Device and method for heating a fluid in a pipeline with single-phase alternating current

Abstract

An apparatus (100) for heating a fluid is proposed. The apparatus comprises - at least one electrically conductive pipeline (112) and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment (114) for receiving the fluid, and - at least one single-phase AC power source and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source (126), each pipeline (112) and / or each pipeline segment (114) being assigned a single-phase AC power source and / or a single-phase AC voltage source (126) which is connected to the respective pipeline (112) and / or to the respective pipeline segment (114), the respective single-phase AC power source and / or single-phase AC voltage source (126) being designed to generate an electrical current in the respective pipeline (112) and / or in the respective pipeline segment (114), which warms up the respective pipeline (112) and / or the respective pipeline segment (114) by Joulean heat, which is produced when the electrical current passes through conducting pipe material, for heating the fluid, the single-phase AC power source and / or the single-phase AC voltage source (126) being connected to the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) in an electrically conducting manner in such a way that the alternating current generated flows into the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) via a forward conductor (128) and flows back to the AC power source and / or AC voltage source (126) via a return conductor (130). (Fig. 1a)

Description

[0001] Device and method for heating a fluid in a pipeline with single-phase alternating current

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device and a method for heating a fluid in a pipeline.

[0004] Such devices are generally known. For example, WO 2015 / 197181 A1 describes a device for heating a fluid, comprising at least one electrically conductive pipe for receiving the fluid, and at least one voltage source connected to the at least one pipe. The at least one voltage source is configured to generate an alternating electric current in the at least one pipe, which heats the at least one pipe for heating the fluid.

[0005] However, known devices for heating a fluid in a pipeline are often technically complicated or can only be implemented with high technical effort.

[0006] FR 2722359 A1 describes a fluid flowing through a uniform central bore of a channel whose wall thickness increases uniformly along the axis. An electrical energy source is connected between the ends. The resistance heating per unit length decreases with increasing thickness, with the required energy distribution being achieved by selecting suitable dimensions.

[0007] WO 2013 / 143435 A1 describes an electric high-frequency heating tube consisting of a conductive tube body that is compatible with at least one group of heating devices. The heating devices are arranged on the tube body and externally connected to a high-frequency AC power supply. The heating device comprises at least two conductive components. Each of the two conductive components is provided with a conductive ring. The conductive rings are each slid onto the tube body and arranged separately on the left and right sides.The two conductive rings are each connected to a conductive wire, and the other ends of the two conductive wires are each connected to the different electrodes of the high-frequency alternating current supply to conduct and collect the high-frequency current to the surface of the material tube body, so that the high-frequency alternating current flows on the surface of the material tube body and the temperature rises rapidly to heat the surface of the material tube body due to the presence of an impedance.

[0008] In the technical field of submarine pipelines, as described in EP 3579659 A1, a submarine direct electric heating energy supply system for providing electrical energy to heat a submarine pipeline section is known. The system comprises input means suitable for coupling the direct electric heating energy supply system to a power supply, and a variable-speed submarine drive for receiving electrical energy from the input means and providing an alternating current output.

[0009] In the technical field of oil pipelines, as described in GB 2 341 442 A, a thermally insulated pipeline heating system is known in which a portion of the pipeline acts as a heating element. The heating element has connections with corresponding supply and return cables at opposite ends of the pipeline length that define the heating element, the thermal insulation providing electrical insulation for the heating element.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device and a method for heating a fluid which largely avoid the disadvantages of known devices and methods. In particular, the device and the method should be technically simple to implement and carry out, and also economical. Specifically, the device and the method should be applicable to the heating of fluids that cause a reduction in insulation, for example, coking in cracking furnaces.

[0011] This problem was solved by a device with the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified, inter alia, in the associated dependent claims and dependent claim combinations.

[0012] In the following, the terms "have," "exhibit," "comprise," or "include," or any grammatical variations thereof, are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no other features are present, and to situations in which one or more other features are present. For example, the expression "A has B," "A exhibits B," "A comprises B," or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no other element is present in A (i.e., a situation in which A consists solely of B), and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more other elements are present in A, such as element C, elements C and D, or even further elements.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more," as well as grammatical variations of these terms or similar terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be present once or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example, when the feature or element is first introduced. Upon subsequent mention of the feature or element, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without restricting the possibility that the feature or element may be present once or multiple times.Furthermore, the terms "preferably," "in particular," "for example," or similar terms are used in the following in conjunction with optional features without thereby limiting alternative embodiments. Features introduced by these terms are thus optional features, and it is not intended that these features limit the scope of protection of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. As the person skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be implemented using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in one embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features, without any intention of limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of protection of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave unaffected all possibilities of combining the features introduced herewith other features, whether optional or non-optional features.

[0014] In a first aspect of the present invention, a device for heating a fluid is proposed.

[0015] For the purposes of this invention, a "fluid" is understood to be a gaseous and / or liquid medium. The fluid can, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: water, steam, combustion air, a hydrocarbon mixture, or a hydrocarbon to be decomposed. For example, the fluid can be a thermally decomposed hydrocarbon, in particular a thermally decomposed mixture of hydrocarbons. For example, the fluid can be water or steam and additionally comprise a thermally decomposed hydrocarbon, in particular a mixture of thermally decomposed hydrocarbons. The fluid can, for example, be a preheated mixture of thermally decomposed hydrocarbons and steam. Other fluids are also conceivable.

[0016] The term "heating a fluid" can be understood as a process that leads to a change in the fluid's temperature, in particular an increase in the fluid's temperature, for example, to warming the fluid. The fluid can be heated, for instance, to a predetermined temperature value. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 200°C to 1200°C. The temperature range can depend on the application. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 1100°C. Alternatively, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 200°C to 800°C, preferably from 400°C to 700°C.

