 61 from the cooling medium introduction portion 62, and the cooling medium C inside the body portion 61 is discharged from the cooling medium outlet portion 63.

[0025] The catalyst layer 70 generates hydrocarbons from the mixed raw materials. At least a portion of the catalyst layer 70 is located between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50. In this embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 includes a first catalyst layer 71 and a second catalyst layer 72. The first catalyst layer 71 is located between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50. The second catalyst layer 72 is connected to the first catalyst layer 71 and is located inside the outer tube 50 and downstream of the outlet 43 of the inner tube 40 in the flow direction of the mixed raw materials.

[0026] In the flow direction of the mixed raw materials flowing through the inner pipe 40, the mixed raw materials are supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different locations. In this embodiment, the inner pipe 40 has at least one outlet 43 from which the mixed raw materials are discharged, and at least one outlet 43 is embedded in the catalyst layer 70. Furthermore, the position of the surface of the catalyst layer 70 to which the mixed raw materials are supplied in the first mixed raw material supply channel 21 and the position of the surface of the catalyst layer 70 to which the mixed raw materials are supplied in the second mixed raw material supply channel 23 are different in the flow direction of the mixed raw materials flowing through the inner pipe 40.

[0027] The mixed raw material supplied from the first mixed raw material supply channel 21 to the first channel P1 is supplied to the surface of the second catalyst layer 72 located at the outlet 43, and hydrocarbons are generated from the mixed raw material supplied to the second catalyst layer 72. The mixed raw material supplied from the second mixed raw material supply channel 23 to the second channel P2 is supplied to the upstream surface of the catalyst layer 70 located at the second channel P2, and hydrocarbons are generated from the mixed raw material supplied to the first catalyst layer 71.

[0028] The mixed raw materials pass through the first channel P1 and the second channel P2. The mixed raw materials that have passed through the first channel P1 merge with the mixed raw materials in the catalyst layer 70 in the second channel P2. The merged mixed raw materials then come into further contact with the second catalyst layer 72 to generate hydrocarbons. The mixed raw materials that pass through the second catalyst layer 72 include the mixed raw materials that have passed through the first channel P1, unreacted mixed raw materials that did not react in the first catalyst layer 71, and a gas containing hydrocarbons generated by the reaction in the first catalyst layer 71.

[0029] The hydrocarbons produced in the catalyst layer 70 may include at least one of alkanes and alkenes. These hydrocarbons can be produced by a methanation reaction or a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) reaction. The hydrocarbons may be used as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). At least one of the alkanes and alkenes may contain at least one hydrocarbon having 1 to 100 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbons may have 2 or more carbon atoms. At least one of the alkanes and alkenes may contain at least one hydrocarbon having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The alkanes may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of methane, ethane, propane, and butane. The alkenes may include, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 2-butene, isobutene, and 1,3-butadiene. Methane, ethane, and propane can be used as fuel for city gas. In addition, alkenes with 2 to 4 carbon atoms are useful as raw materials for plastics. The reaction product may also contain compounds other than hydrocarbons.

[0030] The catalyst layer 70 may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of, for example, nickel catalysts, ruthenium catalysts, iron catalysts, and cobalt catalysts. The catalyst layer 70 can be selected from the viewpoint of the type of hydrocarbon produced. Nickel catalysts or ruthenium catalysts can be used in methanation reactions to produce methane. Iron catalysts and cobalt catalysts can be used in FT reactions. Iron catalysts can mainly produce light hydrocarbons, and cobalt catalysts can mainly produce heavy hydrocarbons containing wax. In addition, iron catalysts can mainly produce alkenes and alkanes, and cobalt catalysts can mainly produce alkanes. Nickel catalysts are catalysts that contain nickel as an active ingredient. Ruthenium catalysts are catalysts that contain ruthenium as an active ingredient. Iron catalysts are catalysts that contain iron as an active ingredient. Cobalt catalysts are catalysts that contain cobalt as an active ingredient. The content of the active ingredient may be 20% by mass or more of the total catalyst.

[0031] The product gas generated in the catalyst layer 70, which includes the first catalyst layer 71 and the second catalyst layer 72, is discharged from the outlet 53. The product gas generated in the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 may be cooled by a cooler (not shown) or the like to remove water and other substances contained in the product gas.

[0032] As described above, in the flow direction of the mixed raw materials flowing through the inner pipe 40, the mixed raw materials are supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different positions. Therefore, according to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 of this embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 can be used uniformly with a simple structure.

