Corrosion detection for aqueous fluid reactors

Abstract

The present invention relates to an aqueous fluid reactor, comprising a corrosion detection component comprising a pipe component having a fluid dead end, the pipe component extending into the reactor volume to a distance where the dead end is located, the pipe component fluidly connected at a lower end to an inlet flow line or an outlet flow line, and a sensor constructed and arranged to sense flow, if any, within the pipe component.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an aqueous fluid reactor comprising a corrosion detection component having a pipe component with a fluid dead end, the pipe component extending into the reactor volume to a distance where the dead end is located, the pipe component fluidly connected at a lower end to an inlet or outlet flow line, and a sensor configured and arranged to sense flow, if any, within the pipe component. [Background technology]

[0002] Treating aqueous fluids comprising organic and / or inorganic materials by gasification and / or oxidation, for example, at pressures and temperatures relatively higher than standard atmospheric conditions, has proven to be an effective way of decomposing harmful chemicals contained in the aqueous fluid, for example. Gasification and / or oxidation typically occurs in a reactor configured to withstand high pressures and temperatures, such reactors are typically made from metals, e.g., alloys, and define a reactor volume in which the chemical reactions occur.

[0003] Depending on the nature of the chemical reaction and / or the reactants, e.g., oxygen, supplied to the reactor volume, a corrosive environment inside the reactor may be present, and may be present constantly or intermittently, which may have a destructive effect on the materials from which the reactor is made (depending on the choice of materials) and / or on the components located inside the reactor volume.

[0004] If corrosion occurs, for example, in a reactor wall surrounding the reactor volume, this can compromise the structural integrity of the reactor wall, to the point where, for example, the reactor wall may rupture, resulting in fluid leakage and a drop in pressure inside the reactor volume. Furthermore, pressures inside the reactor volume may commonly exceed 220 bar, and in such applications, a rupture of the reactor wall may pose a hazard to personnel standing nearby.

[0005] Therefore, it may be necessary to determine whether corrosion has already occurred or is occurring inside the reactor volume so that such corrosion can be proactively addressed.

[0006] Today, corrosion is detected, for example, by dismantling the reactor and performing a visual inspection. Obviously, this is a tedious and labor-intensive method that has the additional drawback of shutting down the reactor during such an inspection. Another option is to remove fluid samples from the reactor volume and analyze them for signs of corrosion. Although sampling and analysis can be performed without shutting down the reactor, it can be very difficult to detect corrosion with such a procedure, and the level of corrosion may not be estimated.

[0007] Thus, improved ways of detecting corrosion inside reactor volumes may be advantageous, and in particular, more efficient and / or reliable ways of detecting corrosion inside reactor volumes may be advantageous. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved way of detecting corrosion inside a reactor volume.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alternative to the prior art.

[0010] In particular, it may be seen as an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus that overcomes the above-mentioned problems of the prior art with respect to corrosion detection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011]

[0010] Accordingly, the above objects and certain other objects are intended to be obtained in a first aspect of the present invention by providing an aqueous fluid reactor configured to contain an aqueous fluid within a reactor volume, the reactor comprising: a reactor body defining said reactor volume; a fluid intake positioned to introduce at least the aqueous fluid into the reactor volume, the fluid intake fluidly connected to an inlet flow line positioned outside the reactor body; • a treated fluid output connection having an inlet in fluid communication with the reactor volume and fluidly connected to an outlet flow line located outside the reactor body; a corrosion detection component, a pipe element having a fluid dead end, extending inside the reactor volume up to the distance at which the dead end is located, and fluidly connected, directly or indirectly via an adapter section, to the inlet or outlet flow line or to a reservoir by a connecting pipe extending outside the reactor body at a location opposite the dead end; a sensor constructed and arranged to sense flow, if any, within said pipe element; a corrosion detection component comprising: The compound comprises:

[0012] As used herein, "treated fluid" preferably refers to an aqueous fluid containing organic and / or inorganic materials and which has undergone a partial or complete oxidation and / or gasification process.

[0013] "Sensing flow" preferably refers to detecting the entry of fluid from a reactor volume into the pipe component through one or more corrosion-initiated through-openings in the pipe component. Such an entering fluid may typically have a different temperature and / or conductivity (and / or other properties) than the fluid present in the pipe component before the corrosion-initiated through-opening(s). Such an entering fluid may also contain corrosion products that are typically not present in the fluid present in the pipe component before the corrosion-initiated through-opening(s). When flow is initiated into the interior of the pipe component, a conductivity sensor, a temperature sensor, a sensor that senses specific corrosion products, or other sensor will provide a change in reading as the fluid flows into the pipe component. After flow is initiated, depending on the fluid flowing into the pipe component and the type of sensor used, the sensor reading may not change over time. However, if flow is detected, this indicates corrosion, and since the present invention is directed to corrosion detection, the sensor reading after flow is detected is not as important. This also applies to a reverse flow situation in which fluid flows from the interior of the pipe component through a corrosion-initiated through-opening into the reactor volume. Thus, "sensing flow" preferably refers to detecting the occurrence of flow into the interior of the pipe component or flow out of the interior of the pipe component into the reactor volume.