[0017] The equipment can be part of a plant. For example, the equipment can be selected from the group consisting of: a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, a dry reforming device. For example, the plant can be configured to carry out at least one process selected from the group consisting of: steam cracking, steam reforming, alkane dehydrogenation, dry reforming. The equipment can, for example, be part of a steam cracker. "Steam cracking" can be understood as a process in which long-chain hydrocarbons, such as naphtha, propane, butane, and ethane, as well as gas oil and hydrowax, are converted into short-chain hydrocarbons by thermal cracking in the presence of steam. Steam cracking can produce hydrogen, methane, ethene, and propene as the main products, as well as, among others, butenes and pyrolysis gasoline.The steamer can be set up to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 1100°C.

[0018] For example, the device can be part of a reformer furnace. "Steam reforming" can be understood as a process for producing hydrogen and carbon oxides from water and carbon-containing energy carriers, in particular hydrocarbons such as natural gas, gasoline, methane, biogas, or biomass. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 200 °C to 800 °C, preferably from 400 °C to 700 °C.

[0019] For example, the device can be part of an alkane dehydrogenation apparatus. "Alkane dehydrogenation" can be understood as a process for producing alkenes by dehydrogenating alkanes, for example, the dehydrogenation of butane to butenes (BDH) or the dehydrogenation of propane to propene (PDH). The alkane dehydrogenation apparatus can be designed to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range of 400°C to 700°C.

[0020] However, other temperatures and temperature ranges are also conceivable.

[0021] The device comprises: at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment for receiving the fluid, and at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or pipeline segment is assigned a single-phase AC current and / or a single-phase AC voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment, wherein the respective single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source is configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment, which heats the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment by means of Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid.wherein the single-phase alternating current and / or the single-phase alternating voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source via a return conductor.

[0022] Within the scope of the present invention, a pipeline can be understood to be any shaped device designed to receive and transport fluid. A pipeline segment can be understood to be a section of a pipeline. The pipeline can comprise at least one symmetrical and / or at least one asymmetrical pipe. The geometry, surface finish, and / or material of the pipeline can depend on the fluid being transported.

[0023] An "electrically conductive pipeline" can be understood to mean that the pipeline, in particular the material of the pipeline, is designed to conduct electric current.

[0024] The fluid can flow through the respective pipes and / or pipe segments of the device and be heated in them by heating the pipes and / or pipe segments through an alternating current impressed into these pipes and / or pipe segments from the alternating current and / or alternating voltage sources, so that Joule heat is generated in the pipes and / or pipe segments, which is transferred to the fluid, so that it is heated as it flows through the pipes and / or pipe segments.

[0025] The pipeline can be configured as a reaction tube of a reformer furnace. The pipeline can be configured as a reaction tube of at least one plant selected from the group consisting of: a steamer, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, and a dry reforming device.

[0026] The installation can have multiple pipes and / or pipe segments. The installation can have L pipes and / or pipe segments, where L is a natural number greater than or equal to two. For example, the installation can have at least two, three, four, five, or even more pipes and / or pipe segments. The installation can, for example, have up to one hundred pipes and / or pipe segments. The pipes and / or pipe segments can be identical or different in design.

[0027] The pipelines and / or pipeline segments may consist of symmetrical and / or asymmetrical pipes and / or combinations thereof. In a purely symmetrical design, the system may consist of pipelines and / or pipeline segments of the same pipe type. "Asymmetrical pipes" and "combinations of symmetrical and asymmetrical pipes" can be understood to mean that the system may have any combination of pipe types, which may, for example, be connected in parallel or in series. A "pipe type" can be understood to be a category or type of pipeline and / or pipeline segment characterized by specific features.The pipe type can be characterized by at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: a horizontal configuration of the pipe and / or pipe segment; a vertical configuration of the pipe and / or pipe segment; a length at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and / or transition (L3); a diameter at the inlet (d1) and outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3); the number n of passes; length per pass; diameter per pass; geometry; surface finish; and material. The system can have a combination of at least two different pipe types connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the system can have pipes and / or pipe segments of different lengths at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and / or transition (L3).For example, the system can have pipelines and / or pipeline segments with an asymmetry in diameter at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3). For example, the system can have pipelines and / or pipeline segments with a different number of passes. For example, the system can have pipelines and / or pipeline segments with passes of different lengths per pass and / or different diameters per pass. In principle, any combination of all pipe types in parallel and / or in series is conceivable. The system can have multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production streams. "Feed" can be understood as a material flow that is supplied to the system.Pipelines and / or pipe segments of different or identical pipe types can be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets. Pipelines and / or pipe segments can be supplied in various pipe types as a modular system and selected and combined as needed, depending on the application. Using pipelines and / or pipe segments of different pipe types allows for more precise temperature control, adjustment of the reaction rate to fluctuating feed rates, selective reaction yield, and / or optimized process engineering. The pipelines and / or pipe segments can have identical or different geometries, surfaces, and / or materials. The pipelines and / or pipe segments can be interconnected to form a piping system for receiving the fluid.A "pipe system" can be understood to be a device consisting of at least two, in particular interconnected, pipes and / or pipe segments. The pipe system can have inlet and outlet pipes. The pipe system can have at least one inlet for receiving the fluid. The pipe system can have at least one outlet for discharging the fluid. "Interconnected" can be understood to mean that the pipes and / or pipe segments are connected to each other in a fluid connection. Thus, the pipes and / or pipe segments can be arranged and connected in such a way that the fluid flows through the pipes and / or pipe segments sequentially. The pipes and / or pipe segments can be connected in parallel to each other, such that the fluid can flow through at least two pipes and / or pipe segments in parallel.The pipelines and / or pipeline segments, especially those connected in parallel, can be configured to transport different fluids in parallel. Specifically, for the transport of different fluids, the parallel pipelines and / or pipeline segments can have different geometries, surfaces, and / or materials. Particularly for the transport of a single fluid, several or all of the pipelines and / or pipeline segments can be configured in parallel, allowing the fluid to be distributed among those parallel pipelines. Combinations of series and parallel connections are also conceivable.The pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the corresponding incoming and outgoing pipelines can be fluidly connected to one another, whereby the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the incoming and outgoing pipelines can be galvanically isolated from each other. "Galvanically isolated from each other" can be understood to mean that the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the incoming and outgoing pipelines are separated from each other in such a way that no electrical conduction and / or a tolerable electrical conduction occurs between the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the incoming and outgoing pipelines. The installation can include at least one insulator, and in particular a plurality of insulators. The galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the incoming and outgoing pipelines can be ensured by the insulators.The insulators ensure a free flow of fluid. The system can have at least one supply conductor and at least one return conductor for each galvanically isolated pipeline and / or pipeline segment. The supply and return conductors for the respective galvanically isolated pipelines and / or pipeline segments can be connected to an AC current and / or AC voltage source. Therefore, each galvanically isolated pipeline and / or pipeline segment can have one AC current and / or AC voltage source, at least one supply conductor, and at least one return conductor.

