Electric heating reactor

Abstract

An electrically heated reactor is disclosed, which includes at least one reaction tube having a first passage formed therein for reactants to pass through and configured to heat the reactants passing through the first passage, a shell spaced apart from the reaction tube and surrounding all of the reaction tubes, having a second passage formed between the reaction tube and the shell for reactants to pass through and configured to heat the reactants passing through the second passage, a first power source configured to supply power to the reaction tubes, and a second power source configured to supply power to the shell, wherein the first power source and the second power source can be independently controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0074915, filed on June 12, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electric heating reactor, which utilizes electric heating technology to utilize not only the inside of the reaction tube but also the outside of the reaction tube as a reaction area.

Background Art

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

[0004] The matters described in this background art section are created to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters that are not prior art already known to those having ordinary knowledge in the field to which this technology belongs.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an electric heating reactor that can utilize not only the inside of the reaction tube but also the outside of the reaction tube as a reaction area by utilizing electric heating technology.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An electric heating reactor according to one aspect of the present invention may include: at least one reaction tube having a first passage through which reactants pass, configured to heat the reactants passing through the first passage; a shell surrounding all reaction tubes, spaced apart from the reaction tubes, with a second passage formed between it and the reaction tubes through which reactants pass, configured to heat the reactants passing through the second passage; a first power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tubes; and a second power supply configured to supply power to the shell.

[0007] The first and second power supplies can be controlled independently.

[0008] The first passage can define the first reaction region, and the second passage can define the second reaction region.

[0009] The electric heating reactor may further include a first reactor inlet connected to the first reaction region to supply reactants to the first reaction region; a first reactor outlet connected to the first reaction region to discharge reactants from the first reaction region; a second reactor inlet connected to the second reaction region to supply reactants to the second reaction region; and a second reactor outlet connected to the second reaction region to discharge reactants from the second reaction region.

[0010] In an electric heating reactor, the first reaction region and the second reaction region may not be connected to each other.

[0011] In one example, the first and second reaction regions are controlled to the same temperature, the same reactants are supplied to both regions, and the same reaction can occur.

[0012] In another example, the first and second reaction regions are controlled to the same temperature, and different reactants are supplied to each region, allowing different reactions to occur simultaneously.

[0013] In another example, the first and second reaction regions are controlled to different temperatures, and different reactants are supplied to each region, allowing different reactions to occur simultaneously.

[0014] The electric heating reactor may further include a connecting passage that connects the first reaction region and the second reaction region outside the electric heating reactor.

[0015] In another example, the first and second reaction regions are controlled to different temperatures, the same reactants are supplied to both the first and second reaction regions, the reactants are preheated in either the first or second reaction region, and the preheated reactants are supplied to the other of the first and second reaction regions via a connecting passage, allowing the main reaction to occur.

[0016] In another example, the first and second reaction regions are controlled to different temperatures, and the first reactant is supplied to either the first or second reaction region to initiate the first reaction. The first reactant is then supplied to the other of the two reaction regions via a connecting passage, and the second reactant is further supplied to the second reaction region, allowing the first and second reactants to initiate the second reaction.

[0017] The electric heating reactor may further include an insulator that surrounds at least a portion of the shell for thermal insulation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, the temperature inside the reactor can be efficiently and uniformly maintained by utilizing electric heating technology.

[0019] Furthermore, not only the inside of the reaction tube but also the outside of the reaction tube can be utilized as a reaction area, allowing for a higher capacity to be obtained with a reactor of the same size. Therefore, the energy efficiency of the reaction process can be improved.

[0020] In addition, the effects obtained or predicted by the embodiments of the present invention are directly or implicitly disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, various effects predicted by the embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the detailed description described below.

[0021] The embodiments of this specification can be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the same or functionally similar elements.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing a cross-section of an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing a partial cross-section of an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] An example of using an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 5] Another example of using an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] The drawings referred to above are not necessarily drawn to scale and are to be understood as showing 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 partially determined by the particular intended use and operating environment.

[0024] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular form as used herein is intended to include the plural form unless otherwise specified in the context. Where used herein, the terms “including” and / or “including” specify the presence of the mentioned features, integers, steps, actions, components, and / or components, but it will also be understood that this does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, components, and / or groups thereof. Where used herein, the terms “and / or” include any one or all combinations of the related listed items.

