Gas reaction synthesis unit and gas reaction synthesis device

Abstract

A gas reaction synthesis unit 2 according to the present invention comprises: a honeycomb structure 20 having one or more honeycomb structure parts 24, each of which has an outer circumferential wall 240, and a partition wall 241 that is disposed inside the outer circumferential wall 240 and partitions and forms a plurality of cells 241a constituting flow channels extending from one end surface to the other end surface; and an induction heating coil 21 disposed on the outer circumference of the honeycomb structure 20. At least one of the one or more honeycomb structure parts 24 includes a conductor and / or a magnetic body 25.

Description

Gas reaction synthesis unit and gas reaction synthesis device

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas reaction synthesis unit and a gas reaction synthesis apparatus for synthesizing gases by reacting them.

[0002] Technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality are attracting attention as a measure against global warming. A typical example is the synthesis of useful substances such as methane and methanol by reacting captured CO2 with H2 produced from renewable energy. When the synthesized substances are burned, CO2 is emitted, but because they are synthesized using captured CO2, there is no net increase in CO2.

[0003] Generally, chemical reaction vessels require the use of external heating devices, such as heating plates or hot air circulators, to heat the reactants uniformly. However, these methods can result in uneven heating of the reactants, potentially reducing the efficiency and selectivity of the reaction. For example, uneven heating of the bottom of the reaction vessel can result in temperature gradients among the reactants. Furthermore, the use of hot air circulators requires the movement and mixing of the reactants, potentially complicating the reaction process.

[0004] The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose techniques for synthesizing gases by reacting them in a reaction vessel.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a methane production method including an adsorption step of capturing carbon dioxide from a supplied gas, a regeneration step of desorbing the captured carbon dioxide, a mixing step of mixing the regenerated carbon dioxide with hydrogen, a heating step of heating the mixed carbon dioxide and hydrogen, a methane production step of reacting the heated carbon dioxide and hydrogen on a catalyst to generate methane, and a heat exchange step of exchanging the heat of the methane generated in the methane production step with the methane for use in heating in the heating step.

[0006] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for reforming a hydrocarbon feed stream containing a hydrocarbon gas and steam, the method comprising: a) producing a first synthesis gas from the hydrocarbon feed stream in a synthesis gas generation reactor optionally containing a first catalyst; b) supplying a heated CO2-rich stream to a post-converter containing a second catalyst active in steam reforming, methanation and reverse water-gas shift reaction; and c) carrying out steam reforming, methanation and reverse water-gas shift reaction of the first synthesis gas and the heated CO2-rich stream in the post-converter to produce a product synthesis gas, wherein the second catalyst is electrically heated using a power source.

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-168205 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-505515

[0008] When synthesizing by reacting gases in a reaction vessel as in the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2, the reaction vessel may be filled with pellet catalyst, but this poses a problem in that a sufficient surface area cannot be obtained as a reaction field.

[0009] Furthermore, although it is known that a method for increasing the surface area of ​​the reaction field involves applying a catalyst to the honeycomb structure, it is difficult to achieve a uniform temperature as long as heating is performed externally.

[0010] Even when a honeycomb structure is not used, a multi-tube heat exchanger or a cross-flow reactor has been used to equalize the temperature. However, in either case, an external heating means or heat exchanger is required, which results in a large size and indirect heating, leaving room for improvement in terms of heating efficiency and size.

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objects is to provide a gas reaction synthesis unit and a gas reaction synthesis apparatus that can more reliably heat gas uniformly while ensuring surface area as a reaction field, and can improve heating efficiency and size.

[0012] Item 1. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a gas reaction synthesis unit for reacting and synthesizing gases, the gas reaction synthesis unit comprising: a honeycomb structure having one or more honeycomb structure sections each having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls disposed inside the outer peripheral wall to define a plurality of cells that form flow paths extending from one end face to the other end face; and an induction heating coil disposed on the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure, wherein at least one of the one or more honeycomb structure sections includes a conductor and / or a magnetic material.

[0013] Item 2. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to Item 1, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic material is present in at least a portion of the honeycomb structure in the radial direction and the axial direction.