[0028] An "alternating current source" can be understood as a power source designed to provide an alternating current. An "alternating current" can also be understood as an electric current whose polarity changes at regular intervals. For example, the alternating current can be sinusoidal. A "single-phase" alternating current source can be understood as an alternating current source that provides an electric current with a single phase.

[0029] The device can be configured to supply alternating current to the pipeline and / or pipeline segment and / or to provide alternating current to the pipeline and / or pipeline segment. The device can have a forward conductor configured to conduct the generated alternating current to another element, in particular the pipeline and / or pipeline segment, such that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or pipeline segment via the forward conductor. A "forward conductor" can be any electrical conductor, in particular a supply conductor, where the term "forward" indicates a direction of flow from the alternating current source or alternating voltage source to the pipeline and / or pipeline segment.

[0030] An "alternating current source" (AC source) can be understood as a voltage source designed to provide an alternating voltage. An "alternating voltage" can be understood as a voltage whose amplitude and polarity repeat regularly over time. For example, the alternating voltage can be sinusoidal. The voltage generated by the AC source causes a current to flow, specifically an alternating current. A "single-phase" AC source can be understood as an AC source that provides the alternating current with a single phase.

[0031] The alternating current source and / or the alternating voltage source are configured to generate an alternating current in the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment. The generated alternating current can heat the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment through Joule heating, which occurs when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, thus heating the fluid. "Heating of the pipeline and / or pipeline segment" can be understood as a process that leads to a change in the temperature of the pipeline and / or pipeline segment, in particular an increase in the temperature of the pipeline and / or pipeline segment.

[0032] The alternating current and / or voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or pipeline segment via the incoming conductor and returns to the alternating current and / or voltage source via a return conductor. The device may have at least one return conductor. A "return conductor" can be understood to be any electrical conductor configured to carry the alternating current away from the pipeline and / or pipeline segment after it has flowed through it, in particular to the alternating current or voltage source. The term "return" here indicates a direction of flow from the pipeline and / or pipeline segment to the alternating current or voltage source.

[0033] The installation can have multiple single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources.

[0034] Each pipeline and / or each pipeline segment can be assigned an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection. Furthermore, embodiments are conceivable in which at least two pipelines and / or each pipeline segment share an alternating current and / or alternating voltage source.

[0035] To connect the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources to the respective pipelines and / or pipeline segments, the device can have 2 to N outgoing conductors and 2 to N return conductors, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective single-phase AC current and / or AC voltage source can be configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment. The AC current and / or AC voltage sources can be either regulated or unregulated. The AC current and / or AC voltage sources can be configured with or without the ability to regulate at least one electrical output variable. An "output variable" can be understood to be a current and / or a voltage value and / or a current and / or voltage signal.The system can have 2 to M different AC current and / or AC voltage sources, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The AC current and / or AC voltage sources can be electrically controllable independently of each other. For example, different currents can be generated in the respective pipes, and different temperatures can be achieved in the pipes.

[0036] Furthermore, the device can include at least one heating wire, which may, for example, be wound around the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment. The alternating current and / or voltage source can be connected to the heating wire. The alternating current and / or voltage source can be configured to generate a current in the heating wire and thus heat. The heating wire can be configured to heat the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment, in particular to overheat it.

[0037] In a further aspect, the present invention proposes a method for heating a fluid. This method utilizes a device according to the invention.

[0038] The process includes the following steps:

[0039] Providing at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment to receive the fluid;

[0040] Absorption of the fluid into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment;

[0041] Providing at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or pipeline segment is assigned one single-phase AC current and / or one single-phase AC voltage source which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment,

[0042] Generating an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment by the respective single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source, which heats the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment by means of Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the AC current and / or AC voltage source via a return conductor. Regarding embodiments and definitions, reference can be made to the above description of the unit.The process steps can be carried out in the specified order, whereby one or more of the steps can be carried out at least partially simultaneously, and where one or more of the steps can be repeated multiple times. Furthermore, additional steps can be carried out, irrespective of whether they are mentioned in this application or not.

[0043] The fluid can flow through the respective pipes and / or pipe segments of the device and be heated in them by heating the pipes through an alternating current impressed into these pipes and / or pipe segments from the single-phase alternating current and / or the single-phase alternating voltage source, so that Joule heat is generated in the pipes and / or pipe segments, which is transferred to the fluid, so that it is heated as it flows through the pipes and / or pipe segments.

[0044] For example, a thermally decomposing hydrocarbon, in particular a thermally decomposing mixture of hydrocarbons, can be heated as a fluid.

[0045] For example, water or steam can be heated as a fluid, in particular to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 700°C, and the fluid additionally contains a thermally decomposable hydrocarbon, in particular a mixture of thermally decomposable hydrocarbons. The fluid to be heated can be a preheated mixture of thermally decomposable hydrocarbons and steam.

