A heat reactor including a gas permeable cage positioned to affect the gas flow path.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ニトロカプト アクチボラゲット
- Filing Date
- 2021-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
Smart Images
Figure 0007898055000001 
Figure 0007898055000002 
Figure 0007898055000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of reaction chambers, and more particularly, to thermal reaction chambers for gas thermal reactions.
Background Art
[0002] In various fields such as fuel conversion from gas streams and removal of pollutants, thermal reactors such as plasma reactors are used to react gases to form various compounds. Discharge or excitation by intense electromagnetic waves such as high-frequency or microwave is applied to a fluid containing the substance to be treated, causing decomposition and in some cases recombination of the substance.
[0003] Depending on the type of thermal reaction or plasma that can vary in both temperature and intensity, there are various requirements for the thermal reactor. As a result, various reactor chamber designs for these reactions exist today, such as a tubular reactor in which plasma is arranged in the center of the tube and the fluid can pass through.
[0004] One plasma reactor is presented in US2003 / 0024806A1, where plasma is combined with grinding means to enhance the angular momentum in a chemical reactor.
[0005] High-temperature thermal reactions such as plasma require energy, and improvements beyond the prior art should be made to ensure a satisfactory reaction yield in combination with energy efficiency.
Summary of the Invention
[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a thermal reactor having a satisfactory reaction yield in combination with energy efficiency. The inventors have noticed that such a reactor should overcome most, preferably all, of the following problems. a) When a low-temperature gas is mixed with a high-temperature gas, the reaction gas is diluted, resulting in reaction non-uniformity and inefficiency b) The convection of hot gases from the reaction region and the heat irradiation from the reaction region, which raise the surface of the reaction chamber walls to high temperatures, can be detrimental to the solid materials of the reactor walls, i) particularly challenging for the mechanical stability of the reactor vessel, especially in applications where the process takes place at pressures other than atmospheric pressure, and ii) can lead to undesirable heat leakage. c) Suboptimal residence time distribution. As a result, there is a risk that there is not enough time for the desired reaction to occur throughout the fluid, or conversely, that the reaction chamber needs to be excessively large in size to avoid such a lack of residence time. d) Bypassing unreacted gases from the side of the reaction zone unnecessarily dilutes the reaction products and wastes heat on unreacted gases.
[0007] Accordingly, this disclosure provides the following list of itemized embodiments. 1. Including a container (101), the container is Gas inlet (102) and, Exit (103), A gas permeable cage (104) is placed inside a container (101) and is fluidly connected to a gas inlet (102), and a common gas outlet (103) is provided for both the container (101) and the cage (104), and A temperature generating means (105; 105') is arranged to form a thermal reaction zone (106) within the cage (104) and Includes, The cage (104) is provided with holes (107), A first subset of holes (107') is arranged along at least a portion of the first circumferential surface (110) of the cage (104), and a second subset of holes (107'') is arranged along at least a portion of the second circumferential surface (111) of the cage (104), The first circumferential surface (110) and the second circumferential surface (111) are offset and non-parallel. The first subset of holes (107') and the second subset of holes (107'') each other Different from, Heat reactor (100). 2. The thermal reactor according to item 1, wherein the thermal reactor (100) is a plasma reactor (100), the thermal reaction zone is a plasma zone (106), and the temperature generating means (105; 105') is a plasma generating means (105; 105'). 3. The heat reactor according to item 1 or 2, wherein the container (101) is a pressurized vessel arranged to operate at a pressure different from atmospheric pressure, preferably at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. 4. A heat reactor according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the container (101) further includes a cooling means (108). 5. The thermal reactor according to item 4, wherein the cooling means (108) is located at the outlet (103) or is directly connected to the outlet (103). 6. A heat reactor described in any one of items 1-5, wherein the cage (104) is porous. 7. A heat reactor as described in any one of items 1-6, wherein the cage (104) is a metal cage. 8. A thermal reactor as described in any one of items 1-6, wherein the cage (104) is a ceramic cage. 9. A thermal reactor according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the cage (104) is made of a nonmetallic conductive material, such as graphene or reduced graphene oxide or graphene-metal composite. 10. A thermal reactor according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an electrode. 11. A thermal reactor according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an antenna. 12. A thermal reactor as described in any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the thermal reaction zone (106) is generated using high-frequency or microwave electromagnetic waves. 13. A heat reactor according to any one of items 1 to 12, wherein at least 80% of the holes (107), for example, at least 90% of the holes (107), have a central axis (Y) inclined at an angle α of 80°-100° with respect to the tangential plane (X) on the outer surface of the cage around each hole (107). 14. A heat reactor described in any one of items 1-13, with a cage (104) with rounded edges. 15. A thermal reactor described in any one of items 1-14, wherein the cage (104) is ellipsoidal. 16. A heat reactor described in any one of items 1-15, wherein the cage (104) is cylindrical. 