[0014] "Sensing flow" refers to either direct sensing of flow, for example by a flow sensor, or indirect sensing of flow. Indirect sensing preferably refers to sensing a change in one or more fluid properties (other than flow rate or flow rate). The change in fluid property may be one or more of conductivity, salt composition, corrosion products, viscosity, temperature, COD (chemical oxygen demand), turbidity, pH, and / or pressure, which may be measured by an appropriate sensor.

[0015] The pipe components connected to the inlet or outlet flow lines may provide one or more of the following exemplary enumerated list of benefits:

[0016] If corrosion does occur and progresses to the point where it penetrates the wall of the pipe components, this does not result in a large pressure drop inside the reactor, which allows the reactor to remain in operation and be shut down for use in a controlled manner.

[0017] Minimal, e.g., substantially no, pressure drop across the walls of the pipe components greatly reduces the mechanical stresses on the pipe components, which can have the advantage of greatly reducing mechanical failures, e.g., fatigue failures, that can lead to false corrosion detection. Additionally, the greatly reduced risk of pipe wall collapse allows for smaller wall thicknesses in the pipe components, allowing for earlier detection of corrosive species in the fluid, since the time it takes for corrosion to penetrate the wall is a function of the wall thickness.

[0018] • Aqueous fluids entering the reactor volume or treated fluids leaving it can both fill the interior and contact the exterior of the pipe components, increasing corrosion rates and enabling early detection of corrosive species in the fluids, as these species come into contact with both the interior and exterior of the pipe components.

[0019] • Corrosion of pipe components will only result in additional flow directly from or to the inlet or outlet flow lines, not leakage to the surroundings.

[0020] • Eliminates the need for leak containment via a separate reservoir.

[0021] • Potentially prevent leakage into materials not previously in direct contact with reactor fluids for corrosion detection.

[0022] "At least an inner layer" as used specifically in the context of "at least an inner layer of said reactor body is made from a first metal" preferably includes that the reactor body may be made from said first metal or that a first material is deposited on the inside of the reactor body to form at least a part of the inner surface of said reactor.

[0023] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for detecting corrosion in an aqueous fluid reactor, said method comprising: ● providing an aqueous fluid reactor according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising an electronic control unit connected to said sensor and receiving a sensor readout of said sensor; comprising The control unit is configured to determine a change in the sensor reading based on the received sensor reading, and to generate an output in response to the determined change indicating that corrosion has been detected.

[0024] The present invention, and particularly preferred embodiments thereof, will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate ways of practicing the invention and are not to be construed as limiting other possible embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic of a first embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor, the reactor being illustrated in cross section to allow the internal components to be seen. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor, the reactor shown in cross section to reveal internal components. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B schematically illustrate, in cross-section, one embodiment of a corrosion detection component, where FIG. 3A illustrates a non-corroded corrosion detection component and FIG. 3B illustrates a corroded corrosion detection component. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of a third embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor, the reactor being shown in cross section to reveal internal components. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor, the reactor shown in cross section to reveal internal components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Reference is made to Figure 1, which schematically illustrates a first embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor 1. Reactor 1 is configured to contain an aqueous fluid within a reactor volume 5, and the reactor comprises a reactor body 2, within which reactor volume 5 is defined. By configured to contain, it is contemplated that the reactor materials are selected and dimensioned to withstand the thermodynamic, hydrodynamic, and / or chemical conditions typically encountered during use of reactor 1.

[0027] Fluid intake 9 is positioned to introduce at least aqueous fluid into reactor volume 5. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, fluid intake 9 is positioned at an elevated position, however, fluid intake 9 may be positioned at a different position. Fluid intake 9 is fluidly connected to an inlet flow line 19 located outside of the reactor body 2.

[0028] Inside the reactor volume 5, one or more chemical reactions occur, involving fluid intake through a fluid intake 9. The fluid resulting from the chemical reaction is typically referred to as a treated fluid. To remove the treated fluid, the reactor has a treated fluid output connection 6 having an inlet 7 in fluid communication with said reactor volume 5. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 , the treated fluid output connection 6 is located in the center of the wall of the reactor body 2, downstream of the fluid intake 9 (fluid flows from the inlet 9 to the output connection 6). The treated fluid output connection 6 is fluidly connected to an outlet flow line 8 located outside the reactor body 2.

