Fluid heating device

Abstract

The present application provides a fluid heating device and a method for using the same that can improve the yield of target compounds (such as ethylene, propylene, and hydrogen) in the cracking process by controlling the inflowing heat flux itself according to the degree of pyrolysis, and reduce the generation of coke by controlling the inflowing heat flux itself according to the degree of pyrolysis in consideration of the physical and / or chemical properties of various pyrolysis targets, thereby reducing the production of compounds that are not target compounds (such as methane, ethane, benzene, and fuel oil), thereby reducing the generation of greenhouse gases.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0023601 filed on February 23, 2022, and the contents disclosed in the relevant Korean patent application document are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application relates to fluid heating devices and their applications. [Background technology]

[0003] Ethylene, propylene, and / or butadiene are olefins that are basic petrochemical raw materials. These olefins can be produced by diluting naphtha obtained by refining crude oil and / or various hydrocarbon raw materials (e.g., ethane, propane, and / or biodiesel) with steam and then cracking them through thermal cracking in a high-temperature cracking furnace.

[0004] The cracking furnace for performing the thermal cracking typically includes a radiant section, a convection section, and a steam generator. The naphtha or other material to be cracked is transported through a flow line, preheated in a preheater, and then partially vaporized in the convection section. The material is then mixed with steam and flows into the radiant section, where it is cracked by the high temperature heat.

[0005] The radiant section of a cracking furnace is where the pyrolysis target transported through the flow line receives thermal energy and undergoes a pyrolysis reaction. When pyrolysis is performed using a conventional high-temperature cracking furnace, heat is transferred along the entire flow line to process a large amount of pyrolysis target at once, due to the characteristics of large-scale equipment manufacturing. This heat transfer is achieved by thermal power generated by burning fuel. While thermal heat transfer is advantageous in terms of being able to economically process a large amount of pyrolysis target at once, it is difficult to control the amount of heat flowing in in accordance with the progress of pyrolysis, resulting in inefficient pyrolysis.

[0006] If the heat distribution pattern can be adjusted using a flow line, efficient pyrolysis of the pyrolysis target is possible. However, in conventional high-temperature cracking furnaces that use heat to perform pyrolysis, the heat pattern created by the heat is fixed. Furthermore, fine adjustments to the heat pattern are required to adjust or change the heat pattern, but fine control of the heat is very difficult in large-scale equipment industries, and fluctuating the heat intensity to control the heat pattern can actually result in more inefficient pyrolysis.

[0007] Therefore, conventional high-temperature cracking furnaces continuously apply the same heat, and therefore, once a heat pattern is formed, it becomes fixed, so that more or less heat than necessary may flow into a specific part. In such cases, side reactions of the thermal cracking target are activated, and the increased side reactions may result in the generation of coke.

[0008] Coke accumulates inside the flow lines, increasing the wall temperature of the flow lines. The accumulated coke reduces the diameter of the flow lines, increasing the differential pressure and reducing the operating cycle. The increased wall temperature and / or reduced operating cycle lead to inefficient pyrolysis.

[0009] Furthermore, when thermal decomposition is performed using a conventional high-temperature decomposition furnace, it is difficult to control the heat profile as described above, and therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to flexibly respond to changes in the thermal decomposition target.

[0010] Therefore, a fluid heating device is required that controls the heat flux itself according to the progress of pyrolysis in consideration of the physical and / or chemical characteristics of the pyrolysis target, and that ensures that the heat fluxes that flow in according to the progress of pyrolysis have a uniform profile. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-150968 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present application aims to provide a fluid heating device and its use that can improve the yield of target compounds (ethylene, propylene, and / or hydrogen, etc.) in the cracking process by controlling the heat flux according to the type of pyrolysis.

[0013] The present application aims to provide a fluid heating device and its use that can suppress or reduce the generation of unwanted by-products such as coke and side reactions by controlling the heat flux in consideration of the physical and / or chemical characteristics of various pyrolysis targets.

[0014] The present application aims to provide a fluid heating device and its use that can reduce the amount of non-target compounds (methane, ethane, benzene, fuel oil, etc.) generated.

[0015] The present application aims to provide a fluid heating device and its use that can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases produced. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] This application relates to a fluid heating device.

[0017] The fluid heating device may include a pipeline having an internal passageway through which a fluid may flow, and the internal passageway may be divided into two or more heat absorption regions.

[0018] The two or more distinct heat absorption regions may be regions formed so as to be able to absorb heat energy independently.

[0019] The thermal energy may heat a fluid flowing through the internal passageway or may be absorbed by the fluid, for example, the fluid may absorb the thermal energy with little or no increase in temperature.

[0020] The heat energy contained in each of the heat absorption regions may be generated by different heat generating units.

[0021] At least one of the heat generating units may be a unit (electric heat generating unit) configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

[0022] In one example, a certain percentage or more of all heat generating units included in the fluid heating device of the present application may be the electric heat generating units. For example, the lower limit of the ratio of the number of electric heat generating units to all heat generating units included in the fluid heating device may be approximately 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, and the upper limit may be approximately 100%. The ratio of the number of electric heat generating units may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits, but may be equal to or less than the upper limit.

[0023] The electrical heat generating unit may be configured to be supplied with electrical energy via direct current or alternating current.

[0024] The electrical heat generating unit may be configured to generate resistance heat by applying an electric current to the pipeline, and the resistance heat may be generated by applying a direct current or an alternating current to the pipeline.

[0025] The electric heat generating unit may be an external heat source provided apart from the pipeline, and may be an electric heat generating unit configured to convert electric energy into thermal energy.

[0026] The electrical heat generating unit may be configured to generate resistive heat by induced current in the pipeline.

[0027] The induced current may be generated by applying an alternating current to a coil wire that is spirally arranged around the pipeline and spaced apart from the pipeline.

[0028] The two or more heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid can pass through the heat absorption region where the absolute value of the deviation ΔH of the applied heat energy according to the following Equation 1 is 10 or more. [Formula 1] △H=100%×(H1-H2) / H2 In Equation 1, H1 is the thermal energy applied to one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and H2 is the thermal energy applied to a heat absorption region other than the heat absorption region to which the thermal energy of H1 is applied.

[0029] The two or more heat absorption regions may be arranged such that the thermal energy applied along the fluid flow direction decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases.

[0030] The two or more heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid can pass through the heat absorption region where the absolute value of the deviation ΔF of the heat flux according to the following Equation 2 is 10 or more. [Formula 2] △F=100%×(F1-F2) / F2 In Equation 2, F1 is the heat flux of one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and F2 is the heat flux of a heat absorption region different from the heat absorption region of the heat flux of F1.

[0031] The heat absorption region may be disposed in a direction along the fluid flow so that the fluid is exposed to a heat flux that decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases.

[0032] The heat absorption region may be positioned such that the fluid may be exposed to periodic fluctuations in heat flux or applied thermal energy within the internal passage as the fluid moves along the fluid flow direction.

[0033] The absolute value of the deviation between the maximum heat flux or maximum applied thermal energy and the minimum heat flux or minimum applied thermal energy within one period of the periodic fluctuation can be adjusted within a predetermined range.

[0034] The two or more heat absorption regions may be arranged such that the fluid is exposed to a heat flux or cyclical fluctuation of applied thermal energy that includes two or more cycles.

[0035] The two or more heat absorption regions may be arranged so that the ratio of the length of one period of the periodic fluctuation of the heat flux or applied thermal energy to the length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves is within the range of 1% to 200%.