17. A thermal reactor according to any one of items 1 to 16, wherein the cage (104) has a central vertical axis and the cage (104) is symmetrical around it. 18. A thermal reactor described in any one of items 1 to 17, wherein the surface geometry of the cage (104) can be described by a continuous function. 19. A thermal reactor as described in item 18, wherein the derivative of the continuous function describing the surface geometry of the cage (104) is a continuous function. 20. The thermal reactor described in item 19, wherein the second derivative of the continuous function describing the surface geometry of the cage (104) is a continuous function. 21. A thermal reactor according to any one of items 1 to 20, wherein holes (107) are provided in at least 30%, e.g., at least 40%, e.g., at least 50%, e.g., at least 60%, e.g., at least 70%, e.g., at least 80%, e.g., at least 90% of the surface of the cage (104). 22. The heat reactor described in item 21, wherein holes (107) are provided across the entire surface of the cage (104). 23. A heat reactor as described in any one of items 1 to 22, wherein the holes (107) are substantially circular. 24. A heat reactor as described in any one of items 1 to 23, wherein the cage (104) is spaced apart from the wall of the container (101). 25. The gas permeable cage (104) is the first gas permeable cage (104-1), and the heat reactor is Further comprising a second gas-permeable cage (104-2), The pore (107) of the first gas-permeable cage (104-1) is the first pore (107-1), The second gas-permeable cage (104-2) is provided with a second hole (107-2). A thermal reactor as described in any one of items 1 to 24, wherein the second gas permeable cage (104-2) is smaller than the first gas permeable cage (104-1), such that the second gas permeable cage (104-2) is positioned inside the first gas permeable cage (104-1). 26. The thermal reactor as described in item 25, wherein the first and second holes (107-1, 107-2) of the first and second gas permeable cages (104-1, 104-2) are offset so that the positions of the first and second holes (107-1, 107-2) do not align. 27. A thermal reactor according to item 25 or 26, wherein the first gas permeable cage (104-1) and the second gas permeable cage (104-2) have the same geometric shape. 28. A heat reactor (100) comprising a container (101), the container comprising a gas inlet (102), an outlet (103), a gas permeable cage (104), and a temperature generating means (105; 105') arranged to form a thermal reaction zone (106) within the cage (104), The cage is provided with holes (107), There is at least a first pressure P1 outside the cage (104) and at least a second pressure P2 inside the cage (104), A thermal reactor in which P1 is higher than P2 so that a pressure drop can be obtained across the cage wall. 29. The thermal reactor according to item 28, wherein the thermal reactor (100) is a plasma reactor (100), the thermal reaction zone is a plasma zone (106), and the temperature generating means (105; 105') is a plasma generating means (105; 105'). 30. A heat reactor as described in item 28 or 29, wherein the container (101) is a pressurized vessel. 31. A heat reactor according to any one of items 28 to 30, wherein the container (101) further includes a cooling means (108). 32. A thermal reactor as described in any one of items 28-31, wherein the cage (104) is porous. 33. A thermal reactor as described in any one of items 28-32, wherein the cage (104) is a metal cage. 34. The thermal reactor according to any one of items 28 to 33, wherein the cage (104) is a ceramic cage. 35. The thermal reactor according to any one of items 28 to 34, wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an electrode. 36. The thermal reactor according to any one of items 28 to 35, wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an antenna. 37. The thermal reactor according to any one of items 28 to 36, wherein the thermal reaction zone (106) is formed using high frequency, for example, microwave. Also, aspects of the present invention that overlap with other descriptions are as follows. However, the present invention is not limited to the following. [1] including a container (101), wherein the container has a gas inlet (102), a gas permeable cage (104) disposed within the container (101) and fluidly connected to the gas inlet (102), and a common gas outlet (103) is provided for the container (101) and the cage (104), the gas permeable cage; temperature generating means (105; 105') disposed to form a thermal reaction zone (106) within the cage (104) and the cage (104) is provided with holes (107), a first subset (107') of the holes is disposed along at least a part of a first peripheral surface (110) of the cage (104), and a second subset (107'') of the holes is disposed along at least a part of a second peripheral surface (111) of the cage (104), the first peripheral surface (110) and the second peripheral surface (111) are offset and non - parallel, the first subset (107') of the holes and the second subset (107'') of the holes each other are different thermal reactor (100). [2] The heat reactor according to [1], wherein the heat reactor (100) is a plasma reactor (100), the heat reaction zone is a plasma zone (106), and the temperature generating means (105; 105') is a plasma generating means (105; 105'). [3] The heat reactor according to [1] or [2], wherein the container (101) is a pressurized vessel arranged to operate at a pressure different from atmospheric pressure, preferably at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. [4] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the container (101) further includes a cooling means (108). [5] The heat reactor according to [4], wherein the cooling means (108) is located at the outlet (103) or is directly connected to the outlet (103). [6] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the cage (104) is porous. [7] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the cage (104) is a metal cage. [8] A thermal reactor according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the cage (104) is a ceramic cage. [9] The thermal reactor according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the cage (104) is made of a nonmetallic conductive material, such as graphene or reduced graphene oxide or graphene-metal composite.