[0014] Item 3. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to Item 2, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic material is present inside the outer peripheral wall, inside the partition wall, inside the cell, and / or on the outer peripheral wall.

[0015] Item 4. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to Item 3, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic material present inside the cell is filled in the cell or coated on the surface of the partition wall.

[0016] Item 5. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of Items 1 to 4, further comprising a magnetic shield disposed around the outer periphery of the induction heating coil.

[0017] Item 6. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of Items 1 to 5, wherein the honeycomb structure contains at least one selected from the group consisting of cordierite, silicon carbide, silicon, silica, and alumina.

[0018] Item 7. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein a glass or crystalline body containing Al and / or Si is disposed between the honeycomb structure and the induction heating coil.

[0019] Item 8. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to Item 5, wherein a glass or crystal body containing Al and / or Si is disposed between the induction heating coil and the magnetic shield.

[0020] Item 9. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of Items 1 to 8, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic material contains at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, and Si.

[0021] Item 10. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of Items 1 to 9, wherein the magnetic material has a Curie point of 100° C. or higher.

[0022] Item 11. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of Items 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the one or more honeycomb structure sections contains a catalyst.

[0023] Item 12. The present invention relates to a gas reaction synthesis apparatus comprising the gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of items 1 to 11 and a power supply circuit connected to an induction heating coil, and configured so that the honeycomb structure can be induction heated by magnetic flux from the induction heating coil when a gas is passed through the cells.

[0024] Item 13. The present invention may relate to the gas reaction synthesis apparatus according to Item 12, wherein the gas includes methane gas, methanol gas, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and / or oxygen.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the gas reaction synthesis unit and gas reaction synthesis apparatus of the present invention, at least one of the one or more honeycomb structure parts contains a conductor and / or a magnetic material, so that the gas can be heated more reliably and uniformly while ensuring the surface area as a reaction field, thereby improving the heating efficiency and size.

[0026] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a gas reaction synthesis apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the gas reaction synthesis unit of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the power supply circuit of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the honeycomb structure of FIG. 2 and its periphery. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of an existence mode of a conductor and / or a magnetic material in the honeycomb structure of FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an existence mode of a conductor and / or a magnetic material in the honeycomb structure of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of an existence mode of a conductor and / or a magnetic material in the honeycomb structure of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an existence mode of a conductor and / or a magnetic material in the honeycomb structure of FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of an existence mode of a conductor and / or a magnetic material in the honeycomb structure of FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a gas reaction synthesis apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to each embodiment, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in each embodiment. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0028] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present invention, Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the gas reaction synthesis unit 2 of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a circuit diagram showing the power supply circuit 3 of Figure 1, and Figure 4 is a front view showing the honeycomb structure 20 of Figure 2 and its periphery. Also, Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a first example of an existence mode of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 in the honeycomb structure 20 of Figure 2, Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a second example of an existence mode of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 in the honeycomb structure 20 of Figure 2, and Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a third example of an existence mode of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 in the honeycomb structure 20 of Figure 2.

[0029] The gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 and the gas reaction synthesis unit 2 shown in Figures 1 and 2 are an apparatus and a unit for reacting and synthesizing a gas 10. The gas 10 used in the reaction is sometimes called a source gas 10, and the gas synthesized by the reaction is sometimes called a synthesis gas. The source gas 10 may contain a first source gas and a second source gas that are different from each other. The gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 is configured to obtain a predetermined synthesis gas by reacting and synthesizing the source gas 10 in the gas reaction synthesis unit 2.

[0030] Various gases can be used as the source gas 10, which may include methane gas (CH), methanol gas (CHOH), carbon dioxide (CO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and / or oxygen (O). For example, when CO and H react, CH and HO are synthesized. When CO and H react, CHOH is synthesized. When N and H react, NH is synthesized.

[0031] In this embodiment, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) are used as the raw material gas 10, and an embodiment in which methane gas (CH4) and water (H2O) are synthesized (CO2 + 4H2 → CH4 + 2H2O) will be described. The synthesis gas obtained in the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 is discharged from the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 together with unreacted gases and recovered in the recovery apparatus 4. For example, high-purity methane gas can be recovered in the recovery apparatus 4 by using a purification mechanism such as PSA (pressure swing adsorption), CO2 and H2 separation membranes, etc., as needed.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 includes a gas reaction synthesis unit 2 , a power supply circuit 3 , a first chamber 5 , and a second chamber 6 .

