Process and apparatus for heating hydrocarbon process flows

Abstract

A process and apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon process stream using an electric heater to provide a portion of the heat requirement necessary to chemically react one of the components of the hydrocarbon process stream. The electric heater may be in series or parallel with a secondary or primary heater. The electric heater may be used between two reaction zones or between a feed exchange heater and a first reaction zone. The electric heater preferably provides 5 to 40% of the heat requirement of the process stream.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Statement of Priority) This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 387,404 filed on December 14, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present invention generally relates to processes and apparatus for heating a hydrocarbon process stream, and more specifically relates to processes and apparatus that use an electric heater to provide a portion of a required amount of heat to a hydrocarbon process stream. [Background Art]

[0003] The world is moving toward providing more environmentally friendly and cleaner technologies. In consideration of the Paris Agreement, most countries have set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 or 2050.

[0004] Also in light of the Paris Agreement, increasing focus is being placed on reducing fossil fuel consumption, improving efficiency to cut carbon dioxide emissions, and increasing dependence on renewable energy sources. As the refining and petrochemical industries shift to sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower and nuclear power, and more green power becomes available, it is desirable to reduce the size of combustion heaters for technologies such as hydrocarbon reforming, dehydrogenation, isomerization, transalkylation and hydrotreatment.

[0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to have a more effective and efficient method for heating a process stream to a desired or required temperature that reduces dependence on heating devices and processes that generate carbon dioxide. [Summary of the Invention]

[0006] The present invention addresses these problems by providing processes and apparatus that utilize electric inline heating and heaters in conjunction with main heaters or primary heaters in various hydrocarbon processing zones and apparatuses. In addition to reducing the carbon dioxide produced by such heaters, the present invention enables the use of smaller combustion heaters, thereby reducing the plot space for process units of similar capacity.

[0007] Incorporating inline electric heating can also help lower the process outlet temperature from the combustion heater, resulting in lower tube wall temperature and peak film temperature. This can help mitigate problems such as metal-catalyzed coking (MCC) and thermal (non-selective) decomposition, which are reduced at lower heater outlet temperatures in various modification techniques.

[0008] Electric heating also offers superior turndown capability and provides operational and process flexibility for operating at low heat loads, which is not easily achievable with combustion heaters, or while maintaining efficient or clean combustion of the fuel gas.

[0009] This flexibility can be useful for precise process control, turndown operations, and startup operations, particularly in startup where it is crucial that the heating rate of the reactor loop is controlled. For example, electric heaters can eliminate the need for burners and additional controls designed for the low-flow, low-combustion operation required at startup.

[0010] Furthermore, many reformers require increased unit capacity (like BPSD) for reforming techniques, and also necessitate additional heater cells (helper / auxiliary heaters). These additional heater cells, arranged either in series or parallel, not only increase the required plot space but also present challenges to the layout of transfer pipes relative to the reactor location. Integrating electric heaters into the transfer lines (to achieve in-line heating) would utilize existing transfer lines (already in the plot plan), and this integration would reduce the need for or size of helper / auxiliary heaters, thereby reducing the required plot space and mitigating challenges related to thermal expansion and stress in the transfer lines relative to the reactor.

[0011] The process fluid temperature at the combustion heater outlet is lower, and the final stage of heating can occur in the "in-line electric heater". Therefore, the solution in this invention not only reduces the high-temperature volume but also reduces the effect of the thermal expansion temperature of the combustion heater on the transfer line, and thus the line stress is also reduced to some extent.

[0012] The constraints of plot space and the challenges of increasing capacity for modified processing units can be addressed with inline electric heating by integrating it with the existing combustion heater. Some modifications to existing reforming units may have limitations on steam system equipment (such as steam drums and BFW circulation pumps). By providing the additional heat load for the modification using inline electric heaters, the need to modify the steam system equipment on the existing combustion heater is eliminated.

[0013] In addition to providing electric heaters in the transfer line, the present invention also intends to provide an electric heating element inside the reactor, thereby further reducing the potentially high-temperature volume while providing the same advantages as described above.

