Pyrolysis reactor with integrated fluid network

Abstract

A pyrolysis reactor (2) incorporating an inlet duct (34) and an outlet duct (31) configured to allow heat to be transferred from an inlet gas stream (G2) circulating in the inlet duct (34) to an outlet gas stream (G6) circulating in the outlet duct (31). A pyrolysis facility and method using such a reactor (2).

Description

Integrated fluidic network pyrolysis reactor

[0001] The invention relates to the field of pyrolysis techniques.

[0002] The invention is of particular interest, in no way limiting, for treating by pyrolysis a biomass such as wood in order to produce charcoal on an industrial scale. State of the prior art

[0003] The patent issued under number EP2285935 discloses a pyrolysis installation having a reactor designed to transform, in particular, a load of wood into charcoal, under the action of a flow of gas which passes through it.

[0004] This gas stream is typically a synthesis gas, commonly referred to as "syngas," which is essentially composed of non-condensable molecules. The synthesis gas is injected into the reactor at a very high temperature, which is typically between 800°C and 1100°C.

[0005] In the pyrolysis phase, the gas flow leaving the reactor after passing through the charge has a relatively high concentration of pyrolysis gas and a relatively low temperature.

[0006] The inventors noted that molecules present in the pyrolysis gases tend to foul the reactor's fluid network, particularly at the reactor outlet.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to improve the operation of such a reactor and of a pyrolysis installation comprising such a reactor.

[0008] To this end, the subject of the invention is a reactor for the treatment by pyrolysis of an input such as wood to produce an output such as charcoal, the reactor comprising a chamber intended to receive a charge of said input. According to the invention, the reactor comprises one or more walls which delimit an inlet conduit configured to be able to introduce an inlet gas flow into the chamber and an outlet conduit configured to be able to extract an outlet gas flow from the chamber, one or more of said walls being configured to allow a transfer of heat from the inlet gas flow to the outlet gas flow.

[0009] Part of the heat of the inlet gas flow can thus be transferred to the outlet gas flow via one or more of said walls which delimit the inlet and outlet conduits.

[0010] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the risk of fouling by condensation on the wall(s) forming the outlet duct, which makes it possible to improve the operation of the reactor and of a pyrolysis installation comprising such a reactor.

[0011] In addition, such heat transfer makes it possible to preheat said outlet gas stream. This also makes it possible to improve the operation of such an installation and / or to reduce its energy consumption, in particular when the outlet gas stream is diluted with a synthesis gas to form said inlet gas stream and / or when the outlet gas stream is routed to a combustion module to form said synthesis gas.

[0012] In one embodiment, said one or more walls are configured such that the inlet duct and the outlet duct extend around each other, in particular radially outside each other.

[0013] According to a first variant embodiment, which constitutes a preferred embodiment which is in no way limiting, one of said walls delimits the inlet duct radially inwards and the outlet duct radially outwards.

[0014] In other words, according to this first variant, the inlet duct, or a part thereof, may extend radially outside the outlet duct, or a part thereof.

[0015] According to a second embodiment, one of said walls delimits the inlet duct radially outwards and the outlet duct radially inwards.

[0016] In other words, according to this second variant, the inlet duct, or a part thereof, may extend radially inside the outlet duct, or a part thereof.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the inlet conduit extends about an axis.

[0018] In the context of said first variant embodiment, the inlet duct or a part thereof can thus extend around this axis, radially outside the outlet duct.

[0019] Alternatively, in the context of said second embodiment, the inlet duct or a part thereof may extend around this axis, radially inside the outlet duct.

[0020] In one embodiment – ​​in particular but not limited to within the framework of said first variant embodiment, the chamber comprises a part configured to extend around said axis radially outside the load, the inlet duct being arranged to be able to introduce said inlet gas flow into this part of the chamber.

[0021] In other words, the inlet duct can open into the chamber so as to follow a contour of the chamber and / or the load.

[0022] Such a configuration makes it possible to improve the gas distribution in the chamber and consequently the operation of the reactor.

[0023] The reactor may further be arranged so that this gas flow thus introduced into the chamber can be moved in the chamber in a first direction along said axis radially outside the load and then in a second direction along said axis through the load.

[0024] Before passing through the load, the gas flow introduced into the chamber can thus be moved outside the load so as to release part of its heat to the load and / or to a removable basket-type structure which receives the load, which makes it possible to improve the temperature distribution in the load by promoting the homogeneity of the pyrolysis reactions, and thus to improve the quality of the output.