[10] A thermal reactor according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an electrode.
[11] A thermal reactor according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an antenna.
[12] A thermal reactor according to any one of [1] to
[11] , wherein the thermal reaction zone (106) is generated using high-frequency or microwave electromagnetic waves.
[13] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[12] , wherein at least 80% of the holes (107), for example, at least 90% of the holes (107), have a central axis (Y) inclined at an angle α of 80°-100° with respect to the tangential plane (X) on the outer surface of the cage around each hole (107).
[14] The heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[13] , wherein the edges of the cage (104) are rounded.
[15] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[14] , wherein the cage (104) is an ellipsoid.
[16] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[15] , wherein the cage (104) is cylindrical.
[17] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[16] , wherein the cage (104) has a central vertical axis and the cage (104) is symmetrical around it.
[18] A thermal reactor according to any one of [1] to
[17] , wherein the surface geometry of the cage (104) can be described by a continuous function.
[19] The thermal reactor according to
[18] , wherein the derivative of the continuous function describing the surface geometry of the cage (104) is a continuous function.
[20] The thermal reactor according to
[19] , wherein the second derivative of the continuous function describing the surface geometry of the cage (104) is a continuous function. [twenty one] The heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[20] , wherein holes (107) are provided in at least 30%, for example, at least 40%, for example, at least 50%, for example, at least 60%, for example, at least 70%, for example, at least 80%, for example, at least 90% of the surface of the cage (104). [twenty two] The heat reactor according to
[21] , wherein holes (107) are provided across the entire surface of the cage (104). [twenty three] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[22] , wherein the hole (107) is substantially circular. [twenty four] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[23] , wherein the cage (104) is spaced apart from the wall of the container (101). [twenty five] A heat reactor according to any one of [1] to
[24] , wherein the gas permeable cage (104) is a first gas permeable cage (104-1), Further comprising a second gas-permeable cage (104-2), The hole (107) of the first gas permeable cage (104-1) is the first hole (107-1), The second gas-permeable cage (104-2) is provided with a second hole (107-2), A thermal reactor in which the second gas permeable cage (104-2) is smaller than the first gas permeable cage (104-1) such that the second gas permeable cage (104-2) is positioned inside the first gas permeable cage (104-1).
[26] The thermal reactor according to
[25] , wherein the first and second holes (107-1, 107-2) of the first and second gas permeable cages (104-1, 104-2) are offset so that the positions of the first and second holes (107-1, 107-2) do not align.
[27] The thermal reactor according to
[25] or
[26] , wherein the first gas permeable cage (104-1) and the second gas permeable cage (104-2) have the same geometric shape.
[0008] Here, the embodiments and models will be described as examples with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic cross-sectional image of a thermal reactor, which includes a container comprising a gas-permeable cage made of a material transparent to radio waves and microwaves, and a temperature generating means outside the cage.
[0010] [Figure 2] This is a schematic image of a cross-section of a heat reactor, including a cooling system.
[0011] [Figure 3] This is a schematic cross-sectional image of a thermal reactor showing the arrangement of temperature generating means on the cage wall, which is necessary when the cage is a Faraday cage for radio waves or microwaves.
[0012] [Figure 4] These are schematic images of a cross-section of a heat reactor, as well as enlarged schematic images of the heat reaction zone and cage wall.
[0013] [Figure 5] This is a schematic image of a heat reactor cage, where the first and second circumferential surfaces are separated by lines.
[0014] [Figure 6] These are schematic images of the heat reactor cage and magnified schematic images of the cage holes, showing that there is an angle between the central axis and the tangential plane around the holes on the outer surface of the cage.
[0015] [Figure 7] This is a schematic image of a cross-section of one embodiment of a cage, where the cage is an ellipsoid.
[0016] [Figure 8] This is a schematic image of a cross-section of one embodiment of the cage, which is a cylinder with rounded corners.
[0017] [Figure 9] This is a schematic image of a cross-section of one embodiment of a cage, which is a combination of two ellipsoids, including a smooth joint between the two ellipsoids.
[0018] [Figure 10]This is a schematic image of a cross-section of one embodiment of a cage, which consists of two ellipsoids integrated into a cone by a smooth joint.
[0019] [Figure 11] This is a schematic image of a cross-section of one embodiment of a cage, which is a semi-ellipsoid.
[0020] [Figure 12] This is a schematic cross-sectional image of one embodiment of a second gas permeable cage placed in a first gas permeable cage.
[0021] [Figure 13] This is a schematic front view of one embodiment of a second gas permeable cage positioned inside a first gas permeable cage.