[0033] The gas reaction synthesis unit 2 is for synthesizing gases by reacting them as described above. The gas reaction synthesis unit 2 has a honeycomb structure 20 and an induction heating coil 21.

[0034] The honeycomb structure 20 has one or more honeycomb structure portions 24. FIG. 2 shows a honeycomb structure 20 having multiple honeycomb structure portions 24. As particularly shown in FIG. 2, the honeycomb structure portion 24 has an outer peripheral wall 240 and partition walls 241 disposed inside the outer peripheral wall 240. The partition walls 241 define multiple cells 241a that form flow paths extending from one end face to the other end face. The honeycomb structure portion 24 may have a columnar outer shape. A columnar shape can be understood as a three-dimensional shape having a predetermined thickness in the axial direction AD. The axial direction AD may be the extension direction of the cells 241a. The ratio (aspect ratio) of the axial length of the honeycomb structure portion 24 to the diameter or width of the end face of the honeycomb structure portion 24 is arbitrary. The columnar shape may include a shape (flat shape) in which the axial length of the honeycomb structure portion 24 is shorter than the diameter or width of the end face. The external shape of the honeycomb structure portion 24 is not particularly limited, but may be a columnar shape with square end faces (quadratic column shape) as shown in FIG. 2, a columnar shape with circular or oval end faces, or a columnar shape with polygonal end faces having fewer or more corners (triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, etc.).

[0035] The material of the honeycomb structure 24 (the outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241) is not particularly limited, but is typically formed of a ceramic material. The honeycomb structure 24 preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of cordierite, silicon carbide, silicon, silica, and alumina. More specifically, the honeycomb structure 24 may be formed of cordierite, silicon carbide, aluminum titanate, silicon nitride, mullite, alumina, silica, a silicon-silicon carbide composite material, or a silicon carbide-cordierite composite material. More preferably, the honeycomb structure 24 is formed of cordierite, alumina, silica, silicon carbide, or a silicon-silicon carbide composite material. In this specification, silicon carbide-based and cordierite-based mean that the outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241 contain silicon carbide or cordierite in an amount of 50 mass% or more of the entire outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241.

[0036] The shape of the cells 241a is not particularly limited, but is preferably a polygon such as a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, or an octagon, a circle, or an ellipse in a cross section perpendicular to the central axis of the honeycomb structure 20, or may be other irregular shapes. A polygon is preferable.

[0037] The thickness of the partition walls 241 is preferably 0.05 to 0.50 mm, and more preferably 0.07 to 0.38 mm from the viewpoint of ease of manufacture. For example, if the thickness is 0.05 mm or more, the strength of the honeycomb structure 20 is further improved, and if the thickness is 0.50 mm or less, pressure loss can be reduced. Note that the thickness of the partition walls 241 is an average value measured by observing a cross section in the central axis direction with a microscope.

[0038] The porosity of the partition walls 241 is preferably 20 to 70%. In terms of ease of manufacture, the porosity of the partition walls 241 is preferably 20% or more, and if it is 70% or less, the strength of the honeycomb structure 20 can be maintained.

[0039] The average pore diameter of the partition walls 241 is preferably 2 to 30 μm, and more preferably 5 to 25 μm. When the average pore diameter of the partition walls 241 is 2 μm or more, manufacturing becomes easy, and when it is 30 μm or less, the strength of the honeycomb structure 20 can be maintained. In this specification, the terms "average pore diameter" and "porosity" refer to the average pore diameter and porosity measured by mercury intrusion porosimetry.