[0033] [Second Embodiment] Next, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 2. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and points similar to the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted from the description unless otherwise specified, using the same reference numerals.

[0034] The hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the second embodiment does not include a first mixed raw material supply channel 21 and a second mixed raw material supply channel 23 compared to the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the first embodiment. The confluence channel 20 is connected to the inner pipe 40 of the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30, and the mixed raw materials are supplied to the inner pipe 40 of the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 through the confluence channel 20.

[0035] The inner tube 40 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 41. An inlet 42 into which the mixed raw material is introduced is provided at one end of the inner tube 40. A confluence channel 20 is connected to the inlet 42. The mixed raw material is then supplied from the confluence channel 20 to the first channel P1 inside the inner tube 40.

[0036] Furthermore, one end of the inner pipe 40 opposite to the inlet 42 is closed by a closing part 44, such as an end plate. In other words, the outlet 43 according to the first embodiment is replaced by the closing part 44 according to the first embodiment.

[0037] In this embodiment, the surface of the catalyst layer 70 that releases the generated gas is located on the same surface as the occlusion portion 44. The entire catalyst layer 70 is held between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50. However, this embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the occlusion portion 44 may be embedded in the catalyst layer 70.

[0038] In the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner pipe 40, the mixed raw material is supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different locations. In this embodiment, the inner pipe 40 has at least one outlet 45 from which the mixed raw material is discharged, and at least one outlet 45 is embedded in the catalyst layer 70. Specifically, the inner pipe 40 includes a circumferential wall 41, and the at least one outlet 45 is one of multiple outlets 45 provided on the circumferential wall 41. In the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner pipe 40, the positions of each outlet 45 on the circumferential wall 41 of the inner pipe 40 are different, and the mixed raw material that has passed through the first flow path P1 is discharged to the catalyst layer 70 through each outlet 45. Therefore, the positions of the surface of the catalyst layer 70 to which the mixed raw material of the confluence flow path 20 is supplied are different.

[0039] The mixed raw material supplied from the confluence channel 20 to the first channel P1 is supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 located at each outlet 45, and hydrocarbons are generated from the mixed raw material supplied to the catalyst layer 70. After passing through the first channel P1, the mixed raw material passes through the second channel P2 and comes into contact with the mixed raw material in the catalyst layer 70 within the second channel P2. Hydrocarbons are then generated from the mixed raw material in the catalyst layer 70.

[0040] As described above, the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment also allows for the uniform use of the catalyst layer 70 with a simple structure.

[0041] In this embodiment, an example was described in which at least a portion of the catalyst layer 70 is arranged between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50. However, the catalyst layer 70 may also be arranged inside the inner tube 40. In this case, the confluence channel 20 is connected to the outer tube 50 instead of the inner tube 40, and an outlet 43 may be provided at one end of the inner tube 40, as in the first embodiment. Mixed raw materials may be supplied from the outside of the inner tube 40 to the inside of the inner tube 40 through a plurality of outlets 45, and a product gas may be generated from the mixed raw materials inside the inner tube 40.

[0042] [Third Embodiment] Next, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 3. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and points similar to the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted from the description unless otherwise specified, using the same reference numerals.

[0043] In the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to this embodiment, one end of the inner pipe 40 opposite to the inlet 42 is closed by a closure portion 44 such as an end plate. That is, the outlet 43 according to the first embodiment is replaced by a closure portion 44, similar to the second embodiment.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the surface of the catalyst layer 70 that releases the generated gas is located on the same surface as the occlusion portion 44. The entire catalyst layer 70 is located between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50. However, this embodiment is not limited to this configuration, and the occlusion portion 44 may be embedded in the catalyst layer 70.

[0045] In the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner pipe 40, the mixed raw material is supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different locations. In this embodiment, the inner pipe 40 has at least one outlet 45 from which the mixed raw material is discharged, and at least one outlet 45 is embedded in the catalyst layer 70. In this embodiment, the inner pipe 40 includes a circumferential wall 41, and at least one outlet 45 is one of multiple outlets 45 provided on the circumferential wall 41. The multiple outlets 45 are not provided on the upstream side of the circumferential wall 41, but on the downstream side of the circumferential wall 41. In the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner pipe 40, the positions of each outlet 45 on the circumferential wall 41 of the inner pipe 40 are different, and the mixed raw material that has passed through the first flow path P1 is discharged to the catalyst layer 70 through each outlet 45. Therefore, the positions of the surface of the catalyst layer 70 to which the mixed raw material of the confluence flow path 20 is supplied are different.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the position of the surface of the catalyst layer 70 supplied with the mixed raw material in the first mixed raw material supply channel 21 and the position of the surface of the catalyst layer 70 supplied with the mixed raw material in the second mixed raw material supply channel 23 are different in the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner pipe 40.