[0036] The present application may also be a method for heating a fluid using the fluid heating device to produce a product, such as ethylene, propylene, and / or hydrogen.

[0037] The method may include independently applying thermal energy to two or more distinct heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device while moving fluid through an internal passage of the pipeline of the fluid heating device.

[0038] The heat energy applied to each heat absorption region may be generated by different heat generating units.

[0039] At least one of the heat generating units present in the fluid heating device may be the electric heat generating unit.

[0040] In one example, a certain percentage or more of all heat generating units included in the fluid heating device of the present application may be the electric heat generating units. For example, the lower limit of the ratio of the number of electric heat generating units to all heat generating units included in the fluid heating device may be approximately 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, and the upper limit may be approximately 100%. The ratio of the number of electric heat generating units may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits, but may be equal to or less than the upper limit.

[0041] The heat generating unit may be a device supplied with electrical energy via direct or alternating current.

[0042] The at least one heat generating unit may be a pipeline that generates resistance heat when energized, and the pipeline may be one that generates the resistance heat when a direct current or an alternating current is applied.

[0043] The at least one heat generating unit may be an external heat source provided apart from the pipeline, and the external heat source may convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

[0044] The at least one heat generating unit generates resistance heat by generating an induced current in the pipeline, and the induced current may be generated by applying an alternating current to a coil wire that is spirally arranged around the pipeline and spaced apart.

[0045] In the above, the fluid can apply thermal energy to two or more heat absorption regions where the absolute value of the deviation ΔH of the applied thermal energy according to the following formula 1 is 10 or more. [Formula 1] △H=100%×(H1-H2) / H2 In Equation 1, H1 is the thermal energy applied to one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and H2 is the thermal energy applied to a heat absorption region other than the heat absorption region to which the thermal energy of H1 is applied.

[0046] The two or more heat absorption regions may be arranged such that the thermal energy applied along the fluid flow direction decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases.

[0047] The two or more heat absorption regions may be arranged so that the fluid passes through the heat absorption region where the absolute value of the deviation ΔF of the heat flux according to the following Equation 2 is 10 or more. [Formula 2] △F=100%×(F1-F2) / F2 In Equation 2, F1 is the heat flux of one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and F2 is the heat flux of a heat absorption region different from the heat absorption region of the heat flux of F1.

[0048] The heat absorption region may be disposed in a direction along the fluid flow so that the fluid is exposed to a heat flux that decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases.

[0049] In this case, thermal energy can be applied to two or more heat absorption regions so that the fluid is exposed to a periodic change in heat flux or applied thermal energy within the internal passage along the flow direction.

[0050] Heat energy may be applied to two or more heat absorption regions so that the absolute value of the deviation between the maximum heat flux or applied heat energy and the minimum heat flux or applied heat energy within one period of the periodic fluctuation is 10% or more.

[0051] In this case, thermal energy can be applied to two or more heat absorption regions so that the fluid is exposed to a heat flux or periodic fluctuation of the applied thermal energy having two or more periods.

[0052] Heat energy can be applied to two or more heat absorption regions so that the ratio of the length of one period of the heat flux or periodic fluctuation of the applied heat energy to the length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves is within the range of 1% to 200%. [Effects of the Invention]

[0053] The present application provides a fluid heating device and a method for using the same that can improve the yield of a target product by freely controlling the heat flux according to the type of pyrolysis.

[0054] The present application provides a fluid heating device and a method for using the same that can reduce or suppress the generation of by-products such as coke and side reactions by freely controlling the heat flux in consideration of the physical and / or chemical properties of the pyrolysis target.

[0055] The present application can provide a fluid heating device and a method for using the same that can reduce the amount of undesired compounds (such as methane, ethane, benzene, and fuel oil) produced.

[0056] The present application can provide a fluid heating device and a method for using the same that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0057] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid heating device. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid heating device. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid heating device. [Figure 4]1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid heating device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pipeline configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pipeline configuration. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pipeline configuration. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pipeline configuration. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary pipeline cross-sectional configuration; FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fluid heating device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 shows the shape of the heat flow in the pipeline of Example 2. [Figure 12] 10 shows the shape of the heat flow rate in the pipeline of Comparative Example 2. [Figure 13] 1 shows the analysis results of the reaction products of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. [Figure 14] 10 shows the shape of the heat flow rate in the pipeline of Example 3. [Figure 15] 10 shows the shape of the heat flow rate in the pipeline of Comparative Example 3. [Figure 16] 1 shows the analysis results of the reaction products of Example 3 and Comparative Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0058] In the present specification, when a physical property is affected by the temperature at which it is measured, the physical property is measured at room temperature unless otherwise specified.

[0059] As used herein, the term "room temperature" refers to a natural temperature that is neither heated nor cooled, and may refer to, for example, a temperature within the range of 10°C to 30°C, such as a temperature of about 15°C or higher, about 18°C ​​or higher, about 20°C or higher, about 23°C or higher, or about 27°C or lower but not exceeding 30°C, or a temperature of about 25°C. Unless otherwise specified herein, the unit of temperature is Celsius (°C).

[0060] When a physical property mentioned in this specification is affected by the measurement pressure, the relevant physical property is measured at normal pressure unless otherwise specified.

[0061] As used herein, the term "normal pressure" refers to pressure in a state where there is no pressure or vacuum, and may refer to, for example, any pressure within the range of 0.9 atm to 1.2 atm or within the range of approximately 740 mmHg to 780 mmHg.

[0062] As used herein, the term "fluid" refers to a substance in or containing a gas phase and / or liquid phase. For example, the fluid may be one or more fluids selected from the group consisting of water, steam, air, and hydrocarbon compounds. The fluid is a target for heating and may be cracked by receiving thermal energy. The hydrocarbon compounds referred to herein may be fluids. Examples of the hydrocarbon compounds include naphtha, ethane, propane, methane, and / or biodiesel, and other compounds may be present as required by common knowledge in the art. The fluid may further contain water or steam for cracking using thermal energy, and may use a packed catalyst. In one example, when the fluid contains methane as a hydrocarbon compound, it may further contain carbon dioxide for reforming.

[0063] In one example, the fluid heating device disclosed herein can be part of a facility, such as a steam cracker, a reformer, and / or an alkane dehydrogenator, and the fluid heating device according to one example of the present application can perform at least one process in the facility.

[0064] In one example, the fluid heating device may be part of a steam cracker. The steam cracker may perform steam cracking. For example, the steam cracker may refer to equipment that converts relatively long-carbon chain hydrocarbons into relatively short-carbon chain hydrocarbons by adding thermal energy in the presence of steam, or converts other hydrocarbons into other hydrocarbons. Examples of the hydrocarbons that can be converted include naphtha, propane, butane, and / or ethane, and hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, propylene, and / or butadiene can be produced through the steam cracking.

[0065] In one example, the fluid heating device may be part of a reformer, which may be a facility for producing steam and / or carbon oxides from natural gas, light gasoline, methanol, biogas, and / or biomass, or a facility for producing hydrogen from methane and carbon dioxide.

[0066] In one example, the fluid heating device may be part of an alkane dehydrogenator, which may be a facility for dehydrogenating alkanes to produce alkenes.

[0067] The following description will be given with reference to the drawings relating to embodiments of the present invention, but this is for easier understanding of the fluid heating device and its uses, and the fluid heating device and its uses are not limited thereto.

[0068] One exemplary fluid heating device 1 may include a pipeline 10 having an internal passage through which a fluid may flow.