[0040] The density of the cells 241a is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5 to 150 cells / cm 2 The range is preferably 16 to 100 cells / cm 2 More preferably, the range is 31 to 100 cells / cm 2 It is more preferable that the range is:

[0041] Such a honeycomb structure portion 24 is produced by forming a honeycomb formed body by molding a clay containing ceramic raw materials into a honeycomb shape having partition walls 241 that define a plurality of cells 241a that extend from one end face to the other and serve as fluid flow paths, and then drying and firing the honeycomb formed body. The peripheral wall 240 may be a peripheral wall 240 extruded integrally with the honeycomb formed body. Alternatively, after molding or firing the honeycomb formed body, the periphery of the honeycomb formed body or sintered honeycomb body may be ground to a predetermined shape, and a coating material may be applied to the ground honeycomb formed body or sintered honeycomb body to form a peripheral coating (in this case, only the peripheral coating constitutes the peripheral wall 240). Alternatively, the peripheral wall 240 extruded integrally with the honeycomb formed body may be formed with a peripheral coating without being ground (the peripheral wall 240 has a two-layer structure consisting of the peripheral wall of the honeycomb sintered body or the like and the peripheral coating).

[0042] The honeycomb structure 20 is not limited to an integrated honeycomb structure 20 in which the partition walls 241 are integrally formed, but may be, for example, a honeycomb structure 20 (bonded honeycomb structure) having a structure in which a plurality of columnar honeycomb segments, each having ceramic partition walls 241 and a plurality of cells 241a that serve as fluid flow paths, are combined together via a bonding material layer.

[0043] At least one of the one or more honeycomb structure portions 24 of this embodiment includes a conductor and / or a magnetic material 25. The gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the honeycomb structure 20 can be induction heated by the magnetic flux from the induction heating coil 21 when gas is passed through the cell 241a.

[0044] Here, since at least one of the one or more honeycomb structure portions 24 of the honeycomb structure 20 includes a conductor and / or magnetic material 25, the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 can be induction-heated, thereby reducing the need for an external heating means or heat exchanger. When an external heating means or the like is provided, the size is large and heating is indirect, leaving room for improvement in terms of heating efficiency and size. In other words, the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 and the gas reaction synthesis unit 2 of this embodiment can improve heating efficiency and size compared to when an external heating means or the like is provided. Furthermore, by including the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 in the honeycomb structure portion 24, which is a structure having a predetermined shape, the relationship between the gas and the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 inside the honeycomb structure portion 24 can be more reliably managed, allowing the gas to be heated more uniformly and improving the gas synthesis efficiency.

[0045] Furthermore, by including the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 in the honeycomb structure portion 24, the effective area as a reaction field per volume can be increased. Also, gas flow paths (cells 241a) can be secured in the honeycomb structure 20, which allows efficient gas reaction and synthesis, and improves the recovery efficiency of the synthesized gas.

[0046] The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may be present in at least a part of the radial direction and the axial direction AD within the honeycomb structure 20. Furthermore, the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may be present inside the outer peripheral wall 240, inside the partition wall 241, inside the cell 241a, and / or on the outer peripheral wall 240. The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 present inside the cell 241a may be filled in the cell 241a or coated on the surface of the partition wall 241.

[0047] 5 shows an embodiment in which the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is filled into some of the cells 241a. The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may have a columnar outer shape that matches the shape of the cells 241a. The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may have such an outer shape before being filled into the cells 241a, or may have such an outer shape after being filled into the cells 241a. In other words, the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may constitute a shaped material having a predetermined shape, or may constitute a paste-like amorphous material.

[0048] The shaped material and the unshaped material may be composed of a composite composition of a conductor and / or magnetic material 25 and a binder or adhesive material. Examples of binders include materials primarily composed of metal or glass. Examples of adhesive materials include materials primarily composed of silica or alumina. In addition to the binder or adhesive material, an organic or inorganic substance may also be contained. The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may be filled all the way from one end face to the other end face of the honeycomb structure 20. Alternatively, the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may be filled from one end face of the honeycomb structure 20 to partway through the cells 241a.

[0049] The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is induction-heated by the magnetic flux from the induction heating coil 21, and the heat heats the honeycomb structure portion 24. By filling some of the cells 241a with the conductor and / or magnetic material 25, it becomes possible for the cells 241a to function as heaters in the honeycomb structure 20.

[0050] 6 shows an embodiment in which the conductive and / or magnetic material 25 is coated on the surface of the partition wall 241. In the illustrated embodiment, the conductive and / or magnetic material 25 is coated on the surface of the partition wall 241 of all the cells 241 a, but the conductive and / or magnetic material 25 may be coated on the surface of only the partition wall 241 of some of the cells 241 a.