[0025] In one embodiment, said axis is a first axis, the outlet duct extending around a second axis parallel to the first axis.

[0026] In other words, the inlet and outlet ducts can be offset from each other.

[0027] This makes it possible in particular to free up a space in which reactor components can be arranged, such as, but not limited to, one or more registers and / or a bypass duct.

[0028] In one embodiment, the reactor comprises: a first part which forms the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, a second part which forms the chamber.

[0029] These parts can be arranged in different ways relative to each other, including the alternatives described below.

[0030] According to a first alternative, which constitutes a preferred embodiment, the first part forms a base of the reactor which supports the second part.

[0031] According to a second alternative embodiment, the second part forms a base of the reactor which supports the first part.

[0032] In both of these alternatives, the first part and the second part can thus be stacked on top of each other, preferably vertically.

[0033] Of course, the first part and the second part can be connected to each other in any other arrangement, for example laterally.

[0034] In one embodiment, the second part forms a removable bell.

[0035] The bell may in particular be configured to be held in support on the first part under the action of its own mass, in particular within the framework of said first alternative embodiment.

[0036] A removable bell simplifies assembly, inspection, servicing and maintenance operations and increases reactor safety.

[0037] In one embodiment, said first part of the reactor comprises a mixer configured to establish fluid communication between several conduits chosen from a list including: the inlet conduit and / or a conduit in fluid communication with the inlet conduit, the outlet conduit and / or a conduit in fluid communication with the outlet conduit.

[0038] In one embodiment, said list comprises an injection conduit configured to introduce said inlet gas stream into the reactor.

[0039] In one embodiment, said list comprises a bypass conduit configured to withdraw from the chamber a portion of said inlet gas flow previously introduced into the chamber and extract it from the chamber by bypassing the load.

[0040] In one embodiment, the reactor comprises a gas circulation member configured to draw an intermediate gas flow into an intermediate conduit and discharge it towards an inlet of the inlet conduit.

[0041] Said inlet of the inlet duct may be formed by one or more openings extending radially outside an outlet end of the intermediate duct.

[0042] It is preferred that said first part of the reactor integrates said gas circulation member and / or said intermediate conduit.

[0043] In one embodiment, the reactor comprises a guide wall extending radially outward from the outlet end of the intermediate conduit.

[0044] The reactor is preferably configured so that the intermediate gas flow sucked in by the gas circulation member circulates in the outlet end of the intermediate conduit in a first flow direction and the intermediate gas flow discharged by the gas circulation member is redirected, preferably by being guided by said guide wall, towards the inlet of the inlet conduit in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction.

[0045] In one embodiment, the guide wall has a frustoconical or flared geometry.

[0046] The guide wall may form all or part of a volute of the gas circulation member.

[0047] Such a gas circulation member and such a guide wall make it possible to reduce the size of the reactor and in particular, in certain embodiments, of said first part of the reactor.

[0048] Generally speaking, the invention makes it possible to integrate within the structure of the reactor, for example within its base, components or equipment ensuring its operation, including in particular a fluid network formed by the inlet and outlet conduits, the arrangement of which makes it possible to improve the operation of the reactor.

[0049] The invention also relates to an installation for processing an input such as wood to produce an output such as charcoal, comprising one or more reactors such as that defined above.

[0050] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method for treating an input such as wood to produce an output such as charcoal using a reactor as defined above and / or an installation as defined above.

[0051] In order to implement a pyrolysis cycle, the method may in particular comprise an introduction into the reactor chamber of an inlet gas flow via the inlet conduit and an extraction from the reactor chamber of an outlet gas flow via the outlet conduit.

[0052] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the detailed, non-limiting description which follows.

[0053] The following detailed description refers to the attached drawings in which: is a schematic view of a pyrolysis installation in accordance with the invention; is a longitudinal sectional view of a pyrolysis reactor in accordance with the invention, the reactor comprising a base supporting a bell forming a chamber receiving a basket; is a top view of the base of the reactor of the. Detailed description of embodiments

[0054] Lamontre an installation 1 in accordance with the invention, intended to treat by pyrolysis an input of combustible biomass type to manufacture an output of organic product type.