[0069] The shape of the pipeline 10 is not particularly limited. The shape of the pipeline 10 can be appropriately designed taking into consideration the physical and / or chemical properties and / or mixing ratio of the hydrocarbon compounds, steam, and / or other substances contained in the fluid to be pyrolyzed. Exemplary shapes of the pipeline 10 are shown in Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 shows a pipeline 10 having a shape with repeated U-shapes, and Figure 6 shows a pipeline 10 in which pipelines 10 having a shape with repeated U-shapes are arranged alternately so as not to overlap. Figure 7 shows a pipeline 10 having a U-shape, and Figure 8 shows a pipeline 10 having a L-shape.

[0070] The pipeline 10 of the fluid heating device 1 according to one example of the present application can be designed in the most appropriate form by comprehensively taking into consideration the physical and / or chemical properties and / or mixing ratio of the hydrocarbon compounds, steam and / or other substances contained in the fluid to be thermally decomposed; the fluid residence time; the operating cycle; and / or the type and size of the equipment including the device.

[0071] The cross-sectional shape of the pipeline 10 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected taking into consideration the physical and / or chemical properties and mixing ratio of the hydrocarbon compounds, steam and / or other substances contained in the fluid to be pyrolyzed.

[0072] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional shape of the pipeline 10. The cross-section of the pipeline 10 may include a circular surface 110 and an internal passage 120, as shown in FIG. 9, or a rectangular surface 110 and an internal passage 120. However, the cross-section of the pipeline 10 in FIG. 9 is merely an example, and the cross-section of the pipeline 10 may have various shapes, such as a triangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, and / or an ellipse. The internal passage 120 may be an open space through which a fluid can flow. Furthermore, the pipeline surface 110 may be made of a material that has excellent thermal conductivity, high heat resistance, and generates resistance heat when an electric current is passed through it, in order to generate or transfer thermal energy, as described below. In one example, the pipeline 10 or its surface 110 may be made of or include nickel, chromium, and / or a nickel-chromium alloy material.

[0073] The length of the pipeline 10 is not particularly limited and may be appropriately selected taking into consideration the physical and / or chemical properties and / or mixing ratio of the hydrocarbon compounds, steam and / or other substances contained in the fluid to be pyrolyzed.

[0074] In the exemplary fluid heating device 1, the pipeline 10 has an internal passage 120 through which a fluid can flow.

[0075] At this time, the pipeline 10 or the internal passage 120 of the pipeline 10 can be divided into two or more heat absorbing regions.

[0076] The heat absorption region may be a region that receives thermal energy from a heat generating unit (e.g., a region that receives thermal energy directly from the heat generating unit). That is, the heat absorption region may be a region to which the heat generating unit applies thermal energy. For example, the heat absorption region may be i) an internal passage 120 of the pipeline 10 if the heat generating unit is part of the pipeline 10, or ii) an internal passage 120 of a part of the pipeline 10 located closest to the external heat source 40 if the heat generating unit is an external heat source 40 installed apart from the pipeline 10.

[0077] In the fluid heating device 1, the two or more heat absorption regions may be regions that independently receive thermal energy. For example, the two or more heat absorption regions may be regions that independently receive thermal energy from separate, distinct heat generating units. The thermal energy received by each of the heat absorption regions may be generated from the corresponding heat generating unit.

[0078] The pipeline 10 of the fluid heating device 1 or its internal passage 120 may include a non-heat absorbing region. As described above, the internal passage 120 may be divided into two or more heat absorbing regions. The non-heat absorbing region may be a portion that does not correspond to the heat absorbing region or a portion that does not directly receive thermal energy from the heat generating unit. The non-heat absorbing region may be a portion of the internal passage 120 that does not directly receive thermal energy from the heat generating unit. Even a non-heat absorbing region may receive thermal energy obtained by contact with a heated fluid, thermal energy obtained indirectly rather than directly from the heat generating unit, and other thermal energy.

[0079] In the fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application, the thermal energy stored in each heat absorption region can heat the fluid flowing through the internal passage 120. The thermal energy can heat the fluid flowing through the internal passage 120 in the pipeline 10. Heating the fluid can mean that the temperature of the fluid is increased or that the fluid absorbs heat. Cracking can be performed through heating or absorption of heat by the thermal energy of the fluid, thereby producing the desired main olefins (such as ethylene and / or propylene) and / or hydrogen, which are basic raw materials for petrochemicals.

[0080] The fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application may include two or more heat generating units that independently generate the thermal energy contained in each heat absorption region. The thermal energy contained in each heat absorption region may be generated by each heat generating unit.

[0081] By adopting this method, the fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application can individually control the heat flux inflow according to the degree of progress of pyrolysis, thereby improving the yield of the target compound in the cracking process.By adopting this method, the fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application can individually control the heat flux inflow according to the degree of progress of pyrolysis in consideration of the physical and / or chemical characteristics of various pyrolysis targets by adjusting the thermal energy generated by each heat generating unit, thereby reducing or suppressing the generation of by-products or side reactions such as coke.

[0082] The fluid heating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application may include at least one heat generating unit that converts electrical energy into thermal energy. The heat generating unit generates thermal energy when electrical energy is input, and the generated thermal energy may be transferred to the fluid flowing through the internal passage 120.

[0083] The fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application may include at least one heat generating unit to which electrical energy is supplied via DC or AC. The heat generating unit and the power supply 30 may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to supply DC or AC to the heat generating unit. In this case, if the power supply 30 is a DC power supply, DC may be supplied, and if the power supply 30 is an AC power supply, AC may be supplied. The fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application may use a DC power supply or an AC power supply as needed.

[0084] As used herein, the term "direct current" refers to a current that flows in a constant direction independent of time, and "alternating current" refers to a current whose magnitude and phase change periodically over time. A direct current power supply can provide a time-independent voltage, and an alternating current power supply can provide a voltage whose magnitude and phase change periodically over time.

[0085] The fluid heating device 1 according to one example of the present application can reduce the production of greenhouse gases (such as methane and carbon dioxide) by generating thermal energy from the supply of electrical energy, and each of the heat absorption regions can independently accommodate thermal energy.

[0086] In the fluid heating device 1 according to an embodiment of the present application, at least one heat generating unit may be a pipeline 10 that generates resistance heat when energized. The pipeline 10 may be supplied with direct current or alternating current to generate the resistance heat. As described above, the direct current and alternating current may be supplied by a power supply 30 that is directly or indirectly electrically connected to a portion of the pipeline 10.

[0087] Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application. The fluid heating device 1 of the present application is not limited to the structure shown in Fig. 1, and Fig. 1 is merely an example.

[0088] 1 includes a U-shaped pipeline 10, which is divided into three heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23 according to the direction of fluid flow. In each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23, a power supply 30 may be directly connected to the corresponding pipeline 10 or its outer surface. The power supplies 30 may be DC or AC, or all may be DC, all may be AC, or some may be DC and some may be AC.

[0089] In the above structure, the pipeline 10 or its surface 110 may be selected and applied with a material that has excellent thermal conductivity and high heat resistance, and generates resistance heat when passing an electric current, in order to generate thermal energy and transfer the generated thermal energy to the fluid flowing through the internal passage 120. In one example, the pipeline 10 or its surface 110 may be made of or include nickel, chromium, and / or a nickel-chromium alloy material.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 1, AC or DC current generated by each power supply 30 is supplied to the outer surface 110 of the pipeline 10. Resistance heat is generated by the AC or DC current on the outer surface 110, and the generated resistance heat is accommodated by the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23, which transfers heat energy to the fluid flowing in the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23. If a particular heat absorption region is designed to require a large amount of heat energy, more heat energy can be transferred by increasing the AC or DC current supplied by the power supply 30. Conversely, if a particular heat absorption region is designed to require less heat energy, less heat energy can be transferred by decreasing the AC or DC current supplied by the power supply 30. This adjustment can be performed through each power supply 30 corresponding to the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23, thereby controlling the heat flux itself according to the progress of pyrolysis.