[0046] For example, combustion air of a reformer furnace can be preheated or heated as a fluid, for example to a temperature in the range of 200 °C to 800 °C, preferably 400 °C to 700 °C.

[0047] For example, the pipeline can be designed as a reaction tube of a reformer furnace.

[0048] The device and method according to the invention offer numerous advantages over known devices and methods. The device and method according to the invention allow for temperature control, current or voltage control, yield optimization, any reactor design, and any combination of reactors.

[0049] In summary, the following embodiments are particularly preferred within the scope of the present invention:

[0050] Embodiment 1: Device for heating a fluid comprising - at least one electrically conductive pipe and / or at least one electrically conductive pipe segment for receiving the fluid, and

[0051] - at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or pipeline segment is assigned one single-phase AC current and / or one single-phase AC voltage source, which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment, wherein the respective single-phase AC current and / or one-phase AC voltage source is configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment, which heats the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment by means of Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase AC current and / or the single-phase AC voltage source is electrically conductively connected to the pipeline and / or pipeline segment in such a way thatthat the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source via a return conductor.

[0052] Embodiment 2: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device has a plurality of pipes and / or pipe segments, wherein the pipes and / or pipe segments are interconnected and thus form a pipe system for receiving the fluid.

[0053] Embodiment 3: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the device comprises L pipes and / or pipe segments, wherein L is a natural number greater than or equal to two, wherein the pipes and / or pipe segments comprise symmetrical or asymmetrical pipes and / or a combination thereof.

[0054] Embodiment 4: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and corresponding incoming and outgoing pipelines are fluidly connected to each other, wherein the pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the incoming and outgoing pipelines are galvanically isolated from each other.

[0055] Embodiment 5: A device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device comprises insulators configured for galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines and / or pipeline segments and the incoming and outgoing pipelines, wherein the insulators are configured to ensure a free flow of the fluid. Embodiment 6: A device according to any of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that several or all of the pipelines and / or pipeline segments are configured in series and / or parallel.

[0056] Embodiment 7: Device according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the device has a plurality of single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources, wherein the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources are designed with or without the possibility of controlling at least one electrical output quantity.

[0057] Embodiment 8: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device for connecting the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources and the respective pipelines and / or with the respective pipeline segments has 2 to N forward conductors and 2 to N return conductors, wherein N is a natural number greater than or equal to three.

[0058] Embodiment 9: Device according to one of the two preceding embodiments, characterized in that the respective single-phase alternating current or single-phase alternating voltage sources are identical or different in design.

[0059] Embodiment 10: Device according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that the device 2 to M comprises different single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage sources, wherein M is a natural number greater than or equal to three, wherein the single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage sources are electrically controllable independently of each other.

[0060] Embodiment 11: System comprising at least one device according to one of the preceding embodiments.

[0061] Embodiment 12: The plant according to the preceding embodiment is characterized in that the plant is selected from the group consisting of: a steamer field, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, and a dry reforming device.

[0062] Embodiment 13: Method for heating a fluid using a device according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a device, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0063] - Providing at least one electrically conductive pipeline and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment to receive the fluid;

[0064] - Absorption of the fluid into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment;

[0065] - Providing at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source, wherein each pipeline and / or pipeline segment is assigned one single-phase AC current and / or one single-phase AC voltage source which is connected to the respective pipeline and / or pipeline segment,

[0066] Generating an electric current in the respective pipeline and / or in the respective pipeline segment by the respective single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source, which heats the respective pipeline and / or the respective pipeline segment by Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase AC current and / or the single-phase AC voltage source is electrically connected to the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline and / or the pipeline segment via a forward conductor and flows back to the alternating current and / or AC voltage source via a return conductor.

[0067] Embodiment 14: Method according to the preceding embodiment, characterized in that a thermally decomposable hydrocarbon, in particular a thermally decomposable mixture of hydrocarbons, is heated as the fluid.

[0068] Embodiment 15: A method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, characterized in that water or steam is heated as the fluid, wherein that water or steam is heated in particular to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 700°C, and the fluid additionally comprises a thermally crackable hydrocarbon, in particular a mixture of thermally crackable hydrocarbons, wherein the fluid to be heated is a preheated mixture of thermally crackable hydrocarbons and steam.

[0069] Embodiment 16: Method according to one of the preceding embodiments relating to a method, characterized in that combustion air of a reformer furnace is preheated as the fluid, for example to a temperature in the range of 200 °C to 800 °C, preferably 400 °C to 700 °C.

[0070] Brief description of the characters

[0071] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the dependent claims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. The embodiments are illustrated schematically in the figures. Identical reference numerals in the individual figures denote identical or functionally equivalent elements, or elements that correspond to one another with respect to their functions.

[0072] Specifically, Figures 1a to 1c show schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of a device according to the invention;

[0073] Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

[0074] Figures 3a and 3b are schematic representations of further embodiments of the device according to the invention; Figures 4a to 4c are schematic representations of embodiments of a device according to the invention; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention;

[0075] Figures 6a and 6f are schematic representations of further embodiments of the inventive device;

[0076] Figures 7Ai to Cvi schematic representation of pipe types; and

[0077] Figures 8a to y show a modular system with pipe types and examples of embodiments according to the invention of combinations of pipelines and / or pipeline segments.