[0029] Corrosion detection component 11 is positioned to detect whether corrosion occurs inside the reactor volume. Such corrosion may occur in or on the reactor wall 2 or in or on other components located inside the reactor volume. Corrosion may occur due to the relatively harsh environment within the reactor volume during or as a result of chemical reactions, or due to fluid intakes that may introduce corrosion. The overall concept of corrosion detection component 11 is that it comprises a hollow member in fluid communication with the outside of reactor 1, such that if corrosion occurs within the hollow member, fluid will flow through the hollow member to the outside of the reactor. Such fluid flow would indicate not only that corrosion is occurring inside the reactor and corroding the hollow member, but also that corrosion is occurring in other parts of reactor 1. The overall concept is disclosed in more detail below, with particular reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0030] 1, the corrosion detection component 11 comprises a pipe component 12 having a fluid dead end 10 (a hollow member as disclosed above). The pipe component 12 may also be referred to as a tubular component having a fluid dead end 10 in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The pipe element 12 extends inside the reactor volume 5 to a distance where a dead end 10 is provided. At a location opposite the dead end, the pipe element 12 is fluidly connected, either directly or indirectly via an adapter section, to the inlet or outlet flow line 8 by a connecting pipe 14 that extends outside the reactor body 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the pipe element 12 is fluidly connected to the outlet flow line 8.

[0032] By fluidly connecting the pipe element 12 to the inlet or outlet flow lines 8, the pressure inside the pipe element 12 can be at least as high as the pressure inside the reactor volume, which can prevent the pipe element from collapsing, while also ensuring that fluid flowing into the pipe element from the reactor volume 5 ends up flowing into or out of the reactor volume 5. At the same time, fluid flow through the pipe element 5 into the reactor volume is permitted, which can also be used to detect corrosion.

[0033] It is noted that the pipe element 12 is generally connected to a pressure that is preferably either slightly greater or less than the pressure inside the reactor volume 5 to allow fluid flow through the pipe element 12 .

[0034] While it may be preferred to fluidly connect the pipe component 12 to the inlet flow line 19 and / or the outlet flow line 8, in alternative embodiments, the pipe component 12 may be fluidly connected to a reservoir (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the reservoir has a pressure less than the pressure in the reactor volume 5, which results in a pressure increase in the reservoir as a result of the presence of the through opening in the pipe component, which can be detected by a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the reservoir may be pressurized to a pressure slightly lower than the pressure in the reactor volume 5, which may reduce a larger pressure difference across the wall of the pipe component 12 inside the reactor volume and avoid mechanical strain on the pipe component.

[0035] Flow within the pipe element 12 will dictate a change in one or more hydrodynamic properties, e.g., volumetric flow, and / or a change in further or additional thermodynamic properties, e.g., temperature, within the connecting pipe 14. Accordingly, a sensor 13 is constructed and arranged to sense flow, if any, within the pipe element 12.

[0036] The principles disclosed in connection with FIG. 1 are also applicable in connection with the following embodiments.

[0037] Reference is made to Figure 2, which schematically illustrates another embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor 1. The reactor is illustrated in cross section, and although fluid lines located outside the reactor are drawn as single lines, in an actual embodiment, such external fluid lines would have dimensions. The reactor is cylindrical, but may have other shapes as long as the reactor defines a reactor volume 5.

[0038] Reactor 1 is configured to contain aqueous fluids at elevated pressures and temperatures inside reactor 1 while oxidation and / or gasification occurs. Configured to contain typically contemplates that the material selection and sizing of reactor 1 are made to withstand the pressures and temperatures prevalent during oxidation and / or gasification.

[0039] The aqueous fluid to be oxidized and / or gasified typically comprises organic and / or inorganic materials, and the materials selected for the reactor are typically also made to be at least partially resistant to not only the organic and / or inorganic materials, but also to the reactants formed during oxidation and / or gasification, and / or the oxidizing agent, if introduced into the reactor.

[0040] Hereinafter, the oxidation and / or gasification process will be referred to, without limitation, as treatment, and the result of complete or partial treatment will be referred to as treated.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 2, the illustrated reactor has a reactor body 2 in the form of an elongated tubular component. The reactor body 2 is closed at its upper end 3 and lower end 4, thereby defining a reactor volume 5 inside the reactor body 2. In a preferred embodiment, the closure of the upper end 3 may be performed by welding a top member to the reactor body 2, and the closure of the lower end 4 may be performed by removably fastening a bottom member to the lower end 4, thereby providing an access to the reactor 1 by removing the bottom member.

[0042] A fluid intake 9 is located in the reactor volume 5 for introducing aqueous fluid to be treated by subjecting it to high pressure and temperature. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid intake 9 is located at the lower end 4 of the reactor 1, although it may be located in another location.

[0043] A treated fluid output connection 6 with an inlet 7 is located inside the reactor volume 3. As illustrated, the treated fluid output connection 6 extends inside the reactor volume 5 toward the lower end 4, where it is fluidly connected to an outlet flow line 8 located outside the reactor body 2. The location of the inlet 7 inside the reactor volume 5 is selected depending on the particular process to be performed. In some instances of a process, the fluid to be treated may be considered to be divided into zones (typically vertical zones), with the treated fluid being present in one of these zones and the other zone being a reaction zone. The location of the inlet 7 is preferably located within a zone in which the treated fluid is present or likely to be present. Illustratively, if the process involves supercritical processing, the treated fluid will be present in the upper supercritical zone, and the inlet 7 will be appropriately located within this zone. It is noted that the location of the zones can be controlled, for example, by heating / cooling components, for example, by controlling the vertical temperature profile within the reactor volume 5.