[0047] The mixed raw material supplied from the first mixed raw material supply channel 21 to the first channel P1 is supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 located at the outlet 45, and hydrocarbons are generated from the mixed raw material supplied to the catalyst layer 70. The mixed raw material supplied from the second mixed raw material supply channel 23 to the second channel P2 is supplied to the upstream surface of the catalyst layer 70 located at the second channel P2, and hydrocarbons are generated from the mixed raw material supplied to the catalyst layer 70.

[0048] The mixed raw materials pass through the first channel P1 and the second channel P2. The mixed raw materials that have passed through the first channel P1 merge with the mixed raw materials in the catalyst layer 70 in the second channel P2. The merged mixed raw materials then come into contact with the catalyst layer 70 to further generate hydrocarbons.

[0049] As described above, in the flow direction of the mixed raw materials flowing through the inner pipe 40, the mixed raw materials are supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different positions. Therefore, according to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 of this embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 can be used uniformly with a simple structure.

[0050] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 4. In this embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment will be described, and points similar to the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the first embodiment will be omitted from the description unless otherwise specified, using the same reference numerals.

[0051] In the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the second embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 was held between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50. On the other hand, in the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 is located between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50, but the catalyst layer 70 is held between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the retaining wall 46.

[0052] Similar to the second embodiment, the inner tube 40 includes a circumferential wall 41, and at least one outlet 45 is one of several outlets 45 provided on the circumferential wall 41. A retaining wall 46 surrounds the circumferential wall 41 of the inner tube 40, and the retaining wall 46 has several outlets 47. The multiple outlets 47 are provided from upstream to downstream of the retaining wall 46. Between the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube 50 and the outer circumferential surface of the retaining wall 46, there is a product gas flow path 54 through which the product gas generated by the catalyst layer 70 can pass.

[0053] The mixed raw materials supplied from the confluence channel 20 to the inner pipe 40 enter the catalyst layer 70 through an outlet 45 provided in the peripheral wall 41 of the inner pipe 40. The mixed raw materials that enter the catalyst layer 70 come into contact with the catalyst layer 70 and generate product gas. The product gas generated in the catalyst layer 70 moves from the catalyst layer 70 to the product gas channel 54 through an outlet 47 in the retaining wall 46. The product gas is discharged to the outside of the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 through the product gas channel 54 and outlet 53.

[0054] As described above, the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment also allows for the uniform use of the catalyst layer 70 with a simple structure.

[0055] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the fifth embodiment is equipped with a flow path length adjustment unit 80. Other than this, the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the fifth embodiment is the same as the hydrocarbon production system 1 according to the second embodiment, so a further explanation will be omitted.

[0056] The hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment includes a flow path length adjustment unit 80. The flow path length adjustment unit 80 includes a blocking unit 81 and a support unit 82. The blocking unit 81 is located inside the inner pipe 40 and blocks the flow path inside the inner pipe 40, thereby blocking the mixed raw material flowing inside the inner pipe 40. The support unit 82 supports the blocking unit 81 and extends along the first flow path P1. In this embodiment, the blocking unit 81 is a circular flat plate, and the support unit 82 is a rod. The support unit 82 protrudes from the inner pipe 40 to the outside of the outer pipe 50, and by pulling the support unit 82 to the outside of the outer pipe 50, the blocking unit 81 connected to the support unit 82 is configured to move within the inner pipe 40. Therefore, the flow path length adjustment unit 80 can adjust the length of the first flow path P1 of the inner pipe 40.

[0057] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the state before adjusting the length of the first channel P1. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the state after adjusting the length of the first channel P1. In a typical shell-and-tube reactor, the reaction mainly proceeds upstream of the catalyst layer, and the entire catalyst layer does not contribute much to the reaction. Therefore, the upstream catalyst layer is more prone to pulverization and carbonization than the downstream catalyst layer. On the other hand, in the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the occlusion section 81 can be moved downstream of the inner tube 40 as the usage time of the catalyst layer 70 elapses, thereby adjusting the length of the first channel P1 to be longer. Therefore, even if the upstream catalyst layer 70 is pulverized and carbonized, the downstream catalyst layer 70 can be used sequentially. Thus, even with the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 can be used uniformly with a simple structure.