[0014] While this design is applicable to both new and modified designs, the present invention is considered particularly useful as part of a refit solution to achieve carbon dioxide reduction.

[0015] By incorporating "in-line electric heating" into hydrocarbon reforming and similar technologies, it is believed that the size of each combustion heater service (both charge heaters and inter-reactor heaters) can be reduced by at least 10–20%. Furthermore, lower heater outlet temperatures (5.6–11.1°C (10–20°F) or more lower) further optimize the heat flux, making it easier to reduce the size of the combustion heaters.

[0016] Accordingly, the present invention may be characterized in at least one embodiment by providing a chemical reaction process zone having at least one reaction zone having a reactor that receives a feed flow and causes a chemical reaction of the components of the feed flow under suitable conditions, and a heating zone configured to provide heat to the feed flow upstream of the at least one reaction zone. The heating zone includes an electric heater configured to provide a first portion of the required amount of heat to the feed flow, and a second heater configured to provide a second portion of the required amount of heat to the feed flow, wherein the first and second portions achieve a minimum temperature, and the second heater is either a combustion heater or an electric heater.

[0017] At least one reaction zone includes two reactors, and an electric heater may be placed in the transfer line between the first reactor and the second reactor.

[0018] The electric heater may be placed in the transfer line upstream of the second heater.

[0019] The electric heater may be placed in the transfer line downstream of the second heater.

[0020] The electric heater may be placed inside the reactor, in front of the catalyst bed, within the reactor having the catalyst bed.

[0021] The electric heater may be arranged after the catalyst bed inside a reactor having a catalyst bed.

[0022] The electric heater may be arranged inside a reactor having a plurality of catalyst beds, and the electric heater may be located after the catalyst bed and before the second catalyst bed.

[0023] The first portion of the required heat may be 5% to 40% of the required heat.

[0024] The electric heater may be installed at an elbow position of the transfer line, and the feed stream may flow parallel to the electric heater in the transfer line.

[0025] The electric heater may be installed in the transfer line, and the feed stream may flow perpendicularly to the electric heater.

[0026] The electric heater may be installed in the transfer line in an arrangement configured to cover the entire cross section of the transfer line.

[0027] The second heater may be a combustion heater, and the electric heater may be arranged in series with the combustion heater.

[0028] The second heater may be a combustion heater, and the electric heater may be arranged in parallel with the combustion heater.

[0029] The chemical reaction process zone may further include a second electric heater arranged in series with the combustion heater.

[0030] In a second aspect, the present invention may generally be characterized by a process for chemical reaction comprising: heating a process stream in an electric heater; heating the process stream in a second heater, wherein the second heater is either a combustion heater or an electric heater; passing the process stream through a reactor in a reaction zone, so that a chemical reaction of components of the feed stream occurs under suitable conditions; and recovering an effluent stream from the reactor.

[0031] The electric heater may be located upstream of the second heater.

[0032] The electric heater may be located downstream of the second heater.

[0033] The second heater may be a combustion heater, and an electric heater may be arranged in series with the combustion heater.

[0034] The second heater may be a combustion heater, and an electric heater may be placed in parallel with the combustion heater.

[0035] The process may further include a second electric heater connected in series with the combustion heater.

[0036] Electric heaters can provide 5% to 40% of the heat required for a chemical reaction.

[0037] The process flow may also be the effluent from the upstream reactor within the reaction zone.

[0038] Further aspects, embodiments, and details of the present invention, all of which can be combined in any manner, are described below in the detailed description of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] One or more exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the figures in the following drawings. [Figure 1] This is a process flow diagram according to one or more aspects of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a simplified side cross-sectional view of an inline heater according to one or more aspects of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is another simplified side cross-sectional view of an inline heater according to one or more aspects of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic side view of an inline heater according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] As described above, the present invention proposes inline electric heating used in conjunction with other primary heaters. The use of electric heaters addresses several issues, providing higher fuel efficiency for combustion heaters, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, lower high-temperature volume, higher yield, less plot space for combustion heaters, and lower stress values ​​for transfer lines.

