Device and method for reacting a liquid with another fluid

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for continuously reacting a liquid with at least one other fluid, comprising a jet loop reactor (1), in which an internal circulating flow can form, and an external liquid circuit (2), through which liquid drawn off at one point of the jet loop reactor (1) can be fed to the jet loop reactor (1) at another point, wherein at least two guide tubes (3) are arranged next to one another in the interior of the jet loop reactor (1), which divide the interior into inner flow spaces within the guide tubes (3) and an outer flow space outside the guide tubes (3), wherein the outer flow space is a contiguous space that extends in the radial direction between the guide tubes (3) and, together with the inner flow spaces, forms the space for the internal circulating flow to flow through.

Description

[0001] Device and method for reacting a liquid with another fluid

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device for the continuous reaction of a liquid with another fluid, comprising a jet loop reactor in which an internal circulation flow can form, and an external liquid circulation through which liquid withdrawn at one point of the jet loop reactor can be fed to the jet loop reactor at another point. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for reacting a liquid with another fluid in a device according to the invention.

[0004] A jet loop reactor, also known as a jet-loop reactor, is generally understood to be a cylindrical vessel with a vertical longitudinal axis, within whose interior a tube is arranged, the open ends of which are spaced from the vessel bottom and the vessel ceiling. The fluids to be converted in the reactor are usually introduced from the top or bottom into the tube, which is also referred to as the flow tube or draft tube. The fluids exiting the tube initially flow toward the bottom or ceiling of the vessel, are redirected toward the sides, and flow against the flow direction in the tube to the other end of the tube. The resulting circulating flow is referred to as the "loop" of the jet-loop reactor or also as the internal flow. Jet-loop reactors of this type are known from the prior art.

[0005] Jet loop reactors are used on an industrial scale in a variety of processes in which a first fluid, usually a liquid, must be intensively mixed with a second fluid, such as a gas, to achieve a satisfactory reaction between the fluid reactants. An example of an industrially important reaction class for which jet loop reactors are suitable is hydroformylation or oxo synthesis for the production of aldehydes from olefins and synthesis gas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

[0006] Document WO 00 / 09467 A1 discloses a process and a reactor for producing aldehydes, alcohols, or amines by reacting olefins in the liquid phase with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in a jet loop reactor. The liquid olefin is fed into the reactor head and flows from top to bottom through a draft tube located inside the reactor. The gaseous synthesis gas can be added to the reactor at various points. At the bottom of the reactor, a portion of the reaction mixture is withdrawn as product, and another portion is returned to the top of the reactor in an external recirculation stream.

[0007] Document WO 2017 / 108878 A1 also discloses a jet loop reactor for producing aldehydes by continuous hydroformylation. In this reactor type, a plurality of double-walled tubes (field tubes) are arranged in a cylindrical vessel, through whose interior the reaction mixture flows, and the annular space of the double wall is provided for the flow of a heat exchange medium. A draft tube, open at both ends, surrounds the field tubes and is fed with the liquid olefins from below. The internal recirculation stream flows upward through the draft tube and the field tubes, is deflected there, and flows back down in the annular space between the draft tube and the vessel's inner wall.

[0008] One problem with known jet loop reactors is their limited capacity due to their design. The design of a long, slender reactor with tubes within it can only be scaled to a limited extent to increase production capacity. To solve this problem, known approaches involve the use of multiple draft tubes in a jet loop reactor. For example, document WO 2010 / 023018 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for the continuous reaction of a liquid and a second fluid, wherein the apparatus comprises at least two jet loop reactors connected in parallel and a common external liquid circulation. As an alternative to connecting separate reactors in parallel, multiple draft tubes can also be arranged in separate, mutually separated parallel chambers of a common vessel. A similar design of a loop reactor is described in document CN 104307442 A1.The disadvantage of these approaches, however, is the high equipment complexity of parallelization and thus high investment and operating costs.

[0009] The invention was based on the object of providing a device for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one other fluid in a jet loop reactor, in which production capacity is increased without significantly increasing investment and operating costs. A further object was to ensure good mixing and distribution of the reactants, even with increased capacity in the device, so that the chemical reaction can proceed satisfactorily. A further object was to ensure, in the case of a gas as the additional fluid, that the liquid and gas come into intensive contact and prevent separation of the gas phase.

[0010] These objects are achieved according to the invention by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13. Advantageous embodiments of the device and the method are specified in claims 2 to 12 and 14.

[0011] In the following, the terms "have", "have", "comprise" or "include" or any grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive manner. Accordingly, these terms can refer both to situations in which, apart from the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present, or to situations in which one or more further features are present. For example, the expression "A has B", "A has B", "A comprises B" or "A includes B" can refer both to the situation in which, apart from B, no further element is present in A (i.e., to a situation in which A consists exclusively of B), and to the situation in which, in addition to B, one or more further elements are present in A, for example, element C, elements C and D, or further elements.It should also be noted that the terms "at least one" and "one or more", as well as grammatical variations of these terms or similar terms, when used in connection with one or more elements or features and intended to express that the element or feature may be provided singly or multiple times, are generally used only once, for example when the feature or element is first introduced. When the feature or element is subsequently mentioned again, the corresponding term "at least one" or "one or more" is generally no longer used, without limiting the possibility that the feature or element may be provided singly or multiple times.

[0012] Furthermore, the terms "preferably", "in particular", "for example" or similar terms are used below in connection with optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features, and these features are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and in particular the independent claims. Thus, as those skilled in the art will recognize, the invention can also be carried out using other embodiments. Similarly, features introduced by "in one embodiment of the invention" or by "in an embodiment of the invention" are understood as optional features, without limiting alternative embodiments or the scope of the independent claims.Furthermore, these introductory expressions are intended to leave untouched all possibilities of combining the features introduced thereby with other features, whether optional or non-optional.

[0013] Measurements are referred to below using their usual abbreviations. In particular, the units hours are abbreviated as "h," minutes as "min," seconds as "s," meters as "m," centimeters as "cm," millimeters as "mm," degrees Celsius as "°C," kelvins as "K," and percent as "%."

[0014] One aspect of the invention relates to a device for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one further fluid, comprising a jet loop reactor having a longitudinal axis in which an internal circulating flow can form, and an external liquid circulation through which liquid withdrawn at one point in the jet loop reactor can be fed to the jet loop reactor at another point, wherein in the interior of the jet loop reactor at least two guide tubes are arranged next to one another, which divide the interior into inner flow spaces within the guide tubes and an outer flow space outside the guide tubes, wherein the outer flow space is a continuous space which extends in the radial direction between the guide tubes and, together with the inner flow spaces, forms the space for the flow through of the internal circulating flow.A further aspect of the invention relates to a process for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one further fluid, wherein the reaction is carried out in a jet loop reactor according to the invention.

