Device for dispersing a catalyst for a catalyst supply inlet of a cryogenic heat exchanger, and associated method for dispersing a catalyst

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a dispersion device (10) for dispersing a catalyst (200) intended for a supply inlet (301) for supplying catalyst (200) of a cryogenic heat exchanger (30), the dispersion device (10) comprising: a tubular body (13) extending between a first end (103) and a second end (102) connected to the supply inlet (301), an openable closing means (14) for closing the first end (103) of the tubular body (13); - a dispersion means (15) comprising: a dispersion plate (151) and a rotation guide (152) extending along an axis of rotation and mounted so as to be able to rotate relative to the closing means (14), the rotation guide (152) being secured to the dispersion plate (151) and configured to transmit a rotational force to the dispersion plate (151), the guide (152) being configured to position the dispersion plate (151) in the heat exchanger facing the supply inlet (301).

Description

CATALYST DISPERSION DEVICE FOR A CATALYST FEED INLET OF A CRYOGENIC HEAT EXCHANGER, AND ASSOCIATED CATALYST DISPERSION METHOD

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of heat exchangers, more particularly to heat exchangers for hydrogen liquefaction. More specifically, the invention relates to catalyst dispersion devices for a feed inlet of a cryogenic heat exchanger, providing a catalyst to initiate a physicochemical reaction. It also relates to a method for dispersing such a catalyst through a feed inlet of a cryogenic heat exchanger equipped with such a dispersion device.

[0002] Brazed plate heat exchangers are classically used in the cryogenic industry for the separation and liquefaction of gases, particularly in the energy and petrochemical sectors.

[0003] These heat exchangers consist of a series of parallel metal plates between which intercalated elements, such as corrugated structures or waves, are typically inserted, forming finned heat exchange structures. The stacked plates create a series of flat passages for the various fluids to be heat exchanged.

[0004] Thus, a heat exchanger has internal metallic passages forming cavities through which a fluid circulates. Depending on the requirements, a cryogenic heat exchanger can be designed for the liquefaction of a gas using several dedicated fluids.

[0005] During the manufacture of the heat exchanger, the plates, finned spacer elements and other constituent elements of the heat exchanger are pressed together and then joined together by brazing in a vacuum furnace.

[0006] Today, brazed plate heat exchangers are being adapted to new liquefaction processes. This is the case with hydrogen liquefaction processes.

[0007] Hydrogen, for example, is more stable at low temperatures in its parahydrogen state compared to its orthohydrogen state. At low temperatures, particularly the liquefaction temperature, orthohydrogen tends to spontaneously transform into parahydrogen, releasing unwanted heat.

[0008] In order to keep hydrogen in a liquid state, two options exist.

[0009] One option is to continuously extract the heat released by the conversion of orthohydrogen to parahydrogen. In practice, this technique proves to be particularly energy-intensive and not industrially viable.

[0010] A second option is to convert orthohydrogen to parahydrogen. An exothermic catalytic reaction combined with cooling allows for the conversion of most of the orthohydrogen to parahydrogen. Spontaneous conversions of orthohydrogen to parahydrogen are then reduced.

[0011] This second option is one of the frameworks within which the present invention can be included, without being limited to it.

[0012] To achieve this, a catalyst, for example in the form of catalytic powder, is inserted into the brazed plate heat exchanger from an upper section configured to receive the catalyst. During this insertion, the catalyst flows by spillage from catalyst storage means to the upper section of the heat exchanger, which has a feed inlet, and then to the lower section of the heat exchanger, which has a collection inlet.

[0013] A good distribution of the catalyst within the heat exchanger naturally promotes the efficiency rate of the heat exchanger.

[0014] However, ensuring proper distribution of the catalyst within the heat exchanger, particularly between its upper and lower sections, is currently impossible because the filling process is imprecise. As a result, the catalyst is not evenly distributed between the top and bottom sections.