[0055] In a non-limiting manner, the following description relates to the particular case of the manufacture of charcoal from an input comprising a forestry product such as wood or a co-product of secondary wood processing, i.e. to an input treatment by carbonization.

[0056] In the example of the, installation 1 comprises a pyrolysis reactor 2.

[0057] In a manner known per se, the reactor 2 of the installation 1 comprises a chamber designed to receive a load 9 of an input, in this example a load of wood.

[0058] The installation 1 also includes a heat source 3, a fluid network, flow adjustment members 11-14, as well as a gas circulation member 21.

[0059] The various elements of the installation 1 listed above are not limiting. In particular, the installation 1 may include additional elements, not shown in the figure, contributing to implementing such an installation according to any technique known elsewhere, for example and in a non-exhaustive manner, gas temperature sensors circulating in the network or a control module for the flow adjustment members 11-14.

[0060] In the example of the, the fluid network comprises conduits 31-34 forming a circuit which fluidically connects to each other an inlet and an outlet of the reactor 2.

[0061] More precisely, the conduit 31 is connected by one of its ends 36 to said outlet of the reactor 2 and, by its other end, to a mixer 38 – also called a “bifurcation” – to which one end of the conduit 32 is connected. The conduit 32 is connected by its other end to the circulation member 21. The conduit 33 is connected on the one hand to the circulation member 21 and on the other hand to one end of the conduit 34 by forming a bifurcation 39. The conduit 34 is connected by its other end 40 to said inlet of the reactor 2.

[0062] Thus, the circuit comprises an inlet formed by the end 36 of the conduit 31, also called the “outlet conduit”, and an outlet formed by the end 40 of the conduit 34, also called the “inlet conduit”, the circuit thus making it possible to establish fluid communication between the outlet and the inlet of the reactor 2.

[0063] The network also includes a conduit 41, called an “injection conduit”, which is connected on the one hand to the source 3 and, on the other hand, to the mixer 38 which forms an input of the corresponding circuit.

[0064] The network also includes a conduit 42 called an “extraction conduit”, connected to the branch 39 which forms an outlet of the circuit.

[0065] Thus, with reference to a direction of circulation of the gases in the corresponding circuit which is directed from its inlet 36 to its outlet 40, the circuit successively comprises the inlet 38 to which the injection conduit 41 is connected, the circulation member 21, and the outlet 39 to which the extraction conduit 42 is connected. In other words, the inlet 38 is upstream of the outlet 39.

[0066] In this non-limiting example, the circulation member 21 is downstream of the inlet 38 and upstream of the outlet 39.

[0067] In the example of the, the fluid network comprises a conduit 43 having an inlet opening into the chamber of the reactor 2 and an outlet connected to the mixer 38.

[0068] More precisely, the inlet of the conduit 43 opens into the chamber upstream of the load 9, relative to a direction of circulation of the gas flow passing through the load 9 (see further below).

[0069] In this example, the members 11-14 are variable flow valves, each of which can be placed in a closed position corresponding to a zero flow rate, in a maximum open position in which the flow rate is maximum and in intermediate positions in which the flow rate is positive and less than the maximum flow rate.

[0070] With reference to the, the valves 11, 12, 13 and 14 are mounted respectively on the conduits 31, 41, 42 and 43 in order to be able to selectively adjust the flow rate of gas circulating in these conduits.

[0071] The installation 1 can be implemented to carry out pyrolysis cycles in the reactor 2 in a manner known per se.

[0072] Generally speaking and in a manner known per se, a pyrolysis reactor is configured to carry out a thermochemical transformation of the feedstock it receives in an atmosphere that is as inert as possible, typically containing as low a proportion of oxygen as possible. Pyrolysis reactions typically occur at temperatures between 300°C and 600°C and are exothermic in nature, at least from a certain stage of progress of the reactions which depends in particular on the nature of the feedstock. Pyrolysis reactions result in a thermal decomposition of the feedstock into several fractions including gases, called "pyrolysis gas", a liquid fraction called "pyroligneous juice" and a solid fraction, concentrated in carbon, generally called "char".

[0073] To achieve such a transformation, a synthesis gas, commonly called "syngas", coming in this example from source 3, is introduced into the reactor so as to gradually increase its temperature. When the temperature reaches around 300°C, the pyrolysis reactions begin to occur. These cause the progressive dilution of pyrolysis gas in the synthesis gas.