[0022] [Figure 14] This is a schematic image of one embodiment of an enlarged cross-section of a second gas permeable cage positioned inside a first gas permeable cage.
[0023] [Figure 15] This is a schematic cross-sectional image of one embodiment of a third gas permeable cage positioned inside the first and second gas permeable cages.
[0024] [Figure 16] This is a schematic image of an enlarged cross-section of one embodiment of a third gas permeable cage positioned inside the first and second gas permeable cages. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0025] A first aspect of this disclosure provides a heat reactor including a container, The aforementioned container is Gas inlet and Exit and A gas permeable cage placed inside a container and fluid-connected to a gas inlet, wherein a common gas outlet is provided for both the container and the cage, and A temperature generating means arranged to form a thermal reaction zone within the cage, Includes, The cage has holes, A first subset of holes is arranged along at least a portion of the first circumferential surface of the cage, and a second subset of holes is arranged along at least a portion of the second circumferential surface of the cage. The first and second circumferential surfaces are offset and non-parallel. The first subset of holes and the second subset of holes are, each other They are different.
[0026] The first and second circumferential surfaces are virtual and are positioned along the outside of the cage. They can be virtually positioned around the cage in any orientation, but not parallel and not overlapping only the same holes, i.e., the holes are each other They differ. For example, a cylindrical cage with a single-line slit as a hole, the hole, i.e., the slit, each other No different, since the first and second circumferential surfaces contain the same set of holes, even if two virtual non-parallel circumferential surfaces could be arranged, they would not form a portion of the object of the first embodiment of this disclosure. Because the flow inside the cage is more uniform, each other It is advantageous to have two or more sets of different pores, i.e., two or more rows of pores. A more uniform flow is better for the reaction in the thermal reaction zone because the reactants enter more uniformly.
[0027] The first subset of holes and the second subset of holes each other Being different means they are not the same hole.
[0028] The holes in the cage are openings. The holes in the cage can have various geometries, for example, they may be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, slit, or polygonal. The holes may also have irregular shapes, or a mixture of regular shapes, for example, some circular holes and some elliptical holes. The holes may also be a mixture of regular and irregular shapes. The holes may also be called openings. The holes may vary in size throughout the cage, or they may be uniform. Preferably, the holes are circular. The diameter of the holes is typically less than 5 cm, for example less than 2 cm, for example less than 5 mm. The area of the holes is typically 20 cm². 2 Less than, for example, 10 cm 2 Less than, for example, 20mm 2 It is less than.
[0029] The pore ratio distribution on the cage surface (i.e., number of pores × surface area of pores / total surface area) may be uniform, or it may be varied to create a specific desired flow pattern inside the cage. In certain parts of the cage, the pores may be reduced, or even closed / non-porous. One example of such a case is closing the part of the cage closest to the outlet of the container to reduce or prevent the bypass of unreacted cryogenic gas.
[0030] The gas inlet of the container is fluidly connected to the cage. The container and cage have a common gas outlet. A common gas outlet typically means that the cage is located as part of the container wall, and the common outlet for both the cage and the container is on the wall. Alternatively, the cage is separated from the wall, and the outlet of the cage and the outlet of the container share a common outlet via a pipe. Since the gas inlet is typically part of the container wall and the inlet and cage are fluidly connected, gas can enter the container and be guided into the cage. The gas is typically guided by an overpressure of gas that pushes it toward the cage.
[0031] The gas-permeable cage is designed to have at least a first pressure P1 outside the cage and at least a second pressure P2 inside the cage, with P1 being higher than P2. This creates a pressure gradient between the outside and inside of the cage. As a result, the design of the gas passages through the cage allows for control of the gas velocity at each point both inside and outside the cage. This makes it possible to achieve a flow that does not backflow at any point within the cage, but rather, all gas molecules can approach the thermal reaction zone uninterruptedly and maintain control of turbulence. Consequently, the movement of gas toward and into the thermal reaction zone is ensured without backflow away from the thermal reaction zone.
[0032] moreover, a) By controlling the gas rate so that all gas volumes are heated equally quickly, it is possible to avoid the risk of any portion of the low-temperature gas moving too quickly and thus cooling the reaction zone. b)i) The walls of the container are protected from the heat of the thermal reaction zone because the non-backflowing gas flow prevents the hot gas or plasma from leaking out of the high-temperature reaction zone, and the cage reflects the heat irradiation or plasma from the reaction zone back into the reaction zone. This is particularly important for applications performed at atmospheric pressure and different pressures, especially at high temperatures, which challenges the mechanical stability of the container. ii) The cage is protected from heat by a low-temperature gas flowing continuously around its outside through its holes and / or pores, thus preheating the gas while simultaneously cooling the cage material. c) Because the gas flow can be adequately controlled, the disclosure is more useful in addressing inadequate residence time distribution of gases within the reaction zone, which can lead to overheating or partially unreacted gases, or a need for a larger reactor volume to ensure sufficient time for all gases to react. d) By controlling the flow from the reactor closest to the outlet, bypass of unreacted gases off the reaction zone can be minimized, which can lead to undesirable dilution of the reaction products and wasted heat on unreacted gases.
