Electric heating reactor

Abstract

An electric heating reactor is disclosed. The electric heating reactor may include: a reaction tube having a passage formed longitudinally inside through which reactants pass; a power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tube to heat the reactants passing through the passage; a pair of conductive sockets connecting the power supply and the reaction tube so as to conduct electric current; and a heating element extending longitudinally inside the reaction tube, electrically connected to the reaction tube, and configured to generate heat in response to power supplied from the power supply to further heat the reactants passing through the passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0190926 filed on December 26, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electric heating reactor, and more particularly, to an electric heating reactor in which a heating element is disposed inside a reaction tube to uniformly heat the inside of the reaction tube.

Background Art

[0003] In the chemical industry, natural gas is used as a fuel to maintain high temperatures in various facilities (such as crackers, reformers, reactors, boilers, etc.). However, heating by burning natural gas is not only inefficient in terms of energy consumption but also a major contributor to carbon emissions. Therefore, efforts are being made to change the heating method from combustion of natural gas to an electric heating method.

[0004] Generally, in the case of the direct electric heating method, an electric current is applied to a tubular reactor with a high specific resistance to generate heat in the reactor itself. When the reactor itself generates heat, heat may not be evenly transmitted to the central part of the reactor, and a cold spot may occur in a high - temperature endothermic reaction.

[0005] For example, dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a reaction that simultaneously converts methane, which is a greenhouse gas component, and carbon dioxide to produce synthesis gas (such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, etc.), which is a raw material for chemical products. According to DRM, the reaction gas passes through a catalyst for the conversion reaction, and DRM is an endothermic reaction that requires a high temperature of 800 °C or higher.

[0006] Due to the endothermic nature of the reaction, cold spots can form in areas where the reaction occurs rapidly. This can lead to a coking phenomenon where carbon immerses in the material, potentially shortening the catalyst's lifespan.

[0007] The information contained in this background section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of the invention and may include information that is not prior art already known to those with ordinary skill in the art to which this art belongs. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an electric direct heating reactor that can uniformly heat the inside of a reaction tube by placing a heating element inside the reaction tube.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an electrically direct heating reactor that can suppress the formation of cold spots by uniformly heating the inside of the reaction tube. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a reaction tube having a passage formed longitudinally inside through which reactants pass; a power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tube so as to heat the reactants passing through the passage; a pair of conductive sockets connecting the power supply and the reaction tube so as to allow current to flow; and a heating element that extends longitudinally inside the reaction tube, is electrically connected to the reaction tube, and is configured to generate heat in response to power supplied from the power supply to further heat the reactants passing through the passage.

[0011] In one aspect, the heating element may have an annular cross-section.

[0012] In another aspect, the heating element may have a cross-section in which at least two plates intersect each other.

[0013] The electric heating reactor may further include a pair of connectors that electrically connect the heating element and the reaction tube.

[0014] The pair of connecting members can be welded or screw-connected to a heating element or reaction tube.

[0015] The electric heating reactor may further include an insulator that surrounds at least a portion of the reaction tube for thermal insulation.

[0016] The insulator can surround the reaction tube between a pair of conductive sockets.

[0017] The electric heating reactor may further include a cooler for cooling at least one of the pair of conductive sockets.

[0018] The heat generated by the reaction tube and the heat generated by the heating element can be controlled by adjusting the resistance between the reaction tube and the heating element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, by placing a heating element inside the reaction tube and supplying power to both the reaction tube and the heating element, both the reaction tube and the heating element can generate heat. As a result, the inside of the reaction tube can be heated uniformly, and the formation of cold spots can be suppressed.

[0020] Since the inside of the reaction tube can be heated uniformly, the problem of uneven endothermic reactions caused by cold spots can be improved.

[0021] Other effects obtained or anticipated by embodiments of the present invention are disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of embodiments of the present invention. In other words, the various effects anticipated by embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the detailed description below.

[0022] Embodiments of this specification should be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to elements that are identical or functionally similar.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an electric heating reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a heating element. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a portion “A1” in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a portion “A1” in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heating element. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing another example of a heating element. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a heating element.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] The drawings referred to above are not necessarily drawn to scale and should be understood as presenting somewhat simplified representations of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the present disclosure. For example, certain design features of the present disclosure, including specific dimensions, directions, positions, and shapes, are determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.