[0015] The invention therefore aims to resolve the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0016] To this end, a catalyst dispersion device is proposed, intended for use as a catalyst feed inlet for a cryogenic heat exchanger; the dispersion device comprises:

[0017] - a tubular body extending between a first end and a second end configured to be connected to said supply inlet, and through which the catalyst is able to flow at least partially,

[0018] - an openable means for closing the first end of the tubular body,

[0019] - a means for dispersing the catalyst, comprising:

[0020] - a dispersion plate configured to disperse the catalyst by centrifugal force in the heat exchanger, and

[0021] - a rotation guide extending along an axis of rotation and mounted for rotation relative to the closing means,

[0022] The rotation guide is fixed to the dispersion plate and configured to transmit a rotational force to the dispersion plate.

[0023] the rotation guide being configured to position the dispersion plate in the heat exchanger opposite said feed inlet.

[0024] Thanks to the invention, it is possible to distribute the catalyst more homogeneously and extensively within the heat exchanger, particularly in the upper part of the heat exchanger. When the catalyst, for example in the form of catalytic powder, flows through the tubular body to reach the feed inlet of the heat exchanger, the catalyst flows into the heat exchanger by gravity to reach the dispersion plate. The rotation of the dispersion device, achieved by its rotation guide, generates a centrifugal force that allows the catalytic powder to be dispersed homogeneously and extensively within the heat exchanger.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion device comprises a system for fixing the dispersion device to said power inlet, the fixing system being fixed to said tubular body and through which passes a part of the rotation guide, the fixing system being configured to make coaxial the rotation axis of the rotation guide with a main axis of said power inlet.

[0026] The mounting system ensures the coaxiality of the rotational guide's axis with the main axis of the feed inlet, thereby ensuring that the dispersion plate of the distribution unit is aligned with the feed inlet of the heat exchanger. This ensures that the catalyst flowing into the heat exchanger is properly dispersed by the dispersion plate.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion plate comprises a hollow head, preferably conical in shape, configured to form a container for at least a portion of the catalyst flowing from said feed inlet.

[0028] The hollow head shape advantageously retains part of the catalyst flowing into the heat exchanger, ensuring that this part of the catalyst is properly centrifuged by the dispersion plate.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion plate includes fins.

[0030] The use of fins increases the dispersion of the catalyst in the heat exchanger because when the catalyst powder hits the fins, an upward force is generated which, in combination with the centrifugal force, increases the dispersion volume of the catalyst powder.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, each fin has an increasing height from a peripheral of the dispersion plate towards the inside of the dispersion plate.

[0032] Such a fin configuration makes it possible to retain a certain amount of catalyst powder in the center of the dispersion plate, while allowing it to be released gradually by centrifugal force.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fins protrude from one face of the hollow head opposite the rotation guide.

[0034] Such a configuration makes it possible to improve the dispersion rate of the catalyst powder.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the rotation guide is at least in two parts separated from each other by an inclinable means configured to tilt one of said parts relative to the other at an angle of inclination.

[0036] An adjustable rotation guide advantageously allows the first end of the tubular body to be positioned at an angle relative to the second end.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the invention, the dispersion means is configured to rotate at a rotational speed between 500 rpm and 2500 rpm.

[0038] Such a range of values ​​ensures a good relationship between the filling speed of the catalyst powder and the dispersion rate of the catalyst powder.

[0039] Advantageously, the tubular body has a diameter between 0.5 and 1 times the diameter of said supply inlet.

[0040] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a cryogenic heat exchanger comprising a feed inlet and a dispersion device as defined.

[0041] According to another aspect, the invention relates to a method for dispersing a catalyst through a catalyst feed inlet of a cryogenic heat exchanger equipped with a dispersion device as defined,

[0042] The process includes the following steps:

[0043] - mount the dispersion device on the feed inlet of the cryogenic heat exchanger, so that the dispersion plate is positioned in the heat exchanger opposite said feed inlet,

[0044] - supply the catalyst to the dispersion device via a dedicated inlet provided on the tubular body,

[0045] - rotate the dispersion means in order to disperse by centrifugal force in the heat exchanger the catalyst flowing onto the dispersion plate from said feed inlet.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the dispersion plate is rotated at a speed between 500 rpm and 2500 rpm.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the catalyst supply rate from the feed inlet is between 500 kg / h and 4000 kg / h.

[0048] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the reading of the detailed description that follows, for the understanding of which reference should be made to the attached drawings.

[0049] The diagram represents a perspective view of a distribution head of a cryogenic heat exchanger.