[0025] Furthermore, it will be understood that one or more of the methods or embodiments described below can be performed by at least one controller. The term “controller” may refer to a hardware device including memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, and the 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. It will also be understood that the methods described below are performed by a device including a controller together with one or more other components, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0026] Furthermore, the controllers of this disclosure can be embodied as non-temporary computer-readable recording media containing executable program instructions executed by a processor. Examples of computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disk (CD) ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash drive, smart card, and optical data storage device. Computer-readable recording media can also store and execute program instructions distributed across a computer network, for example, in a telematics server or a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0027] According to the present invention, an electric heating reactor includes a reaction tube having a first passage through which reactants pass, configured to heat the reactants passing through the first passage; a shell that surrounds the reaction tube at a distance from it, with a second passage formed between it and the reaction tube through which reactants pass, configured to heat the reactants passing through the second passage; a first power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tube; and a second power supply configured to supply power to the shell. Thus, the present invention can efficiently and uniformly maintain the temperature inside the reactor by utilizing electric heating technology.

[0028] Furthermore, the first power supply and the second power supply can be controlled independently. That is, the power supply in the first reaction region defined by the first passage and the power supply in the second reaction region defined by the second passage can be controlled independently of each other.

[0029] Furthermore, the first and second reaction regions can be controlled to different temperatures. If the first and second reaction regions are controlled to the same temperature, the reaction region can be expanded by supplying the same reactants to both regions. Conversely, if the first and second reaction regions are controlled to different temperatures, the first reactants can be supplied to the first reaction region and the second reactants to the second reaction region, allowing different reactions to proceed within a single reactor. For example, reactants can be supplied to the second reaction region to preheat them, and the preheated reactants can then be supplied to the first reaction region to proceed with the main reaction.

[0030] The electric heating reactor further includes an insulator that surrounds the shell and provides thermal insulation. Therefore, energy efficiency can be improved by reducing unnecessary heat loss that is discarded outside the electric heating reactor.

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view showing a cross-section of an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a side view showing a cross-section of a part of an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the electric heating reactor 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to generate heat when power is supplied and to use the heat generated to heat the reactants inside. The electric heating reactor 10 includes a reactor housing 11, at least one reaction tube 20, and a shell 30.

[0034] The reactor housing 11 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and contains at least one reaction tube 20 and a shell 30. A first reactor inlet 12 is formed on one side of the reactor housing 11, and a first reactor outlet 14 is formed on the other side of the reactor housing 11. The first reactor inlet 12 and the first reactor outlet 14 are fluidly connected to the reaction tube 20, and the reactants that flow into the reactor housing 11 through the first reactor inlet 12 pass through the reaction tube 20, are electrically heated, and then discharged outside the reactor housing 11 through the first reactor outlet 14. Here, the reactants are electrically heated within the reaction tube 20, and the target reaction can occur, so the region within the reaction tube 20 will be called the first reaction region 24.

[0035] Furthermore, a second reactor inlet 16 is formed on one side of the reactor housing 11, and a second reactor outlet 18 is formed on the other side of the reactor housing 11. The second reactor inlet 16 and the second reactor outlet 18 are outside the reaction tube 20 and are fluidly connected to the inside of the shell 30. The reactants that flow into the reactor housing 11 through the second reactor inlet 16 are outside the reaction tube 20, pass through the inside of the shell 30, are electrically heated, and are then discharged outside the reactor housing 11 through the second reactor outlet 18. Here, since the reactants are outside the reaction tube 20 and electrically heated inside the shell 30, and the target reaction can occur, the region outside the reaction tube 20 and inside the shell 30 will be called the second reaction region 32.

[0036] On the other hand, the first reaction region 24 and the second reaction region 32 do not communicate with each other inside the reactor housing 11, but they can communicate with each other outside the reactor housing 11. More specifically, the reactants that flow into the first reaction region 24 via the first reactor inlet 12 do not flow into the second reaction region 32 from inside the reactor housing 11, but are discharged to the outside of the reactor housing 11 via the first reactor outlet 14. Similarly, the reactants that flow into the second reaction region 32 via the second reactor inlet 16 cannot flow into the first reaction region 24 from inside the reactor housing 11, but are discharged to the outside of the reactor housing 11 via the second reactor outlet 18.