[0074] In a manner known per se, synthesis gas can be obtained by partial combustion of pyrolysis gas leaving one or more pyrolysis reactors, or by radiative heating.

[0075] The following description relates to a pyrolysis phase implemented by reactor 2 and the corresponding part of the network of installation 1.

[0076] In this example, the synthesis gas supplied by source 3 is injected into the reactor circuit 2 through inlet 38 via injection conduit 41.

[0077] The movement of the gases in the circuit of the reactor 2 is ensured by the circulation member 21 which is configured to circulate the gases in the circuit in a direction going from the inlet 36 to the outlet 40 of this circuit, that is to say from the outlet to the inlet of the reactor 2.

[0078] During a pyrolysis cycle, the various valves of installation 1, in this case valves 11-14, can be controlled so as to balance the gas flow rates in the network in order to meet the flow rate and temperature requirements at the inlet of reactor 2.

[0079] By way of non-limiting example, if the temperature of the gases at the inlet of the reactor 2 is insufficient despite the placement of the valve 12 in the maximum open position, the valve 11 can be controlled so as to increase the pressure drop on the conduit 31 to promote the arrival of hot synthesis gas via the injection conduit 41 and increase the relative quantity of synthesis gas in the gas flow circulating in the conduits 32-34. The circulation member 21 can for this purpose be controlled to modulate its speed so as to maintain a constant gas flow rate in the circuit.

[0080] In this example, the valve 14 can be controlled to extract from the chamber a portion of the gas flow introduced therein, also called the “inlet gas flow”, this extraction being carried out by the conduit 43 which forms a bypass branch of the load 9, resulting in a reduction in the flow rate of the gas flow passing through the load.

[0081] It is thus possible to create a progressive pyrolysis front of charge 9 by ensuring a high temperature at the head of charge 9 and by controlling the gas flow rate passing through it, so that this flow rate is sufficient to compensate for heat losses while remaining below a limit flow rate beyond which the pyrolysis conditions can no longer be adequately controlled.

[0082] The invention thus makes it possible to decouple the temperature and the flow rate of the gas flow passing through the load and thus improve the control of the pyrolysis reactions.

[0083] During a given pyrolysis cycle, the valve 12 can be placed in the closed position so as not to inject synthesis gas into the circuit of the reactor 2 and the valve 13 can be opened in order to extract gases circulating therein. Alternatively, for example during another phase of the pyrolysis cycle, the valve 12 can be opened to inject synthesis gas into the circuit of the reactor 2.

[0084] More generally, the installation 1 can be controlled and implemented on the basis of techniques known elsewhere in the field of the invention, in particular by applying the principles described in the patent issued under number EP2285935.

[0085] Figures 2 and 3 show a pyrolysis reactor 2 according to a preferred, non-limiting, embodiment of the invention.

[0086] The reactor 2 of the installation 1 may comprise a reactor conforming to the embodiment of figures 2 and 3.

[0087] The foregoing description relating to reactor 2 of installation 1 applies by analogy to reactor 2 of figures 2 and 3. The same reference numbers are used in figures 1 to 3 to designate identical or similar components.

[0088] With reference to the, reactor 2 extends along a so-called longitudinal axis A1. In operation, axis A1 is vertical.

[0089] The reactor 2 comprises a base 101, forming in this example a vertically lower part of the reactor 2, and a bell 102 which forms in this example a vertically upper part of the reactor 2.

[0090] Lamontre reactor 2 in top view, without the bell. Lamontre reactor 2 in longitudinal section, according to a section plane indicated by the reference signs F2 in the.

[0091] With reference to the, the base 101 comprises a frame 104 provided with legs, in this case four legs, supporting a structure 106 comprising walls 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116.

[0092] In this example, the wall 108 extends circumferentially around a longitudinal axis A2 parallel to the axis A1, and the wall 110 extends circumferentially around the axis A1. The walls 112, 114 and 116 extend perpendicularly to the axes A1 and A2.

[0093] The structure 106 forms a cavity, also called an “internal cavity”, which constitutes in the example the hollow space formed by the outlet duct 31. The internal cavity 31 is delimited radially on the outside by the wall 108, also called an “internal wall”, and longitudinally on one side, in this case the vertically lower side, by the wall 112. Longitudinally on the other side, that is to say in this case the vertically upper side, the structure 106 forms an upper opening through which the cavity 31 opens out towards the outside of the structure 106.