[0050] The diagram represents a cross-sectional perspective view of the upper part of the distribution head illustrating a catalyst distribution.

[0051] Larepresents a cross-sectional view along plane P to illustrate an example of passage stacking.

[0052] Lare represents a perspective view of two dispersion devices according to the invention mounted on the distribution head shown in figures 1 and 2, as well as a catalyst distribution device.

[0053] Lare represents a partial cross-sectional view of the illustrating a single dispersion device from which a measuring means is inserted.

[0054] The diagram represents a perspective view of a power inlet of the distribution head equipped with a section adapter.

[0055] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of the power inlet equipped with the dispersion device as shown in Figure 2.

[0056] Figure 1 represents an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the section adapter shown in Figure 2.

[0057] This represents a cross-sectional view of the

[0058] Lare represents a cross-sectional view of the dispersion device.

[0059] Lare represents a perspective view of a dispersion plate of the dispersion device.

[0060] A brazed plate heat exchanger 30 consists of a set of parallel plates between which corrugated structures or waves can be inserted, forming finned heat exchange structures. As shown in Figure 31, such stacked exchange structures form a stack of flat passages for different fluids to be connected for heat exchange.

[0061] To ensure the liquefaction of a gas, such as hydrogen, a cryogenic heat exchanger 30 generally includes a distribution head 32, arranged opposite a collection head (not shown). The distribution head 32 distributes the fluid entering the heat exchanger 30, and the collection head collects the fluid exiting the heat exchanger 30.

[0062] Figures 1 and 2 represent a distribution head 32 of a cryogenic heat exchanger 30. Such a distribution head 32 may have one or more supply inlets 301 intended to supply the distribution head 32 of the heat exchanger 30 with a fluid, generally gaseous, which is intended to be liquefied following its circulation through a series of passages constituting the heat exchanger 30.

[0063] The supply inlets 301 of a distribution head 32 are designed to open at the level of the stack of exchange structures 31 formed by cavities through which the gas to be liquefied flows. The characteristic size of these cavities is on the order of a millimeter and they have high length-to-width ratios.

[0064] In the context of an application to the liquefaction of hydrogen, the use of a catalyst 200 makes it possible to convert most of the hydrogen in orthohydrogen form into parahydrogen.

[0065] To achieve this, we seek to fill the passages traversed by hydrogen with a catalyst 200 in the form of catalysis powder.

[0066] The catalyst 200 can be introduced from the supply inlet(s) 301 to reach the cavities 31A of the exchange structures 31 into which these supply inlets 301 open.

[0067] Lare represents an example of a stack of exchange structures 31 accessible from the distribution head 32 by the supply inlets 301, and forming a distribution plane P of the catalyst 200.

[0068] Today, it is difficult to obtain a homogeneous and extensive distribution of the catalyst 200 in the distribution plane P. Indeed, the catalyst 200 entering the heat exchanger 30 from its feed inlet 301 flows by gravity into a zone Z0 of the distribution plane P accessible from this feed inlet 301, so that only this zone Z0 of the distribution plane P opposite this feed inlet 301 is covered with catalyst 200. At best this zone Z0 of the distribution plane P covered with catalyst 200 can be extended by, for example, increasing the feed rate of the catalyst 200 supplied from the feed inlet 301.

[0069] However, such a distribution of the catalyst 200 in the distribution plane P is not sufficiently homogeneous, nor even extensive, so that the best performance of the heat exchanger is not achieved.

[0070] The invention falls within this context and proposes a dispersion device 10 of a catalyst 200. This dispersion device 10 is advantageously provided for a feed inlet 301 of a distribution head 32 of a cryogenic heat exchanger 30 allowing a dispersion means 15 to access the internal volume of the distribution head 32 in order to distribute the catalyst 200 homogeneously and extensively in the distribution plane P.

[0071] At the, we have represented two dispersion devices 10. Each dispersion device 10 is intended to be connected to a power input 301 of the cryogenic heat exchanger 30.

[0072] The use of a dispersion device 10 for each power input 301 advantageously increases the number of accesses inside the distribution head 32.

[0073] A catalyst 200 distribution device 20 is provided to distribute the catalyst 200 it contains into the distribution head 32 via the dispersion devices 10 mounted on the supply inlets 301.