[0015] Contrary to the prevailing opinion in the prior art that a jet loop reactor must have an elongated, slender structure, it has been shown that thorough mixing of the reaction media can be ensured even with a parallel arrangement of guide tubes in a common, connected flow chamber. The inventive arrangement of several guide tubes in a common flow chamber allows for larger, particularly wider, reactors, which allow for greater production capacity without compromising the quality of the products manufactured therein.

[0016] Definitions

[0017] The following terms, as used herein, are broad terms that should be given their ordinary and customary meaning as understood by those skilled in the art. These terms are not limited to any specific or customized meaning.

[0018] The term "fluid" refers to flowable substances that can be single-phase or multi-phase, gaseous or liquid. Examples of fluids are liquids or gases of a single substance, liquid or gaseous mixtures of several substances, liquids with dispersed or dissolved gas components of individual substances or mixtures of substances.

[0019] The term "jet loop reactor" refers to a closed vessel usable as a reactor, in the interior of which internals are provided which are designed to enable a flow of a fluid within the vessel, in which the fluid can flow as an internal circulation flow through and around the internals. The internals can in particular comprise guide tubes which are open at both ends to allow the fluid to flow through them. In the following, the term "reactor" is used synonymously with the term "jet loop reactor".

[0020] In one embodiment, the jet loop reactor is a cylindrical vessel with a vertical cylinder axis, which in this case corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the jet loop reactor. The base area of ​​the vessel perpendicular to the cylinder axis can have any shape suitable as a reactor for reacting a liquid with another fluid. Preferably, the inner wall of the vessel has a round or elliptical shape in the base area, particularly preferably a circular shape.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the jet loop reactor is a vessel with a vertical longitudinal axis and an inner diameter that varies along the longitudinal axis. Such a jet loop reactor can, for example, have several sections with different inner diameters that merge into one another via steps or continuously. In one embodiment, the jet loop reactor can have a larger inner diameter at its lower end than at its upper end. In a further embodiment, the jet loop reactor can have a larger inner diameter at its upper end than at its lower end. In a further embodiment, the jet loop reactor can have a larger inner diameter in a middle section than at its lower end and its upper end.In a further embodiment, the beam loop reactor may have a smaller inner diameter in a middle section than at its lower end and its upper end.

[0022] In one embodiment, the jet loop reactor has at least one liquid inlet, at least one inlet for the additional fluid, and at least one product outlet for a liquid reaction product. Preferably, the jet loop reactor also has an outlet for a gaseous fluid.

[0023] In one embodiment, the product outlet is located at the bottom of the jet loop reactor. In another embodiment, the product outlet is located at the top of the jet loop reactor. In another embodiment, the product outlet is located in the external liquid circuit. The jet loop reactor can also have multiple product outlets, which can be located at the same location or at different locations on the jet loop reactor. For example, the jet loop reactor can have multiple product outlets located at the top, at the bottom, and / or in the external liquid circuit.

[0024] In a configuration with a product outlet for a liquid reaction product at the top, the jet loop reactor can have a collar or weir in its interior, over which the liquid in the reactor flows in the form of an overflow into a channel connected to the product outlet. In this configuration, the upper edge of the collar or weir forms the upper limit of the liquid level in the interior of the reactor.

[0025] In a further embodiment with a product outlet for a liquid reaction product at the top, the jet loop reactor can have one or more radially laterally discharging outlets. The outlets can be designed, for example, as nozzles. If there are multiple outlets, their cross-sectional area is preferably the same. Structural elements, e.g., sheets or covers, can be provided upstream of the outlets in the interior of the reactor to reduce or completely prevent turbulence in the liquid flowing in the outer flow space.

[0026] The liquid to be converted in the jet loop reactor is fed into the jet loop reactor via at least one liquid inlet. In one embodiment, the liquid inlet is located at the top of the jet loop reactor. In another embodiment, the liquid inlet is located at the bottom of the jet loop reactor. In one embodiment, the liquid inlet comprises several partial inlets, the number of which corresponds at least to the number of guide tubes. Preferably, at least one partial inlet is assigned to each guide tube.

[0027] In one embodiment of this design, the outlet openings of the partial inlets are each directed toward one end of the guide tubes. In a variant of this design, the outlet openings of the partial inlets are each directed toward the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the guide tubes. This has the advantage of achieving the most uniform flow possible through the guide tubes in the radial direction.

[0028] In one embodiment of this type, each partial inlet comprises at least one nozzle. Any nozzle type capable of conveying a liquid in a jet direction is suitable. The nozzles can preferably be designed as propulsion jet nozzles.

[0029] The device according to the invention comprises an external liquid circulation system through which liquid withdrawn at one point in the jet loop reactor can be fed to the jet loop reactor at another point. The liquid is preferably withdrawn from the jet loop reactor at a point as far away as possible from the liquid feed point. In an embodiment in which the liquid inlet is located at the top of the jet loop reactor, the liquid is preferably withdrawn at its bottom. In a variant of this embodiment, the outlet of the liquid circulation system is a partial stream of the product outlet. In an embodiment in which the liquid inlet is located at the bottom of the jet loop reactor, the liquid is preferably withdrawn at its top.

[0030] The supply of the liquid to be converted in the liquid inlet and the supply of the liquid in the external liquid circulation can take place at the same place or the same places or at different places.

[0031] In one embodiment, the liquid feed and the liquid recirculation are combined into a single stream before the combined stream is fed to the jet loop reactor. The liquid feed of liquid to be converted can, for example, be fed into a line of the liquid recirculation. In one configuration of this embodiment, a mixing device for mixing the two fluid streams is arranged downstream of the junction point of the liquid recirculation and the liquid feed. The mixing device is preferably designed as a static mixer. In a further configuration of this embodiment, a product discharge can advantageously be discharged from the liquid recirculation before the liquid feed and the liquid recirculation combine.

[0032] In one embodiment, the liquid inlet and the liquid circulation are fed separately to the jet loop reactor. In one configuration of this embodiment, the liquid inlet and the liquid circulation each comprise a plurality of partial inlets, the number of which corresponds at least to the number of guide tubes. Preferably, at least one partial inlet is assigned to each guide tube.