[0091] In the fluid heating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present application, at least one heat generating unit may be an external heat source 40 provided separately from the pipeline 10. This configuration is illustrated in FIG. 2. The external heat source 40 may be a device that receives electrical energy and converts it into thermal energy. The thermal energy converted by the external heat source 40 may be transferred to the pipeline 10 to heat the fluid flowing through the internal passage 120 of the pipeline 10, or the fluid may absorb the thermal energy.

[0092] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of a fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application. The fluid heating device 1 of the present application is not limited to the structure shown in Fig. 2, and Fig. 2 is merely an example.

[0093] The fluid heating device 1 of Figure 2 has a U-shaped pipeline 10, which is divided into three heat absorption areas 21, 22, and 23 according to the direction of fluid flow. Each of the heat absorption areas 21, 22, and 23 is separated from the pipeline 10 and can accommodate thermal energy generated by an external heat source 40 provided independently.

[0094] The external heat source 40 may be electrically connected directly or indirectly to the power supply 30 to receive electrical energy. The power supply 30 may be a DC power supply and / or an AC power supply. The external heat source 40 generates resistance heat using the electrical energy supplied through the power supply 30, and the generated resistance heat is absorbed by each heat absorption region to heat the fluid or the fluid may absorb the thermal energy. If a specific heat absorption region is designed to require a large amount of thermal energy, more thermal energy can be transferred by increasing the AC or DC current supplied by the power supply 30. If a specific heat absorption region is designed to require less thermal energy, less thermal energy can be transferred by decreasing the AC or DC current supplied by the power supply 30. This allows the inflow of heat flux to be controlled according to the progress of pyrolysis.

[0095] The external heat sources 40 may be independently provided to transfer thermal energy to at least a portion of the surface of the pipeline 10 corresponding to each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23 while being spaced apart from the pipeline 10. For example, referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that the external heat sources 40 can transfer thermal energy to a portion of the surface of the pipeline 10 corresponding to each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23 of the U-shaped pipeline 10.

[0096] Although not shown, the external heat source 40 may be provided so as to be spaced apart from the pipeline 10 and to be able to transfer thermal energy to all surfaces of the pipeline 10 corresponding to each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23. For example, the external heat source 40 may be provided in a form that surrounds the corresponding pipeline 10 so that thermal energy is transferred to all surfaces of the pipeline 10 corresponding to each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23. As long as thermal energy can be transferred to all surfaces of the corresponding pipeline 10, the structure is not limited to this. If the external heat source 40 is configured so that thermal energy is transferred to all surfaces of the pipeline 10 corresponding to each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23, it is possible to prevent uneven heating of the fluid flowing through each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23, which would occur if thermal energy were transferred only to specific locations.

[0097] In the fluid heating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present application, at least one heat generating unit may be a pipeline 10 in which resistance heat is generated by the generation of an induced current. This is illustrated in FIG. 3. With this structure, the pipeline 10 can generate resistance heat by the induced current. The induced current may be generated by applying an alternating current to a coil wire 50 that is spirally arranged around the pipeline 10 and spaced apart.

[0098] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of a fluid heating device 1 according to an example of the present application. The fluid heating device 1 of the present application is not limited to the structure shown in Fig. 3, and Fig. 3 is merely an example.

[0099] The fluid heating device 1 of FIG. 3 includes a U-shaped pipeline 10, which is divided into three heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23 according to the direction of fluid flow. Each of the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23 includes a coil wire 50 spirally surrounding the pipeline 10 at a distance. The coil wire 50 may be connected to a power supply 30 to allow AC current to flow therethrough, and the power supply 30 may be an AC power supply that applies AC current. When AC current is applied to the coil wire 50, an induced current is generated on the surface 110 of the pipeline 10 due to electromagnetic induction. The generated induced current generates resistance heat on the surface 110 of the pipeline 10, and the generated resistance heat can heat the fluid flowing in the heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23 or transfer the thermal energy to the fluid. The surface 110 of the pipeline 10 may be made of a material that generates resistance heat due to the induced current generated by the coil wire 50. In one example, the pipeline 10 or its surface 110 may be made of or include nickel, chromium, and / or a nickel-chromium alloy material.

[0100] If a specific heat absorption region is designed to require a large amount of heat energy, more heat energy can be transferred by increasing the AC or DC current supplied by power supply 30. If a specific heat absorption region is designed to require less heat energy, less heat energy can be transferred by decreasing the AC or DC current supplied by power supply 30. This can be achieved through each power supply 30 corresponding to heat absorption regions 21, 22, and 23, thereby controlling the heat flux itself according to the progress of pyrolysis. Furthermore, in this case, the strength of the induced current can be adjusted by the number of turns of coil wire 50, the predetermined distance from pipeline 10, the material of coil wire 50, etc., and heat energy can be transferred independently based on this.

[0101] A fluid heating device 1 according to one embodiment of the present application can use various types of heat generating units. Figure 4 is an exemplary schematic diagram of such a fluid heating device 1. Referring to Figure 4, a first heat absorption area 21 receives thermal energy converted from electrical energy supplied by a power supply 30 directly connected to the outer surface 110 of the corresponding pipeline 10. A second heat absorption area 22 receives thermal energy generated by an external heat source 40, and a third heat absorption area 23 receives thermal energy generated by an induced current that flows on the surface 110 of the pipeline 10 when an alternating current is applied to a coil wire 50 that is spaced apart and spirally surrounds the pipeline 10.

[0102] In this application, the power supply unit 30 (hereinafter referred to as the first electric heat generating unit) directly connected to the pipeline 10 or its external surface as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the electric external heat source 40 (hereinafter referred to as the second electric heat generating unit) provided separately from the pipeline 10 as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, and the heat source 50 (hereinafter referred to as the third electric heat generating unit) that generates an induced current as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 may all be electric heat generating units that convert electric energy into thermal energy.

[0103] In one example, a certain percentage or more of all the heat generating units included in the fluid heating device of the present application may be the electric heat generating units. For example, the lower limit of the ratio of the number of electric heat generating units to all the heat generating units included in the fluid heating device may be approximately 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, and the upper limit may be approximately 100%. The ratio of the number of electric heat generating units may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits, but may be equal to or less than the upper limit. Furthermore, all of the electric heat generating units included in the fluid heating device may be one of the first to third electric heat generating units, or in some cases, may be a combination of two or more of the first to third electric heat generating units. Furthermore, even if all of the electric heat generating units are one of the first to third electric heat generating units, the form or amount of heat energy generated by each heat generating unit may be different from each other.

[0104] According to the fluid heating device of the present application, the process can be efficiently carried out by applying heat energy in different forms to the two or more distinct heat absorption regions.

[0105] In one example, the two or more heat absorption regions distinct from each other of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid moving through the pipeline passes through the heat absorption region where the absolute value of the deviation ΔH of the applied thermal energy according to the following Equation 1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined range. [Formula 1] △H=100×(H1-H2) / H2 In Equation 1, H1 is the thermal energy applied to one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and H2 is the thermal energy applied to a heat absorption region other than the heat absorption region to which the thermal energy of H1 is applied.