[0094] Thus, in this example, the internal cavity 31 has a generally cylindrical geometry with axis A2.

[0095] The structure 106 also forms a cavity, also called an “external cavity”, which constitutes in the example the hollow space formed by the inlet duct 34. The external cavity 34 comprises a first part extending longitudinally between the walls 112 and 114 and a second part extending longitudinally between the wall 112 and said upper opening of the structure 106. The external cavity 34 is thus delimited radially on the outside by the wall 110, also called the “external wall”, and said second part of this cavity 34 is delimited radially on the inside by the internal wall 108. Longitudinally on the side opposite to said first part, the structure 106 forms an upper opening through which the cavity 34 opens towards the outside of the structure 106. In this example, the upper opening of the cavity 34 is formed by an opening made in the wall 116.

[0096] Thus, in this example, the first part of the external cavity 34 has a generally cylindrical geometry of axis A1 and its second part has a generally annular geometry of axis A1 whose dimension varies circumferentially taking into account the offset between the axes A1 and A2.

[0097] Consequently, the reactor 2 integrates within its structure on the one hand the inlet duct which forms the external cavity 34 (the inlet duct thus being designated by the reference 34) and, on the other hand, the outlet duct which forms the internal cavity 31 (the outlet duct thus being designated by the reference 31). Furthermore, in this example, the internal wall 108 of the structure 106 separates the internal cavity 31 and the external cavity 34 from each other, so that the inlet duct 34 extends radially outside the outlet duct 31.

[0098] In the embodiment of figures 2 and 3, the base 101 also integrates: a mixer, which forms in the example of the mixer 38, a conduit, also called an “intermediate conduit”, which forms in the example of the conduit 32, a gas circulation member, which forms in the example of the member 21, portions of conduits, which form in the example of the parts of the injection conduit 41 and of the extraction conduit 42, respectively.

[0099] In this example and with reference to the description above, the mixer 38 is thus configured to be able to establish fluid communication between: the outlet conduit 31, the intermediate conduit 32, the injection conduit 41, a conduit, which forms in the example of the bypass branch 43 (see figures 2 and 3).

[0100] With reference to the, the mixer 38 is integral with the structure 106 and is arranged within the external cavity 34, radially outside the internal cavity 31 (see also).

[0101] The circulation member 21 extends longitudinally below the structure 106, within the chassis 10.

[0102] In this example, to establish fluid communication between the mixer 38 and the circulation member 21, the intermediate conduit 32 passes through the wall 108, extends partly into the internal cavity 31 of the structure 106 forming an elbow and passes through the walls 112 and 114 of this structure 106 (see figures 2 and 3).

[0103] Given this arrangement, when a gas flow, also called an “intermediate gas flow”, is introduced into the conduit 32 by the mixer 38, this flow exits the conduit 32 through an end called the outlet end, being directed vertically downwards (see).

[0104] The circulation member 21, also called a “fan”, comprises a conventional turbine 120 and a volute forming in the example the conduit 33.

[0105] In the embodiment of the, the volute 33, also called “guide wall”, has a generally frustoconical geometry and extends radially outside the turbine 120 and said outlet end of the intermediate duct 32.

[0106] The fan 21 is configured to suck in said intermediate gas flow so that this sucked flow exits the duct 32 being directed vertically downwards, that is to say in a first flow direction, and to redirect this flow vertically upwards towards the external cavity 34 of the structure 106, that is to say in a second flow direction opposite to the first direction, by guiding it with the guide wall 33.

[0107] In a non-limiting manner, the guide wall 33 may comprise fins (not shown) contributing to straightening the flow of gas that it guides.

[0108] The wall 114 of the structure 106 comprises an opening allowing the flow of gas discharged by the fan 21 to enter the cavity 34 of the structure 106.

[0109] Such an arrangement of the fan 21 and in particular the geometry of its guide wall 33 makes it possible to distribute the flow thus penetrating into the external cavity 34 in a substantially uniform manner, to reduce the pressure losses and to improve its integration into the structure of the reactor 2.

[0110] In the example of the, the reactor 2 comprises a trolley 126 with wheels on which the fan 21 is fixed, forming an assembly which is detachably connected to the structure 106 and to the chassis 104. The fan 21 can thus be separated from the other parts of the reactor 2, for example in the context of a maintenance operation, the trolley 126 facilitating the removal and movement of the fan 21.