[0033] The thermal reaction zone is located inside the cage, which acts as a reaction chamber. During use, gas enters through cage pores and continues into the thermal reaction zone. As gas enters through the cage pores surrounding the thermal reaction zone, a pressure gradient is formed. The pressure gradient is defined as the difference between two pressures at corresponding points / volumes. Corresponding means that both points / volumes are located at the same distance d from the cage wall on a hypothetical straight line drawn from the inside to the outside of the cage and perpendicular to the surface of the cage wall. At the point / volume outside the cage, at least a first pressure P1 is determined, and at the point / volume inside the cage, at least a second pressure P2 is determined. At each point on the cage wall along a similar hypothetical vertical line, the pressure just outside the cage at an infinitesimal distance from the cage wall is higher than the pressure just inside the cage. This pressure gradient results in the transport of gas through the cage wall.
[0034] The pressure gradient controls the velocity of the gas moving toward the thermal reaction zone, resulting in reduced gas turbulence and a more uniform velocity, thereby ensuring the movement of gas into the thermal reaction zone without backflow and improving the residence time distribution of the gas within the thermal reaction zone. This typically reduces or avoids dilution of the thermal reaction zone by fast bypass of unreacted low-temperature gas. The impact of turbulence occurring very close to the cage holes on the thermal reaction zone can be avoided by applying a cage large enough to dissipate or sufficiently attenuate the turbulence before it reaches the thermal reaction zone. In addition to the pressure gradient, as the gas enters through the cage holes, the cooler incoming gas protects the vessel walls and the cage from the high-temperature thermal reaction zone. The cage also protects the vessel from some of the radiation from the thermal reaction zone, both thermal and electromagnetic, by reflecting radiation back all or partly to the thermal reaction zone.
[0035] The cage may be of various shapes, and non-limiting examples of shapes include spherical, hemispherical, elliptical, cylindrical, rectangular, square, conical, pyramidal, or polygonal prisms. Typically, the cage is symmetrical around a central vertical axis.
[0036] The corners of the cage may be angled, rounded, or have another three-dimensional shape. Preferably, the corners are rounded and there are no sharp corners or edges. A preferred shape is an ellipsoid. Another preferred shape is a combination of an ellipsoid and a rounded form of a cylinder or cone, where the junction between the different geometries is smooth and without edges or corners. Preferably, the third derivative of the cage surface can be described by a continuous function, thereby the surface is smooth without sharp edges. Such geometry is beneficial because there are no edges that generate turbulence, resulting in the gas being delayed or the residence time distribution being harmed, making it more difficult to control the gas flow in a controlled manner. Preferably, the second derivative of the continuous function is also a continuous function, meaning that the gas flow is not obstructed by differences in flow patterns originating from cage walls having different geometries.
[0037] The cage may include an opening larger than a hole on at least one side. In such cases, such an opening is typically positioned so that reaction products leaving the thermal reaction zone can be transported through the opening to the outlet of the container.
[0038] Preferably, at least 80% of the holes, for example, at least 90% of the holes, have a central axis (Y) inclined at an angle α of 80°–100° with respect to the tangential plane (X) on the outer surface of the cage around each hole. Having such an angle, the holes are substantially perpendicular to the outer surface at each hole. Substantially perpendicular holes minimize gas rotation inside the cage by minimizing angular momentum. This is beneficial in minimizing gas bypass, i.e., preventing the gas from being transported along the inner wall of the cage rather than within the thermal reaction zone.
[0039] Typically, holes are provided in at least 30%, e.g., at least 40%, e.g., at least 50%, e.g., at least 60%, e.g., at least 70%, e.g., at least 80%, e.g., at least 90% of the cage surface. Having holes on the surface means that the holes are distributed across that portion of the surface. It is possible to have holes covering the entire surface of the cage, i.e., 100%. If the surface is covered 100% by holes, this means that there are no portions of the cage surface that do not have holes. Preferably, the distance between holes is less than 10 cm, e.g., less than 5 cm, e.g., less than 3 cm, e.g., less than 5 mm. The cage usually has at least 20 holes. It is beneficial that the distance between holes is close so that the flow inside the cage is more uniform with only slight rotation after passing through the holes and entering the cage. The flow velocity is reduced by the uniform distribution of holes, and the reduced velocity means that the Reynolds number is reduced, which is beneficial because it minimizes turbulence.
[0040] A thermal reactor is typically a plasma reactor, a thermal reaction zone is typically a plasma zone, and a temperature generating means is typically a plasma generating means.
[0041] Typically, a container is a pressurized container. Pressurization refers to a pressure that deviates from atmospheric pressure, and the pressure is preferably above atmospheric pressure.