[0106] The fluid may pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H1 and then pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H2, or may pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H2 and then pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H1.

[0107] The heat energy is the heat energy applied to each heat absorption region per unit time, and the unit may be cal / sec.

[0108] The lower limit of the absolute value of ΔH in Formula 1 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔH in Formula 1 may be equal to or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be equal to or exceed any one of the lower limits but be equal to or exceed any one of the upper limits. ΔH in Formula 1 may be a negative or positive number.

[0109] That is, the fluid heating device having two or more distinct heat absorption regions may include a region where the applied heat energy is relatively large and a region where the applied heat energy is relatively small, and the fluid may move between the regions sequentially or alternately.

[0110] For example, the heat absorption region of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the thermal energy applied to the fluid along the fluid flow direction decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases, and the increase or decrease in the thermal energy may proceed so that the absolute value of ΔH in Equation 1 falls within the above range.

[0111] In one example, the plurality of heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid repeatedly experiences the absolute value of the thermal energy deviation ΔH of Equation 1 within the above-mentioned range along the flow direction as it moves along the pipeline. That is, the plurality of heat absorption regions may be arranged so that the fluid experiences at least one of an increase and a decrease in thermal energy according to the absolute value of the thermal energy deviation ΔH of Equation 1 within the above-mentioned range at least twice as it moves along the pipeline. The number of times the fluid experiences at least one of an increase and a decrease in thermal energy according to the absolute value of the thermal energy deviation ΔH of Equation 1 within the above-mentioned range may be about 2, 3, or 4 times at the lower limit, and about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 times at the upper limit. The number of times may be greater than or exceeding any one of the above-mentioned lower limits, or may be greater than or exceeding any one of the above-mentioned lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the above-mentioned upper limits.

[0112] When the fluid experiences an increase in thermal energy, the lower limit of ΔH in Equation 1 may be about 10, 20, 30, or 40, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. ΔH in Equation 1 may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. In this case, H1 in Equation 1 represents the thermal energy applied to the heat absorption region with the greater applied thermal energy among the two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves, and H2 represents the thermal energy applied to the heat absorption region with the less applied thermal energy among the two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves. After passing through the heat absorption region with the smaller applied thermal energy, the fluid may again pass through the heat absorption region with the greater applied thermal energy. In this case, the fluid does not need to pass through any other heat absorption region between the two heat absorption regions.

[0113] When the fluid experiences a decrease in thermal energy, the lower limit of ΔH in Equation 1 may be about 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, or 80. ΔH in Equation 1 may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. In this case, H1 in Equation 1 is the thermal energy applied to the heat absorption region with the greater thermal energy between two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves, and H2 is the thermal energy applied to the heat absorption region with the lesser thermal energy between two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves. The fluid may pass through the heat absorption region where the applied heat energy is large and then pass through the heat absorption region where the applied heat energy is small again. In this case, the fluid may not pass through another heat absorption region between the two heat absorption regions.

[0114] The applied heat energy can be adjusted as described above depending on the purpose of the process, thereby making it possible to carry out the process more effectively.

[0115] In one example, the two or more heat absorption regions distinct from each other of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid moving through the pipeline passes through the heat absorption region where the absolute value of the deviation ΔF of the applied heat flux according to the following Equation 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined range. [Formula 2] △F=100%×(F1-F2) / F2 In Equation 2, F1 is the heat flux in one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and F2 is the heat flux in a heat absorption region different from the heat absorption region of F1.

[0116] The fluid may pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F1 and then pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F2, or may pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F2 and then pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F1.

[0117] The unit of heat flux is W / cm 2 It could be.

[0118] The lower limit of the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits, or may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. ΔF in Equation 2 may be a negative or positive number.

[0119] That is, the fluid heating device having two or more distinct heat absorption regions may include a region with a relatively large heat flux and a region with a relatively small heat flux, and the fluid may move between the regions sequentially or alternately.

[0120] For example, the heat absorption region of the fluid heating device may be disposed to be exposed to a heat flux that decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases, as the fluid moves along the fluid flow direction. In this case, the increase or decrease in the heat flux may proceed so that the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 falls within the above range.

[0121] In one example, the plurality of heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid repeatedly experiences the absolute value of the heat flux deviation ΔF of Equation 2 within the above-mentioned range along the flow direction as it moves along the pipeline. That is, the plurality of heat absorption regions may be arranged so that the fluid experiences at least two or more increases and decreases in heat flux according to the absolute value of the heat flux deviation ΔF of Equation 2 within the above-mentioned range as it moves along the pipeline. The number of increases and decreases in heat flux according to the absolute value of the heat flux deviation ΔF of Equation 2 within the above-mentioned range that the fluid experiences may be at least two, three, or four times, and at most ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, or two times. The number of times may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits mentioned above, or may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits mentioned above but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits mentioned above.

[0122] When the fluid experiences an increase in the heat flux, the lower limit of the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. The fluid may be exposed to the small heat flux and then again to a large heat flux.

[0123] When the fluid experiences a decrease in the heat flux, the lower limit of the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. The fluid may be exposed to a large heat flux and then to a small heat flux.

[0124] The heat flux can be adjusted as described above depending on the purpose of the process to make the process more effective.

[0125] In one embodiment, the two or more heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid is exposed to a heat flux or applied thermal energy that fluctuates periodically within the internal passage along the fluid flow direction. The periodic fluctuation of the heat flux or applied thermal energy means that the fluid is exposed to the heat flux or applied thermal energy increasing and then decreasing two or more times. That is, if one period is defined as the time from when the heat flux or applied thermal energy begins to increase to when the heat flux or applied thermal energy decreases and then begins to increase again, the fluid may move along the flow direction and be exposed to one period two or more times.

[0126] The lower limit of the number of times the fluid is exposed to recovery in one cycle may be about 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and the upper limit may be about 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, or 6. The number of times may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits, or may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits.

[0127] The lower limit of the deviation between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the heat flux or thermal energy in one period of the periodic fluctuation (i.e., from the point at which the heat flux or thermal energy starts to increase to the point at which the heat flux or thermal energy increases, decreases, and then starts to increase again) may be about 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 5%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, 500%, 550%, 600%, 650%, 700%, or 750%, and the upper limit may be about 10,000%, 5,000%, 4,500%, 4,000%, 3,500%, 3,000%, The deviation may be about 2,500%, 2,000%, 1,500%, 1,000%, 950%, 900%, 850%, 800%, 750%, 700%, 650%, 600%, 550%, 500%, 450%, 400%, 350%, 300%, 250%, 200%, 150%, 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, or 3%. The deviation may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. The deviation is calculated as 100 x (AB) / B, where A is the largest heat flux or thermal energy value in one period and B is the smallest heat flux or thermal energy value in one period.

[0128] Meanwhile, the ratio of the length of one period (i.e., the time from when the heat flux or thermal energy starts to increase to the time when the heat flux or thermal energy increases, decreases, and then starts to increase again) to the total length of the pipeline or the length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves can be adjusted. For example, the lower limit of the ratio may be about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, or 30%, and the upper limit may be about 200%, 195%, 190%, 185%, 180%, 175%, 170%, 165%, 160%, 155%, 150%, 145%, 140%, 135%, 130%, 125%, 120%, 115%, 110%, 105%, 100%, 95%, 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, or 10%. The ratio may be greater than or exceeding any one of the lower limits, less than or equal to any one of the upper limits, or greater than or exceeding any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. The ratio is calculated as 100×L1 / L, where L is the total length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves in the fluid heating device, and L1 is the length of one cycle.

