Vacuum condensation drying device

Abstract

An electric heating reactor is disclosed. The electric heating reactor may comprise: a reaction tube having a first passage which is formed in the longitudinal direction within the reaction tube and through which reactants pass; a pair of connection tubes coupled to both longitudinal ends of the reaction tube respectively, electrically connected to the reaction tube, and each having a second passage connected to the first passage; a power supply configured to supply power to the reaction tube so as to heat the reactants passing through the first passage within the reaction tube; and a pair of conductive sockets electrically connecting the pair of connection tubes to the power supply respectively.

Description

Vacuum condensation dryer

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0150900, filed November 3, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to an electric heating reactor, and more particularly, to an electric heating reactor capable of preventing unnecessary heat generation at the connection between a power source and the connection tube and preventing damage and thermal deformation of the connection by attaching a connection tube with a low resistivity to a reaction tube with a high resistivity and connecting a power source to the connection tube.

[0004] In the chemical industry, natural gas is used as a fuel to maintain high temperatures in various equipment (e.g., crackers, reformers, reactors, boilers, etc.). However, heating through natural gas combustion is not only inefficient in terms of energy consumption but also a major contributor to carbon emissions. Therefore, efforts are being made to replace natural gas combustion heating with electric heating.

[0005] Typically, in the case of electric heating, a current is applied to a tubular reactor with high resistivity to generate heat within the reactor itself. To apply current to the reactor, a conductive material is connected and brought into contact with the alloy reactor. However, the connection (contact) between the reactor and the conductive material can be damaged or deformed by the high temperature of the reactor due to its high resistivity. If the connection (contact) is damaged or deformed, the contact resistance increases, which can further increase the temperature of the connection (contact) or reduce energy efficiency.

[0006] The information contained in this background section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters that are not prior art and are already known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention is to provide an electric heating reactor that can be widely applied to high-temperature processes (reaction, drying, calcination, etc.) by attaching a connection tube with low resistivity to a reaction tube with high resistivity and connecting a power source to the connection tube, thereby preventing unnecessary heat generation at the connection portion between the power source and the connection tube and preventing damage and thermal deformation of the connection portion.

[0008] An electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a reaction tube having a first passage formed longitudinally therein through which a reactant passes; a pair of connecting tubes coupled to both longitudinal ends of the reaction tube, electrically connected to the reaction tube, and having a second passage formed therein connected to the first passage; a power source configured to supply power to the reaction tube to heat a reactant passing through the first passage within the reaction tube; and a pair of conductive sockets electrically connecting the power source and the pair of connecting tubes.

[0009] The first resistivity of the above reaction tube may be higher than the second resistivity of the pair of connecting tubes.

[0010] The above electric heating reactor may further include a cooling tube mounted on at least one of the pair of connecting tubes.

[0011] The above pair of connecting tubes may include a first connecting tube connected to one end of the reaction tube; and a second connecting tube connected to the other end of the reaction tube.

[0012] The above pair of connecting tubes can be welded to the above reaction tube.

[0013] The resistivity of the first connecting tube may be higher than the resistivity of the second connecting tube.

[0014] The distance between the connection portion of the first conductive socket and the first connecting tube and the reaction tube may be shorter than the distance between the connection portion of the second conductive socket and the second connecting tube and the reaction tube.

[0015] The second connecting tube may be longer than the first connecting tube.

[0016] The above electric heating reactor may further include a cooling tube mounted on the second connecting tube among the first and second connecting tubes.

[0017] The above cooling tube can be positioned between the second conductive socket and the cooling tube.

[0018] Each connecting tube and its corresponding conductive socket can be joined by a flange joint or a pipe clamp joint.

[0019] According to the present invention, unnecessary heat generation at the connection (contact) portion can be prevented by connecting the power source to a low-resistance connecting tube. Accordingly, damage and thermal deformation of the connection (contact) portion can be prevented.

[0020] Additionally, it is possible to design to reduce the contact resistance of the connection (contact) part by preventing overheating of the connection (contact) part, and additional measures such as surface treatment are also possible.

[0021] Furthermore, additional equipment for cooling the connection (contact) portion is unnecessary, and the reactor design can be simplified.

[0022] In addition, the effects that can be obtained or expected from embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. That is, the various effects expected according to embodiments of the present invention will be disclosed in the detailed description that follows.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates one example of the “A1” portion of Figure 1.

[0026] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a plan view of Figure 2.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates another example of the “A1” portion of Figure 1.

[0028] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a plan view of Figure 4.