[0042] Typically, the cage is spaced apart from the container walls. As a result, the container walls are protected from the heat of the thermal reaction zone by both a gas barrier between the container walls and the cage, and a gas barrier between the cage and the thermal reaction zone. The cage can be spaced apart from all walls or parts of walls, for example, all walls except the wall containing the container outlet.
[0043] The temperature generating means is arranged to form a thermal reaction zone within the container, and is typically arranged to form a localized thermal reaction zone by, for example, concentrating irradiation or discharge energy at a specific point, region, or volume.
[0044] In one embodiment, the temperature generating means is an electrode. The electrode can generate a thermal reaction zone, such as a plasma, by discharge. The electrode is typically positioned inside or in close proximity to the thermal reaction zone.
[0045] In another embodiment, the temperature generating means is an antenna. Typically, the antenna is a plasma antenna adapted to high-frequency or microwaves. The plasma generated from high-frequency or microwave electromagnetic waves can be localized, for example, by concentrating the irradiation on a specific point, region, or volume, and can therefore be optionally, or preferably optimally, positioned inside the cage. Typically, the antenna is positioned on the wall of the container. The antenna may also be positioned on the wall of the cage.
[0046] The container may further include a cooling means. The cooling means can be adapted for liquid quenching, such as a nozzle for spraying a liquid, for example, water. Alternatively, the cooling means may be adapted for gas quenching. The cooling means is typically positioned so that the flow of the quenching liquid or quenching gas is directed toward the outlet of the container or further downstream. Preferably, the cooling means is positioned at the outlet or directly connected to the outlet.
[0047] The cage may be made of a porous material. In such cases, the gas is forced through the pores into the thermal reaction zone. A porous cage with long pores and a high length-to-width ratio will cause the flow to become laminar as soon as it enters the cage, or essentially laminar, further reducing gas turbulence.
[0048] A cage may also be a mesh. A mesh is a continuous structure constructed to have openings. An example of a mesh is an expanded metal sheet in which multiple slits are made within the sheet, and then the sheet is stretched. The stretching creates a diamond-shaped opening pattern. Another example of a mesh is a perforated metal sheet made from a steel plate, fed through a machine that punches holes, which may be in straight rows or zigzag to increase the amount of openings. A further example of a mesh is a welded wire mesh, which includes a grid of parallel longitudinal wires welded to cross wires at required intervals. Yet another example of a mesh is a woven wire mesh, made as a cloth with wire threads woven longitudinally and perpendicularly at a certain angle.
[0049] The cage may be made of a material that is transparent to or nearly transparent to high-frequency and microwave electromagnetic waves, and therefore does not interact with high-frequency (RF) waves or microwaves, thus avoiding reflection and absorption, in order to be suitable for operation at longer wavelengths. Typically, in such cases, the cage is a ceramic cage made from ceramic material, such as alumina (Al2O3) or alumina-based ceramics, corundum or fused silica or borosilicate glass, SiO2, boron nitride, silicon nitride or other silicon ceramics or ZrO2 or other zirconia ceramics. In such cases, the heat generating means may be located outside the cage, preferably inside or on one or more walls of the container.
[0050] Alternatively, the cage is a metal cage. The cage may be made of metal, coated with metal, or contain metal components such as metal threads. A metal cage or a metal-coated cage can reflect and return thermal radiation toward the thermal reaction zone. A metal cage typically forms a Faraday cage that reflects electromagnetic waves within the cage, enhancing the reflection of thermal radiation coming from the thermal reaction zone. Preferably, the openings of the Faraday cage have small dimensions to avoid or minimize electromagnetic leakage. The cage is preferably made of a conductive metal or metal alloy. A temperature generating means, typically a plasma generating means, is arranged within the cage to form a thermal reaction zone, typically a plasma zone. The temperature generating means is typically located on at least one wall of the cage, or inside the metal cage, preferably on the cage-side wall.
[0051] Alternatively, the cage may be made from a non-metallic conductive material, preferably graphene or reduced graphene oxide or a graphene-metal composite material.
[0052] In one embodiment, the gas permeable cage of the heat reactor is a first gas permeable cage, and the heat reactor is Further comprising a second gas-permeable cage, The pores of the first gas-permeable cage are the first pores, The second gas-permeable cage is provided with a second pore. The second gas permeable cage is smaller than the first gas permeable cage so that the second gas permeable cage is positioned inside the first gas permeable cage.
[0053] Preferably, the first and second holes of the first and second gas permeable cages are offset so that the positions of the first and second holes do not align. In such embodiments, the holes of cages located immediately adjacent to each other are offset so that the incoming gas enters the cage in nonlinear motion. The non-alignment of the holes is beneficial because it more efficiently reduces the turbulent energy of the gas outside the cage. Typically, the first and second gas permeable cages have the same geometric shape. The same geometric shape means that both gas permeable cages are ellipsoids, cylinders, cones, or any other shape suitable for a cage.