[0078] Examples of implementation

[0079] Figures 1a to 1c each show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid. The device 110 comprises at least one electrically conductive pipe 112 and / or at least one electrically conductive pipe segment 114 for receiving the fluid. The fluid can be a gaseous and / or liquid medium. The fluid can, for example, be selected from the group consisting of: water, steam, combustion air, a hydrocarbon mixture, or a hydrocarbon to be decomposed. For example, the fluid can be a hydrocarbon to be thermally decomposed, in particular a thermally decomposed mixture of hydrocarbons. For example, the fluid can be water or steam and additionally comprise a hydrocarbon to be thermally decomposed, in particular a mixture of thermally decomposed hydrocarbons.The fluid can be, for example, a preheated mixture of hydrocarbons to be thermally cracked and water vapor. Other fluids are also conceivable. The device 110 can be configured to heat the fluid, in particular to cause an increase in the fluid's temperature. The fluid can, for example, be heated to a predetermined temperature value. For example, the fluid can be heated to a temperature in the range of 400°C to 1200°C. The device 110 can be part of a system. For example, the system can be selected from the group consisting of: a steam cracker, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, and a dry reforming device. The device 110 can, for example, be configured to carry out at least one process selected from the group consisting of: steam cracking, steam reforming, alkane dehydrogenation, and dry reforming.Device 110 can, for example, be part of a steamer. The steamer can be configured to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 1100°C. Device 110 can, for example, be part of a reformer furnace. The fluid can, for example, be combustion air from a reformer furnace, which is preheated or heated, for example, to a temperature in the range of 200°C to 800°C, preferably from 400°C to 700°C. Device 110 can, for example, be part of an alkane dehydrogenation apparatus. The alkane dehydrogenation apparatus can be configured to heat the fluid to a temperature in the range of 400°C to 700°C. However, other temperatures and temperature ranges are also conceivable.

[0080] The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can be configured to receive and transport the fluid. The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can comprise at least one leg or one coil. The pipeline 112 can have at least one symmetrical and / or at least one asymmetrical tube. Figure 1c shows an embodiment with three symmetrical pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114. The geometry and / or surface and / or material of the pipeline 112 can depend on the fluid being transported. The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can be configured to conduct electric current. The pipeline 112 can be configured as a reaction tube of a reformer furnace.

[0081] Figure 1a shows an embodiment in which the device has a pipe 112. The device 110 can have a plurality of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114, for example, two as shown in Figure 1b or three as shown in Figure 1c. The device 110 can have L pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114, where L is a natural number greater than or equal to two. For example, the device 110 can have at least two, three, four, five, or even more pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114. The device 110 can, for example, have up to one hundred pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be identical or different in design. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be interconnected to form a pipe system 118 for receiving the fluid.The pipe system 118 can have inlet and outlet pipes 112. The pipe system 118 can have at least one inlet 120 for receiving the fluid. The pipe system 118 can have at least one outlet 122 for discharging the fluid. Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 are arranged and connected such that the fluid flows through the pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 sequentially.

[0082] The pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 and the corresponding inlet and outlet pipelines can be fluid-conductingly connected to one another, wherein the pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 and the inlet and outlet pipelines can be galvanically isolated from one another. The device 110 can have at least one galvanic isolation, in particular at least one insulator 124, and in particular a plurality of insulators 124. The galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 and the inlet and outlet pipelines can be ensured by the insulators 124. The insulators 124 can ensure a free flow of the fluid.

[0083] The device 110 has at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source 126. For example, the alternating current can be a sinusoidal alternating current. The single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source 126 can be configured to provide an electric current with a single phase.

[0084] The device 110 has a conductor 128. The conductor 128 can be configured to carry the generated alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114. The conductor 128 can be configured to supply the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 with the alternating current and / or to provide the alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114. The conductor 128 can be configured to carry the generated alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 such that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 via the conductor 128. The conductor 128 can be a supply conductor.

[0085] The alternating current source and / or the alternating voltage source 126 are configured to generate an alternating current in the respective pipeline 112 and / or the respective pipeline segment 114. The generated alternating current can heat the respective pipeline 112 and / or the respective pipeline segment 114 by means of Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, thus heating the fluid. The heating of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 can include a change in the temperature of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114, in particular an increase in the temperature of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114.The alternating current and / or alternating voltage source 126 is electrically connected to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 via the supply conductor 128 and returns to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source 126 via a return conductor 130. The return conductor 130 can be configured to carry the alternating current away from the pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 after it has passed through, in particular to the alternating current source or the alternating voltage source 126.

[0086] The device can have a plurality of single-phase alternating current or single-phase alternating voltage sources 126, for example three as shown by way of example in Figure 1c.

[0087] Each of the pipelines 112 and / or each pipeline segment 114 can be assigned an AC current and / or AC voltage source 126, which is connected to the respective pipeline 112 and / or to the respective pipeline segment 114, in particular electrically via at least one electrical connection.

[0088] For connecting the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources 126 and the respective pipelines 112 and / or with the respective pipeline segments 114, the device 110 can have two to N outgoing conductors 128 and two to N return conductors 130, where N is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The respective single-phase AC current and / or AC voltage source 126 can be configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline 112 and / or in the respective pipeline segment 114.

[0089] The AC current and / or AC voltage sources 126 can be either regulated or unregulated. The AC current and / or AC voltage sources 126 can be configured with or without the possibility of regulating at least one electrical output variable. For example, the device can have at least one controller 127. The controller can, for example, be an external controller, i.e., a controller 127 located outside the reaction chamber. The device 110 can have 2 to M different AC current and / or AC voltage sources 126, where M is a natural number greater than or equal to three. The AC current and / or AC voltage sources 126 can be electrically controllable independently of one another. For example, different currents can be generated in the respective pipes 112 and / or in the respective pipe segments 114, and different temperatures can be achieved in the pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114.

[0090] Figures 4a to 4c each show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid, wherein in the embodiments shown in Figures 4a to 4c, a reactive chamber 111, also referred to as a reaction chamber, of the device 110 is further illustrated. For the other elements of Figure 4a, reference can be made to the description of Figure 1a. For the other elements of Figure 4b, reference can be made to the description of Figure 1b. For the other elements of Figure 4c, reference can be made to the description of Figure 1c.