[0029] The drawings referenced above are not necessarily drawn to scale, but should be understood to present rather simplified representations of various preferred features that illustrate the fundamental principles of the present disclosure. For example, specific design features of the present disclosure, including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and usage environment.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0031] Additionally, it is understood that one or more of the methods or aspects thereof below may be implemented by at least one controller. The term "controller" may refer to a hardware device comprising a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store program instructions, and the processor is specifically programmed to execute the program instructions to perform one or more processes described in more detail below. The controller may control the operation of units, modules, components, devices, or the like, as described herein. It is also understood that the methods below may be implemented by a device comprising the controller in conjunction with one or more other components, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0032] Additionally, the controller of the present disclosure may be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor. Examples of computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), compact disc (CD) ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium may also be distributed across a computer network so that the program instructions are stored and executed in a distributed manner, such as on a telematics server or a Controller Area Network (CAN).

[0033] According to the present invention, an electric heating reactor comprises: a reaction tube having a first passage formed longitudinally therein through which a reactant passes; a pair of connecting tubes joined to both ends of the reaction tube in the longitudinal direction and electrically connected to the reaction tube; a power source configured to supply power to the reaction tube through the pair of connecting tubes so as to heat a reactant passing through the first passage within the reaction tube; and a pair of conductive sockets connecting the power source and the pair of connecting tubes so as to allow current to flow therethrough. Here, the reaction tube has a first resistivity, and the pair of connecting tubes has a second resistivity. The second resistivity is smaller than the first resistivity, so that when power is supplied, the temperature of the reaction tube is higher than that of the pair of connecting tubes. By connecting the pair of conductive sockets to the pair of connecting tubes having a relatively small resistivity, unnecessary heat generation at the connecting (contact) portion can be prevented. Accordingly, damage and thermal deformation of the connecting (contact) portion can be prevented. Furthermore, designs can be made to reduce the contact resistance of the connection (contact) portion by preventing overheating of the connection (contact) portion (e.g., increasing the contact area), and additional measures such as surface treatment can also be implemented. Furthermore, additional equipment for cooling the connection (contact) portion can be eliminated, simplifying the reactor design.

[0034]

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric heating reactor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, an electric heating reactor (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured to receive power, generate heat, and transfer heat to a reactant therein using the heat generated. The electric heating reactor (10) includes a reaction tube (20), a pair of connecting tubes (first and second connecting tubes (30a, 30b)), a power source (50), and a pair of conductive sockets (first and second conductive sockets (40a, 40b)).

[0038] The reaction tube (20) is made of an alloy material having high resistivity, and a first passage through which a reactant passes is formed longitudinally inside the tube. For example, the reaction tube (20) may be formed in an annular pipe shape, and the first passage may be formed longitudinally inside the tube. However, the shape of the reaction tube (20) is not limited to an annular pipe shape. Since the reaction tube (20) has high resistivity, when power is applied to the reaction tube (20), heat is generated in the reaction tube (20), and the heat can be transferred to the reactant in the first passage. The resistivity of the reaction tube (20) is referred to as a first resistivity (ρ1).

[0039] A pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) may have a cross-sectional shape identical to or similar to that of the reaction tube (20). For example, the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) may also have a circular pipe shape. The pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) are connected to both ends of the reaction tube (20) in the longitudinal direction. That is, the first connecting tube (30a) is connected to one end of the reaction tube (20), and the second connecting tube (30b) is connected to the other end of the reaction tube (20).

[0040] An inlet (32) is formed at one end of the first connecting tube (30a), and a reactant requiring a reaction flows into the first connecting tube (20) through the inlet (21). A second passage connected to the first passage of the reaction tube (20) is formed inside the first connecting tube (30a). Accordingly, a reactant flowing into the second passage through the inlet (21) moves to the first passage.

[0041] An outlet (34) is formed at the other end of the second connecting tube (30b), so that the product of the reaction and / or the unreacted substance that has not reacted are discharged from the second connecting tube (30b) through the outlet (34). A second passage connected to the first passage of the reaction tube (20) is also formed inside the second connecting tube (30b). Therefore, the product of the reaction and / or the unreacted substance that has not reacted pass through the reaction tube (20) and move from the first passage to the second passage, and are discharged again from the second connecting tube (30b) through the outlet (34).

[0042] The second passage formed inside a pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) is connected to the first passage formed inside the reaction tube (30), and the diameter of the first passage and the diameter of the second passage may be the same or substantially similar. Accordingly, the reactant introduced into the first connecting passage (30a) through the inlet (32) reacts while passing through the second passage, the first passage, and the second passage inside the first connecting passage (30a), the reaction tube (20), and the second connecting passage (30b) in sequence, and flows out from the second passage through the outlet (34). In addition, since the diameters of the first and second passages are the same or substantially similar, the flow resistance of the reactant passing through the first and second passages does not increase.