[0033] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the outlet openings of the partial inlets of the liquid inlet and liquid circulation are designed such that the respective outgoing liquid streams come into contact before they flow into the respective guide tube.

[0034] In one embodiment, the liquid circulation and / or the liquid to be converted in the jet loop reactor are supplied via outlets, the number of which corresponds at least to the number of guide tubes. Preferably, at least one outlet is assigned to each guide tube. The outlets are preferably selected so that a desired range of flow rate and flow velocity can be set. The outlets are preferably nozzles. Particularly preferably, at least one nozzle is assigned to each guide tube. An advantage of this embodiment is the uniform distribution of the supplied liquid across all guide tubes. This ensures that the available reactor volume is used as evenly as possible.

[0035] In one embodiment of this type, the outlet openings of the outlets are each directed toward one end of the guide tubes. In a variant of this embodiment, the outlet openings of the outlets are each directed toward the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the guide tubes.

[0036] In one embodiment of this type, the liquid circulation is supplied to one or more guide tubes via at least two outlets per guide tube. In one variant, several outlets are assigned to each guide tube. In such an embodiment, the outlet openings of the outlets are preferably aligned such that the supply flow resulting from all outlets per guide tube is directed toward the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the guide tube.

[0037] In a variant of this design, the outlet openings of the outlets are spaced at different distances from the guide tube for each guide tube. The outlet openings can be arranged in groups according to their distance from the guide tube, or they can each be spaced at different distances from the guide tube. For example, the distances can vary from 3 cm to 20 cm.

[0038] In an embodiment in which the liquid inlet is located at the top of the jet loop reactor, the outlets are preferably configured such that the exiting liquid jet flows vertically downwards. In an embodiment in which the liquid inlet is located at the bottom of the jet loop reactor, the outlets are preferably configured such that the exiting liquid jet flows vertically upwards. In one embodiment, the liquid circulation comprises at least one pump that conveys the withdrawn liquid toward its inlet into the jet loop reactor. The pump is preferably configured such that it can generate a pressure difference between the suction side and the pump side of up to 20 bar.

[0039] In one embodiment, the liquid circulation system comprises at least one heat exchanger. In one variant, the heat exchanger is designed to cool the circulating liquid by at least 5 K, preferably at least 7 K, for example 8 K, 9 K, 10 K, 15 K, 20 K, or more. The heat exchanger is preferably designed such that the cooling takes place in a period of less than 30 s, preferably less than 20 s, in particular less than 10 s.

[0040] In one embodiment, the liquid circulation comprises an additional reactor. In one variant, the additional reactor is designed as a vessel fed by the liquid stream withdrawn from the jet loop reactor, and whose product stream is fed back to the jet loop reactor as liquid circulation. In this variant, the vessel can be designed, for example, as a stirred tank reactor or bubble column reactor. In another variant, a pipeline through which the liquid circulation is transported is designed as an additional reactor.

[0041] In all variants, it is advantageous if the additional fluid required for the reaction is added to the liquid reaction mixture upstream of or in the reactor. This can be achieved, for example, through nozzles or rings with outlets for the additional fluid, which are arranged in pipes or in the reactor. This can increase the space-time yield and the selectivity of the desired reaction. Furthermore, devices can be provided in the pipes or in the reactor to improve the distribution of the reaction mixture and mass transfer during the reaction, for example, static mixers.

[0042] The additional fluid to be converted in the jet loop reactor is supplied to the jet loop reactor via at least one inlet for the additional fluid. The additional fluid can be a gas, a liquid, or a multiphase mixture. In one embodiment, the additional fluid is a gas of a single substance or a gas mixture of several substances. The additional fluid can be supplied to the jet loop reactor at one point or at several points.

[0043] In one embodiment, at least a partial stream of the feed for the further fluid is fed to the reactor at the top. In one configuration of this embodiment, the outlet of the partial stream fed to the top of the reactor is located at the level of an outlet of the liquid circulation and / or at the level of an outlet of a feed of liquid to be converted in the jet loop reactor.

[0044] In one embodiment, at least a partial stream of the feed for the additional fluid is fed to the reactor at the bottom. In one configuration of this embodiment, a partial stream of the feed for the additional fluid is fed to the jet loop reactor at the bottom between the lower end of the draft tubes and a product outlet arranged at the bottom of the jet loop reactor.

[0045] In one embodiment, at least a partial flow of the inlet for the further fluid flows into the liquid circulation.

[0046] In one embodiment, the inlet for the additional fluid comprises several partial inlets distributed over the height of the jet loop reactor. In this context, the height of the jet loop reactor refers to its extension along a vertical longitudinal axis.

[0047] In one embodiment, the inlet for the additional fluid comprises at least one distributor ring with outlet openings for the fluid. The distributor ring is preferably arranged in the outer flow space.

[0048] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the inlet for the additional fluid comprises at least two distributor rings with outlet openings for the fluid. In one variant, the at least two distributor rings have different diameters. In another variant, the at least two distributor rings are arranged at different heights of the reactor. In another variant, the at least two distributor rings have different diameters and are arranged at different heights of the reactor.

[0049] In one configuration of this embodiment, the inlet for the additional fluid comprises a first group of distributor rings with a first diameter and each having a plurality of outlets for the additional fluid, and a second group of distributor rings with a second diameter and each having a plurality of outlets for the additional fluid, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and each group contains at least one distributor ring. The first diameter and the second diameter are understood to be the mean diameter of the respective distributor ring, which can be defined, for example, as half the sum of the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the respective distributor ring: Djmittel = (DJinnen + D_außen) / 2.

[0050] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the ratio of the first diameter of the distributor rings of the first group to the inner diameter of the jet loop reactor is from 0.95 to 0.15, for example 0.95, 0.9, 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.65, 0.6, 0.55, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, 0.15, or any other ratio in this interval.

[0051] In one configuration of this embodiment, the ratio of the second diameter of the distributor rings of the second group to the internal diameter of the jet loop reactor is from 0.9 to 0.2, for example 0.9, 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.65, 0.6, 0.55, 0.5, 0.45, 0.4, 0.35, 0.3, 0.25, 0.2, or any other ratio within this range. In one configuration of this embodiment, the distributor rings are arranged radially next to the guide tubes. Preferably, distributor rings with a first diameter and a second diameter are arranged alternately in the axial direction.