[0041] In consideration of these general principles, one or more embodiments of the present invention are described with the understanding that the following description is not intended to be limiting.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the chemical reaction zone 10 includes at least one reaction zone 11 having a reactor 12 that receives a feed flow 14. Inside the reactor 12, there may be a catalyst bed 16 that catalyzes the chemical reaction of the components of the feed flow 14 under favorable conditions, and as a result, the reactor 12 produces at least one effluent flow 18. Alternatively, the reactor 12 may not contain a catalyst bed, and the chemical reaction zone may proceed without a catalyst. The feed flow 14 may be effluent or partial effluent from another reactor 12 in the reaction zone 11.

[0043] In order to bring about the desired chemical reaction, the supply stream 14 must be heated to the desired or required temperature. In other words, the supply stream 14 contains the required amount of heat. Therefore, the chemical reaction zone 10 also includes a heating zone 20 in order to provide heat to the supply stream 14 upstream of the reaction zone 11.

[0044] The heating zone 20 includes one or more electric heaters 22 and a second heater 24. The electric heaters 22 are configured to provide a first portion of the required heat of the supply flow 14. The second heaters 24 are configured to provide a second portion of the required heat of the supply flow 14. The first and second portions together achieve a minimum temperature. The second heater 24 is either a combustion heater or an electric heater. Preferably, the electric heaters 22 together provide 5 to 40% or more, or 5 to 20% or more, of the required heat of the supply flow 14.

[0045] As described above, the heating zone 20, more specifically the electric heater 22, may be located between the two reactors 12. The electric heater 22 may be located at the inlet of the second heater 24, or at the outlet of the second heater 24, or both. The electric heater 22 may be in series and / or parallel with the second heater 24. The electric heater 22 may be located in the reactor 12, before the catalyst bed 16, so that the feed flow passes through the electric heater 22 before passing through the catalyst bed 16. The electric heater 22 may be located after or between the catalyst beds 16.

[0046] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, an electric heater 22 is shown having a heater bundle 30 with hairpin-shaped heating tubes or elements 32. It should be understood that multiple bundles 30 may be used. The hairpin-shaped heating tubes 32 may be 10 feet or less in length and have a typical outer diameter of 0.43 inches. A single electric heater bundle 30 with a bundle diameter of 50 inches and an immersion length of 7 feet (heating length of 5 feet) can provide 1.8 MW of heat to the process with a pressure drop of 3.4 kPa (0.5 psi) (a temperature rise of 5.6°C (10°F) for a reactor vapor flow of 633,000 lb / hour). Different bundle diameters and lengths are possible to optimize performance and meet process requirements.

[0047] The electric heater bundle 30 may be installed in parallel flow above the hairpin-shaped heating tube 32 (Figure 2), thereby providing the most uniform flow above all elements and eliminating flow imbalances and corresponding high-temperature regions within the bundle 30. The elbow in a typical transfer line can also be replaced with a T, and the electric heater bundle 30 can then be installed in the piping through the longer portion of the T. Figure 2 shows that the orientation of the electric heater bundle and flow may be horizontal, while Figure 3 shows that the orientation of the bundle and flow may be vertical. Figures 2 and 3 also show that the flow inlet (or outlet) may be located at either end of the electric heater bundle, as this makes it possible to optimize the bundle design with respect to the flow temperature.

[0048] Furthermore, the electric heaters 22 may be placed in the middle of the transfer line rather than at the elbow. For example, as shown in Figure 4, hairpin-shaped heating tubes may be installed in a perpendicular flow across the bundle of electric heaters 22. This limits the length of the tubes and / or bundles of electric heaters 22 based on the diameter of the transfer line, because the tubes and / or bundles of electric heaters 22 are perpendicular to the flow in the line (from left to right or right to left in Figure 4).