[0043] The above pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) may be made of a relatively low-conductivity material (e.g., a metal material). The above pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) have a second resistivity (ρ2), and the second resistivity (ρ2) may be smaller than the first resistivity (ρ1). Therefore, when the same power is applied to the reaction tube (20) and the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b), the heat generated in the reaction tube (20) is greater than the heat generated in the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b). Accordingly, the temperature of the reaction tube (20) may become higher than the temperature of the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b). In one example, the reactants are preheated in the first connecting tube (30a), the reaction of the reactants mainly occurs in the reaction tube (20), and the second connecting tube (30b) can assist the reaction of the unreacted substances and suppress further reaction of the products.

[0044] The above pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) are electrically connected to the reaction tube (20). Accordingly, the current supplied to the first connecting tube (30a) can flow to the second connecting tube (30b) via the reaction tube (20), and vice versa. That is, when power is applied to the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b), the same power is also applied to the reaction tube (20). In one example, the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) can be welded to the reaction tube (20). However, the connection between the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) and the reaction tube (20) is not limited to the connection by welding.

[0045] The power source (50) is configured to supply power to the reaction tube (20) through a pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b). The power source (50) may be an AC power source or a DC power source.

[0046] A pair of conductive sockets (40a, 40b) electrically connect a power source (50) and a pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b). When the power source (50) supplies power to a pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) through a pair of conductive sockets (40a, 40b), the power is also supplied to a reaction tube (20) through a pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b). Accordingly, the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) and the reaction tube (20) generate heat. However, since the second resistivity (ρ2) of the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) is smaller than the first resistivity (ρ1) of the reaction tube (20), the heat generated in the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) is smaller than the heat generated in the reaction tube (20), and the temperature of the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) may be lower than the temperature of the reaction tube (20). The pair of conductive sockets (40a, 40b) are connected to the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) having a relatively low temperature, thereby preventing unnecessary heat generation at the connection (contact) portion of the pair of conductive sockets (40a, 40b) and the pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b). Accordingly, damage and thermal deformation of the connection (contact) portion can be prevented.

[0047] The first conductive socket (40a) is mounted on one end of the first connecting tube (30a) and electrically connects the power source (50) and the first connecting tube (30a) via a wire (52). In addition, the second conductive socket (40b) is mounted on the other end of the second connecting tube (30b) and electrically connects the power source (50) and the second connecting tube (30b) via a wire (52). Accordingly, power from the same power source (50) is supplied to the first and second connecting tubes (30a, 30b) via the first and second conductive sockets (40a, 40b).

[0048] Since the reactants requiring a reaction mainly pass through the first connecting tube (30a) and the products of the reaction mainly pass through the second connecting tube (30b), the temperature of the second connecting tube (30b) may be higher than that of the first connecting tube (30a). Accordingly, the temperature of the connection (contact) portion of the second connecting tube (30b) and the second conductive socket (40b) may be higher than the temperature of the connection (contact) portion of the first connecting tube (30a) and the first conductive socket (40a), and the connection (contact) portion of the second connecting tube (30b) and the second conductive socket (40b) may be damaged or deformed. In order to prevent the temperature of the connection (contact) portion of the second connection tube (30b) and the second conductive socket (40b) from becoming higher than the temperature of the connection (contact) portion of the first connection tube (30a) and the first conductive socket (40a), in one example, the second resistivity (ρ2) of the second connection tube (30b) can be made lower than the second resistivity (ρ2) of the first connection tube (30a). In another example, the length of the second connecting tube (30a) may be formed longer than the length of the first connecting tube (30a), and the distance between the connection (contact) portion of the second connecting tube (30b) and the second conductive socket (40b) and the reaction tube (20) may be longer than the distance between the connection (contact) portion of the first connecting tube (30a) and the first conductive socket (40a) and the reaction tube (20). The first and second conductive sockets (40a, 40b) may be connected to the first and second connecting tubes (30a, 30b), respectively.

[0049] The electric heating reactor (10) may further include a cooler (60) and a cooling tube (62). The cooler (60) receives cold refrigerant through a refrigerant inlet line (64) and delivers the cold refrigerant to the cooling tube (62). The cooling tube (62) is mounted on at least one of the first and second connecting tubes (30a, 30b) to cool the connecting tube (30a, 30b) through heat exchange with the connecting tube. The refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange with the connecting tube (30a, 30b) returns to the cooler (60) and flows out of the cooler (60) through a refrigerant outlet line (66). In one example, the cooling tube (62) may be disposed on the second connecting tube (30b) to cool the second connecting tube (30b). Accordingly, the product in the second connecting tube (30b) may be prevented from undergoing additional reaction. In addition, the cooling tube (62) can be mounted between the reaction tube (20) and the second conductive socket (40b). Accordingly, it is possible to further prevent the connection (contact) portion of the second connection tube (30b) and the second conductive socket (40b) from being heated by the product.