[0044] The reactor also includes a corrosion detection component 11, as illustrated. The disclosed corrosion detection component 11 includes a pipe component 12 having a fluid dead end 10. A fluid dead end is intended to mean that the pipe component 12 is fluidly closed at an end, forming a dead end and preventing fluid inflow. Furthermore, the pipe component is of a type that prevents fluid inflow through its wall except by the formation of an opening due to corrosion (as described in more detail below). The pipe component 12 extends a distance inside the reactor volume 5 at which the dead end 10 is located. As will become apparent below, the pipe component 12 is the component that will corrode (if corrosion occurs), and the distance over which the pipe component 12 extends is preferably selected so as to at least increase the likelihood that the pipe component 12 will be located within a region or zone inside the reactor volume 5 that is corrosive. Thus, the distance may be the entire length or width of the reactor volume 5, or a shorter length or width.

[0045] At its lower end, the pipe element 12 is fluidly connected, either directly or indirectly via an adapter section, to the outlet flow line 8 or another outlet flow line, for example by a connecting pipe 14 extending outside the reactor body 2. Note that the external pipes or lines in FIG. 2 are illustrated as single lines, although they actually have dimensions. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a pressure regulating valve 22 is disposed in the outlet flow line 8, and the fluid connection between the pipe element 12 and the outlet flow line 8 is formed upstream of the pressure regulating valve 22. This allows the pressure in the pipe element 12 and the pressure in the outlet flow line 8 to be kept substantially equal. A sensor 13 is constructed and arranged to sense flow, if any, inside the pipe element 12.

[0046] Corrosion detection component 11 may be considered to be fluidly connected to outlet flow line 8 and to form an appendage extending into reactor volume 5. This allows for fluid flow from within reactor volume 5 through the interior of the pipe element into outlet flow line 8, in the event of one or more openings being provided by corrosion in corrosion detection component 11 inside reactor volume 5, which flow is used to detect corrosion, as disclosed below with reference to Figures 3A and 3B. It is noted that, depending on the applied pressure, fluid may also flow in the reverse direction from the outlet flow line through pipe element 12 into the reactor volume.

[0047] Generally, since the corrosion detection component 11 detects corrosion by corrosion, the detection component, or at least the pipe component 12, is preferably replaceable. This can be achieved, for example, by fixing the pipe component 12 to the lower end 4 by a threaded connection including a suitable seal.

[0048] FIG. 3A schematically discloses a pipe component 12 in cross section. As illustrated, the pipe component 12 is fluidly connected to a connecting pipe 14, and a sensor is attached to the connecting pipe 14 (the location of the sensor typically varies based on the type and preferred location of the sensor). A gauge 16, which is a symbol representing the sensor's reading, is illustrated. In the situation of FIG. 3A, no openings are present due to corrosion in the wall of the pipe component 12, and as a result, there is no flow within the pipe component 12. In FIG. 3B, corrosion has formed a through opening 17 in the pipe component 12. It is noted that while FIG. 3B discloses only a single through opening 17, additional openings may be present, and the outer surface of the pipe component may have multiple pits or the like formed by corrosion.

[0049] Once the through opening 17 is provided, fluid flows from the reactor volume 5 into the interior of the pipe element 12 and through it into the connecting pipe 14 (or vice versa). This flow is sensed by a sensor, and the presence of flow in the pipe element 12 is conclusive that corrosion of the pipe element 12 has occurred, which is at least an indication that corrosion has occurred inside the reactor at a location other than the pipe element 12. In some embodiments, flow in the pipe element 12 can be said to be conclusive that corrosion has occurred inside the reactor at a location other than the pipe element 12.

[0050] It is noted that although flow is disclosed as being from inside the reactor volume 5 into the pipe element 12, backflow situations can occur. However, although the sensor readings may be different in such backflow situations, the mere presence of flow in the pipe element will determine that corrosion has occurred inside the reactor.

[0051] The presence of flow within the pipe element 12 may result in different detectable changes at the sensor location, such as a temperature change as warm or cold fluid begins to flow through the pipe element 12, removing or adding heat. In one embodiment, the sensor 13 is a temperature sensor, which may advantageously be located externally relative to the reactor 1, although other locations are also possible. Other types of sensors that may be used include flow sensors or conductivity sensors. Various types of sensors may be combined into a single sensor to detect flow based on several different parameters. As illustrated, the sensor 13 may be located at or within the connecting pipe 14.