[0049] Therefore, the heating elements 32 may be parallel to each other in the horizontal direction (Figure 5), the vertical direction (Figure 6), or any direction in between. Furthermore, combinations of directions, such as a combination of vertical and horizontal directions that provides a mesh-like pattern, are also intended to be provided. Furthermore, the heating elements 32 may have the geometric shape shown in Figure 7 (such as a hexagon or a helical coil).

[0050] Appropriate baffles or shrouds around the heating bundle are intended to maximize the velocity at the top of the bundle and eliminate unbalanced distribution and high-temperature regions within the bundle. Multiple bundles may be installed to achieve the desired heat load.

[0051] By installing longer electric heater bundles and multiple bundles, element temperatures can be reduced, fouling and coking can be better eliminated, and the design life can be improved. The design of electric heaters must carefully consider fluid temperature, element temperature, heat load, pressure drop, and the fouling / coking tendency of the process fluid.

[0052] The electric heater bundle may be installed immediately upstream or immediately downstream of the combustion heater, or both (this applies to charge heaters and / or interstage heaters). The electric heater offers the greatest benefit to the combustion heater when it is downstream, because it lowers the outlet temperature of the combustion heater, which can be used to optimize the design and save size of the combustion heater. Furthermore, the electric heater bundle may be installed close to the reactor inlet to minimize the high-temperature volume.

[0053] The heat load of the electric heater 22 can be controlled and monitored, for example, by measuring flow temperature and element temperature. In addition to ensuring proper heating, such data can be used to protect the element from overheating and failure. Therefore, the heat load can be controlled to avoid overheating by utilizing the set level. The reduction in heat from the electric heater can be compensated for by the combustion heater.

[0054] Furthermore, the control of the heat load may be the control of multiple bundles, individual bundles, or groups of elements within a single bundle. This is selected to optimize the performance and reliability of the electric heater operation.

[0055] Electric heaters may be installed upstream of combustion heaters based on layout needs and availability or to improve the electric heater design. Upstream placement helps minimize element temperature, better eliminate fouling and coking, and improve design life. Electric heater hairpin elements can also be placed around the inlet or outlet of a radial flow reactor. This arrangement eliminates space requirements in the transfer line and can further reduce high-temperature residence time.

[0056] experiment Rapid yield estimation was simulated in a reforming reactor where 50% of the high-temperature volume from all transfer lines, heater manifolds, and heater tubes operated at a temperature 20°F lower than the conventional design, while keeping all other parameters (i.e., reactor inlet temperature, pressure, etc.) the same. In addition to showing a reduction in carbon dioxide production, the simulation estimated an additional 0.2 wt% C5+ yield compared to the current design.

[0057] We performed a rapid thermal evaluation of the combustion heater in the reforming process unit. Here, we quantified / estimated heater performance by lowering the heater terminal temperature by 11°C (20°F). We noted that this reduction in heater terminal temperature reduced fuel consumption by 20% and also reduced carbon dioxide generation by 20%.

[0058] It should be recognized and understood by those skilled in the art that various other components, such as valves, pumps, filters, and coolers, are not shown in the drawings because their details are well within the scope of knowledge of those skilled in the art, and their description is not essential for the practice or understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] Any of the lines, conduits, units, devices, containers, surrounding environments, zones, or similar entities described above may comprise one or more monitoring components, including sensors, measuring devices, data acquisition devices, or data transmission devices. Signals, process, or state measurements and data from the monitoring components can be used to monitor conditions within, around, and on process equipment. Signals, measurements, and / or data generated or recorded by the monitoring components may be collected, processed, and / or transmitted via one or more networks or connections, which may be private or public, general or specific, direct or indirect, wired or wireless, encrypted or unencrypted, and / or a combination thereof. This specification is not intended to limit us in this respect.