[0050]

[0051] Hereinafter, the combination of a pair of connecting tubes (30a, 30b) and a pair of conductive sockets (40a, 40b) will be described in more detail. Here, the combination of a first connecting tube (30a) and a first conductive socket (40a) is exemplified, but it should be understood that a second connecting tube (30b) and a second conductive socket (40b) can also be combined in the same manner as the first connecting tube (30a) and the first conductive socket (40a).

[0052] Fig. 2 illustrates one example of the “A1” portion of Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a plan view of Fig. 2. Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate a case where a first connecting tube (30a) and a first conductive socket (40a) are flange-coupled.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first connecting tube (30a) includes a first piece (31a) having a flange formed at one end, and a second piece (31b) having a flange formed at one end, wherein the flange of the first piece (31a) and the flange of the second piece (31b) face each other. The flanges may be formed in an annular shape with the same flange diameter (d). The first conductive socket (40a) may be formed in a plate shape having a larger area than the flange and a hole corresponding to the second passage. The first conductive socket (40a) is placed between the flange of the first piece (31a) and the flange of the second piece (31b), and the flange of the first piece (31a), the flange of the second piece (31b), and the first conductive socket (40a) are fastened using a plurality of fastening members (42) such as bolts, pins, and rivets. When the first connecting tube (30a) and the first conductive socket (40a) are flange-joined, the contact resistance of the connecting (contact) portion decreases as the flange diameter (d) increases. Accordingly, as the flange diameter (d) increases, the additional heat generation at the connecting (contact) portion can be reduced.

[0054] Fig. 4 illustrates another example of the “A1” portion of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a plan view of Fig. 4. Figs. 4 and 5 illustrate a case where a first connecting tube (30a) and a first conductive socket (40a) are connected by a pipe clamp.

[0055] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first conductive socket (40a) is formed in a pipe shape that surrounds the first connecting tube (30a), but a portion thereof is cut off. Accordingly, the first conductive socket (40a) includes one end and the other end that face each other and are not connected. In addition, the one end and the other end form a clamp (44), and the clamps (44) can face each other and extend in parallel. The first conductive socket (40a) surrounds the first connecting tube (30a), and by tightening the clamps (44) of the first conductive socket (40a), the first conductive socket (40a) can be brought into close contact with the first connecting tube (30a). By tightening the clamps (44) of the first conductive socket (40a) with the fastening member (42), the first conductive socket (40a) can be stably mounted on the first connecting tube (30a). When the first connecting tube (30a) and the first conductive socket (40a) are connected to a pipe flange, the contact resistance of the connecting (contact) portion decreases as the pipe height (h) increases. Accordingly, as the pipe height (h) increases, the additional heat generation at the connecting (contact) portion can be reduced.

[0056]

[0057] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and includes all changes that can be easily modified and deemed equivalent by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains from the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A reaction tube in which a first passage through which a reactant passes is formed in the longitudinal direction; A pair of connecting tubes connected to both longitudinal ends of the reaction tube, electrically connected to the reaction tube, and forming a second passage connected to the first passage; A power source configured to supply power to the reaction tube to heat a reactant passing through a first passage within the reaction tube; A pair of conductive sockets electrically connecting the power source and a pair of connecting tubes; An electrically heated reactor comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, An electrically heated reactor wherein the first resistivity of the above reaction tube is higher than the second resistivity of the pair of connecting tubes.

3. In paragraph 1, An electrically heated reactor further comprising a cooling tube mounted on at least one of the pair of connecting tubes.

4. In paragraph 1, The above pair of connecting tubes A first connecting tube connected to one end of the above reaction tube; and A second connecting tube connected to the other end of the above reaction tube; An electrically heated reactor comprising:

5. In paragraph 4, An electrically heated reactor in which the above pair of connecting tubes are welded to the above reaction tube.

6. In paragraph 4, An electrically heated reactor in which the resistivity of the first connecting tube is higher than that of the second connecting tube.

7. In paragraph 4, An electric heating reactor in which the distance between the connection of the first conductive socket and the first connecting tube and the reaction tube is shorter than the distance between the connection of the second conductive socket and the second connecting tube and the reaction tube.

8. In paragraph 7, The second connecting tube is an electrically heated reactor longer than the first connecting tube.

9. In paragraph 4, An electric heating reactor further comprising a cooling tube mounted on a second connecting tube among the first and second connecting tubes.

10. In paragraph 9, An electric heating reactor wherein the cooling tube is positioned between the second conductive socket and the cooling tube.

11. In paragraph 1, An electric heating reactor in which each connecting tube and corresponding conductive socket are joined by a flange joint or a pipe clamp joint.

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