[0052] It may be beneficial to have the pipe element 12 function as a "galvanic anode", which may be achieved by having at least the inner layer 15 of the reactor body 2 made from a first metal, e.g., a first alloy, and said pipe element 12 made from a second metal, e.g., a second alloy, preferably a sacrificial metal, where the two metals are selected according to the galvanic anode configuration to be obtained. Additionally, the material of at least the inner layer 15 of the reactor body may be made from a corrosion-resistant material that protects the inside of the reactor body from corrosion, so that it can be concluded that the detected corrosion essentially did not occur in the inner layer 15.

[0053] However, it may be advantageous to avoid the presence of a galvanic anode configuration (as such an anode may distort the presence of detected corrosion), in which case the first metal and the second metal may be the same metal, for example the first alloy and the second alloy.

[0054] Corrosion is a process that occurs over time, gradually reducing the wall thickness of the pipe component 12. Furthermore, corrosion is often more aggressive in some areas than in other areas. The wall thickness 25 of the pipe component is selected appropriately to allow corrosion to be detected in a sufficiently short period of time to address that corrosion has occurred or has occurred to some extent. Non-limiting examples of wall thicknesses are wall thicknesses 25 on the order of millimeters, e.g., between 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm.

[0055] In some embodiments, the pipe component 12 is typically cylindrical and extends straight into the reactor. However, the pipe component 12 may comprise at least one section that is coiled, e.g., spirally coiled. The pipe component 12 may comprise at least one section of the coiled pipe component 12 that surrounds at least one section of the treated output connection 6. Due to such intimate contact between the treated output connection 6 and the pipe component 12, if corrosion is detected in the pipe component, it can be concluded that the treated output connection 6 was likely exposed to the same corrosive environment, which may have corroded the treated output connection 6.

[0056] In some applications of the reactor, the aqueous fluid is heated while in the reactor. Heat can be provided by an exothermic chemical reaction and / or heat can be added to the aqueous fluid. As shown in FIG. 2, the inlet 7 is located at an elevated position (relative to the bottom of the reactor volume 5), which can coincide with a region within the reactor volume 5 that has a higher temperature than the fluid at the bottom of the reactor volume 5. Thus, the treated fluid output connection 6 extending toward the bottom of the reactor volume 5 can advantageously be equipped with a heat exchanger 24 that allows heat transfer from the fluid flowing within the treated fluid output connection 6 to the fluid surrounding the output connection 6.

[0057] 2, the heat exchanger 24 is provided by a coiled, e.g. helically coiled, section of the treated fluid output connection 6. Preferably, the pitch between adjacent coils is large enough to allow fluid to pass between the coils.

[0058] Heat exchanger 24 may be made entirely or partially from a third metal, e.g., a third alloy. In a preferred embodiment, the second metal and the third metal are the same metal, e.g., the second alloy and the third alloy are the same alloy. This allows a corrosion detection component to be used to detect corrosion in heat exchanger 24 occurring at a corrosion rate at least similar to the corrosion rate of pipe component 12. The first metal, second metal, and third metal may be the same metal, e.g., the first alloy, second alloy, and third alloy may be the same alloy.

[0059] If there is a need to heat the aqueous fluid contained inside the reactor, a heating element 20, preferably an electrical heating element, may be arranged to heat the aqueous fluid if contained within said reactor volume 5. In the embodiment of Figure 2, one such heating element 20 is disclosed as being located outside the reactor, although one or more heating elements 20 are typically used and their location may vary, for example even be located inside the reactor.

[0060] The aqueous fluid is typically pumped into the reactor volume, and to this end, a pump arranged at pump 21 is arranged to pump the aqueous fluid into said reactor volume 5 through fluid inlet 9, as illustrated in Figure 2. Pump 21 may be used to at least assist in pressurizing the aqueous fluid contained within reactor volume 5, although pressurization may also occur due to a temperature rise resulting from a chemical reaction and / or the application of heat by one or more heating components 20.

[0061] The pressure level inside the reactor volume may advantageously be set by an aqueous fluid reactor comprising a pressure regulating valve 22 arranged in the outlet flow line 8. The pressure regulating valve thereby regulates the pressure inside the reactor volume 5. The pressure regulating valve is typically arranged in a position downstream of the point where the outlet flow line 8 meets the fluid in the connecting pipe 14, as illustrated in FIG.

[0062] By way of illustration, in situations where the aqueous fluid does not carry a sufficient amount of oxidant, it may be advantageous to be able to feed an oxidizing fluid into reactor volume 5. To this end, the aqueous-fluid reactor may further comprise an oxidizing fluid inlet 23 for introducing an oxidizing fluid, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, into reactor volume 5. The oxidizing fluid inlet 23 can be located at different positions, although from a practical standpoint it may be preferred to locate the oxidizing fluid inlet 23 at the lower end 4 of reactor body 2. Alternatively, the oxidizing fluid inlet may be located at the upstream end of the reactor, where upstream refers to the location where the fluid is introduced through fluid inlet 9. Fluid inlet (9) is also preferably located at the lower end 4, although it may be located at a different position.