[0091] Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the device 110 according to the invention. Regarding the design of the device, reference is made to the description of Figure 1, which has the following features. In this embodiment, the device 110 has a pipe 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with three legs or coils, which are fluidically connected. The device has an inlet 120 and an outlet 122. The fluid can flow serially through the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segments 114 from the inlet 120 to the outlet 122. For galvanic isolation, the device 110 can have insulators 124, for example, two insulators 124 as shown in Figure 2. In this embodiment, the device 110 has a single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source 126.For connecting the single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source 126 and the pipeline 112 and / or with the respective pipeline segment 114, the device 110 can have a forward conductor 128 and a return conductor 130.

[0092] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid, wherein in the embodiment of Figure 5 a reactive chamber 111 of the device 110 is also shown. For further details of the elements of Figure 5, reference can be made to the description of Figure 2.

[0093] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1a and 1c, the pipes 112 are arranged in series. Figures 3a and 3b show embodiments with pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 connected in parallel; in Figure 3a with two parallel pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114, and in Figure 3b with three parallel pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114. Other numbers of parallel pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 are also conceivable. In Figures 3a and 3b, the device 110 has an inlet 120 and an outlet 122. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be connected to each other in such a way that the fluid can flow through at least two pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 in parallel. The parallel connected pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can have different geometries and / or surfaces and / or materials.For example, the parallel connected pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can have different numbers of legs or turns.

[0094] Figures 6a and 6b show a schematic representation of an embodiment of a device 110 according to the invention for heating a fluid, wherein in the embodiments of Figures 6a and 6b a reactive chamber 111 of the device 110 is also shown. For the other elements of Figure 6a, reference can be made to the description of Figure 3a. For the other elements of Figure 6b, reference can be made to the description of Figure 3b. For Figures 6c and 6e, reference can be made to the description of Figure 6A. In the embodiments of Figures 6c and 6e, the pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 share a common alternating current and / or alternating voltage source 126. In the embodiment of Figure 6e, the device additionally has a controller 127.The controller 127 can be configured to regulate the output of the AC current and / or AC voltage source 126, so that the pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 can have adjustable temperatures, in particular different temperatures. With regard to Figures 6d and 6f, reference can be made to the description of Figure 6b. In the embodiments of Figures 6d and 6f, the pipeline 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 share a common AC current and / or AC voltage source 126. In the embodiment of Figure 6f, the device additionally includes a controller 127.

[0095] The device 110 can have symmetrical and / or asymmetrical pipes and / or combinations thereof. In a purely symmetrical configuration, the device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of an identical pipe type. The device 110 can have any combination of pipe types, which, for example, can also be connected in parallel or in series. The pipe type can be characterized by at least one feature selected from the group consisting of: a horizontal configuration of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114; a vertical configuration of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114; a length at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and / or transition (L3); a diameter at the inlet (d1) and outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3); number n of passes; length per pass; diameter per pass; geometry; surface; and material.Alternatively or additionally, the pipe type can be selected from at least one pipeline 112 and / or at least one pipeline segment 114 with or without galvanic isolation and / or grounding 125. The galvanic isolation can be implemented, for example, using an insulator 124. For example, galvanic isolation can be provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and galvanic isolation at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, galvanic isolation can be provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and grounding 125 at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, galvanic isolation can be provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Similarly, grounding 125 can be provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.For example, the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 can be provided without grounding 125 at the inlet 120 and outlet 122 and / or without galvanic isolation at the inlet 120 and outlet 122. Alternatively or additionally, the pipe type can be characterized by a fluid flow direction. The fluid can, in principle, flow in two directions, referred to as the first and second flow directions. The first and second flow directions can be opposite.

[0096] Alternatively or additionally, the pipe type can be characterized by the application of alternating current to the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, a supply conductor 128 can be connected to the center of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Return conductors 130 can be connected to the beginnings or ends of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. For example, the supply conductor 128 can be connected at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and the return conductor 130 at the end of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.

[0097] Any combination of pipe types is possible.

[0098] Figures 7Ai to Civ show exemplary possible embodiments of pipe types in schematic representation. In Figures 7A1 to Civ, the pipe type is indicated in each case. This can be classified into the following categories, whereby all conceivable combinations of the categories are possible:

[0099] Category A indicates a route of the pipeline 112 and / or a pipeline segment 114, where A1 denotes a pipe type with a horizontal route and A2 denotes a pipe type with a vertical route, i.e. a route perpendicular to the horizontal route.

[0100] Category B specifies a ratio of lengths at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and / or diameters at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3), where six different combinations are listed in the kit 138.

[0101] Category C specifies ratios of lengths at the entry (L1) and / or exit (L2) and lengths of passes. All possible commutations are conceivable here, which are denoted by Ci in this context.

[0102] Category D indicates whether the at least one pipeline 112 and / or the at least one pipeline segment 114 is designed with or without galvanic isolation and / or grounding 125. The galvanic isolation can be achieved, for example, by using an insulator 124. D1 designates a pipe type in which galvanic isolation is provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and galvanic isolation is provided at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. D2 designates a pipe type in which galvanic isolation is provided at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and grounding 125 is provided at the outlet 122 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. D3 designates a pipe type in which galvanic separation is provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.D4 designates a pipe type in which grounding 125 is provided only at the inlet 120 of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. D5 designates a pipe type in which the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 is provided without grounding 125 at the inlet 120 and outlet 122 and / or without galvanic isolation at the inlet 120 and outlet 122.

[0103] Category E indicates a fluid flow direction. The fluid can, in principle, flow in two directions. A pipe type in which the fluid flows in a first direction is designated as pipe type E1, and a pipe type in which the fluid flows in a second direction is designated as pipe type E2. The first and second flow directions can be opposite.

[0104] Category F designates the application of alternating current to the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. F1 denotes a connection of a supply conductor 128 in the middle of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114, with the return conductors 130 connected at the beginnings or ends of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. F2 denotes a connection of the supply conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114 and of the return conductor 130 at the end of the pipeline 112 and / or the pipe segment 114.