[0052] In a variant in which the flow through the guide tubes is from top to bottom, a distributor ring with a first diameter is preferably arranged at the level of the lower edge of the guide tubes or between the lower end of the guide tubes and a deflection of the downwardly exiting liquid flow. This has the advantage that liquid flowing downwards out of the guide tubes, which is deflected laterally and upwards, is brought into contact with the other fluid as intensively as possible, which promotes good mixing. Furthermore, it is preferred that in this variant a distributor ring with a second diameter is arranged at the level of the upper end of the guide tubes. This has the advantage that the reaction mixture flowing back into the guide tubes is enriched again with the other fluid before entering the guide tubes, which can promote a reaction in the guide tubes.

[0053] In one embodiment of this embodiment, each distributor ring has a plurality of outlet openings, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the outlet openings to the distance between the centers of adjacent outlet openings is from 0.1 to 1, for example 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.

[0054] In one embodiment of this embodiment, each distributor ring has a plurality of outlet openings, wherein the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the distributor ring to the sum of the outlet areas of all outlet openings is from 1 to 5, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or any value in this interval.

[0055] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the diameter of the outlet openings is from 0.3 mm to 20 mm, preferably from 0.5 mm to 12 mm, particularly preferably from 2 mm to 9 mm.

[0056] In one embodiment of this type, the outlet openings are arranged on the top side of the distributor rings. In another embodiment, the outlet openings are arranged on one side of the distributor rings, so that the additional fluid can exit from the distributor rings essentially radially. In another embodiment, some outlet openings are arranged on the top side of the distributor rings, others on one side or both sides of the distributor rings.

[0057] The outlet openings can be evenly or unevenly distributed in the circumferential direction; preferably, they are evenly distributed so that the distances between any two adjacent outlet openings are equal. The outlet openings can be arranged in a straight or curved row, for example, a circumferential line corresponding to the average diameter of the distributor ring. In one variant, the outlet openings are arranged next to one another in at least two rows, for example, on an inner circumferential line and an outer circumferential line, wherein the diameter of the inner circumferential line is smaller and the diameter of the outer circumferential line is larger than the average diameter of the distributor ring. This variant is particularly advantageous for distributor rings with small outlet openings, for example, with an opening diameter of less than 2 mm.

[0058] The outlet openings can have different shapes. In one design, the outlet openings are designed as cylindrical holes in the distributor ring. In another variant, the ends of the outlet openings are chamfered or rounded.

[0059] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the distributor rings each comprise two supply lines for the additional fluid, which open into the distributor rings on opposite sides.

[0060] In the interior of the jet loop reactor, at least two guide tubes are arranged next to each other, which divide the interior into inner flow spaces within the guide tubes and an outer flow space outside the guide tubes, whereby the outer flow space is a continuous space that extends in the radial direction between the guide tubes and, together with the inner flow spaces, forms the space for the flow through of the internal circulating flow.

[0061] The term "side by side" in this context means that the guide tubes are arranged adjacently in the radial direction. Preferably, the guide tubes are arranged parallel to one another. In one embodiment, the guide tubes each have a tube axis that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the jet loop reactor. The outer surfaces of the guide tubes can touch one another or be spaced apart from one another in the radial direction.

[0062] The structure and design options for guide tubes are known from the prior art. The guide tubes are preferably designed as straight tubes with two open ends on opposite sides. The guide tubes can be attached to the interior of the beam loop reactor using known fastening elements such as supports, strips, rails, angle joints, or the like. The material from which the guide tubes and, if applicable, the fastening elements are made is preferably adapted to the respective application, for example, with regard to mechanical or chemical resistance or corrosion resistance. Depending on the application, suitable materials include plastics, fiber-reinforced plastics, metals, metal alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0063] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the ends of the guide tubes lie in the same plane on at least one side of the guide tubes.

[0064] In one embodiment, at least three guide tubes are arranged side by side in the interior of the jet loop reactor, wherein, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jet loop reactor, the centers of the guide tubes lie on a straight line through the center of the cross-section. In one embodiment, at least three guide tubes are arranged side by side in the interior of the jet loop reactor, wherein, in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jet loop reactor, the centers of the guide tubes lie on a circular line concentric with the center of the cross-section. The centers of the guide tubes are preferably evenly distributed along the circular line.

[0065] In one embodiment, at least four guide tubes are arranged side by side in the interior of the jet loop reactor, with an inner guide tube being arranged at the center of the cross-section in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jet loop reactor, and the centers of the remaining guide tubes, as outer guide tubes, lying on a circular line concentric with the center of the cross-section. Preferably, the centers of the guide tubes are evenly distributed along the circular line.

[0066] In one embodiment of this embodiment, the inner guide tube is longer than the outer guide tubes, and the lower end of the inner guide tube extends beyond the lower ends of the outer guide tubes.

[0067] In one embodiment, the jet loop reactor comprises at least three, preferably at least four guide tubes. Preferably, the jet loop reactor comprises a maximum of twelve, preferably a maximum of nine, further preferably a maximum of six guide tubes. The number of guide tubes can be adapted to the respective requirements with regard to the reaction to be carried out, in particular with regard to the required or desired liquid volume in the reactor. The more parallel guide tubes there are, the larger the diameter of the reactor can be selected without negatively affecting the flow behavior in the reactor. The reactor can be built correspondingly shorter for a given volume, which brings advantages with regard to investment costs and operation of the reactor. On the other hand, the guide tubes also incur investment and maintenance costs, so their number should be kept as low as possible.

[0068] In one embodiment, the cross-sectional areas of the guide tubes do not differ from each other by more than 30%, further preferably not more than 20%, particularly preferably not more than 10%, in particular not more than 1%.

[0069] In one embodiment, the ratio of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all guide tubes to the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the jet loop reactor is from 3% to 50%, preferably from 5% to 30%. An advantage of this embodiment is the establishment of stable circulation of the internal recirculation flow in the reactor.

[0070] In one embodiment, for each guide tube, the ratio of its length to its diameter is from 3 to 20, preferably from 5 to 10.

[0071] In one embodiment, the ratio of the length of each guide tube to the internal diameter of the jet loop reactor is from 0.4 to 9, preferably from 0.6 to 5. It has been shown that by choosing the ratio in these ranges, a high circulation rate of the internal recirculation stream can be achieved. In one embodiment, guide plates are arranged between the guide tubes in the head of the jet loop reactor, which extend radially towards the inner wall of the reactor, preferably as far as the inner wall of the reactor. In the axial direction, the guide plates cover a lower part of the nozzles upwards, an upper part of the guide tubes downwards, or both a lower part of the nozzles upwards and an upper part of the guide tubes downwards. An advantage of this embodiment is that the flow pattern is evened out in the region where the internal recirculation stream enters the guide tubes.