[0063] As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the inlet 7 of the treated fluid output connection 6 is preferably located at a first vertical height h1, which is closer to the upper end 3 than to the lower end 4. This typically positions the inlet 7 inside the reactor volume 5 in the region where the treated fluid is present. Aqueous fluids may be most corrosive before becoming treated fluids, and the treated fluids may even be essentially non-corrosive. In accordance with this, the pipe element 12 may be designed to extend to a second vertical height h2 inside the reactor volume 5, such that the pipe element (12) spans substantially the entire height of the treated output connection 6. In a preferred embodiment, this may be disclosed as h2 being greater than h1. This may be considered to allow the pipe element to extend into the region where corrosion is most likely to occur. In other embodiments, h2 may be less than the first vertical height h1.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the reactor body, which takes the form of an elongated tubular component, is oriented in use with its longitudinal extension parallel or substantially parallel to the force of gravity, which, with respect to Figure 2, points towards the bottom of the figure.

[0065] The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 shares the same features as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, except that a connecting pipe 14 fluidly connects the pipe element 12 with the fluid intake 9 .

[0066] The embodiment shown in Figure 5 shares many of the same features as the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, except that the reactor is an open-ended reactor. In the illustrated embodiment, the reactor has an opening at the top end 3. The heat exchanger 24 illustrated in Figure 2 has been omitted to illustrate that the reactor illustrated in Figure 2 may be omitted.

[0067] Because the interior of the pipe component 12 is fluidly connected to either the inlet or outlet flow line, its interior can be filled or partially filled with the fluid flowing in the inlet or outlet flow line. During reactor start-up, the interior of the pipe component 12 can contain or be occupied by air, for example. If it is desired to fill the interior of the pipe component 12 with the fluid flowing in the inlet of the outlet flow line, the flow lines, reactor, and interior of the pipe component 12 can be placed under a vacuum during start-up, thereby allowing fluid from either the inlet or outlet flow line to flow into the interior of the pipe component 12. In some embodiments, the pressure inside the reactor volume is increased to a high level during use, such that any gas, e.g., air, trapped inside the pipe component 12 is compressed to a level that would cause the interior of the pipe component to be substantially filled with fluid from the inlet or outlet flow line.

[0068] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for detecting corrosion, preferably in a preferred embodiment of an aqueous fluid reactor. In such a preferred method, the reactor comprises an electronic control unit connected to a sensor 13 and receiving a sensor readout for the sensor. By a reactor comprising an electronic control unit, it is preferably contemplated that the reactor and the control unit form a system, with the control unit and the sensor connected, for example, by electrical wiring. The electronic control unit is typically a programmable unit having a suitable converter for converting the sensor readout into a digital format used by a program running on the electronic control unit. The control unit is typically configured to determine a change in the sensor readout based on the received sensor readout and, in response to the determined change, generate an output indicating that corrosion has been detected. The output may be a digital output (for receipt by the digital unit), an electrical signal, a language-based output (understandable by a natural person), or other type of output.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the output is converted into a visual and / or audible signal, preferably by an electronic controller.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the output effects a shutdown of the aqueous fluid reactor, where the shutdown is either performed manually or automatically by the electronic control unit or another electronic control unit.

[0071] Itemized List of Preferred Embodiments Item 1. A reactor configured to contain an aqueous fluid within a volume (5): a reactor body (2) defining said reactor volume (5); a fluid intake (9) arranged to introduce at least said aqueous fluid into said reactor volume (5), said fluid intake (9) being fluidly connected to an inlet flow line (19) arranged outside said reactor body (2); a treated fluid output connection (6) having an inlet (7) in fluid communication with said reactor volume (5) and fluidly connected to an outlet flow line (8) located outside said reactor body (2); a corrosion detection component (11), a pipe element (12) having a fluid dead end (10) and extending inside the reactor volume (5) up to the distance where the dead end (10) is located, and fluidly connected to the inlet or outlet flow lines (8) or to a reservoir, either directly or indirectly via an adapter section, by a connecting pipe (14) extending outside the reactor body (2) at a position opposite the dead end, a sensor (13) constructed and arranged to sense flow, if any, within said pipe element (12); a corrosion detection component comprising: An aqueous fluid reactor (1) comprising:

[0072] Item 2. The aqueous fluid reactor according to item 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a temperature sensor.

[0073] Item 3. The aqueous fluid reactor according to item 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a flow sensor.

[0074] Item 4. The aqueous fluid reactor according to item 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a conductivity sensor.

[0075] Item 5. The aqueous fluid reactor of item 1, wherein the sensor (13) senses specific corrosion products.

[0076] Item 6. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the sensor (13) is arranged at or within the connecting pipe (14).

[0077] Item 7. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein at least the inner layer (15) of the reactor body (2) is made of a first metal, for example a first alloy, and the pipe component (12) is made of a second metal, for example a second alloy, preferably a sacrificial metal.

[0078] Item 8. The aqueous fluid reactor according to Item 7, wherein the first metal and the second metal are the same metal, for example, the first alloy and the second alloy are the same alloy.