[0074] The catalyst distribution device 20 200 may include a control valve 21 to control the catalyst distribution.

[0075] Provision will be made for any means of support capable of suspending this distribution device 20 above the distribution head 32 in order to allow the flow by gravity of the catalyst 200 which it contains.

[0076] With reference to the, the dispersion device 10 comprises a tubular body 13 having a first end 103 and a second end 102.

[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 9, the ends 103, 102 extend along the same longitudinal axis A0 of the tubular body 13.

[0078] The first end 103 of the tubular body 13 is configured to be closed by an openable closing means 14, that is to say that the closing means 14 is provided to close or open said first end 103. Furthermore, the first end 103 is configured to be equipped with a dispersion means 15 of the catalyst 200 (represented with reference to the), the dispersion means 15 of which is rotationally fixed to the openable closing means 14.

[0079] As will be described later, the so-called downstream end 102 of the dispersing device 10 is configured to be connected to the power input 301 of the distribution head 32 to which it is associated.

[0080] In addition, the tubular body 13 includes a lateral inlet 101 for supplying catalyst 200 configured to be connected to the catalyst 200 distribution device 20.

[0081] The first end 103 and the second end 102 are connected to each other by a flow passage 130 of catalyst 200 which has a peripheral wall 131 of the tubular body 13.

[0082] The lateral inlet 101 for supplying catalyst 200 protrudes from the peripheral wall 131 by extending along a longitudinal axis A4 inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis A0 of the tubular body.

[0083] The catalyst 200 flowing, via a preferentially flexible conduit 22, from the catalyst 20 distribution device 20 enters through the lateral inlet 101 of the dispersion device 10 and passes through the flow passage 130 to reach the second end 102 of the dispersion device 10 and enter the feed inlet 301 to open into the volume of the distribution head 32.

[0084] With reference to the, the dispersion means 15 of the catalyst 200 comprises a dispersion plate 151 fixedly connected to a rotation guide 152.

[0085] The dispersion plate 151 is designed to disperse the catalyst 200 by centrifugal force in the heat exchanger 30, being driven in rotation by the rotation guide 152.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the rotation guide 152 is a rotation shaft.

[0087] The rotation guide 152 extends along a rotation axis A2.

[0088] The rotation guide 152 is rotationally coupled with the shuttering means 14 by means of a drive means 153 such as a bearing ring, so that only a rotational movement of the rotation guide 152 relative to the shuttering means 14 is permitted.

[0089] Furthermore, the rotation guide 152 has a length that allows the dispersion plate 151 to be positioned in the distribution head 32 opposite the feed inlet 301, as shown in the figure. It will be understood that this configuration is achieved when the dispersion device 10 is assembled onto the feed inlet 301.

[0090] The configuration achieved, positioning the dispersion plate 151 opposite the feed inlet 301, allows for homogeneous dispersion of the catalyst 200 flowing from this feed inlet 301. The drive of the dispersion plate 151 by the rotation guide 152 allows the generation of a centrifugal force propelling the catalyst 200 into a large part of the distribution plane P.

[0091] With reference to the, an enlargement of the dispersion plate 151 has been shown. As shown, it includes a hollow head 151A which is conical in shape.

[0092] Such a conical shape has the advantage of forming a container for at least part of the catalyst 200 flowing from said feed inlet 301. Thus, the catalyst 200 flowing by gravity from the feed inlet 301 can be collected before being dispersed by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the dispersion plate 151.

[0093] As can be seen on this same page, the dispersion plate 151 includes fins 151B designed to promote the dispersion of the catalyst 200 collected by the dispersion plate 151.

[0094] From a peripheral edge 151C of the dispersion plate 151, each fin 151B has an increasing height towards the center of the dispersion plate 151, i.e. the center of the hollow head 151A.

[0095] According to the illustrated example, from a peripheral edge 151C of the dispersion plate 151, each fin 151B has a successively increasing and then decreasing height towards the center of the dispersion plate 151, i.e. the center of the hollow head 151A.

[0096] Advantageously, the height of the fins 151B at the level of the peripheral edge 151C of the dispersion plate 151 coincides with said peripheral edge 151C, or alternatively it is located below the peripheral edge 151C.