[0025] The terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to also include the plural form unless the context expressly indicates otherwise. The terms “including” and / or “including,” as used herein, identify the presence of the mentioned features, integers, stages, operations, components and / or parts, but it will also be understood that they do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, stages, operations, components and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the terms “and / or” include any one or all combinations of the items listed relatingly.

[0026] Furthermore, it is understood that one or more of the following methods or aspects thereof can be carried out by at least one controller.

[0027] The term "controller" can refer to a hardware device that includes memory and a processor. Memory is configured to store program instructions, and a processor is specifically programmed to execute program instructions to perform one or more processes, which are described in more detail below. A controller can control the operation of a unit, module, component, device, or similar, as described herein.

[0028] Furthermore, it is understood that the following methods are performed by an apparatus including a controller in conjunction with one or more other components, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0029] Furthermore, the controller of this disclosure can be implemented as a non-temporary, computer-readable recording medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor.

[0030] Examples of computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, ROM (ROM), RAM (RAM), compact disc (CD) ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices.

[0031] Computer-readable storage media can also be used to store and execute program instructions in a distributed manner across a computer network, such as on a telematics server or a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0032] According to the present invention, an electric heating reactor includes a reaction tube through which a passage for reactants is formed, a power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tube to heat the reactants passing through the passage, a pair of conductive sockets connecting the power supply and the reaction tube so that current can flow, and a heating element disposed inside the reaction tube, electrically connected to the reaction tube, and generating heat by receiving power supplied from the power supply.

[0033] When power is supplied to the reaction tube through the conductive socket, the reaction tube and heating element generate heat, allowing heat to be evenly transferred to the reactants passing through the passage.

[0034] Therefore, the inside of the reaction tube can be heated evenly, and the formation of cold spots can be suppressed.

[0035] Furthermore, it can improve the problem of uneven endothermic reactions caused by cold spots.

[0036] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the electric heating reactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to generate heat in response to a power supply and to use that heat to transfer heat to the reactants inside.

[0039] The electric heating reactor 10 includes a reaction tube 20, a power supply 40, and a pair of conductive sockets (first and second conductive sockets 30a and 30b).

[0040] The reaction tube 20 is made of an alloy material having high resistivity (e.g., Ni-Cr, Fe-Cr, Fe-Ni-Cr, Fe-Cr-Al, etc.), and a passage for the reactants to pass through is formed longitudinally inside it. For example, the reaction tube 20 may be formed in an annular pipe shape with a passage formed longitudinally inside it. However, the shape of the reaction tube 20 is not limited to an annular pipe shape. Because the reaction tube 20 has high resistivity, when power is applied to the reaction tube 20, heat is generated in the reaction tube 20, and this heat can be transferred to the reactants in the passage.

[0041] An inlet 22 is formed at one end of the reaction tube 20, and the reactants to be reacted flow into the reaction tube 20 through the inlet 22. An outlet 24 is formed at the other end of the reaction tube 20, and the product of the completed reaction and / or unreacted material that has not been reacted flows out of the reaction tube 20 through the outlet 24.

[0042] The power supply 40 is configured to supply power to the reaction tube 20. The power supply 40 may be an AC power supply or a DC power supply.

[0043] A pair of conductive sockets 30a and 30b electrically connect the power supply 40 and the reaction tube 20.

[0044] When the power supply 40 supplies power to the reaction tube 20 through a pair of conductive sockets 30a and 30b, the reaction tube 20 generates heat. This heat is transferred to the reactants passing through the passage, heating them. The first conductive socket 30a is attached to one end of the reaction tube 20 and electrically connects the power supply 40 and one end of the reaction tube 20 via a wire 42. The second conductive socket 30b is attached to the other end of the reaction tube 20 and electrically connects the power supply 40 and the other end of the reaction tube 20 via a wire 42. As a result, power from the power supply 40 is supplied to the reaction tube 20 through the first and second conductive sockets 30a and 30b, and the reaction tube 20 generates heat which is transferred to the reactants passing through the passage.