[0129] There are no particular limitations on the method for generating the periodic fluctuations or heat flux or applied thermal energy fluctuations in the pipeline. For example, the periodic fluctuations or heat flux or applied thermal energy fluctuations can be achieved by adjusting the type of heat generating units present in the fluid heating device, the amount of heat applied to each unit, and / or the spacing between the units.

[0130] By arranging the heat absorption region so that the fluid heating device can be driven in this manner, the process can be carried out effectively according to the purpose.

[0131] The present application also relates to a method of heating a fluid using the fluid heating device or a method of heating a fluid using the fluid heating device to produce a product.

[0132] In this case, the type of the product is not particularly limited and can be determined by the raw material to be heated or reacted using the fluid heating device. For example, if the method is a cracking process or a part of the process, the product can be, but is not limited to, ethylene, propylene, and / or hydrogen.

[0133] The method can be performed using the fluid heating device described above. Therefore, the details of the fluid heating device used in the method can be the same as those described above.

[0134] For example, the method may include applying thermal energy independently to two or more distinct heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device while moving fluid through an internal passage of a pipeline of the fluid heating device.

[0135] The heat energy applied to each heat absorption region may be generated by different heat generating units, and at least one of the heat generating units may be the electrical heat generating unit described above.

[0136] This method can be performed so that the fluid is exposed to an appropriate amount of heat energy or heat flux as it travels through the pipeline.

[0137] For example, in the above method, the application of thermal energy to the heat absorption region may be performed so that the fluid passes through the heat absorption region where the absolute value of the deviation ΔH of the applied thermal energy according to Equation 1 below is equal to or greater than a predetermined range while moving through the pipeline of the fluid heating device. [Formula 1] △H=100%×(H1-H2) / H2 In Equation 1, H1 is the thermal energy applied to one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and H2 is the thermal energy applied to a heat absorption region other than the heat absorption region to which the thermal energy of H1 is applied.

[0138] The fluid may pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H1 and then pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H2, or may pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H2 and then pass through an endothermic region where the applied thermal energy is H1. The thermal energy is the thermal energy applied to each endothermic region per unit time, and may be expressed in cal / sec.

[0139] The lower limit of the absolute value of ΔH in Formula 1 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔH in Formula 1 may be equal to or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be equal to or exceed any one of the lower limits but be equal to or exceed any one of the upper limits. ΔH in Formula 1 may be a negative or positive number.

[0140] That is, the fluid heating device having two or more distinct heat absorption regions may include a region where the applied heat energy is relatively large and a region where the applied heat energy is relatively small, and the fluid may move between the regions sequentially or alternately.

[0141] For example, the application of thermal energy to the heat absorption region of the fluid heating device may be performed such that the fluid moves along the direction of the fluid flow and is exposed to a decreasing and then increasing thermal energy, or to an increasing and then decreasing thermal energy, and the increase or decrease in the thermal energy may proceed such that the absolute value of ΔH in Equation 1 falls within the above range.

[0142] In one example, the application of thermal energy to the heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be performed such that the fluid repeatedly experiences the absolute value of the thermal energy deviation ΔH of Equation 1 within the range described above along the flow direction as it moves along the pipeline. That is, the application of thermal energy to the heat absorption regions may be performed such that the fluid experiences at least two increases and decreases in thermal energy according to the absolute value of the thermal energy deviation ΔH of Equation 1 within the range described above as it moves along the pipeline. The number of increases and decreases in thermal energy according to the absolute value of the thermal energy deviation ΔH of Equation 1 within the range described above may be at least two, three, or four times, and at most ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, or two times. The number of increases and decreases may be greater than or equal to any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or equal to any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits.

[0143] When heat energy is applied such that the fluid experiences an increase in heat energy, the lower limit of ΔH in Equation 1 may be about 10, 20, 30, or 40, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. ΔH in Equation 1 may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits, or may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. In this case, H1 in Equation 1 represents the heat energy applied to the heat absorption region with the greater heat energy applied between two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves, and H2 represents the heat energy applied to the heat absorption region with the lesser heat energy applied between two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves. The fluid may pass through the heat absorption region where the applied heat energy is small and then pass through the heat absorption region where the applied heat energy is large. In this case, the fluid may not pass through another heat absorption region between the two heat absorption regions.

[0144] When heat energy is applied such that the fluid experiences a decrease in heat energy, the lower limit of ΔH in Equation 1 may be about 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, or 80. ΔH in Equation 1 may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. In this case, H1 in Equation 1 represents the heat energy applied to the heat absorption region with the greater heat energy applied between two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves, and H2 represents the heat energy applied to the heat absorption region with the lesser heat energy applied between two heat absorption regions through which the fluid moves. The fluid may pass through the heat absorption region where the applied heat energy is large and then pass through the heat absorption region where the applied heat energy is small again. In this case, the fluid may not pass through another heat absorption region between the two heat absorption regions.

[0145] The applied heat energy can be adjusted as described above depending on the purpose of the process, thereby making it possible to carry out the process more effectively.

[0146] In one example, the application of thermal energy to two or more distinct heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device in the above method may be performed so that the fluid moving through the pipeline is exposed to the heat absorption region where the absolute value of the deviation ΔF of the applied heat flux according to Equation 2 below is equal to or greater than a predetermined range. [Formula 2] △F=100%×(F1-F2) / F2 In Equation 2, F1 is the heat flux in one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and F2 is the heat flux in a heat absorption region different from the heat absorption region of F1.

[0147] The fluid may pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F1 and then pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F2, or may pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F2 and then pass through an endothermic region where the heat flux is F1.

[0148] The unit of heat flux is W / cm 2 It could be.

[0149] The lower limit of the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits, or may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. ΔF in Equation 2 may be a negative or positive number.

[0150] That is, the fluid heating device having two or more distinct heat absorption regions may include a region with a relatively large heat flux and a region with a relatively small heat flux, and the fluid may move between the regions sequentially or alternately.

[0151] For example, the application of thermal energy to the heat absorption region of the fluid heating device may be performed such that the fluid is exposed to a heat flux that decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases, during the process of movement according to the direction of fluid flow. In this case, the increase or decrease in the heat flux may be performed so that the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 falls within the above range.

[0152] In one example, the application of thermal energy to the plurality of heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be arranged so that the fluid repeatedly experiences the absolute value of the deviation ΔF of the heat flux in the range of Equation 2 along the flow direction as it moves along the pipeline. That is, the application of thermal energy to the plurality of heat absorption regions may be performed so that the fluid experiences at least two increases and decreases in heat flux according to the absolute value of the deviation ΔF of the heat flux in Equation 2 as it moves along the pipeline. The number of increases and decreases in heat flux according to the absolute value of the deviation ΔF of the heat flux in Equation 2 may be at least two, three, or four times, and at most ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, or two times. The number of times may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits mentioned above, or may be equal to or greater than any one of the lower limits mentioned above but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits mentioned above.

[0153] When thermal energy is applied such that the fluid experiences an increase in the heat flux, the lower limit of the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. The fluid may be exposed to the small heat flux and then again to a large heat flux.

[0154] When thermal energy is applied such that the fluid experiences a decrease in the heat flux, the lower limit of the absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be about 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, or 130, and the upper limit may be about 1000, 900, 800, 700, 600, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, or 50. The absolute value of ΔF in Equation 2 may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be greater than or exceed any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. The fluid may be exposed to the large heat flux and then to a small heat flux.

[0155] The heat flux can be adjusted as described above depending on the purpose of the process to make the process more effective.