[0097] As shown, the fins 151B extend from a face 151A' of the hollow head 151A located opposite the rotation guide 152. Thus, it is ensured that the catalyst 200 collected by the hollow head 151A is struck by the fins 151B when the distribution head 32 is rotated.

[0098] According to a configuration not shown, the tubular body 13 may have a diameter between 0.5 and 1 times the diameter of said supply inlet 301.

[0099] Of course, the use of each dispersion device 10 increases the dispersion of the catalyst in the distribution plane P.

[0100] The dispersion device 10 shown advantageously includes a section adapter 11 configured to adapt a tubular portion 3011 of the supply inlet 301 to a portion of the peripheral wall 131 of the second end 102 of the dispersion device 10.

[0101] The section 11 adapter can be either press-fitted into the tubular portion 3011 of the power inlet 301 or welded to it. Preferably, the section 11 adapter is removable from the tubular portion 3011 of the power inlet 301.

[0102] As will be described in more detail later, a fixing system 80 is also provided to ensure fixing and alignment of the dispersion device 10 with respect to the power inlet 301.

[0103] Figures 6A and 6B represent assembly steps in which the section adapter 11 is first mounted on the tubular portion 3011 of the supply inlet 301 of the distribution head 32.

[0104] The section adapter 11 may advantageously be made of mixed material so that it can conform to a mixed joint weld between two materials allowing both a connection to the dispersion device 10 and a connection to the power input 301.

[0105] The section adapter 11 advantageously includes a first portion 110 configured to be connected to the power input 301 and a second portion 111 configured to be connected to the dispersion device 10.

[0106] Advantageously, the first portion 110 is made of a first material and the second portion 111 is made of a second material. For example, the first material may be an aluminum alloy like the material constituting the feed inlet 301 and the distribution head 32, and the second material may be stainless steel.

[0107] A first positioning means 50 of the dispersion device 10 is provided to fixably enclose the tubular portion 3011 of the feed inlet 301.

[0108] The section adapter 11, particularly its second portion 111, advantageously forms a second positioning means 60 of the dispersion device 10 configured to fixably clamp at least the second end 102 of the dispersion device 10.

[0109] A clamping collar 112 may be provided at the second portion 111 of the section adapter 11 in order to ensure the tightening of the second end 102 of the dispersing device 10 when it is connected to the second portion 111.

[0110] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the second portion 111 of the adapter of section 11 may advantageously include a first annular projection 111A corresponding to a second annular projection 102A provided at the second end 102 of the dispersion device 10. An annular groove 111C, 102C may be provided between the annular projections 111A, 102A to receive a sealing gasket 113 in this groove 111C, 102C in order to ensure sealing between the annular projections 111A, 102A.

[0111] The clamping collar 112 advantageously includes an annular recess 112A designed to receive the annular projections 111A, 102A. A screw pin 112B of the collar 112 ensures that the collar 112 is tightened around the second portion 111 of the section adapter 11.

[0112] The tightening of the second end 102 of the dispersion device 10 can advantageously be carried out by the second positioning means 60 which can be provided for this purpose.

[0113] The first positioning means 50 and the second positioning means 60 are intended to form the fixing system 80 of the dispersion device 10, ensuring the alignment of the dispersion device 10 with respect to the inlet 301 of the heat exchanger 30.

[0114] The first positioning means 50 comprises a first clamping portion 51 and a second clamping portion 52 complementary to each other, the first clamping portion 51 and the second clamping portion 52 being configured to be of complementary shape to the tubular portion 3011 of the feed inlet 301.

[0115] The first clamping portion 51 and the second clamping portion 52 are designed to be fastened together using additional fastening means 53, here formed by bolt-nut pairs 53A arranged through first blind holes 53B formed in the clamping portions 51 and 52. The first clamping portion 51 and the second clamping portion 52 can be disassembled so that they can be reused.

[0116] In addition, the first positioning means 50 and the second positioning means 60 are intended to be fixed together.