[0060] Signals, measurements, and / or data generated or recorded by monitoring components may be transmitted to one or more computing devices or systems. A computing device or system may include at least one processor and memory for storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause one or more computing devices to perform a process that may include one or more steps. For example, one or more computing devices may be configured to receive data from one or more monitoring components relating to at least one part of equipment associated with a process. One or more computing devices or systems may be configured to analyze the data. Based on the analysis of the data, one or more computing devices or systems may be configured to determine one or more recommended adjustments to one or more parameters of one or more processes described herein. One or more computing devices or systems may be configured to transmit encrypted or unencrypted data containing one or more recommended adjustments to one or more parameters of one or more processes described herein.

[0061] Specific Embodiments The following will be explained in conjunction with specific embodiments, but it should be understood that this explanation is intended to illustrate the scope of the preceding explanation and the attached claims, and is not intended to limit them.

[0062] A first embodiment of the present invention is a chemical reaction process zone comprising: at least one reaction zone having a reactor that receives a feed flow and causes a chemical reaction of the components of the feed flow under favorable conditions; a heating zone configured to provide heat to a feed flow upstream of at least one reaction zone, and including an electric heater configured to provide a first portion of the required heat to the feed flow; and a second heater configured to provide a second portion of the required heat to the feed flow, wherein the first and second portions achieve a minimum temperature, and the second heater is either a combustion heater or an electric heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the earlier embodiments of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein at least one reaction zone comprises two reactors, and an electric heater is located in a transfer line between the first reactor and the second reactor. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the earlier embodiments of this paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein an electric heater is located in a transfer line upstream of the second heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is located in a transfer line downstream of the second heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the reactor comprises a catalyst bed and the electric heater is located inside the reactor, in front of the catalyst bed. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the reactor comprises a catalyst bed and the electric heater is located inside the reactor, in front of the catalyst bed. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the reactor includes a first catalyst bed and a second catalyst bed, and the electric heater is located inside the reactor, in that the electric heater is located behind the first catalyst bed and in front of the second catalyst bed. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs up to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the first portion of the required heat is 5% to 40% of the required heat.Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is installed at the elbow position of the transfer line and the supply flow flows parallel to the electric heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is installed in the transfer line and the supply flow flows perpendicular to the electric heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is arranged and installed in the transfer line in a configuration that covers the entire cross-section of the transfer line. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a combustion heater and the electric heater is arranged in series with the combustion heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a combustion heater and an electric heater is arranged in parallel with the combustion heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the first embodiment of this paragraph, further including a second electric heater arranged in series with the combustion heater.

[0063] A second embodiment of the present invention is a process for a chemical reaction, comprising: heating a process flow with an electric heater; heating the process flow with a second heater, wherein the second heater is either a combustion heater or an electric heater; passing the process flow through a reactor in a reaction zone, thereby causing a chemical reaction of the components of the feed flow under favorable conditions; and recovering an outflow flow from the reactor. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is upstream of the second heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater is downstream of the second heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments described in the preceding paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a combustion heater and the electric heater is arranged in series with the combustion heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the earlier embodiments of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the second heater is a combustion heater and an electric heater is arranged in parallel with the combustion heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the earlier embodiments of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, further comprising a second electric heater arranged in series with the combustion heater. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the earlier embodiments of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the electric heater provides 5% to 40% of the heat required for the chemical reaction. Embodiments of the present invention are any or all of the embodiments from the earlier embodiments of this paragraph to the second embodiment of this paragraph, wherein the process flow includes effluent from the upstream reactor in the reaction zone.

[0064] Without further detail, it is expected that those skilled in the art will be able to utilize the invention to the fullest extent without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and will readily identify its essential characteristics, and will be able to make various changes and modifications to the invention to suit various uses and conditions. Accordingly, the prior preferred specific embodiments should be interpreted as merely illustrative and not to limit the remainder of this disclosure in any way, but are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent configurations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0065] In the above, all temperatures are given in Celsius, and unless otherwise specified, all parts and percentages refer to the "required heat" which is the heat flow (e.g., watts, Btu / hour).