[0156] In one example, the application of thermal energy to two or more heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device may be performed by exposing the fluid to a heat flux or applied thermal energy that periodically fluctuates within the internal passage along the fluid flow direction. Here, the periodic fluctuation of the heat flux or applied thermal energy means that the fluid is exposed to the heat flux or applied thermal energy increasing and then decreasing two or more times. That is, if one period is defined as the time from when the heat flux or applied thermal energy begins to increase to when the heat flux or applied thermal energy decreases and then begins to increase again, the fluid may move along the flow direction and be exposed to one period two or more times.

[0157] The lower limit of the number of times the fluid is exposed in one cycle may be about 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, and the upper limit may be about 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 9, 8, 7, or 6. The number of times may be equal to or exceed any one of the lower limits, or may be equal to or exceed any one of the lower limits but be equal to or exceed any one of the upper limits.

[0158] The lower limit of the deviation between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the heat flux or thermal energy in one period of the periodic fluctuation (i.e., from the point at which the heat flux or thermal energy starts to increase to the point at which the heat flux or thermal energy increases, decreases, and then starts to increase again) may be about 1, 1.5, 2, 5, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, or 750, and the upper limit may be about 10,000, 5,000, 4,500, 4,000, 3,500, 3 The deviation may be on the order of 1,000, 2,500, 2,000, 1,500, 1,000, 950, 900, 850, 800, 750, 700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, or 3. The deviation may be equal to or exceeding any one of the lower limits mentioned above, or may be within a range that is equal to or exceeds any one of the lower limits mentioned above but is equal to or exceeds any one of the upper limits mentioned above. The deviation is calculated as 100 x (AB) / B, where A is the largest heat flux or thermal energy value in one period and B is the smallest heat flux or thermal energy value in one period.

[0159] The ratio of the length of one period (i.e., the time from when the heat flux or thermal energy starts to increase to the time when the heat flux or thermal energy increases, decreases, and then starts to increase again) to the total length of the pipeline or the length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves can be adjusted. For example, the lower limit of the ratio may be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30, and the upper limit may be about 200, 195, 190, 185, 180, 175, 170, 165, 160, 155, 150, 145, 140, 135, 130, 125, 120, 115, 110, 105, 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, or 10. The ratio may be greater than or exceeding any one of the lower limits, less than or equal to any one of the upper limits, or greater than or exceeding any one of the lower limits but less than or equal to any one of the upper limits. The ratio is calculated as 100×L1 / L, where L is the total length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves in the fluid heating device, and L1 is the length of one cycle.

[0160] There are no particular limitations on the method for generating the periodic fluctuations or heat flux or applied thermal energy fluctuations in the pipeline. For example, the periodic fluctuations or heat flux or applied thermal energy fluctuations can be achieved by adjusting the type of heat generating units present in the fluid heating device, the amount of heat applied to each unit, and / or the spacing between the units.

[0161] To confirm the effects of the fluid heating device of the present application, a fluid heating device 1 including a pipeline 10 as shown in Figure 10 was prepared (Example 1). The pipeline 10 of Figure 10 was divided into a total of four heat absorption regions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, and a DC power supply 30 capable of adjusting the amount of current was electrically connected to the surface 110 of the pipeline 10 corresponding to each of the heat absorption regions 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. The fluid to be thermally decomposed was a fluid including liquefied petroleum gas (LGP) containing compounds with a carbon number of 3 or less and steam, and this fluid was introduced into the fluid heating device 1 through the inlet 60 of the pipeline 10 of Figure 10.

[0162] The magnitude of the electrical energy applied by the DC power supply 30 was adjusted so that of the four heat absorption regions, heat absorption region 20a received approximately 6,700 cal / sec of heat energy, heat absorption region 20b received approximately 2,800 cal / sec of heat energy, heat absorption region 20c received approximately 1,600 cal / sec of heat energy, and heat absorption region 20d received approximately 2,700 cal / sec of heat energy. The heat energy applied to each heat absorption region was varied by adjusting the current in the DC power supply 30 electrically connected to the surface 110 of the pipeline 10.

[0163] As a comparison (Comparative Example 1), a fluid heating device including the pipeline 10 shown in Figure 7 was used. However, the comparative device did not use the electric heat generation unit, but instead used a unit that applies heat using the thermal power generated by burning fuel, as in the conventional device. In this configuration, it is not possible to apply heat energy to each heat absorption region individually, and pyrolysis occurs simultaneously in a high-temperature cracking furnace with a fixed heat distribution pattern.

[0164] Except for the difference in the heat generating unit, all other conditions were the same between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0165] In Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the flow rates of ethylene and propylene were measured for the reactants discharged from outlet 70 of pipeline 10, and the results are shown in Table 1 below. In addition, the fraction of coke precursors and the temperature of the reactants at outlet 70 were measured for the reactants discharged from outlet 70, and the results are shown in Table 1 below. The fraction of coke precursors was calculated based on the flow rate of aromatic compounds in the reactants discharged from outlet 70. Here, aromatic compounds refer to organic compounds having a benzene ring and / or a ring in which a benzene ring is condensed within the molecule.

[0166] [Table 1]

[0167] From Table 1, it can be seen that the total olefin flow rate in Example 1 was improved by about 13.5% compared to the total olefin flow rate in Comparative Example 1. As such, in the case of Example 1, heat was distributed in different forms to multiple endothermic regions, and therefore the flow rate of the target reactants was higher than in Comparative Example 1.

[0168] From Table 1, it can be seen that the fraction of the coke precursor in Example 1 was lower than that in Comparative Example 1. That is, it can be seen that the reactant in Comparative Example 1 contained more aromatic compounds than the reactant in Example 1.

[0169] Referring to Table 1, it can be seen that the COT (i.e., the temperature of the reactants, i.e., the fluid temperature at the outlet 70) is higher in Comparative Example 1 than in Example 1. As such, Example 1 has a lower COT than Comparative Example 1, which reduces the generation of coke and shows more efficient use of thermal energy.

[0170] An additional experiment (Example 2) was conducted. In Example 2, a fluid heating device was used, including a U-shaped pipeline with a total length of approximately 27 m. The pipeline was divided into multiple heat absorption zones at appropriate locations, and a DC power supply capable of adjusting the current was electrically connected to the surface of the pipeline corresponding to each heat absorption zone. The fluid to be thermally cracked contained naphtha and steam, and the fluid was introduced into the fluid heating device through the inlet of the pipeline.

[0171] 11 shows the distribution of thermal energy (i.e., heat flux) along the length of the pipeline in Example 2. This distribution was achieved by adjusting the amount of current in an electrically connected DC power supply.

[0172] The control group (Comparative Example 2) included the same U-shaped pipeline as Example 2, but used a thermal energy generating unit with the same configuration as Comparative Example 1. In this case, thermal energy cannot be added to each heat absorption region individually, and thermal decomposition is carried out in a high-temperature cracking furnace with a fixed heat distribution pattern. Figure 12 shows the distribution of thermal energy (i.e., heat flux) in Comparative Example 2.

[0173] All other conditions were the same in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, except that the distribution of thermal energy was adjusted as described above by changing the type of heat generating unit.

[0174] In Example 2 and Comparative Example 2, the content ratios of methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), propylene (C3H6), ethane (C2H6), butylene (C4H8), propane (C3H8), and benzene (C6H6) were measured for the reactants discharged from the pipeline outlet, and the results are shown in Figure 13. Figure 13 compares the amounts of methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), propylene (C3H6), ethane (C2H6), butylene (C4H8), propane (C3H8), and benzene (C6H6) measured in Example 2 when the amounts of methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), propylene (C3H6), ethane (C2H6), butylene (C4H8), propane (C3H8), and benzene (C6H6) measured in Comparative Example 2 were each set to 100%.