[0117] For this purpose, as shown in more detail, in addition to the first positioning means 50 and the second positioning means 60, the fixing system 80 includes longitudinal attachment means 70 suitable for connecting together the second positioning means 60 and the first positioning means 50, so as to maintain in an aligned position the peripheral wall 131 of the dispersion device 10 with respect to the tubular portion 3011 of the catalyst supply inlet 301 of the heat exchanger 300. It will be understood that this configuration is achieved when the dispersion device 10 is fixed to the section adapter 11, as shown in the.

[0118] As shown in the figure, the attachment of the second positioning means 60 to the first positioning means 50 is achieved using the longitudinal fastening means 70. These longitudinal fastening means 70 are here formed by longitudinal rods 70A provided to pass through second through holes 70C formed in the positioning means 50, 60 and complementary clamping bolts 70B.

[0119] Thus, each rod 70A exerts a fastening force oriented along an attachment axis A3 perpendicular to a main axis A1 of said tubular portion 3011.

[0120] As represented, the second positioning means 60 includes an annular projection 61 in which the through holes 70C are formed.

[0121] These longitudinal fastening means 70 are advantageously independent of each other. The independent tightening of each means allows for precise alignment of the section adapter 11, i.e., the second end 102 of the dispersing device 10 which will be received there, with the supply inlet 301 of the distribution head 32.

[0122] Once the section adapter 11 is assembled, it is possible to connect the second end 102 of the dispersion device 10 to the section adapter 11 forming the second positioning means 60, so that the second end 102 of the positioning device is held fixed to the second positioning means 60.

[0123] The fixing system 80 allows the rotation axis A2 of the rotation guide 152 to coincide with the main axis A1 of said tubular portion 3011. In the assembled state of the fixing system 80, the rotation axis A2 of the rotation guide 152, the main axis A1 of said tubular portion 3011 and the longitudinal axis A0 of the tubular body 13 coincide.

[0124] We will now describe the use of the dispersion device 10 within the framework of the invention.

[0125] First, a dispersion device 10 is connected to a supply inlet 301 of the heat exchanger 31 via the section adapter 11 as described previously in order to ensure the coaxiality of the main axis A1 of said tubular portion 3011 of the supply inlet 301 with the longitudinal axis A0 of the tubular body 13.

[0126] The flexible conduit 22 can then be connected to the lateral inlet 101 of the dispersion device 10. The retention of the flexible conduit 22 to the lateral inlet 101 of the dispersion device 10 is ensured by a clamp 112' provided at the level of the second portion 111 of the section adapter 11.

[0127] The dispersion means 15 can be mounted from the first end 103 of the tubular body 13. For this, the dispersion means 15 is inserted by its hollow head 151A from the first end 103 and passes through the tubular body 13. The rotation guide 152 carried by the sealing means 14 is then at least partially between the first end 103 and the second end 102 of the tubular body 13.

[0128] In a preferred configuration, the dispersion plate 151 is located in the distribution head 32 opposite the tubular portion 3011, i.e. the supply inlet 301.

[0129] The fixing of the sealing means 14 to the first end 103 of the dispersion device 15 is achieved using a clamping collar 103'.

[0130] The attachment of the sealing means 14 to the first end 103 of the dispersion device 15 is preferably sealed, so as to prevent leakage of catalyst 200.

[0131] The fixing of the sealing means 14 also makes the rotation axis A2 of the rotation guide 152 coaxial with the longitudinal axis A0 of the tubular body 13, and therefore with the main axis A1 of said tubular portion 3011.

[0132] Thus, the rotation axis A2 of the rotation guide 152, the longitudinal axis A0 of the tubular body 13 and the main axis A1 of said tubular portion 3011 are found to be coaxial with each other, that is to say that their axis coincides.

[0133] As shown, in the assembled state, a portion 152D of the rotation guide 152 is accessible from outside the dispersion device 10. This portion 152D is advantageously provided to be fixed to a drive motor configured to transmit a rotation speed to the rotation guide 152.

[0134] Once the flexible conduit 22 and the dispersion means 15 are fixed to the dispersion device 10, the distribution head 32 can be supplied with catalyst 200 by triggering, for example, the distribution of catalyst 200 from the distribution device 20 by unlocking its control valve 21. The catalyst 200 can then flow into the distribution head 32, via the flexible conduit 22, from the catalyst 20 distribution device 20 by entering the lateral inlet 101 of the dispersion device 10 and passing through the flow passage 130 to reach the supply inlet 301 to which the dispersion device 10 is connected.