[0066] While the above detailed description of the present invention has presented at least one exemplary embodiment, it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiments (one or more) are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Rather, the above detailed description provides useful guidance for carrying out exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and it should be understood that various changes can be made to the arrangement of functions and elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents. <Note> [Form 1] Chemical reaction process zone (10), A reaction zone (11) having at least one reactor (12) that receives a supply flow (14) and causes a chemical reaction of the components of the supply flow (14) under suitable conditions, A heating zone (20) configured to provide heat to the supply flow (22) upstream of the at least one reaction zone (11), An electric heater (22) configured to provide the supply flow (14) with a first portion of the required heat, and A heating zone (20) is provided with a second heater (24) configured to provide the supply flow (14) with a second portion of the required heat, A chemical reaction process zone (10) comprising the first and second parts achieving the lowest temperature, wherein the second heater (24) is either a combustion heater or an electric heater. [Form 2] The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the at least one reaction zone (11) includes two reactors (12), and the electric heater (22) is located in a transfer line between the first reactor (12) and the second reactor (12). [Form 3] The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the electric heater (22) is located in the transfer line upstream of the second heater (24). [Form 4] The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the electric heater (22) is located in the transfer line downstream of the second heater (24). [Form 5] A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to Embodiment 1, wherein the reactor includes a catalyst bed (16), and the electric heater (22) is located inside the reactor (12) either before the catalyst bed (16), or after the catalyst bed (16), or both. [Form 6] A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of forms 1 to 5, wherein the first portion of the required heat is 5% to 40% of the required heat. [Form 7] The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the electric heater (22) is installed at an elbow position in the transfer line, and the supply flow flows parallel to the electric heater (22). [Form 8] A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the electric heater (22) is installed in the transfer line and the supply flow flows perpendicular to the electric heater (22). [Form 9] A chemical reaction process zone (10) according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the second heater (24) is a combustion heater, and the electric heater (22) is arranged in series with the combustion heater, in parallel with the combustion heater, or both. [Form 10] A process for causing a chemical reaction, The process flow (14) is heated in the electric heater (22), Heating the process flow (14) with a second heater (24), wherein the second heater (24) is either a combustion heater or an electric heater, The process flow (26) is passed through a reactor (12) in a reaction zone (11) that causes a chemical reaction of the components of the supply flow (14) under suitable conditions. To recover the flowing material (18) from the reactor (12), A process that includes this.

Claims

1. A chemical reaction process zone (10), A reaction zone (11) having at least one reactor (12) that receives a supply flow (14) and causes a chemical reaction of the components of the supply flow (14) under suitable conditions, A heating zone (20) configured to provide heat to the supply flow (14) upstream of the at least one reaction zone (11), An electric heater (22) configured to provide the supply flow (14) with a first portion of the required heat, and A heating zone (20) is provided with a second heater (24) configured to provide the supply flow (14) with a second portion of the required heat, A chemical reaction process zone (10) comprising the first and second portions achieving the lowest temperature, the second heater (24) being a combustion heater, the reaction zone (11) including two reactors (12), and the electric heater (22) located in the transfer line between the first reactor (12) and the second reactor (12).

2. A chemical reaction process zone (10), A reaction zone (11) having at least one reactor (12) that receives a supply flow (14) and causes a chemical reaction of the components of the supply flow (14) under suitable conditions, A heating zone (20) configured to provide heat to the supply flow (14) upstream of the at least one reaction zone (11), An electric heater (22) configured to provide the supply flow (14) with a first portion of the required heat, and A heating zone (20) is provided with a second heater (24) configured to provide the supply flow (14) with a second portion of the required heat, The first and second parts achieve the lowest temperature, and the second heater (24) is a combustion heater. A chemical reaction process zone (10) in which the reactor includes a catalyst bed (16), and the electric heater (22) is located inside the reactor (12) in front of the catalyst bed (16), or after the catalyst bed (16), or both.

3. The chemical reaction process zone (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electric heater (22) is arranged in series with the combustion heater, or in parallel with the combustion heater, or both.

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