[0079] Item 9. The aqueous fluid reactor according to Item 7, wherein the first metal and the second metal, for example, the first alloy and the second alloy, are selected so that the pipe component (12) constitutes a galvanic anode or a sacrificial material.

[0080] Item 10. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the wall thickness (25) of the pipe component (12) is on the order of millimeters, for example between 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm.

[0081] Item 11. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 10, wherein the pipe element (12) is cylindrical.

[0082] Item 12. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 11, wherein the pipe component (12) comprises at least one section that is coiled, for example, helically coiled.

[0083] Item 13. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 12, wherein at least one section of the pipe element (12) is coiled around at least one section of the treated output connection portion (6).

[0084] Item 14. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 13, wherein the treated fluid output connection (6) comprises a heat exchanger (24), and the heat exchanger is preferably provided by at least one section of the treated fluid output connection (6) that is coiled, for example, helically coiled, and preferably the pitch between adjacent coils is sufficient to allow fluid to pass between the coils.

[0085] Item 15. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 14, further comprising a heating component (20), preferably an electrical heating component, arranged to heat the aqueous fluid when contained within the reactor volume (5).

[0086] Item 16. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 15, further comprising a pump arranged to pump the aqueous fluid into the reactor volume (5) through the fluid intake (9).

[0087] Item 17. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 16, further comprising a pressure regulating valve (22) arranged in the outlet flow line (8) to regulate the pressure inside the reactor volume (5), wherein the pressure regulating valve is arranged downstream of the position where the fluid in the connecting pipe (14) hits the outlet flow line (8).

[0088] Item 18. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 17, further comprising an oxidizing fluid intake (23) for introducing an oxidizing fluid, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, into the reactor volume (5), wherein the oxidizing fluid intake (23) is preferably located at the lower end (4) or the upstream end of the reactor body (2).

[0089] Item 19. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 18, wherein the fluid intake (9) is located at the lower end (4).

[0090] Item 20. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 19, wherein the inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is located at a first vertical height (h1).

[0091] Item 21. The aqueous fluid reactor of any one of items 1 to 20, wherein the elongated tubular component is arranged so that, in use, it has a longitudinal extension that is parallel or substantially parallel to the force of gravity.

[0092] Item 22. When dependent on Item 20, the aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 21, wherein the pipe element (12) extends to a second vertical height (h2) inside the reactor volume (5) so that the pipe element (12) extends to substantially the entire height of the treated output connection (6).

[0093] Item 23. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of Items 1 to 22, configured to contain the aqueous fluid in a reactor at elevated pressure and temperature during which oxidation and / or gasification occurs, the aqueous fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials; the reactor body is in the form of an elongated tubular element, the reactor body being closed at its upper and lower ends, thereby defining the reactor volume (5) inside the reactor body; the fluid intake is positioned to intake the aqueous fluid to be subjected to the elevated pressure and temperature into the reactor volume; ● An aqueous fluid reactor wherein the inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is positioned inside the reactor volume, and the treated fluid output connection (6) extends inside the reactor volume towards the lower end (4) and is fluidly connected to the outlet flow line (8).

[0094] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not in any way limited to the examples provided. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. In the context of the claims, the terms "comprising" or "comprises" do not exclude other possible elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "a" or "an" etc. should not be construed as excluding a plurality. The use of reference signs in the claims for elements shown in the figures should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Furthermore, individual features recited in different claims may possibly be combined to advantage, and references to these features in different claims do not exclude that combination of features is not possible or advantageous. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1. Fluid oxidation reactor 2. Reactor body 3 Top (of reactor) 4 Bottom end (of reactor) 5 Reactor volume 6 Treated Fluid Output Connection 7 Intake (of processed fluid output connection) 8 Outflow Line 9 Fluid intake 10 Dead End 11 Corrosion Detection Components 12 Pipe Components 13 Sensors 14 Connecting pipe 15 Inner layer (of reactor body) 16 gauge 17 Through openings (due to corrosion) 19 Inlet flow line 20 Heating components 21 Pump 22 Pressure Regulating Valve 23 Oxidizing fluid intake 24 Heat exchanger 25 Wall Thickness (of Pipe Components) h1 First vertical height h2 Second vertical height

Claims

1. Configured to contain an aqueous fluid within the reactor volume (5): a reactor body (2) defining said reactor volume (5), wherein at least an inner layer (15) of said reactor body (2) is made from a first metal, such as a first alloy; a fluid intake (9) arranged to take in at least said aqueous fluid into said reactor volume (5), said fluid intake (9) being fluidly connected to an inlet flow line (19) arranged outside said reactor body (2); a treated fluid output connection (6) having an inlet (7) in fluid communication with said reactor volume (5) and fluidly connected to an outlet line (8) located outside said reactor body (2); a corrosion detection component (11), a pipe element (12) made of a second metal, for example a second alloy, having a fluid dead end (10), extending inside the reactor volume (5) up to the distance where the dead end (10) is located, and fluidly connected, directly or indirectly via an adapter, to the inlet line (19) or the outlet line (8) by a connecting pipe (14) extending outside the reactor body (2) at a position opposite the dead end; a corrosion detection component comprising a sensor (13) constructed and arranged to sense the presence of flow, if any, inside said pipe component (12); An aqueous fluid reactor (1) comprising:

2. 2. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a temperature sensor.