[0135] Prior to or simultaneously with the supply of catalyst 200, the rotation of the rotation guide 152 is triggered, causing the dispersion plate 151 to rotate.

[0136] The catalyst 200 flowing from the feed inlet 301 first spills onto the dispersion plate 151, and is collected by the container formed by the hollow head 151A, before being projected by the latter by means of a centrifugal force generated by the rotation of said plate 151. The dispersion of the catalyst 200 in the distribution head 32 of the heat exchanger 30 then advantageously makes it possible to extend the dispersion of the catalyst 200 in an extended area Z1 of the distribution plane P compared to an area of ​​the distribution plane P corresponding approximately to the diameter of the feed inlet 301.

[0137] The use of fins 151A advantageously increases the dispersion of the catalyst 200 in the distribution plane P by adding a vertical component to the trajectory of the catalyst 200.

[0138] When the two supply inlets 301 of the distribution head 32 are equipped with a dispersion device 10 as described, it is possible to significantly increase the catalyst distribution of all or part of the distribution plane P.

[0139] Optionally, the control of the distribution of the catalyst 200 inside the heat exchanger 30 can be carried out by means of a measuring means (not shown) which can be inserted through a control port 122 provided for this purpose.

[0140] Although this description refers to specific embodiments, modifications may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Furthermore, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated or mentioned may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

A catalyst (200) dispersion device (10) intended for a catalyst (200) feed inlet (301) of a cryogenic heat exchanger (30), the dispersion device (10) comprising: - a tubular body (13) extending between a first end (103) and a second end (102) configured to be connected to said feed inlet (301), and through which the catalyst (200) is able to flow at least partially, - an openable closure means (14) for the first end (103) of the tubular body (13), - a catalyst (200) dispersion means (15) comprising: - a dispersion plate (151) configured to disperse the catalyst (200) by centrifugal force in the heat exchanger (30), and - a rotation guide (152) extending along an axis of rotation and mounted for rotation relative to the means of obturator (14),the rotation guide (152) being integral with the dispersion plate (151) and configured to transmit a rotational force to the dispersion plate (151), the rotation guide (152) being configured to position the dispersion plate (151) in the heat exchanger opposite said feed inlet (301). Dispersion device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the dispersion device (10) comprises a fixing system (80) of the dispersion device (80) to said feed inlet (301), the fixing system (80) being fixed to said tubular body (13) and through which passes a part of the rotation guide (152), the fixing system (80) being configured to make coaxial the rotation axis of the rotation guide (152) with a main axis of said feed inlet (301). Dispersion device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispersion tray (151) comprises a hollow head (151A), preferably conical in shape, configured to form a container for at least a portion of the catalyst (200) flowing from said feed inlet (301). Dispersion device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispersion plate (151) comprises fins (151B). Dispersion device (10) according to the preceding claim, in which each fin (151B) has an increasing height from a peripheral edge (151C) of the dispersion plate (151) towards the interior of the dispersion plate (151). Dispersion device (10) according to claim 3 taken in combination with claims 4 or 5, in which the fins (151B) protrude from a face (151A') of the hollow head (151A) opposite the rotation guide (152). Dispersion device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the tubular body (13) has a diameter between 0.5 and 1 times the diameter of said feed inlet (301). Dispersion device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispersion means (15) is configured to rotate at a rotational speed between 500 rpm and 2500 rpm. Heat exchanger (30) comprising a supply inlet (301) and a dispersion device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. A method for dispersing a catalyst (200) through a feed inlet (301) of a cryogenic heat exchanger (30) equipped with a dispersion device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the method comprising the following steps: - mounting the dispersion device (10) on the feed inlet (301) of the cryogenic heat exchanger (30) so that the dispersion plate (151) is positioned in the heat exchanger (30) opposite said feed inlet (301), - supplying the catalyst (200) to the dispersion device (10) via a dedicated inlet (101) provided on the tubular body (13), - rotating the dispersion means (15) in order to disperse by centrifugal force the catalyst (200) flowing onto the dispersion plate (151) from said inlet into the heat exchanger (30) power supply (301).

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