[0054] It is beneficial to place the first gas permeable cage inside the second gas permeable cage because diffusivity is reduced, and as a result, turbulence of the gas entering through the first and second gas permeable cages is also reduced. In embodiments, at least three, for example, at least four, or for example, at least five gas permeable cages are arranged inside each other, and when gas enters, the gas is pushed inward in a zigzag motion. The zigzag motion effectively reduces turbulence of the incoming gas.
[0055] Thermal reactors are suitable for use in gaseous reactions, including, but not limited to, fuel conversion, removal of contaminants from gaseous flows, and the production of hydrogen gas and nitrogen-containing compounds.
[0056] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a thermal reactor including a vessel, the vessel including a gas inlet, an outlet, a gas permeable cage, and a temperature generating means arranged to form a thermal reaction zone within the cage. The cage has holes, There is at least a first pressure P1 outside the cage and at least a second pressure P2 inside the cage. P1 is higher than P2 so that a pressure drop is obtained across the cage wall.
[0057] The examples and embodiments described above in relation to the first aspect are applicable to the second aspect with necessary modifications.
[0058] This disclosure is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating specific embodiments of the present invention.
[0059] However, these embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure is thorough and complete and fully conveys to those skilled in the art the scope of all aspects of the invention. Throughout the description, similar numbers refer to similar elements.
[0060] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heat reactor 100. The heat reactor includes a container 101 which includes a gas inlet 102, an outlet 103, a gas permeable cage 104, and a temperature generating means 105 located within the container wall and positioned to form a thermal reaction zone 106 within the cage 104.
[0061] Referring to Figure 2, which shows a cross-section of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the container 101 is further provided with cooling means 108 arranged to cool the reaction products leaving the thermal reaction zone.
[0062] Referring to Figure 3, which shows a cross-section of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature generating means 105' is located on the cage wall or inside the cage.
[0063] Referring to Figure 4, a cross-section of a magnified portion of the cage 104 shows the thermal reaction zone 106 that is not in contact with the cage 104, and the gap 109 between the thermal reaction zone 106 and the cage 104.
[0064] Referring to Figure 5, a schematic image of a cage 104 having holes 107 is shown, illustrating an exemplary first circumferential surface 110 and a second circumferential surface 111. A first subset 107' of holes is arranged along at least a portion of the first circumferential surface 110 of the cage 104, and a second subset 107'' of holes is arranged along at least a portion of the second circumferential surface 111 of the cage 104. The first and second circumferential surfaces 110,111 are offset and non-parallel, and the first subset 107' and second subset 107'' of holes arranged along the first and second circumferential surfaces 110,111 are, each other They are different.
[0065] Referring to Figure 6, a schematic image of the cage 104 and a magnified schematic image of the hole 107 in the cage are shown, where there is an angle α between the central axis Y and the tangential plane X around the hole 107 on the outer surface of the cage 104. The closer the angle α is to 90°, the more aligned the hole 107 is with the surface of the cage 104, that is, the more perpendicular the hole is within the cage. When the angle α is 90°, the hole is perpendicular, that is, aligned tangentially with the outer surface of the cage 104.
[0066] Figure 7 is a schematic image of a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the cage, which is an ellipsoid 104' without sharp edges, i.e., the surface is described by a continuous function having continuous first, second, and third derivatives (vectors). The cage 104' has an exit 103 and a hole 107.
[0067] Figure 8 is a schematic image of a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the cage, which is a cylinder 104'' without sharp edges, i.e., the surface is described by a continuous function having a series of first and third derivatives (vectors). The cage 104'' has an exit 103 and a hole 107.
[0068] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional image of a preferred embodiment of cage 104'''', which is a combination of two cutoff ellipsoids having smooth transitions without sharp edges, i.e., the derivative of the continuous surface function is a continuous function. Cage 104''' has an exit 103 and a hole 107.
[0069] Figure 10 is a schematic image of a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of cage 104'''', which consists of two cutoff ellipsoids combined with a cone, i.e., the derivative of a continuous function is a continuous surface function. Cage 104'''' has an exit 103 and a hole 107.
[0070] Figure 11 is a schematic image of a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the cage 104'''''', which is a cutoff ellipsoid. The cage 104'''''' has an exit 103 and a hole 107.
[0071] Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional image of a second gas permeable cage 104-2 positioned inside a first gas permeable cage 104-1, where the first and second gas permeable cages (104-1, 104-2) have the same geometric shape. The first gas permeable cage has a hole 107-1, and the second gas permeable cage has a hole 107-2. Cage 104-2 has an outlet 103.
[0072] Figure 13 is a schematic front view of a second gas permeable cage (not shown) positioned inside a first gas permeable cage 104-1. The first gas permeable cage has a hole 107-1, and the second gas permeable cage has a second hole 107-2, which is indicated by a dashed line to show the position of hole 107-2 behind the surface of the first cage 104-1. Holes 107-1 and 107-2 are offset and misaligned.