[0037] The reaction tube 20 is made of a metal material with high resistivity, and a first passage through which the reactants pass is formed along its length. For example, the reaction tube 20 can be formed in the shape of an annular pipe, with the first passage formed along its length. When power is applied to the reaction tube 20, the reaction tube 20 generates heat due to its high resistivity, and this heat can heat the reactants in the first passage. Therefore, the first passage defines a first reaction region 24 where the reaction of the reactants takes place.

[0038] One end of the reaction tube 20, near the first reactor inlet 12, defines a tube inlet 21, and the other end of the reaction tube 20, near the first reactor outlet 14, defines a tube outlet 22. Reactants flowing into the reactor housing 11 through the first reactor inlet 12 flow into the reaction tube 20 through the tube inlet 21, pass through the first reaction region 24 defined by the first passage, are electrically heated, and the target reaction occurs. The reactants that have reacted in the first reaction region 24 are discharged to the outside of the reactor housing 11 through the tube outlet 22 and the first reactor outlet 14.

[0039] The shell 30 is made of a metal material with high resistivity and is located outside the reaction tube 20. A second passage is formed longitudinally inside the shell 30 through which the reactants pass. For example, when power is applied to the shell 30, the shell 30 generates heat due to its high resistivity, and this heat can heat the reactants in the second passage. Thus, the second passage defines a second reaction region 32 where the reaction of the reactants takes place.

[0040] The reactants that flow into the reactor housing 11 through the second reactor inlet 16 pass through the second reaction region 32 defined by the second passage, are electrically heated, and the target reaction occurs. The reactants that reacted in the second reaction region 32 are discharged to the outside of the reactor housing 11 through the second reactor outlet 18.

[0041] The first power supply 40 is configured to supply power to the reaction tubes 20. That is, the first power supply 40 is electrically connected to all reaction tubes 20 and can supply the same amount of power to all reaction tubes 20. The first power supply 40 can be an AC power supply or a DC power supply.

[0042] The second power supply 42 is configured to supply power to the shell 30. The first power supply 40 and the second power supply 42 can be controlled independently. In particular, the amount of power supplied to the shell 30 by the second power supply 42 may differ from the amount of power supplied to the reaction tube 20 by the first power supply 40. As a result, the temperatures of the first reaction region 24 and the second reaction region 32 may be controlled differently, and the reactions occurring in the first reaction region 24 and the second reaction region 32 may differ. The second power supply 42 may be an AC power supply or a DC power supply.

[0043] Sockets (not shown) are attached to one end and the other end of the reaction tube 20, and the first power supply 40 can supply power to the reaction tube 20 via these sockets. Similarly, sockets (not shown) are attached to one end and the other end of the shell 30, and the second power supply 42 can supply power to the shell 30 via these sockets. Cooling devices are also attached to each of the sockets to cool them.

[0044] The insulator 50 surrounds at least a portion of the shell 30 and provides thermal insulation. As shown in Figure 2, the insulator 50 can, but is not limited to, wrap around the entire shell 30, and can also wrap around only a portion of the shell 30. Because the insulator 50 wraps around the shell 30 and provides thermal insulation, energy efficiency can be improved by reducing unnecessary heat loss to the outside of the shell 30, and the temperature inside the shell 30 can be maintained efficiently and uniformly.

[0045] Furthermore, the insulator 50 electrically isolates the shell 30 from its exterior, preventing potential safety accidents caused by current flowing through the shell 30.

[0046] Figure 4 shows an example of using an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates that the first reaction region 24 (i.e., inside the reaction tube 20) and the second reaction region 32 (i.e., outside the reaction tube 20 and inside the shell 30) are controlled to the same temperature.

[0047] As shown in Figure 4, the first reactant 60 is supplied to both the first reaction region 24 and the second reaction region 32 simultaneously. Since the first reactant 60 is supplied to both the first reaction region 24 and the second reaction region 32, and both regions are controlled to the same temperature, the first reactant 60 undergoes the target reaction in all of the first and second reaction regions 24 and 32. This allows the reaction region in which the same reaction occurs to be expanded.

[0048] Figure 5 shows another example of using an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates that the first reaction region 24 (i.e., inside the reaction tube 20) and the second reaction region 32 (i.e., outside the reaction tube 20 and inside the shell 30) are controlled to different temperatures.