[0175] 13, the content of Example 2 is indicated by a dotted line, and the content of Comparative Example 2 is indicated by a solid line. Each content represents the content ratio of all compounds measured in Example 2 when the contents of all compounds measured in Comparative Example 2 are set to 100% for the reactants discharged from the outlet of the fluid heating device.

[0176] Referring to Figure 13, it can be seen that the content ratio of ethylene (C2H4) and propylene (C3H6), which are target compounds in the cracking process, was improved in Example 2 compared to Comparative Example 2, while the content ratio of methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and benzene (C6H6), which are not target compounds, was reduced in Example 2 compared to Comparative Example 2. The content ratios shown in Figure 13 are weight ratios. The content ratios of the compounds contained in the reactants were calculated based on the flow rate of the reactants for each compound.

[0177] An additional experiment (Example 3) was conducted. In Example 3, a fluid heating device was used, including a line-shaped pipeline with a total length of approximately 13 m. The pipeline was divided into multiple heat absorption zones at appropriate locations, and DC power supplies with adjustable current were electrically connected to the surface of the pipeline corresponding to each heat absorption zone. The fluid to be pyrolyzed contained naphtha and steam, and the fluid was introduced into the fluid heating device through the inlet of the pipeline. Figure 14 shows the distribution of thermal energy (i.e., heat flux) along the length of the pipeline. This distribution was achieved by adjusting the current of the electrically connected DC power supplies.

[0178] The control group (Comparative Example 3) included the same L-shaped pipeline as Example 3, but used a thermal energy generating unit with the same configuration as Comparative Example 1. In this case, thermal energy cannot be added to each heat absorption region individually, and thermal decomposition is carried out in a high-temperature cracking furnace with a fixed heat distribution pattern. Figure 15 shows the distribution of thermal energy (i.e., heat flux) in Comparative Example 3.

[0179] In Example 3 and Comparative Example 3, the content ratios of methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), propylene (C3H6), ethane (C2H6), and butyne (C4H6) were measured for the reactants discharged from the outlet of the pipeline, and the results are shown in Figure 16. Figure 13 compares the amounts of methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), propylene (C3H6), ethane (C2H6), and butyne (C4H6) measured in Example 3 when the amounts of methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), propylene (C3H6), ethane (C2H6), and butyne (C4H6) measured in Comparative Example 3 were each set to 100%.

[0180] In Figure 16, the results of Example 3 are shown by a dotted line, and the results of Comparative Example 3 are shown by a solid line. The results in Figure 16 show the content ratio of the compounds measured in Example 3 when the contents of the compounds measured in Comparative Example 3 in the reactants discharged from the outlet were all set to 100%.

[0181] Referring to Figure 16, it can be seen that the content ratio of ethylene (C2H4) and propylene (C3H6), which are target compounds in the cracking process, was improved in Example 3 compared to Comparative Example 3, while the content ratio of methane (CH4) and ethane (C2H6), which are not target compounds, was significantly reduced in Example 3 compared to Comparative Example 3. The content and content ratio in Figure 16 are weight ratios. The content ratio of the compounds contained in the reactants was measured based on the flow rate value of the reactants for each compound.

[0182] From the above results, it can be confirmed that the fluid heating device according to an example of the present application, which controls the heat flux flowing in according to the progress of pyrolysis taking into account the physical and / or chemical characteristics of the pyrolysis target, can improve the yield of the target compound in the cracking process, reduce the production of compounds other than the target compound (methane, ethane, benzene, fuel oil, etc.), and reduce the phenomenon of coke generation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 10: Pipeline 40: External heat source 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d: Endothermic area 50: Coil wire 30: Power supply

Claims

1. a pipeline having an internal passageway through which a fluid may flow; the internal passage is divided into two or more heat absorption regions; The two or more distinct heat absorption regions are formed so as to be able to independently absorb heat energy, The two or more heat absorption regions are arranged so that a fluid is exposed to the heat absorption region where an absolute value of a deviation ΔH of applied heat energy according to the following Equation 1 is 10 or more, or so that a periodic fluctuation of a heat flow rate or applied heat energy in the internal passage occurs along a flow direction of the fluid: [Formula 1] △H=100%×(H1-H2) / H2 In Equation 1, H1 is thermal energy applied to one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and H2 is thermal energy applied to a heat absorption region other than the heat absorption region to which the thermal energy of H1 is applied.

2. The fluid heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heat absorption regions are configured to accommodate heat energy generated by different heat generating units.

3. The fluid heating device according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the heat generating units is configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

4. 4. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the heat generating units is configured to generate resistive heat upon energization of the pipeline.

5. 5. The fluid heating device according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the heat generating units is provided separately from the pipeline and is configured to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.

6. 4. The fluid heating apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the heat generating units is configured to generate resistive heat by induced current in the pipeline.

7. The fluid heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the two or more heat absorption regions are arranged so that the thermal energy applied along the fluid flow direction decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases.

8. 2. The fluid heating device according to claim 1, wherein the absolute value of the deviation between the maximum heat flow rate or applied thermal energy and the minimum heat flow rate or applied thermal energy within one period of the periodic fluctuation is 10 or more.

9. 2. The fluid heating device of claim 1, wherein the two or more heat absorption regions are arranged such that the fluid is exposed to a periodic variation in heat flow or applied thermal energy comprising two or more periods.

10. The fluid heating device of claim 1, wherein the two or more heat absorption regions are arranged so that the ratio of the length of one period of the periodic fluctuation of the heat flow rate or applied thermal energy to the length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves is within the range of 1% to 200%.

11. A method for producing a product by heating a fluid using the fluid heating device described in claim 1, comprising: applying thermal energy independently to the two or more distinct heat absorption regions of the fluid heating device while moving a fluid through the internal passage of the pipeline of the fluid heating device; applying thermal energy such that a fluid moves through the two or more heat absorption regions where the absolute value of the deviation ΔH of the applied thermal energy according to the following Equation 1 is 10 or more; or applying thermal energy to the two or more heat absorption regions such that the fluid is exposed to a periodic fluctuation in heat flow rate or applied thermal energy within the internal passage along the flow direction: [Formula 1] △H=100%×(H1-H2) / H2 In Equation 1, H1 is thermal energy applied to one of the two or more heat absorption regions, and H2 is thermal energy applied to a heat absorption region other than the heat absorption region to which the thermal energy of H1 is applied.

12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the heat energy applied to each of the heat absorption regions is generated by different heat generating units, and at least one of the heat generating units is a unit that converts electrical energy into thermal energy.

13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the heat energy is applied to the two or more heat absorption regions in a manner that the heat energy applied along the fluid flow direction decreases and then increases, or increases and then decreases.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein thermal energy is applied to the two or more heat absorption regions so that the absolute value of the deviation between the maximum heat flow rate or applied thermal energy and the minimum heat flow rate or applied thermal energy within one period of the periodic fluctuation is 10 or more.

15. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thermal energy is applied to the two or more heat absorption regions such that the fluid is exposed to a periodic variation in heat flow or applied thermal energy comprising two or more periods.

16. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thermal energy is applied to the two or more heat absorption regions such that the ratio of the length of one period of the periodic variation of the heat flow rate or applied thermal energy to the length of the pipeline through which the fluid moves is within a range of 1% to 200%.

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