[0073] Figure 14 is a schematic image of an enlarged cross-section of a second gas permeable cage 104-2 positioned inside a first gas permeable cage 104-1, where the second gas permeable cage 104-2 has holes 107-2, and the first gas permeable cage 104-1 has holes 107-1.
[0074] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional image of a third gas permeable cage 104-3, which is positioned inside a second gas permeable cage 104-2, which is positioned inside a first gas permeable cage 104-1. The first, second, and third gas permeable cages (104-1, 104-2, and 104-3) have the same geometric shape. The first gas permeable cage has a hole 107-1, the second gas permeable cage has a hole 107-2, and the third gas permeable cage has a hole 107-3. Cage 104-3 has an outlet 103.
[0075] Figure 16 is a schematic image of an enlarged cross-section of a third gas permeable cage 104-3, which is positioned inside a second gas permeable cage 104-2, which is positioned inside a first gas permeable cage 104-1. The third gas permeable cage 104-3 has a hole 107-3, the second gas permeable cage 104-2 has a hole 107-2, and the first gas permeable cage 104-1 has a hole 107-1.
Claims
1. Including a container (101), the container is Gas inlet (102) and A gas-permeable cage (104) and Temperature generating means (105; 105') and Includes, The gas permeable cage (104) is placed inside the container (101) and is fluidly connected to the gas inlet (102), the container (101) and the cage (104) are provided with a common gas outlet (103), and the temperature generating means (105; 105') is arranged to form a thermal reaction zone (106) inside the cage (104). The cage (104) is provided with a hole (107). A first subset (107') of the holes is arranged along at least a portion of the first circumferential surface (110) of the cage (104), and a second subset (107'') of the holes is arranged along at least a portion of the second circumferential surface (111) of the cage (104), The first circumferential surface (110) and the second circumferential surface (111) are offset and non-parallel, The first subset (107') and the second subset (107'') of the holes are different from each other. Heat reactor (100).
2. The thermal reactor according to claim 1, wherein the thermal reactor (100) is a plasma reactor (100), the thermal reaction zone is a plasma zone (106), and the temperature generating means (105; 105') is a plasma generating means (105; 105').
3. The heat reactor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the container (101) further includes a cooling means (108).
4. The thermal reactor according to claim 3, wherein the cooling means (108) is located at the outlet (103) or is directly connected to the outlet (103).
5. The heat reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cage (104) is a metal cage.
6. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cage (104) is a ceramic cage.
7. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the cage (104) is made of a nonmetallic conductive material, such as graphene or reduced graphene oxide or graphene-metal composite.
8. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an electrode.
9. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the temperature generating means (105; 105') is an antenna.
10. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the thermal reaction zone (106) is generated using high-frequency or microwave electromagnetic waves.
11. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least 80% of the holes (107), for example, at least 90% of the holes (107), have a central axis (Y) inclined at an angle α of 80°–100° with respect to the tangential plane (X) on the outer surface of the cage around each hole (107).
12. The heat reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the edges of the cage (104) are rounded.
13. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cage (104) is an ellipsoid.
14. The heat reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cage (104) is cylindrical.
15. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cage (104) has a central vertical axis and the cage (104) is symmetrical around it.
16. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the surface geometry of the cage (104) can be described by a continuous function.
17. The thermal reactor according to claim 16, wherein the derivative of the continuous function describing the surface geometry of the cage (104) is a continuous function.
18. The thermal reactor according to claim 17, wherein the second derivative of the continuous function describing the surface geometry of the cage (104) is a continuous function.
19. The thermal reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein holes (107) are provided in at least 30%, for example, at least 40%, for example, at least 50%, for example, at least 60%, for example, at least 70%, for example, at least 80%, for example, at least 90% of the surface of the cage (104).
20. The heat reactor according to claim 19, wherein holes (107) are provided across the entire surface of the cage (104).
21. The heat reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the hole (107) is substantially circular.
22. The heat reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the cage (104) is spaced apart from the wall of the container (101).
23. A heat reactor according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the gas permeable cage (104) is a first gas permeable cage (104-1), Further comprising a second gas-permeable cage (104-2), The hole (107) of the first gas permeable cage (104-1) is the first hole (107-1), The second gas permeable cage (104-2) is provided with a second hole (107-2), A thermal reactor in which the second gas permeable cage (104-2) is smaller than the first gas permeable cage (104-1) such that the second gas permeable cage (104-2) is positioned inside the first gas permeable cage (104-1).
24. The thermal reactor according to claim 23, wherein the first and second holes (107-1, 107-2) of the first and second gas permeable cages (104-1, 104-2) are offset so that the positions of the first and second holes (107-1, 107-2) do not align.
25. The thermal reactor according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the first gas permeable cage (104-1) and the second gas permeable cage (104-2) have the same geometric shape.