[0051] The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 coated on the surface of the partition wall 241 can form a coating layer together with an adhesive material in which the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 are dispersed. Examples of the adhesive material that can be used include glass containing silicic acid, boric acid, or borosilicate, crystallized glass, ceramics, and glass containing other oxides, crystallized glass, ceramics, and the like. The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may extend from one end face to the other end face of the honeycomb structure portion 24, or may extend over a portion of the honeycomb structure portion 24 in the axial direction AD. The amount of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 contained in the coating layer may vary in the radial direction and the axial direction AD within the honeycomb structure 20.

[0052] The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is induction-heated by the magnetic flux from the induction heating coil 21, and the generated heat heats the honeycomb structure portion 24. By coating the surfaces of the partition walls 241 with the conductor and / or magnetic material 25, it becomes possible for the cells 241a to function as heaters in the honeycomb structure 20, similar to the case where the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is filled in the cells 241a. On the other hand, the source gas 10 can also pass through the cells 241a in which the surfaces of the partition walls 241 are coated with the conductor and / or magnetic material 25, and in the embodiment in which the surfaces are coated with the conductor and / or magnetic material 25, the passage resistance of the source gas 10 can be reduced compared to the embodiment in which the cells 241a are filled with the conductor and / or magnetic material 25.

[0053] 7 shows an embodiment in which the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is present inside the outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241. The honeycomb structure 24 (the outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241) is usually formed of a ceramic material such as cordierite. By manufacturing the honeycomb structure 24 in a state in which the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is mixed with or coated on the ceramic material, the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 can be present inside the outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241. By adopting such an embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241 can function as heaters in the honeycomb structure 20.

[0054] The conductive and / or magnetic material 25 may contain at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu, and Si. As the conductor and / or magnetic material 25, for example, the balance Co-20 mass% Fe, the balance Co-25 mass% Ni-4 mass% Fe, the balance Fe-15 to 35 mass% Co, the balance Fe-17 mass% Co-2 mass% Cr-1 mass% Mo, the balance Fe-49 mass% Co-2 mass% V, the balance Fe-18 mass% Co-10. Mass%Cr-2mass%Mo-1mass%Al, balance Fe-27mass%Co-1mass%Nb, balance Fe-20mass%Co-1mass%Cr-2mass%V , balance Fe-35% by mass Co-1% by mass Cr, pure cobalt, pure iron, electromagnetic soft iron, balance Fe-0.1 to 0.5% by mass Mn, balance Fe-3% by mass Si, balance Part Fe-6.5% by mass Si, remainder Fe-18% by mass Cr, remainder Fe-16% by mass Cr-8% by mass Al, remainder Ni-13% by mass Fe-5.3% by mass Mo, balance Fe-45% by mass Ni, balance Fe-10% by mass Si-5% by mass Al, balance Fe-36% by mass Ni, balance Fe-45% by mass Ni, balance Fe Metals such as -35% by mass Cr, balance Fe-13% by mass Cr-2% by mass Si, balance Fe-20% by mass Cr-2% by mass Si-2% by mass Mo, balance Fe-20% by mass Co-1% by mass V, balance Fe-13% by mass Cr-2% by mass Si, balance Fe-17% by mass Co-2% by mass Cr-1% by mass Mo. Furthermore, oxides such as Mn-Zn ferrite, Cu-Zn ferrite, Ni-Zn ferrite, and Cu-Zn-Mg ferrite can also be used as the conductor and / or magnetic material 25. Each of these conductors and / or magnetic materials 25 has a different Curie point, and is selected appropriately depending on the heating temperature required for the reaction and synthesis of the gas.

[0055] At least one of the one or more honeycomb structure portions 24 may contain a catalyst. Examples of the catalyst include atoms such as Pt, Pd, Ni, La, Ce, Ru, Co, and Fe, and / or compounds such as metal oxides such as MnO, SnO, and TiO. The catalyst may be fixed to the honeycomb structure portion 24 in a state where it is fixed to the surface of a material such as AlO particles, or may be fixed directly on the honeycomb structure portion 24.