[0111] With reference to the, the bell 102 of the reactor 2 comprises a side wall 130 extending circumferentially around the axis A1 and an upper wall 132 secured to a longitudinal end of the side wall 130. The other longitudinal end of the side wall 130 forms a support end of the bell 102.

[0112] In this example, the bell 102 thus forms a generally cylindrical cavity which is radially delimited by the side wall 130 and which opens towards the outside of the bell 102 through an opening formed by its support end. The cavity formed by the bell 102 constitutes said chamber of the reactor 2.

[0113] This cylindrical geometry facilitates in particular the thermal expansion of the bell 102.

[0114] In this example, the bell 102 is configured to come to bear on an annular bearing surface 136 of the structure 106 of the reactor 2. In this example, the bearing surface 136 is formed by the wall 116 of the structure 106.

[0115] A seal is interposed between the bearing surface 136 of the structure 106 and the bearing end of the bell 102.

[0116] In this example, the seal is designed so that the penetration force linked to the dead weight of the bell 102 is sufficient to ensure the sealing of the connection between the structure 106 and the bell 102.

[0117] In the assembled configuration of the, the side wall 130 of the bell 102 extends in the extension of the external wall 110 of the structure 106, so that the cavity formed by the bell 102 is in fluid communication with the external cavity 34 of the structure 106, via said upper opening of the external cavity 34.

[0118] In this example, the bell 102 is removable from the base 101 and is configured to be held in support on the structure 106 of the base 101 under the action of its own mass.

[0119] This design has many advantages. In particular, it allows the reactor 2 to be opened by simply lifting the bell 102. Such a design constitutes in particular a passive safety feature in the event of overpressure. In addition, since the seal is in this example arranged on the bearing surface 136 which is substantially flat and horizontal, the seal is easily accessible for inspection, servicing and maintenance operations. More generally, this design of the bell 102 increases the service life of the reactor 2 and minimizes the risk of leakage.

[0120] With reference to the, a basket 140 intended to receive the load is placed in the chamber of the reactor 2.

[0121] In a manner known per se, the basket 140 comprises a side wall 142 extending in this example around the axis A2 and a lower wall 144 which is integral with a longitudinal end of the side wall 142 and which forms a support end of the basket 140.

[0122] In this example, the basket 140 forms a generally cylindrical cavity which is radially delimited by the side wall 142 and in which the load is received.

[0123] In the configuration of the, the basket 140 is supported on an annular support surface 146 of the structure 106. The support surface 146, also visible in the, extends radially outwards from the internal wall 108 of the structure 106.

[0124] The basket 140 can thus be placed or removed from the reactor 2 after lifting the bell 102, or more generally after moving the bell 102 away from the base 101.

[0125] In the reactor 2 of figures 2 and 3, the basket 140 is thus eccentric relative to the axis A1, which makes it possible to increase over an angular portion the radial dimension between the walls 108 and 110 of the structure 106, in order in this example to place the mixer 38 there.

[0126] In the configuration of the, a first part 150 of the chamber of the reactor 2, also called “inlet cavity”, extends radially between the side wall 142 of the basket 140 and the side wall 130 of the bell 102 so as to be in fluid communication with the external cavity 34 of the structure 106. The inlet cavity 150 has a section similar to that of the cavity 34, that is to say a generally annular geometry having a variable dimension circumferentially around the axis A1.

[0127] A second portion 152 of the reactor chamber 2 extends radially inside the side wall 142 of the basket 140 and thus corresponds to the cavity formed by the basket 140 and receiving the load. This portion 152 of the chamber is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 31 of the structure 106, via openings formed in the lower wall 144 of the basket 140, which is thus designed to be permeable to gases while ensuring that the load is maintained within the basket 140.

[0128] A third portion 154 of the reactor chamber 2, also called the “charge head cavity”, extends longitudinally between the upper end of the basket 140 and the wall 132 of the bell 102, so as to place the inlet cavity 150 in fluid communication with the cavity 152 in which the charge is placed.

[0129] Concerning the bypass conduit 43 of the reactor 2 of figures 2 and 3, this extends longitudinally through the inlet cavity 150 so that the end of the conduit 43 forming its inlet opens into the cavity 154 of the charge head (see). The conduit 43 is connected by its other end to the mixer 38 (not visible in figures 2 and 3; see).