[0105] Figure 7Ai shows a pipeline 112 and / or a pipeline segment 114 of pipe type A1 D1 F2. The pipeline 112 and / or the pipeline segment 114 has a horizontal orientation. In this embodiment, the device 110 has two insulators 124, which are arranged after the inlet 120 and before the outlet 122. For the other elements of Figure 7Ai, reference can be made to the description of Figure 4a. In Figure 7Ai, possible flow directions are shown by way of example with a double arrow at inlet 120 and outlet 122. In the following Figure 7, inlet 120 and outlet 122 are referred to collectively. The embodiment shown in Figure 7Aii shows a pipe type A1 D2F2 and differs from Figure 7Ai in that the device 110 has only one insulator 124, with an earthing 125 being provided instead of the second insulator.The embodiment shown in Figure 7Aiii depicts a pipe type A1 D3F2 and differs from Figure 7Aii in that no grounding 125 is provided. In Figure 7Aiv, pipe type A1 D4F2, the device 110, compared to Figure 7Aiii, has only a grounding 125 instead of an insulator. Embodiments without insulators 124 or grounding 125 are also possible, as shown in Figure 7Av, pipe type A1 D5F2. Figures 7Ai to 7Avi show pipe types in which the alternating current is supplied via a connection of the supply conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Figure 7Avi shows a pipe type A1 F1 in which the alternating current is supplied centrally at the pipe 112 and / or at the pipe segment 114.

[0106] Figure 7Bi, pipe type BiD1 F2, shows the lengths at the inlet (L1), outlet (L2), and transition (L3), as well as the diameters at the inlet (d1), outlet (d2), and transition (d3). The device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with different lengths at the inlet (L1), outlet (L2), and / or transition (L3), and / or diameters at the inlet (d1), outlet (d2), and / or transition (d3). For further details regarding the elements of Figure 7Bi, please refer to the description of Figure 4a. The embodiment shown in Figure 7Bii depicts a pipe type BiD2F2 and differs from Figure 7Bi in that the device 110 has only one insulator 124, with an earthing element 125 provided instead of the second insulator. The embodiment shown in Figure 7Biii depicts a pipe type BiD3F2 and differs from Figure 7Bii in that no grounding 125 is provided.In Figure 7Biv, pipe type BiD4F2, the device 110, compared to Figure 7Biii, has only an earthing 125 instead of an insulator. Embodiments without insulators 124 or earthings 125 are also possible, as shown in Figure 7Bv, pipe type BiD5F2. Figures 7Bi to 7Bvi show pipe types in which alternating current is supplied via a connection of the supply conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Figure 7Bvi shows a pipe type BiF1 in which alternating current is supplied centrally at the pipe 112 and / or at the pipe segment 114.

[0107] Figure 7Ci, pipe type CiD1 F2, shows an embodiment in which the device 110 comprises pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with a plurality n of passes, for example, three as shown here. The passes can each have different lengths L3, L4, L5 and / or diameters d3, d4, d5. For the other elements of Figure 7Ci, reference can be made to the description of Figure 5. The embodiment in Figure 7Cii shows a pipe type CiD2F2 and differs from Figure 7Ci in that the device 110 has only one insulator 124, with an earthing element 125 provided instead of the second insulator. The embodiment in Figure 7Ciii shows a pipe type CiD3F2 and differs from Figure 7Cii in that no earthing element 125 is provided. In Figure 7Civ, pipe type CiD4F2, the device 110, compared to Figure 7Ciii, has only an earthing 125 instead of the insulator.Embodiments without insulators 124 or grounding 125 are also possible, as shown in Figure 7Cv, pipe type CiD5F2. Figures 7Ci to 7Cvi show pipe types in which the alternating current is supplied via a connection of the supply conductor 128 at the beginning of the pipe 112 and / or the pipe segment 114. Figure 7Cvi shows a pipe type CiF1 in which the alternating current is supplied centrally at the pipe 112 and / or at the pipe segment 114.

[0108] The device 110 can comprise a combination of at least two different pipe types, which are connected in parallel and / or in series. For example, the device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of different lengths at the inlet (L1) and / or outlet (L2) and / or transition (L3). For example, the device can have pipes and / or pipe segments with an asymmetry in diameter at the inlet (d1) and / or outlet (d2) and / or transition (d3). For example, the device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with a different number of passes. For example, the device 110 can have pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 with passes of different lengths per pass and / or different diameters per pass.

[0109] In principle, any combination of all pipe types is conceivable, either in parallel and / or in series. Pipelines 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be provided in various pipe types in the form of a modular system 138 and can be selected and combined as desired, depending on the intended use. Figure 8a shows an embodiment of a modular system 138 with different pipe types. Figures 8b to y show embodiments according to the invention of combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of the same and / or different pipe types. Figure 8b shows an embodiment with three horizontal pipelines 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of pipe type A1, which are arranged one after the other. Figure 8c shows two vertical pipes of pipe type A2 connected in parallel and a downstream pipeline 112 and / or a downstream pipe segment 114, also of pipe type A2.Figure 8d shows a plurality of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of pipe type A2, all connected in parallel. Figure 8e shows an embodiment in which a plurality of pipe types of category B are arranged one after the other. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 can be identical or different pipe types of category B, which is indicated by Bi. Figure 8f shows an embodiment with six pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of category B, wherein two pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 are arranged in each of two parallel strands, with two further pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 connected downstream.Figure 8g shows an embodiment with pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of category C, wherein two pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 are connected in parallel and one pipe 112 and / or pipe segment 114 is connected downstream. Mixed configurations of categories A, B, and C are also possible, as shown in Figures 8h to m. The device 110 can have a plurality of feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production flows. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of different or identical pipe types can be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets, as shown, for example, in Figures 8k and 8m.