[0056] The induction heating coil 21 is disposed on the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure 20. The induction heating coil 21 may be formed by winding a conductor 210 around a predetermined axis. The axis of the induction heating coil 21 may be parallel to the axial direction AD of the honeycomb structure 20. The axis may be coaxial with the central axis of the honeycomb structure 20. While FIG. 1 shows a band-shaped conductor 210 with a rectangular cross section, the conductor 210 may have any shape, such as a circular or tubular shape. The conductor 210 may be molded with an insulating material 211. Examples of the insulating material 211 that can be used include alumina, mullite, and / or heat-resistant resin. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the conductor 210 molded with the insulating material 211 is fitted onto the outer surface of the outer wall 240 of the honeycomb structure 20.

[0057] The induction heating coil 21 is connected to a power supply circuit 3. As shown in FIG. 3 , the power supply circuit 3 may include a DC power supply 220, an inverter 221, a transformer 222, and a resonant capacitor 223. DC power from the DC power supply 220 is converted to AC power by the inverter 221. The transformer 222 is used when it is necessary to amplify the current flowing through the induction heating coil 21. The transformer 222 has a primary coil 222a connected to the inverter 221 and a secondary coil 222b connected to the resonant capacitor 223 and the induction heating coil 21. The turns ratio of the primary coil 222a to the secondary coil 222b is N:1. N is a number greater than 1, and the transformer 222 can amplify the AC power current. The capacitance of the resonant capacitor 223 is set to adjust the resonant frequency of the power supply circuit 3. The induction heating coil 21 is connected in series to the resonant capacitor 223 and may be connected to both ends of the secondary coil 222b together with the resonant capacitor 223.

[0058] When an alternating current is supplied from the power supply circuit 3 to the induction heating coil 21, a magnetic flux is generated in the vicinity of the induction heating coil 21. The honeycomb structure 20 and the conductor and / or magnetic body 25 can be induction heated by the magnetic flux from the induction heating coil 21.

[0059] By selecting the Curie point of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25, the heating temperature of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 by induction heating can be adjusted. The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is heated for the purpose of reacting and synthesizing gases, but excessive temperature rise can cause problems such as being outside the optimal operating temperature range of the catalyst or reducing the specific surface area of ​​the catalyst or the material supporting the catalyst, resulting in early deterioration of the catalytic function. By selecting a conductor and / or magnetic material 25 with a low Curie point, such problems can be prevented. The conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may have a Curie point of 100°C or higher. The Curie point of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 is preferably 200°C or higher.

[0060] The gas reaction synthesis unit 2 may further include a magnetic shield 23 arranged around the outer periphery of the induction heating coil 21. The magnetic shield 23 may be arranged so as to surround the induction heating coil 21. The magnetic shield 23 may be made of a magnetic material. In the illustrated embodiment, the magnetic shield 23 is a tubular member arranged around the outer periphery of the induction heating coil 21 and having wall portions protruding radially inward at both ends. The length of the magnetic shield 23 in the axial direction of the induction heating coil 21 may be longer than the length of the induction heating coil 21 in the same direction. By providing such a magnetic shield 23, heat generation by the induction heating coil 21 can be suppressed.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4 , a glass or crystalline body 27 containing Al and / or Si may be disposed between the honeycomb structure 20 and the induction heating coil 21. Alternatively, a glass or crystalline body 27 containing Al and / or Si may be disposed between the induction heating coil 21 and the magnetic shield 23. By disposing the glass or crystalline body 27 containing Al and / or Si (hereinafter simply referred to as the "crystalline body 27") in these positions, electrical short circuits between the honeycomb structure 20, the induction heating coil 21, and the magnetic shield 23 can be prevented, and components such as moisture contained in the gas flowing through the honeycomb structure 20 can be prevented from coming into contact with the induction heating coil 21. While FIG. 4 shows the crystalline body 27 as a rectangular frame surrounding the honeycomb structure 20, the crystalline body 27 may have other shapes. For example, the crystalline body 27 may be a plate-like body overlapping only one side of the honeycomb structure 20. Note that while FIG. 4 exaggerates the distance between the honeycomb structure 20 and the induction heating coil 21, this is merely for ease of understanding.