[0130] The base 101 of the reactor 2 of figures 2 and 3 thus integrates within its structure a set of components, which in this example form part of the fluid network of the installation 1, in this case the conduits 31, 32, 33, 34 and 43, as well as the members 11, 14 and 21.

[0131] In a non-limiting manner, the members 12 and 13 of the installation 1 can also be integrated into the structure of the reactor 2, for example at the interface of the parts of the conduits 41 and 42, respectively, which are connected to the base 101 of the reactor 2.

[0132] The invention thus makes it possible to reduce the cost and size of the reactor 2 and of the installation in which it is implemented, in particular by reducing the length of the conduits 31, 32, 34 and 43. The invention also makes it possible to facilitate the management of thermal expansion, to minimize the risks of leakage to the outside and to increase energy efficiency by reducing the surfaces in contact with the outside.

[0133] Figures 2 and 3 indicate with arrows gas flows G1-G7 when reactor 2 is in operation.

[0134] As indicated above, the fan 21 makes it possible to suck an intermediate gas flow into the conduit 32 so as to redirect this flow G1 towards the external cavity 34. The intermediate flow is a hot flow essentially comprising synthesis gas.

[0135] After introduction into the external cavity 34 through the opening in the wall 114, the gas flow transfers part H1 and H2 of its heat to the walls 112 and 108, then the flow G2 passes from the external cavity 34 to the inlet cavity 150 of the reactor chamber 2, via the corresponding upper opening of the cavity 34.

[0136] The flow G3 then follows an upward movement, along the side wall 142 of the basket 140, giving it a part H3 of its heat.

[0137] The flow G4 then enters the cavity 152 receiving the load by passing through said load head cavity 154, to descend G5 towards the base 101 by crossing the load.

[0138] After passing through the load, the flow G6 exits the chamber to arrive in the internal cavity 31 then in the mixer 38 in the form of flow G7 visible in the figure.

[0139] The flow arriving in the internal cavity 31 has a high concentration of pyrolysis gas and a relatively low temperature. The risk of fouling by condensation on the walls 108 and 112 which delimit the internal cavity 31 is reduced here taking into account the heat H1 and H2 given off by the flow of gas circulating in the external cavity 34.

[0140] Of course, part of the gas arriving in the cavity 154 of the charge head can be extracted via the conduit 43 (see above).

[0141] The configuration of the basket 140 and the bell 102 makes it possible in particular to route the flow G3 to the head of the load over a relatively wide section, thus reducing the load losses, and to preheat the load through the side wall 142 of the basket 140. The circulation of the flow G3 around the load and its reversal (see flow G4 in the) at the head of the load make it possible to ensure, in a natural way, a homogeneous repair of the flow in the load.

[0142] The preceding description is of course not limiting and numerous variations can be made to the reactor and / or its implementation. In particular, the reactor 2 and in particular its base 101 can integrate additional components.

[0143] Thus, by way of example, the reactor 2 may comprise a weighing member intended to evaluate the mass of the load. In the embodiment of the, the reactor 2 may comprise a weighing member in the form of compression weighing sensors (not shown) each arranged within, or under, a respective one of the feet of the chassis 104. Associated with a calculation tool, preferably in real time, such weighing may in particular make it possible to determine a rate of mass loss of the load in order to anticipate possible runaway phenomena of a pyrolysis reaction, or to detect the end of a pyrolysis cycle, typically when the mass loss of the load no longer changes over time.

[0144] For another example, the reactor 2 may comprise temperature probes and a spraying system such as described in patent EP2285935, secured for example to the bell 102.

[0145] The reactor 2 may also be devoid of certain components described above with reference to Figures 2 and 3. For example, the reactor 2 may be devoid of the bypass conduit 43.

[0146] Of course, the components of the reactor 2 may be different and / or differently arranged and / or have a different geometry than those of the embodiment of Figures 2 and 3. For example, the chamber of the reactor 2 may have an oval or polygonal section with rounded corners. The geometry of the chamber is preferably chosen so as to facilitate thermal expansion, the geometry of the bell 102 being particularly effective in this regard.

[0147] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the removable bell 102 of the reactor 2 is replaced by a similar structure fixed to the base 101 according to any conventional technique. Such a structure may include a door in order to be able to introduce a charge into the chamber or remove it from it.

[0148] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the mixer 38 is not integrated into the structure of the reactor 2.