[0072] In order to form an internal recirculation flow in the jet loop reactor, it is necessary that the inner flow spaces within the draft tubes are connected to the outer flow space outside the draft tubes in such a way that liquid exiting one end of the draft tubes is recirculated through the outer flow space to the other end of the draft tubes. The recirculation through the outer flow space can be influenced by the structural design of the interior of the jet loop reactor, for example, by the shape of the interior and / or the provision of internal components that appropriately direct the liquid flow.

[0073] In an embodiment in which the inner flow spaces within the guide tubes are flowed through from top to bottom, a deflection device is arranged below the guide tubes to deflect the flow emerging from the guide tubes.

[0074] In one embodiment of this design, the deflection device is a baffle plate. In one variant, the baffle plate is dimensioned so that its outer diameter is at least as large as the outer circumference of an envelope around all guide tubes. In this context, the "envelope" is understood to be the geometrically shortest closed curve that can be placed in cross-section around all guide tubes. Alternative terms for the envelope are envelope, enveloping curve, or envelope.

[0075] In one embodiment, the deflection device for deflecting the flow exiting the guide tubes comprises a first annular trough with a bottom and an outer side wall. The diameter of the edge of the outer side wall is preferably larger than the diameter of a shell around all the guide tubes. The inner diameter of the annular trough is preferably dimensioned such that at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the guide tubes flows into the trough.

[0076] In one configuration of this embodiment, the deflection device comprises a first annular trough with an inner side wall, a base connected to the inner side wall, and an outer side wall connected to the base. In an alternative configuration, the inner wall is directly connected to the outer wall without a base. Preferably, the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall is larger than the diameter of an envelope around all of the guide tubes. The diameter of the inner side wall of the annular trough is preferably dimensioned such that at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the guide tubes flows into the trough. In a further configuration of this embodiment, the deflection device comprises a second annular trough with a base and an outer side wall. In an alternative configuration, the inner wall is directly connected to the outer wall without a base.Preferably, the diameter of the inner edge of the second annular trough is larger than the diameter of the inner edge of the first annular trough, and the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the second annular trough is smaller than the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the first annular trough. Preferably, the second annular trough is arranged between the lower end of the guide tubes and the first annular trough. The inner diameters of the first and second annular troughs are preferably dimensioned such that at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the guide tubes flows into the first trough, and at least a further portion of the liquid flowing out of the guide tubes flows into the second trough.

[0077] In a further embodiment of this type, the deflection device comprises a second annular trough with an inner side wall, a base connected to the inner side wall, and an outer side wall connected to the base. Preferably, the diameter of the edge of the inner side wall is larger than the diameter of the edge of the inner side wall of the first annular trough, and the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the second annular trough is smaller than the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the first annular trough. Preferably, the second annular trough is arranged between the guide tubes and the first annular trough.The diameters of the inner side walls of the first and second annular troughs are preferably dimensioned such that at least a portion of the liquid flowing out of the guide tubes flows into the first trough, and at least a further portion of the liquid flowing out of the guide tubes flows into the second trough.

[0078] The jet loop reactor is suitable for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one other fluid and can be used for a variety of reaction systems. In one embodiment of the process according to the invention, oxidations, epoxidation of olefins, hydroformylations, hydroaminations, hydroaminomethylations, hydrocyanations, hydrocarboxyalkylations, aminations, ammoxidations, oximations, or hydrogenations are carried out in the jet loop reactor. Preferably, compounds with olefinic double bonds are converted to aldehydes and / or alcohols by hydroformylation with synthesis gas.

[0079] Detailed description

[0080] Further details and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, particularly in conjunction with the subclaims. The respective features can be implemented individually or in combination with one another. The invention is not limited to the embodiments. The embodiments are shown schematically in the drawings. The drawings are to be understood as schematic representations. They do not represent a limitation of the invention, for example with regard to specific dimensions or design variants, unless the description of the drawings indicates otherwise. Identical reference numerals in the individual drawings designate identical or functionally identical elements or elements which correspond to one another in terms of their functions.

[0081] In detail, the following schematic representation shows:

[0082] Fig. 1 : a first embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0083] Fig. 2: a second embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0084] Fig. 3: a third embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0085] Fig. 4: a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0086] Fig. 5: a detail of a fifth embodiment of a device according to the invention

[0087] Fig. 6: an embodiment of the supply of liquid and further fluid

[0088] Fig. 7: exemplary arrangements of guide tubes in cross section

[0089] Examples of implementation

[0090] Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one other fluid. The apparatus comprises a jet loop reactor 1, which is designed as a cylindrical vessel with a vertical cylinder axis. The vessel is preferably round in cross-section. At the top of the jet loop reactor 1 are a liquid inlet 7, an inlet 6 for the other fluid, and an outlet 4 for gaseous fluid. A product outlet 5 for removing the liquid reaction product is arranged at the bottom of the vessel.

[0091] Furthermore, the jet loop reactor 1 has an external liquid circulation 2, through which liquid withdrawn at one point of the jet loop reactor 1 can be fed to the jet loop reactor 1 at another point. In the example shown, liquid is withdrawn from the product outlet 5 at the bottom of the vessel and fed back to the top of the jet loop reactor 1. The external liquid circulation 2 is pumped by a pump 9 in the external liquid circulation. The liquid in the external circulation is passed through a heat exchanger 10, in which heat can be added to or removed from the liquid. This allows, for example, the temperature of the liquid fed to the top of the jet loop reactor 1 to be set to a predetermined value in order to influence the process conditions of the reaction taking place in the jet loop reactor.

[0092] In the interior of the jet loop reactor 1, at least two guide tubes 3 are arranged next to one another, dividing the interior into inner flow spaces within the guide tubes 3 and an outer flow space outside the guide tubes 3. In the example shown in Fig. 1, three guide tubes 3 are arranged next to one another, with the centers of the guide tubes 3 lying on a straight line through the center of the cross section in a cross-section perpendicular to the cylinder axis. Fig. 7A shows the arrangement of the guide tubes in cross-section. Other arrangements of guide tubes 3 are possible, for example arrangements as shown in Fig. 7B and Fig. 7C. The outer flow space surrounding the guide tubes is a continuous space that extends radially between the guide tubes 3 and, together with the inner flow spaces, forms a space in which an internal circulating flow can develop.