[0062] The honeycomb structure 20 may have only one honeycomb structure portion 24, or may have a plurality of honeycomb structure portions 24 as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows an embodiment in which three rectangular parallelepiped honeycomb structure portions 24 extending long in the axial direction AD (gas flow direction) are arranged in parallel. Two induction heating coils 21 are provided for each honeycomb structure portion 24, and one magnetic shield 23 is provided so as to surround the entire three honeycomb structure portions 24. The two induction heating coils 21 are arranged at the front and rear of the honeycomb structure portion 24 in the axial direction AD.

[0063] One of the multiple honeycomb structure sections 24 arranged in parallel is referred to as the first honeycomb structure section, and the one arranged adjacent to the first honeycomb structure section is referred to as the second honeycomb structure section. When the first honeycomb structure section has the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 as described above, the second honeycomb structure section does not need to have the conductor and / or magnetic material 25. This is because the second honeycomb structure section can be heated by heat generated in the first honeycomb structure section. Second honeycomb structure sections not having the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may be arranged on both sides of the first honeycomb structure section having the conductor and / or magnetic material 25, or first honeycomb structure sections having the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may be arranged on both sides of the second honeycomb structure section not having the conductor and / or magnetic material 25. The configuration of the second honeycomb structure section may be the same as the configuration of the honeycomb structure section 24 described above, except that it does not have the conductor and / or magnetic material 25.

[0064] Furthermore, multiple honeycomb structure sections 24 may be arranged in series in the axial direction AD. One of the multiple honeycomb structure sections 24 arranged in series is called the upstream honeycomb structure section, and the one arranged downstream of the upstream honeycomb structure section in the gas flow direction is called the downstream honeycomb structure section. When the upstream honeycomb structure section has a conductor and / or magnetic material 25 as described above, the downstream honeycomb structure section does not need to have a conductor and / or magnetic material 25. This is because the downstream honeycomb structure section can be heated by heat generated in the upstream honeycomb structure section. The configuration of the downstream honeycomb structure section may be the same as the configuration of the honeycomb structure section 24 described above, except that it does not have a conductor and / or magnetic material 25.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 1 , the first chamber 5 is arranged on one end side of the honeycomb structure 20 in the axial direction AD. The first chamber 5 forms an internal space that is connected to one end face of the honeycomb structure 20. The second chamber 6 is arranged on the other end side of the honeycomb structure 20 in the axial direction AD. The second chamber 6 forms an internal space that is connected to the other end face of the honeycomb structure 20. A condenser 60 may be arranged inside the second chamber 6.

[0066] The raw material gas 10 can be introduced into the honeycomb structure 20 from the first chamber 5. The honeycomb structure 20 can be arranged so that the axial direction AD is along the vertical direction. The first chamber 5 can be called the upstream chamber or upper chamber, and the second chamber 6 can be called the downstream chamber or lower chamber.

[0067] The raw material gas 10 from the first chamber 5 enters the cells 241a from one end face of the honeycomb structure 20, passes through the cells 241a, and exits the honeycomb structure 20 from the other end face. As it passes through the cells 241a, the raw material gas 10 is reacted and synthesized. When carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) are used as the raw material gas 10 as described above, the generated water 11 is condensed in the condenser 60 and stored in the second chamber 6. The water 11 can be recovered through a first passage 61 connected to the bottom of the second chamber 6. A mixed gas 12 of methane gas (CH4) and unreacted gas is stored in the internal space of the second chamber 6. The mixed gas 12 can be recovered through a second passage 62 connected to the top of the second chamber 6. The mixed gas 12 is sent to the recovery device 4, which can purify or recover high-purity methane gas.

[0068] Next, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 , FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the presence of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 in the honeycomb structure 20 of FIG. 8 , and FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the presence of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 in the honeycomb structure 20 of FIG. 8 . A wall-flow honeycomb in which plugging portions 28 are formed at the ends of the cells 241 a can be used as the honeycomb structure 20 or the honeycomb structure portion 24. The cells 241 a include first cells 241 a 1 plugged at the other end face and second cells 241 a 2 plugged at one end face. In the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 8 , the source gas 10 flows into the first cells 241 a 1 from one end face, passes through the partition wall 241, reaches the second cells 241 a 2, and flows out from the other end face through the second cells 241 a 2.