[0058] As described above, the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment comprises an inner tube 40, an outer tube 50 housing the inner tube 40, and a catalyst layer 70 that generates hydrocarbons from a mixed raw material containing at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and hydrogen. In the flow direction of the mixed raw material flowing through the inner tube 40, the mixed raw material is supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different positions.

[0059] In the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment, the mixed raw materials are supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different positions in the flow direction of the mixed raw materials flowing through the inner pipe 40. Therefore, in the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment, the mixed raw materials are supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple different positions in the flow direction of the mixed raw materials flowing through the inner pipe 40. In the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment, for example, it is not necessary to install multiple manifolds outside the outer pipe 50. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to provide space for manifolds outside the outer pipe 50 or to provide additional piping structures. Therefore, according to the hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 according to this embodiment, the catalyst layer 70 can be used uniformly with a simple structure combining the inner pipe 40 and the outer pipe 50.

[0060] The hydrocarbons produced in the catalyst layer 70 may have two or more carbon atoms. Such hydrocarbons are useful because they can be used as fuels or raw materials for plastics.

[0061] At least a portion of the catalyst layer 70 may be positioned between the outer surface of the inner tube 40 and the inner surface of the outer tube 50. This configuration makes it easier to supply the mixed raw materials to a wide area of ​​the catalyst layer 70. As a result, the catalyst layer 70 can be used more uniformly.

[0062] The inner tube 40 has at least one outlet 43, 45 through which the mixed raw materials are discharged, and at least one outlet 43, 45 may be embedded within the catalyst layer 70. This configuration ensures that the mixed raw materials are reliably guided to the surface of the catalyst layer 70. Therefore, the mixed raw materials can be reliably supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70.

[0063] An outlet 43 may be provided at one end of the inner tube 40. With this configuration as well, the mixed raw materials can be guided to the surface of the catalyst layer 70. Therefore, the mixed raw materials can be reliably supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70.

[0064] The inner tube 40 includes a peripheral wall 41, and at least one outlet 45 may be one of several outlets 45 provided on the peripheral wall 41. With this configuration, the mixed raw materials can be guided to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 from multiple positions on the peripheral wall 41. As a result, the temperature distribution of the catalyst layer 70 becomes more gradual, and the reaction can be carried out uniformly in the catalyst layer 70.

[0065] The hydrocarbon production apparatus 30 may further include a flow path length adjustment unit 80 that adjusts the length of the first flow path P1 through which the mixed raw materials in the inner pipe 40 pass. With this configuration, the position at which the mixed raw materials are supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer 70 can be adjusted. As a result, as the operating time of the catalyst layer 70 elapses, the occluding unit 81 can be moved downstream of the inner pipe 40, and the length of the first flow path P1 can be adjusted to increase.

[0066] Although several embodiments have been described, it is possible to modify or transform the embodiments based on the above disclosure. All components of the above embodiments, and all features described in the claims, may be taken individually and combined, provided that they do not conflict with each other.

[0067] This disclosure can contribute, for example, to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7, "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all," and Goal 13, "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts." [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 30 Hydrocarbon Production Equipment 40 Inner tube 41 Peripheral wall 42 Inlet 43 Outlet 45 Outlet 50 outer tube 70 Catalyst layer 80 Flow path length adjustment section P1 First channel P2 Second channel

Claims

1. Inner tube and An outer tube that houses the inner tube, A catalyst layer that generates hydrocarbons with two or more carbon atoms from a mixed raw material containing at least one of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and hydrogen, A hydrocarbon production apparatus comprising, A hydrocarbon production apparatus wherein, in the flow direction of the mixed raw materials flowing within the inner pipe, the mixed raw materials are supplied to the surface of the catalyst layer from multiple different positions.

2. The hydrocarbon production apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the catalyst layer is disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube and the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube.

3. The hydrocarbon production apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner tube has at least one outlet from which the mixed raw materials are discharged, and the at least one outlet is embedded in the catalyst layer.

4. The hydrocarbon production apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the outlet is provided at one end of the inner tube.

5. The hydrocarbon production apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the inner tube includes a circumferential wall, and the at least one outlet is a plurality of outlets provided in the circumferential wall.

6. The hydrocarbon production apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a flow path length adjustment unit for adjusting the length of the first flow path through which the mixed raw materials of the inner tube pass.

Images