[0093] In the example shown in Fig. 1, the guide tubes 3 are arranged parallel to one another and each have a tube axis that runs parallel to the cylinder axis. The outer surfaces of the guide tubes 3 are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction. The guide tubes 3 are circular in cross-section and have the same length. The cross-sectional areas of their upper ends and the cross-sectional areas of their lower ends each lie in the same plane. The guide tubes 3 are arranged in the jet loop reactor 1 such that they are completely surrounded by liquid during operation. In Fig. 1, the liquid level is indicated by an upside-down triangle.

[0094] The liquid to be converted is fed in at the top of the jet loop reactor 1. In the example shown, the liquid inlet 7 flows into the liquid circulation 2, whereby the two streams are combined into one stream before the combined stream is fed to the jet loop reactor 1. A mixing device for mixing the two fluid streams, for example a static mixer, can be arranged downstream of the point of confluence of the liquid circulation 2 and the liquid inlet 7. The combined stream from the liquid inlet 7 and the liquid circulation 2 is fed to the jet loop reactor 1 via several partial inlets. In the example shown, there are three partial inlets, each of which is assigned to a guide tube 3. The outlet openings of the partial outlets are each directed towards one end of the guide tubes 3, preferably towards the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper end of each guide tube.The partial inlets can be designed, for example, as nozzles 8, in particular as propulsion jet nozzles.

[0095] The additional fluid to be converted in the jet loop reactor 1 is also fed in at the top of the reactor. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the additional fluid is fed in through an inlet 6, the outlet of which is located at the level of the outlets of the partial liquid inlets. All outlets of the inlets are arranged such that they are above the liquid level when the reactor is filled. During operation, the liquid emerging from the nozzles 8 creates a liquid jet that initially strikes the surface of the liquid, mixes with it, and creates a downward flow in the guide tubes 3. The additional fluid is entrained by the jet effect of the liquid injection and mixed with the liquid.

[0096] In the floor of the jet loop reactor 1, below the lower end of the guide tubes 3, a baffle plate 11 is mounted as a deflection device for the flow exiting the guide tubes. In this example, the baffle plate is dimensioned such that its outer diameter is slightly larger than the outer circumference of a shell around all the guide tubes. The liquid exiting the guide tubes 3 is deflected radially to the sides by the baffle plate 11 and flows through the outer flow space back up to the inlet of the guide tubes 3. This creates an internal recirculation flow in the jet loop reactor 1, which is indicated by dashed arrows in Fig. 1.

[0097] A portion of the liquid sinks below the baffle plate at the bottom of the jet loop reactor 1 and is removed through the product outlet 5. A partial flow of the product outlet 5 is returned to the top of the reactor as external liquid circulation 2, while the remaining portion is removed as a product stream. Gases that are formed, for example, during the reaction or are introduced into the reactor from outside and do not dissolve in the liquid or react can be removed at the top of the jet loop reactor 1 through a gaseous fluid outlet 4.

[0098] Fig. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one further fluid. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that the further fluid is supplied at several points in the jet loop reactor 1. It is particularly suitable for applications in which the further fluid is supplied in gaseous form.

[0099] A first distribution ring 12 with a plurality of outlet openings for the additional fluid is mounted below the baffle plate 11. Its diameter is larger than the diameter of the baffle plate 11, so that gas introduced through this distribution ring 12 can rise in bubbles and mix with the liquid in the reactor. Five additional distribution rings are arranged distributed over the height of the jet loop reactor 1. Three of the distribution rings form a first group 13 of distribution rings with a first diameter, and the other two form a second group 14 of distribution rings with a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter. Each distribution ring has a plurality of outlets for the additional fluid.

[0100] The distributor rings of the first group 13 are arranged at three different heights with a first distance from the inner wall of the jet loop reactor 1, wherein the bottom and middle distributor rings have a smaller distance in the axial direction than the middle and top distributor rings. The distributor rings of the second group 14 are arranged at two different heights with a second distance from the reactor inner wall, which is greater than the first distance. In the axial direction, the distributor rings of the second group 14 are arranged between the top and bottom distributor rings of the first group 13. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the bottom distributor of the second group 14 is arranged at the same height in the axial direction as the middle distributor of the first group 13. However, such an arrangement at the same height is not mandatory.The distribution ring in question can also be arranged above or below the middle distribution ring of the first group 13.

[0101] The cross-sectional areas of the distribution rings can be identical or different. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 2

[0102] For example, the cross-sectional areas of the distributor rings of the first group 13 are larger than the cross-sectional areas of the distributor rings of the second group 14 and of the distributor ring 12 below the baffle plate 11. The dimensioning and positioning of the distributor rings is preferably selected in such a way that a uniform and as complete as possible mixing of the additional fluid introduced through the distributor rings with the liquid circulating in the internal circulation flow results.

[0103] Fig. 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one other fluid. This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in the design of the guide tubes 3 and the deflection device arranged below the guide tubes 3.

[0104] In the interior of the jet loop reactor 1, five guide tubes 3 are arranged next to one another, dividing the interior into inner flow spaces within the guide tubes 3 and an outer flow space outside the guide tubes 3. In a cross-section perpendicular to the cylinder axis, an inner guide tube is arranged at the center of the cross-section, and the centers of the remaining guide tubes, as outer guide tubes, lie on a circular line concentric with the center of the cross-section. The centers of the outer guide tubes are preferably evenly distributed on the circular line, as shown by way of example in Fig. 7B. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the guide tubes 3 are arranged parallel to one another and each have a tube axis that runs parallel to the cylinder axis. The outer circumferential surfaces of the guide tubes 3 are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction. The guide tubes 3 are circular in cross-section.The inner guide tube is longer in the axial direction than the outer guide tubes, which are of the same length. The cross-sectional areas of the upper ends of the guide tubes 3 lie in the same plane. The lower end of the inner guide tube protrudes beyond the lower ends of the outer guide tubes.

[0105] The combined stream from liquid inlet 7 and liquid circulation 2 is fed to the jet loop reactor 1 via five partial inlets, each associated with a guide tube 3. The outlet openings of the partial outlets are each directed toward one end of the guide tubes 3, preferably toward the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper end of each guide tube. The partial inlets can be designed, for example, as nozzles 8, in particular as propulsion jet nozzles. The additional fluid to be converted in the jet loop reactor 1 is also fed at the top of the reactor. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the additional fluid is fed through an inlet 6, the outlet of which is located at the level of the outlets of the partial liquid inlets.