3. 2. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a flow sensor.

4. 2. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 1, wherein the sensor (13) is a conductivity sensor.

5. 10. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 1, wherein the sensor (13) senses specific corrosion products.

6. 6. Aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sensor (13) is located at or in the connecting pipe (14).

7. 7. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least the inner layer (15) of the reactor body (2) is made from a first metal, e.g. a first alloy, and the pipe elements (12) are made from a second metal, e.g. a second alloy, preferably a sacrificial metal.

8. 8. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 7, wherein the first metal and the second metal are the same metal, e.g., the first alloy and the second alloy are the same alloy.

9. 5. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 4, wherein the first metal and the second metal, e.g., the first alloy and the second alloy, are selected so that the pipe component (12) constitutes a galvanic anode or a sacrificial material.

10. 10. Aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wall thickness (25) of the pipe element (12) is in the order of millimetres, for example between 1.0 mm and 10.0 mm.

11. 11. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pipe element (12) is cylindrical.

12. 12. Aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe element (12) comprises at least one section that is coiled, for example a helical coil.

13. 13. Aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least one section of the pipe element (12) is coiled around at least one section of the treated output connection (6).

14. 14. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the treated fluid output connection (6) comprises a heat exchanger (24), the heat exchanger being provided by at least one section of the treated fluid output connection (6), which is preferably in the form of a coil, for example a helical coil, preferably with a pitch between adjacent coils sufficient to allow fluid to pass between the coils.

15. 15. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 14, wherein the heat exchanger is made from a third metal, such as a third alloy.

16. 16. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 15, wherein the second metal and the third metal are the same metal, e.g., the second alloy and the third alloy are the same alloy.

17. 17. The aqueous fluid reactor of any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a heating element (20), preferably an electrical heating element, arranged to heat the aqueous fluid when contained within the reactor volume (5).

18. 18. The aqueous fluid reactor of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a pump arranged to pump said aqueous fluid through said fluid inlet (9) into said reactor volume (5).

19. 19. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising a pressure regulating valve (22) arranged in the outlet flow line (8) to regulate the pressure inside the reactor volume (5), wherein the pressure regulating valve is arranged at a position downstream of the point where the fluid of the connecting pipe (14) impinges on the outlet flow line (8).

20. 20. The aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising an oxidizing fluid intake (23) for introducing an oxidizing fluid, such as oxygen or hydrogen peroxide, into the reactor volume (5), said oxidizing fluid intake (23) preferably being located at the lower end (4) or at the upstream end of the reactor body (2).

21. 21. Aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the fluid intake (9) is located at the lower end (4).

22. The inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is at a first vertical height (h １ 22. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 1, wherein the reactor is disposed at a position

23. 23. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the elongated tubular component is arranged so that, in use, it has a longitudinal extension that is parallel or substantially parallel to the force of gravity.

24. When dependent on claim 22, the pipe element (12) has a second vertical height (h) inside the reactor volume (5). ２ 24. The aqueous fluid reactor of claim 1, wherein the pipe element (12) extends to a height of the treated output connection (6) such that the pipe element (12) spans substantially the full height of the treated output connection (6).

25. 25. An aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 24, comprising: configured to contain the aqueous fluid in a reactor at elevated pressure and temperature during which oxidation and / or gasification occurs, the aqueous fluid comprising organic and / or inorganic materials; the reactor body is in the form of an elongated tubular element, the reactor body being closed at its upper and lower ends, thereby defining the reactor volume (5) inside the reactor body; the fluid intake is positioned to intake the aqueous fluid to be subjected to the elevated pressure and temperature into the reactor volume; - An aqueous fluid reactor, wherein the inlet (7) of the treated fluid output connection (6) is positioned inside the reactor volume, and the treated output connection (6) extends inside the reactor volume towards the lower end (4) and is fluidly connected to the outlet flow line (8).

26. - providing an aqueous fluid reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising an electronic control unit connected to said sensor (13) and receiving a sensor readout of said sensor; 1. A method for detecting corrosion in an aqueous fluid reactor, comprising: The method, wherein the control unit is configured to: determine a change in the sensor reading based on the received sensor reading; and generate an output in response to the determined change indicating that corrosion has been detected.

27. 27. The method of claim 26, wherein the output is converted into a visual and / or audible signal, preferably by the electronic control unit.

28. 28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein the output effects a shutdown of the aqueous fluid reactor, the shutdown being either performed manually or automatically by the electronic control unit or another electronic control unit.

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