[0069] 8 shows an embodiment in which the surfaces of the partition walls 241 are coated with a conductive and / or magnetic material 25, as described with reference to FIG. 6. In this case, the plugging portions 28 may be formed of a ceramic material such as cordierite, similar to the honeycomb structure portion 24 (the outer peripheral wall 240 and the partition walls 241). As described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7, the conductive and / or magnetic material 25 may be present.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 9, the sealing portion 28 may be formed by the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 filled in the cell 241a.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 10, a first partition wall 2411 coated with a conductor and / or magnetic material 25 and a second partition wall 2412 not coated with a conductor and / or magnetic material 25 may be provided. The second partition wall 2412 may be positioned between the first cell 241a1 and the second cell 241a2, and the first partition wall 2411 and the second partition wall 2412 may be adjacent to each other in the width direction or the radial direction of the honeycomb structure section 24. By providing the second partition wall 2412, the passage resistance of the source gas 10 can be reduced. The other configurations are the same as those in Fig. 1. The presence modes of the conductor and / or magnetic material 25 can be combined arbitrarily.

[0072] Embodiment 2. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. While Embodiment 1 has primarily described a configuration for reactively synthesizing carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2), the gas reaction synthesis apparatus 1 may also be used to reactively synthesize other source gases 10. Embodiment 2 illustrates a configuration in which nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) are used as source gas 10 to produce ammonia (NH3) (N2 + 3H2 → 2NH3). A mixed gas 13 of ammonia and unreacted hydrogen and nitrogen is stored in the internal space of the second chamber 6. The mixed gas 13 is sent to the recovery device 4 through a third passage 63 connected to the bottom of the second chamber 6, and the recovery device 4 can purify or recover high-purity ammonia. Other configurations are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

[0073] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0074] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Gas reaction synthesis device 2 Gas reaction synthesis unit 10 Raw material gas 20 Honeycomb structure 21 Induction heating coil 23 Magnetic shield 24 Honeycomb structure part 240 Outer wall 241 Partition wall 241a Cell 25 Conductor and / or magnetic material 27 Glass or crystalline material

Claims

1. A gas reaction synthesis unit for reacting and synthesizing gases, comprising: a honeycomb structure having one or more honeycomb structure sections having an outer peripheral wall and partition walls arranged inside the outer peripheral wall and defining a plurality of cells that form a flow path extending from one end face to the other end face; and an induction heating coil arranged on the outer periphery of the honeycomb structure, wherein at least one of the one or more honeycomb structure sections contains a conductor and / or a magnetic material.

2. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 1, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic material is present in at least a portion of the honeycomb structure in the radial and axial directions.

3. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 2, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic material is present inside the outer peripheral wall, inside the partition wall, inside the cell, and / or on the outer peripheral wall.

4. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 3, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic material present inside the cell is filled in the cell or coated on the surface of the partition wall.

5. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 1, further comprising a magnetic shield disposed around the outer periphery of said induction heating coil.

6. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 1, wherein the honeycomb structure portion contains at least one selected from the group consisting of cordierite, silicon carbide, silicon, silicic acid and alumina.

7. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 1, wherein a glass or crystal material containing Al and / or Si is disposed between said honeycomb structure and said induction heating coil.

8. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 5, wherein a glass or crystal containing Al and / or Si is disposed between the induction heating coil and the magnetic shield.

9. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 1, wherein the conductor and / or magnetic body contains at least one selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Ni, Mn, Zn, Co, Cu and Si.

10. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic material has a Curie point of 100° C. or higher.

11. The gas reaction synthesis unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said one or more honeycomb structures includes a catalyst.

12. A gas reaction synthesis device comprising: a gas reaction synthesis unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and a power supply circuit connected to the induction heating coil, said gas reaction synthesis device being configured so that the honeycomb structure can be inductively heated by the magnetic flux from the induction heating coil when the gas is passed through the cell.

13. The gas reaction synthesis apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the gas comprises methane gas, methanol gas, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, and / or oxygen.

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