[0045] An electric heating reactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a heating element 70 (see Figures 3 to 8). The heating element 70 is located inside the reaction tube 20 and extends longitudinally. The heating element 70 is made of an alloy material having high resistivity (e.g., Ni-Cr, Fe-Cr, Fe-Ni-Cr, Fe-Cr-Al, etc.) and can be made of the same material as the reaction tube 20 or a different material. The heating element 70 is electrically connected to the reaction tube 20. When the power supply 40 supplies power to the reaction tube 20 through a pair of conductive sockets 30a, 30b, the power is also supplied to the heating element 70, and both the reaction tube 20 and the heating element 70 generate heat. The heating element 70 is located in the center of the reaction tube 20 and generates heat, and the heat can be transferred to reactants located far from the inner wall of the reaction tube 20.

[0046] Therefore, the reactants inside the reaction tube 20 can be heated uniformly by the reaction tube 20 and the heating element 70. The heating element 70 will be described in more detail below.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an electric heating reactor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] As shown in Figure 2, the electric heating reactor 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the electric heating reactor 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a cooler 50, and an insulator 60. The electric heating reactor 10 includes, as described above, a reaction tube 20, a power supply 40, a pair of conductive sockets 32, 34, and a heating element 70.

[0049] An inlet 22 is formed at one end of the reaction tube 20, and the reactants to be reacted flow into the reaction tube 20 through the inlet 22. The reaction tube 20 is connected to a power supply 40 through a pair of conductive sockets 32 and 34, and generates heat when power is supplied from the power supply 40. In addition, a heating element 70 is placed inside the reaction tube 20 and is electrically connected to the reaction tube 20. Therefore, when power is supplied to the reaction tube 20 from the power supply 40, the power is also supplied to the heating element 70, and the heating element 70 also generates heat. The generated heat is evenly distributed to the reactants in the reaction tube 20. An outlet 24 is formed at the other end of the reaction tube 20, and the product of the completed reaction and / or unreacted material that has not yet reacted flows out of the reaction tube 20 through the outlet 24.

[0050] The cooler 50 is located near at least one of the first and second conductive sockets 30a and 30b, and is configured to cool the conductive sockets 30a and 30b through heat transfer with them. For this purpose, the cooler 50 is connected to a refrigerant inlet line 52, through which cold refrigerant flows into the cooler 50, and the cooler 50 is connected to a refrigerant outlet line 54, through which the refrigerant that has exchanged heat with the conductive sockets 30a and 30b flows out of the cooler 50 through the refrigerant outlet line 54. Here, the cooler 50 is located near the first and second conductive sockets 30a and 30b, and the refrigerant exchanges heat with the conductive sockets 30a and 30b, but the type and location of the cooler 50 are not limited to this. For example, the cooler 50 may be a cooler utilizing a Peltier element, or it may be a refrigerant jacket located within the conductive sockets 30a and 30b.

[0051] The insulator 60 surrounds at least a portion of the reaction tube 20 to provide thermal insulation.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates an example where the insulator 60 surrounds the reaction tube 20 between a pair of conductive sockets 32, 34, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the insulator 60 can surround the entire reaction tube 20. Because the insulator 60 surrounds the reaction tube 20 and provides thermal insulation, energy efficiency can be improved by reducing unnecessary heat loss to the outside of the reaction tube 20, and the temperature inside the reaction tube 20 can be efficiently and uniformly maintained.

[0053] Furthermore, the insulator 60 can electrically isolate the reaction tube 20 from its surroundings, thereby preventing safety accidents that could occur due to currents flowing through the reaction tube 20.

[0054] The heating elements that can be used in the electric heating reactor 10 according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0055] Figure 3 is a plan view showing an example of a heating element, Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the "A1" portion of Figure 3, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the "A1" portion of Figure 3, Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a heating element, Figure 7 is a plan view showing another example of a heating element, and Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a heating element.

[0056] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, in one example, the heating element 70 has an annular cross-section and extends in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the heating element 70 can have a pipe shape. The other end of the heating element 70 is electrically connected to the other end of the reaction tube 20 through the first connector 72a, and one end of the heating element 70 is electrically connected to one end of the reaction tube 20 through the second connector 72b.