[0110] Figures 8n to 8p show exemplary combinations of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of categories A, D, and F. Figures 8q and 8r show exemplary combinations of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of categories B, D, and F. Figure 8s shows an exemplary combination of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of categories C, D, and F. Figure 8t shows an exemplary combination of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of categories A, D, and F. Figure 8u shows an exemplary combination of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of categories A, C, D, and F. Figure 8v shows an exemplary combination of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of categories B, C, D, and F. Figures 8w and 8y show exemplary combinations of pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of categories A, B, C, D and F.Figure 8x shows an exemplary combination of pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of categories A, B, D, and F. The installation 110 can have multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production flows. The pipes 112 and / or pipe segments 114 of different or identical pipe types of categories A, B, C, D, E, and F can be arranged in parallel and / or in series with multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets. Examples of multiple feed inlets and / or feed outlets and / or production flows are shown in Figures 8o, 8p, 8r, 8s, 8v to 8y.

[0111] By using pipelines 112 and / or pipeline segments 114 of different pipe types, more precise temperature control, and / or adjustment of the reaction in case of fluctuating feed, and / or selective yield of the reaction, and / or optimized process engineering can be enabled.

[0112] Reference symbol list

[0113] 110 facility

[0114] 111 Reactive Room

[0115] 112 Pipeline

[0116] 114 Pipe segment

[0117] 118 pipe system

[0118] 120 admission

[0119] 122 Outlet

[0120] 124 Insulator

[0121] 125 Grounding

[0122] 126 Single-phase AC current and / or AC voltage source

[0123] 127 controllers

[0124] 128 Ladder

[0125] 130 return conductors

[0126] 132 heating wire

[0127] 134 First pipeline

[0128] 136 Second pipeline

[0129] 138 building blocks

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (110) for heating a fluid comprising - at least one electrically conductive pipe (112) and / or at least one electrically conductive pipe segment (114) for receiving the fluid, and - at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source (126), wherein each pipeline (112) and / or each pipeline segment (114) is assigned one single-phase AC current and / or one single-phase AC voltage source (126), which is connected to the respective pipeline (112) and / or to the respective pipeline segment (114), wherein the respective single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source (126) is configured to generate an electric current in the respective pipeline (112) and / or in the respective pipeline segment (114), which heats the respective pipeline (112) and / or the respective pipeline segment (114) by means of Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid,wherein the single-phase alternating current and / or single-phase alternating voltage source (126) is electrically connected to the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) such that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) via a forward conductor (128) and flows back to the alternating current and / or alternating voltage source (126) via a return conductor (130), wherein the device (110) comprises a plurality of pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114), wherein the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) are interconnected and thus form a pipe system for receiving the fluid, wherein the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) and corresponding inlet and outlet pipelines are fluid-conducting to one another are connectedwherein the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) and the supply and discharge lines to the pipelines (112) are galvanically isolated from each other.

2. Device (110) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (110) comprises L pipes (112) and / or pipe segments (114), wherein L is a natural number greater than or equal to two, wherein the pipes (112) and / or pipe segments (114) comprise symmetrical or asymmetrical pipes and / or a combination thereof.

3. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (110) has insulators (124) which are configured for galvanic isolation between the respective pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (114) and the inlet and outlet pipelines, wherein the insulators (124) are configured to ensure a free flow of the fluid.

4. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several or all of the pipelines (112) and / or pipeline segments (112) are configured serially and / or in parallel.

5. Device (110) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (110) has a plurality of single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources (126), wherein the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) are configured with or without the possibility of controlling at least one electrical output quantity.

6. Device (110) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (110) for connecting the single-phase AC current or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) and the respective pipelines (112) and / or with the respective pipeline segments (114) has 2 to N forward conductors (128) and 2 to N return conductors (130), wherein N is a natural number greater than or equal to three.

7. Device (110) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the respective single-phase alternating current or single-phase alternating voltage sources (126) are identical or different in design.

8. Device (110) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (110) comprises 2 to M different single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage sources (126), wherein M is a natural number greater than or equal to three, wherein the single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage sources (126) are electrically controllable independently of each other.

9. System comprising at least one device (110) according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. Plant according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plant is selected from the group consisting of: a steamer, a steam reformer, an alkane dehydrogenation device, a dry reforming device.

11. Method for heating a fluid using a device (110) according to any of the preceding claims relating to a device, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Providing at least one electrically conductive pipeline (112) and / or at least one electrically conductive pipeline segment (114) to receive the fluid; - Intake of the fluid into the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114); - Providing at least one single-phase AC current and / or at least one single-phase AC voltage source (126), wherein each pipeline (112) and / or each- Each pipeline segment (114) is assigned a single-phase alternating current and / or a single-phase alternating voltage source (126), which is connected to the respective pipeline (112) and / or to the respective pipeline segment (114), - Generating an electric current in the respective pipeline (112) and / or in the respective pipeline segment (114) by the respective single-phase AC current and / or single-phase AC voltage source (126), which heats the respective pipeline (112) and / or the respective pipeline segment (114) by Joule heating, which is generated when the electric current passes through conductive pipe material, to heat the fluid, wherein the single-phase AC current and / or the single-phase AC voltage source (126) is electrically connected to the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) in such a way that the generated alternating current flows into the pipeline (112) and / or the pipeline segment (114) via a forward conductor (128) and flows back to the AC current and / or AC voltage source (126) via a return conductor (130).

12. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a thermally decomposable hydrocarbon, in particular a thermally decomposable mixture of hydrocarbons, is heated as the fluid.

13. A method according to one of the preceding claims relating to a method, characterized in that water or steam is heated as the fluid, wherein the water or steam is heated in particular to a temperature in the range of 550°C to 700°C, and the fluid additionally comprises a thermally decomposable hydrocarbon, in particular a mixture of thermally decomposable hydrocarbons, wherein the fluid to be heated is a preheated mixture of thermally decomposable hydrocarbons and steam.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims relating to a method, characterized in that combustion air of a reformer furnace is preheated as the fluid, for example to a temperature in the range of 200 °C to 800 °C, before preferably 400 °C to 700 °C.