[0106] The deflection device for deflecting the flow emerging from the guide tubes 3 has a first annular trough 15 and a second annular trough 16, which is arranged in the axial direction between the lower end of the outer guide tubes 3 and the first annular trough 15. The first annular trough 15 comprises an inner side wall, a base connected to the inner side wall, and an outer side wall connected to the base. The diameter of the inner side wall is larger than the outer diameter of the inner guide tube, but smaller than the radial distance between opposing outer guide tubes. The second annular trough 16 comprises an inner side wall, a base connected to the inner side wall, and an outer side wall connected to the base.The diameter of the inner edge of the second annular trough 16 is larger than the diameter of the inner edge of the first annular trough 15, but smaller than the diameter of an envelope around the outer guide tubes 3. This geometric design and the arrangement of the second annular trough 16 above the first annular trough 15 cause liquid flowing from the outer guide tubes 3 to flow partly into the first trough 15 and partly into the second trough 16. The diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the second annular trough 16 is larger than the diameter of an envelope around all of the guide tubes and smaller than the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the first annular trough 15. The outer side walls of both troughs each point obliquely upwards, so that liquid flowing from the guide tubes 3 onto the bottom of the respective trough is directed radially to the side and obliquely upwards.In the bottom of the jet loop reactor 1, below the lower end of the inner draft tube, a baffle plate 11 is mounted. The baffle plate's diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the inner draft tube. Liquid exiting the inner draft tube is deflected radially to the sides by the baffle plate 11.

[0107] In this embodiment, the liquid flow exiting the lower ends of the guide tubes is divided into three substreams, which flow radially sideways and upwards through the outer flow space back to the inlet of the guide tubes 3. By dividing the liquid exiting the guide tubes 3 into three substreams, which are fed into the outer flow space at different locations in the axial direction, intensive mixing takes place, which is beneficial for the reaction process in the reactor.

[0108] Fig. 4 schematically shows a third embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one further fluid. This fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in the design of the deflection device arranged below the guide tubes 3 and in that the further fluid is supplied at several points in the jet loop reactor 1.

[0109] The deflection device for deflecting the flow emerging from the guide tubes 3 has a first annular trough 15 which has a bottom and an outer side wall. In longitudinal section, the shape of the trough 15 is curved upwards towards its outer edge, with the bottom and the side wall merging continuously into one another. The inner diameter of the trough 15 is larger than the outer diameter of the inner guide tube, but smaller than the radial distance between opposing outer guide tubes. The outer diameter of the edge of the outer side wall and thus of the trough 15 is larger than the diameter of an envelope around all of the guide tubes. Liquid flowing out of the outer guide tubes is at least partially collected by the trough 15 and directed radially to the side and obliquely upwards.In the floor of the jet loop reactor 1, below the lower end of the inner guide tube, a baffle plate 11 is mounted. The baffle plate's diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the inner guide tube. The outer edge of the baffle plate 11 is curved upwards, so that liquid escaping from the inner guide tube is captured by the baffle plate 11 and directed radially to the sides and obliquely upwards.

[0110] Five distributor rings are provided for feeding the additional fluid into the jet loop reactor 1. A first distributor ring 12 with a plurality of outlet openings for the additional fluid is mounted below the impact plate 11. Its diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the impact plate 11. Gas introduced through this distributor ring 12 rises upwards in bubbles and is entrained by the flow of liquid emerging from the inner guide tube, which flow is deflected diagonally upwards by the impact plate 11, and mixes intensively with it. Four further distributor rings are arranged distributed over the height of the jet loop reactor 1. Two of the distributor rings form a first group 13 of distributor rings with a first diameter, and the other two form a second group 14 of distributor rings with a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter.Each distribution ring has a number of outlets for the additional fluid.

[0111] The distributor rings of the first group 13 are arranged at two different heights, a first distance from the inner wall of the jet loop reactor 1, with the lowest distributor ring being arranged at the level of the lower edge of the outer guide tubes or between the lower edge of the outer guide tubes and the upper edge of the outer edge of the baffle plate 11. Gas introduced through this distributor ring 13 rises in bubbles and mixes with the liquid emerging from the outer guide tubes and being directed diagonally upwards through the trough 15 toward the inner wall of the reactor. The distributor rings of the second group 14 are arranged at two different heights, a second distance from the inner wall of the reactor that is greater than the first distance. One distributor ring of the second group 14 is arranged at the level of the upper end of the guide tubes.As a result, the upwardly flowing liquid is further enriched with gas as an additional fluid before flowing into the guide tubes 3 from above in the internal circulation flow. The second distributor ring of the first group 13 and the second distributor ring of the second group 14 are arranged at approximately equal axial distances between the uppermost and lowermost distributor rings of the two groups. The dimensions and positioning of the distributor rings are preferably selected such that the additional fluid introduced through the distributor rings is mixed evenly and as completely as possible with the liquid circulating in the internal circulation flow.

[0112] Fig. 5 schematically shows a detail of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one other fluid. The left side of Fig. 5 shows a view of the head of a jet loop reactor, and the right side of Fig. 5 shows a cross-section through the head region.

[0113] In the interior of the jet loop reactor, five guide tubes 3 are arranged next to one another, dividing the interior into inner flow spaces within the guide tubes 3 and an outer flow space outside the guide tubes 3. In a cross-section perpendicular to the cylinder axis, the centers of the guide tubes lie on a circular line concentric with the center of the cross-section. The centers of the guide tubes are preferably evenly distributed on the circular line. The centers of the guide tubes 3 are preferably evenly distributed on the circular line, as shown by way of example on the right-hand side in Fig. 5. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the guide tubes 3 are arranged parallel to one another and each have a tube axis that runs parallel to the cylinder axis. The outer jacket surfaces of the guide tubes 3 are spaced apart from one another in the radial direction. The guide tubes 3 are circular in cross-section.

[0114] The combined flow of liquid feed and liquid circulation is fed to the jet loop reactor via five partial inlets, each associated with a guide tube 3. The outlet openings of the partial outlets are each directed toward one end of the guide tubes 3, preferably toward the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper end of each guide tube. The partial inlets can be designed, for example, as nozzles 8, in particular as propulsion jet nozzles.

[0115] Arranged between the guide tubes 3 are guide plates 17, which extend radially to the inner wall of the jet loop reactor 1. In the axial direction, the upper end of the guide plates 17 is higher than the outlet openings of the nozzles 8, and the lower end of the guide plates 17 is located below the upper end of the guide tubes 3, so that the guide plates 17 cover a lower part of the nozzles 8 in the axial direction and an upper part of the guide tubes downwards.