[0057] The first and second connecting members 72a and 72b can be welded or screw-connected to the heating element 70 or the reaction tube 20. In one example, as shown in Figure 4, the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b can be welded to the reaction tube 20. More specifically, the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b can be connected to the heating element 70, and after the heating element 70 is placed inside the reaction tube 20, the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b can be welded to the reaction tube 20 to form a welded joint 74 between the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b and the reaction tube 20. In another example, as shown in Figure 5, the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b can be screw-connected to the reaction tube 20. More specifically, a first threaded portion 26 can be formed on the reaction tube 20, and a second threaded portion 76 corresponding to the first threaded portion 26 can be formed on the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b, so that the first and second threaded portions 26 and 76 can be screw-connected to each other. In another example, the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b can be screw-connected to one of the reaction tubes 20 and the heating element 70, and welded to the other of the reaction tubes 20 and the heating element 70. For example, as shown in Figure 5, after the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b are screw-connected to the reaction tube 20, the heating element 70 can be placed inside the reaction tube 20, and the first and second connecting members 72a and 72b can be welded to the heating element 70. Therefore, when power is supplied to the reaction tube 20 from the power supply 40, the power is also supplied to the heating element 70, and the heating element 70 also generates heat. The generated heat is evenly transferred to the reactants inside the reaction tube 20.

[0058] The heat generated by the reaction tube 20 and the heat generated by the heating element 70 can be controlled by adjusting the resistances of the reaction tube 20 and the heating element 70. If the resistance R1 of the reaction tube 20 is greater than the resistance R2 of the heating element 70, the current I1 flowing through the reaction tube 20 is less than the current I2 flowing through the heating element 70. Therefore, the heat generated by the heating element 70 is greater than that generated by the reaction tube 20, making it applicable to reactions where more heat is required in the center of the reaction tube 20. Conversely, if the resistance R1 of the reaction tube 20 is less than the resistance R2 of the heating element 70, the current I1 flowing through the reaction tube 20 is greater than the current I2 flowing through the heating element 70. Therefore, the heat generated by the reaction tube 20 is greater than that generated by the heating element 70, making it applicable to reactions where less heat is required in the center of the reaction tube 20.

[0059] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in another example, the heating element 70 can be formed in a cross-section in which at least two plates intersect each other. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a heating element 70 having a cross-section in which four plates intersect each other. The other end of one of the four plates is electrically connected to the other end of the reaction tube 20 through a first connector 72a, and the one end of one of the four plates is electrically connected to the one end of the reaction tube 20 through a second connector 72b.

[0060] However, the form of the heating element 70 is not limited to this. For example, to increase the contact area with the reactants, the heating element 70 can have a mesh, perforated, or corrugated shape.

[0061] Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all modifications that are readily available to a person with ordinary skill in the art and are considered equivalent to the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reaction tube in which a passage for reactants is formed along its longitudinal direction; A power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tube to heat the reactants passing through the passage; A pair of conductive sockets connecting the power supply and the reaction tube so that current can flow through them; and A heating element that extends longitudinally inside the reaction tube, is electrically connected to the reaction tube, and is configured to generate heat by receiving power supplied from a power source to further heat the reactants passing through the passage; An electric heating reactor, including one.

2. The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, wherein the heating element has an annular cross-section.

3. The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, wherein the heating element has a cross-section in which at least two plates intersect each other.

4. The electric heating reactor according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a pair of connectors that electrically connect the heating element and the reaction tube.

5. The electric heating reactor according to claim 4, wherein the pair of connecting members are welded or screw-connected to a heating element or reaction tube.

6. The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, further comprising an insulator that surrounds at least a portion of the reaction tube for thermal insulation.

7. The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, wherein the insulator surrounds the reaction tube between a pair of conductive sockets.

8. The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, further comprising a cooler for cooling at least one of the pair of conductive sockets.

9. The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, wherein the amount of heat generated by the reaction tube and the amount of heat generated by the heating element are controlled by adjusting the resistance of the reaction tube and the heating element.

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