[0149] For another example of a variant, not shown, the cavities 31 and 34 formed by the base 101 of the reactor 2 can be concentric. In other words, the axes A1 and A2 can be combined.

[0150] In an alternative embodiment, or implementation of the reactor 2 of the, the internal cavity 31 can form the inlet duct and the external cavity 34 can form the outlet duct. For this framework, the gas flow can for example circulate in the opposite direction to that described above, so as to pass through the load from the bottom to the top. The fan 21 and the parts of the fluid network connected to the cavities 31 and 34 can be adapted to favor such an implementation mode, for example by placing the fan 21 outside the structure of the reactor 2.

[0151] In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the conduit 43 is arranged so that its inlet opens, not into the cavity 154 of the charge head, but into the part 150 of the chamber, at an intermediate altitude of the basket 140, that is to say between the upstream and downstream ends of the basket 140 relative to the direction of advance of the pyrolysis front which, in the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, is vertically from the top to the bottom of the reactor 2, and / or so that its inlet opens near the upper opening of the cavity 34.

[0152] More generally, the reactor 2 of figures 2 and 3, or variants of its embodiment, in particular those indicated above, can be implemented in an installation different from that of the. In addition, the invention can be implemented to treat by pyrolysis a type of biomass other than wood, or more generally any input capable of transformation by pyrolysis, whether using the installation described above or one of its variant embodiments.

Claims

Reactor (2) for the pyrolysis treatment of an input such as wood to produce an output such as charcoal, the reactor (2) comprising a chamber (150, 152, 154) intended to receive a charge of said input, characterized in that it comprises one or more walls (108, 112) which delimit an inlet duct (34) configured to be able to introduce an inlet gas flow (G2) into the chamber (150, 152, 154) and an outlet duct (31) configured to be able to extract an outlet gas flow (G6) from the chamber, one or more of said walls (108, 112) being configured for heat transfer from the inlet gas flow (G2) to the outlet gas flow (G6). Reactor (2) according to claim 1, wherein one of said walls (108) delimits the inlet duct (34) radially inwards and the outlet duct (31) radially outwards. Reactor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, in which at least part of the inlet duct (34) extends around an axis (A1), radially outside the outlet duct (31). Reactor (2) according to claim 3, wherein the chamber comprises a portion (150) configured to extend around said axis (A1) radially outside the load, the inlet conduit (34) being arranged to be able to introduce said inlet gas flow (G2) into this portion (150) of the chamber so that this gas flow can be moved in the chamber in a first direction along said axis (A1) radially outside the load and then in a second direction along said axis (A1) through the load. Reactor (2) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said axis (A1) is a first axis, the outlet duct (31) extending around a second axis (A2) parallel to the first axis (A1). Reactor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:a first part (101) which forms the inlet duct (34) and the outlet duct (31),a second part (102) which forms the chamber,the first part (101) preferably forming a base of the reactor (2) which supports the second part (102), which preferably forms a removable bell. Reactor (2) according to claim 6, wherein said first part (101) of the reactor (2) comprises a mixer (38) configured to establish fluid communication between several conduits chosen from a list including: the inlet conduit (34) and / or a conduit (32) in fluid communication with the inlet conduit (34), the outlet conduit (31) and / or a conduit in fluid communication with the outlet conduit (31), an injection conduit (41) configured to introduce said inlet gas flow into the reactor (2), a bypass conduit (43) configured to take from the chamber a portion of said inlet gas flow previously introduced into the chamber and extract it from the chamber by bypassing the load. Reactor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a gas circulation member (21) configured to suck an intermediate gas flow into an intermediate duct (32) and discharge it towards an inlet of the inlet duct (34) formed by one or more openings extending radially outside an outlet end of the intermediate duct (32), the reactor (2) preferably comprising a guide wall (33) extending radially outside the outlet end of the intermediate duct (32), so that the intermediate gas flow sucked in by the gas circulation member (21) circulates in the outlet end of the intermediate duct (32) in a first flow direction and the intermediate gas flow discharged by the gas circulation member (21) is redirected towards the inlet of the inlet duct (34) in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction. Installation (1) for processing an input such as wood to produce an output such as charcoal, comprising one or more reactors (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. A method of treating an input such as wood to produce an output such as charcoal using a reactor (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising introducing into the reactor chamber (2) an inlet gas stream through the inlet conduit (34) and extracting from the reactor chamber (2) an outlet gas stream through the outlet conduit (31).

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