[0116] Fig. 6 schematically shows an embodiment of the supply of liquid and further fluid, as can be used, for example, in the aforementioned embodiments. Shown is an enlarged detail showing the upper end of a guide tube 3, the lower end of a nozzle 8 and the lower end of an inlet 6 for the further fluid. The outlet of the nozzle 8 is arranged centrally above the inlet of the guide tube 3 so that the liquid jet emerging from the nozzle is directed centrally onto the surface of the guide tube. The inlet 6 for the further fluid is designed as a pipe which is arranged next to the nozzle 8 and whose lower end is angled towards the nozzle 8. The further fluid emerging from the outlet opening of the inlet 6 flows in the direction of the liquid jet emerging from the nozzle mouth and is entrained by it and guided towards the inlet into the guide tube 3.

[0117] Fig. 7 schematically shows exemplary arrangements of guide tubes 3 in a cross-section through the jet loop reactor 1. Fig. 7A shows an embodiment with three guide tubes 3, in which the centers of the guide tubes 3 lie on a straight line through the center of the cross section. Fig. 7B shows an embodiment with five guide tubes 3, in which an inner guide tube is arranged in the center of the cross section, and the centers of the remaining guide tubes 3 as outer guide tubes lie on a circular line concentric with the center of the cross section. In the example shown, the centers of the four outer guide tubes are evenly distributed on the circular line at an angle of 90° between two adjacent centers. Figs. 7C and 7D show embodiments with five guide tubes 3, the centers of which lie on a circular line concentric with the center of the cross section.In the example shown, the centers of the guide tubes 3 are evenly distributed along the circular line, with an angle of 72° between each two adjacent centers. The inlet 6 for the additional fluid is located centrally at the center of the cross-section of the jet loop reactor 1. In the embodiment according to Fig. 7D, additional distribution rings are arranged in a first group 13 and a second group 14 in the outer flow space.

[0118] List of reference symbols used

[0119] 1 ... Beam loop reactor

[0120] 2 ... external fluid circulation

[0121] 3 ... Guide tube

[0122] 4 ... Extractor for gaseous fluid

[0123] 5 ... Product deduction

[0124] 6 ... Inlet for the additional fluid

[0125] 7 ... Liquid inlet

[0126] 8 ... nozzle

[0127] 9 ... Pump

[0128] 10 ... heat exchanger

[0129] 11 ... impact plate

[0130] 12 ... distribution ring

[0131] 13 ... first group of distribution rings

[0132] 14 ... second group of distribution rings

[0133] 15 ... first annular tub

[0134] 16 ... second annular trough

[0135] 17 ... guide plate

Claims

Patent claims 1. A device for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one other fluid, comprising a jet loop reactor (1) with a longitudinal axis in which an internal circulation flow can form, and an external liquid circulation (2) through which liquid withdrawn at one point of the jet loop reactor (1) can be fed to the jet loop reactor (1) at another point, wherein at least two guide tubes (3) are arranged next to one another in the interior of the jet loop reactor (1), which divide the interior into inner flow spaces within the guide tubes (3) and an outer flow space outside the guide tubes (3), wherein the supply of the liquid circulation (2) and / or the supply of liquid to be reacted in the jet loop reactor (1) takes place via nozzles (8), the number of which corresponds at least to the number of guide tubes (3), wherein each guide tube (3) is assigned at least one nozzle (8), characterized in thatthat the outer flow space is a continuous space which extends in the radial direction between the guide tubes (3) and, together with the inner flow spaces, forms the space for the flow through of the internal circulating flow., 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least three guide tubes (3) are arranged next to one another in the interior of the jet loop reactor (1), wherein in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jet loop reactor (1) the centers of the guide tubes (3) lie on a straight line through the center of the cross section or on a circular line concentric with the center of the cross section.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ratio of the sum of the cross-sectional areas of all guide tubes (3) to the cross-sectional area of ​​the interior of the jet loop reactor (1) is from 3% to 50%, preferably from 5% to 30%.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for each guide tube (3) the ratio of its length to the inner diameter of the jet loop reactor (1) is from 0.4 to 9, preferably from 0.6 to 5.

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet openings of the nozzles (8) are each directed towards one end of the guide tubes (3), preferably each directed towards the center of the cross-sectional area of ​​one end of the guide tubes (3).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that in the head of the jet loop reactor (1) guide plates (17) are arranged between the guide tubes (3), which extend in the radial direction in the direction of the inner wall of the jet loop reactor (1) and cover in the axial direction upwards a lower part of the nozzles (8) and / or downwards an upper part of the guide tubes (3).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a partial flow of an inlet (6) for the further fluid is fed to the jet loop reactor (1) at the head, and the outlet of the partial flow fed at the head of the jet loop reactor (1) is located at the level of an outlet of the liquid circulation (2) and / or at the level of an outlet of a feed of liquid to be converted in the jet loop reactor (1).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a partial flow of the feed (6) for the further fluid is fed to the jet loop reactor (1) at the bottom between the lower end of the guide tubes (3) and a product outlet (5) arranged at the bottom of the jet loop reactor (1).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an inlet (6) for the further fluid comprises several partial inlets which are arranged distributed over the height of the jet loop reactor (1).

10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the inlet for the further fluid has a first group (13) of distributor rings with a first diameter and each having a plurality of outlets for the further fluid and a second group (14) of distributor rings with a second diameter and each having a plurality of outlets for the further fluid, wherein the second diameter is smaller than the first diameter, and each group (13, 14) contains at least one distributor ring. 11 . Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a deflection device for deflecting the flow emerging from the guide tubes (3) is arranged below the guide tubes (3), the deflection device comprising a first annular trough (15) with a bottom and an outer side wall, the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall being greater than the diameter of an envelope around all the guide tubes (3).

12. Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the deflection device has a second annular trough (16) with a bottom and an outer side wall, wherein the diameter of the inner edge of the second annular trough (16) is greater than the diameter of the inner edge of the first annular trough (15), and the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the second annular trough (16) is smaller than the diameter of the edge of the outer side wall of the first annular trough (15), and wherein the second annular trough (16) is arranged between the lower end of the guide tubes (3) and the first annular trough (15).

13. A process for the continuous reaction of a liquid with at least one further fluid, characterized in that the reaction is carried out in a jet loop reactor (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A process according to claim 13, characterized in that in the jet loop reactor (1) oxidations, Epoxidation of olefins, hydroformylations, hydroaminations, hydroaminomethylations, hydrocyanations, hydrocarboxyalkylations, aminations, ammoxidations, oximations or hydrogenations are carried out, preferably compounds with olefinic double bonds are converted into aldehydes and / or alcohols by hydroformylation with synthesis gas.

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