[0049] As shown in Figure 5, the second reactant 62 is supplied to the second reaction region 32 via the second reactor inlet 16, where the target reaction takes place to produce the first reactant 60, which is then discharged from the second reaction region 32 via the second reactor outlet 18. The second reactor outlet 18 is connected to the first reactor inlet 12 via a connecting passage 34, and the first reactant 60 is supplied to the first reaction region 24 via the first reactor inlet 12. The first reactant 60 undergoes the target reaction in the first reaction region 24 and is then discharged from the first reaction region 24 via the first reactor outlet 14.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates a case where the second reactant 62 reacts in the second reaction region 32 to form the first reactant 60, and the first reactant 60 reacts in the first reaction region 24. However, the use of the electric heating reactor 10 in Figure 5 is not limited to the example shown. In one example, the first reactant 60 undergoes the first reaction in the first reaction region 24, and the second reactant 62 undergoes the second reaction in the second reaction region 32, and the first and second reactants 60 and 62 may not be reactively related to each other. In this case, the connecting passage 34 does not connect the first and second reaction regions 24 and 32 to each other. In another example, the first reactant 60 can be preheated in either the first or second reaction region 24 or 32, supplied to one of the first or second reaction regions 24 or 32 via the connecting passage 34, and the main reaction can take place in the other of the first or second reaction regions 24 or 32. In another example, the first reactant 60 undergoes the first reaction (or is preheated) in either the first or second reaction region 24 or 32, and is supplied to the other of the first or second reaction region 24 or 32 via the connecting passage 34, and the second reactant 62 is supplied together with the first reactant 60 to the other of the first or second reaction region 24 or 32, so that the reaction of the first and second reactants 60 and 62 can occur in the other of the first or second reaction region 24 or 32.

[0051] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes all modifications that can be easily modified by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains and are deemed equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. At least one reaction tube having a first passage formed inside through which reactants pass, and configured to heat the reactants passing through the first passage; A shell configured to surround all of the reaction tubes at a distance from them, with a second passage formed between it and the reaction tubes through which the reactants pass, and to heat the reactants passing through the second passage; A first power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tube; and A second power supply configured to supply power to the aforementioned shell; An electric heating reactor, including one.

2. The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, wherein the first power supply and the second power supply are controlled independently.

3. The first passage defines a first reaction region, and the second passage defines a second reaction region. The aforementioned electric heating reactor is A first reactor inlet, which is connected to the first reaction region, for supplying reactants to the first reaction region; A first reactor outlet connected to the first reaction region to discharge reactants from the first reaction region; A second reactor inlet connected to the second reaction region to supply reactants to the second reaction region; and A second reactor outlet connected to the second reaction region to discharge reactants from the second reaction region; The electric heating reactor according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The electric heating reactor according to claim 3, wherein the first reaction region and the second reaction region are not in communication with each other within the electric heating reactor.

5. The first reaction region and the second reaction region are controlled to the same temperature. The electric heating reactor according to claim 3, wherein the same reactants are supplied to the first reaction region and the second reaction region, and the same reaction occurs.

6. The first reaction region and the second reaction region are controlled to the same temperature. The electric heating reactor according to claim 3, wherein different reactants are supplied to the first reaction region and the second reaction region, and different reactions occur simultaneously.

7. The first reaction region and the second reaction region are controlled to different temperatures. The electric heating reactor according to claim 3, wherein different reactants are supplied to the first reaction region and the second reaction region, and different reactions occur simultaneously.

8. The electric heating reactor further includes a connecting passage that connects the first reaction region and the second reaction region outside the electric heating reactor, The first reaction region and the second reaction region are controlled to different temperatures. The same reactants are supplied to the first reaction region and the second reaction region. The electric heating reactor according to claim 3, wherein the reactants are preheated in either the first reaction region or the second reaction region, and the preheated reactants are supplied via the connecting passage to the other of the first and second reaction regions to initiate the main reaction.

9. The electric heating reactor further includes a connecting passage that connects the first reaction region and the second reaction region outside the electric heating reactor, The first reaction region and the second reaction region are controlled to different temperatures. The electric heating reactor according to claim 3, wherein a first reactant is supplied to either the first reaction region or the second reaction region to cause a first reaction, the first reactant is supplied to the other of the first and second reaction regions via the connecting passage, a second reactant is additionally supplied to the second reaction region, and the first and second reactants cause a second reaction.

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

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