Electric Heating Reactor Connection Tube for Thermal Deformation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating reactors face issues with unnecessary heat occurrence and thermal deformation at the connecting portion due to high resistivity differences between the reactor and conductive materials, leading to increased contact resistance and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An electric heating reactor design featuring connection tubes with lower resistivity than the reaction tube, coupled to both ends and connected to a power source through conductive sockets, to manage heat distribution and prevent thermal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a conductive material is connected to a high resistivity reaction tube to apply current for heating, then the reactor can be heated electrically, but the connecting portion experiences excessive heat generation and thermal deformation due to resistivity mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
A connection tube with intermediate resistivity (lower than the reaction tube but higher than the conductive material) is introduced as an intermediary component between the high resistivity reaction tube and the low resistivity conductive material. This gradient resistivity structure acts as a thermal buffer, preventing excessive heat generation at the connecting portion while still enabling effective electrical heating of the reaction tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistivity parameter is changed progressively from the high resistivity reaction tube to the lower resistivity connection tube, and further to the low resistivity conductive material. This parameter gradient reduces the abrupt resistivity mismatch, thereby minimizing heat generation at the connecting portion while maintaining electrical heating capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a high resistivity reaction tube is used for efficient electric heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but the connecting portion is damaged or deformed by high temperature exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tube serves as a protective intermediary that shields the connecting portion from excessive heat exposure. By having lower resistivity than the reaction tube, it reduces heat generation at the connection interface, thereby protecting the connecting portion from thermal damage while allowing the reaction tube to maintain high heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system are assigned different resistivity qualities: the reaction tube has high resistivity for efficient heating, while the connection tube has lower resistivity to protect the connecting portion. This local differentiation of material properties ensures both heating efficiency and structural reliability.
3Reliability
If the connecting portion is protected from heat, then thermal deformation is prevented, but additional cooling facilities are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The resistivity difference between the connection tube and reaction tube, which initially causes heat generation, is converted into a beneficial thermal buffer effect. The connection tube's lower resistivity causes it to generate less heat and act as a thermal barrier, protecting the connecting portion without requiring external cooling facilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection tube provides self-protection for the connecting portion through its inherent lower resistivity property. It automatically reduces heat generation at the connection interface without requiring external cooling systems or additional protective measures, thereby maintaining reliability while avoiding increased device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Prevents unnecessary heat occurrence and thermal deformation at the connecting portion, reduces contact resistance, and simplifies reactor design by eliminating the need for additional cooling facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a power source supplying power to the reaction tube to heat the reactant passing through the first passage in the reaction tube
Implementation Method 2
a connection tube having a low resistivity is attached to a reaction tube having a high resistivity and a power source is connected to the connection tube
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an electric heating reactor. The reactor includes: a reaction tube including a first passage formed therein, the first passage being formed in a length direction and through which a reactant passes; a pair of connection tubes coupled to both ends of the reaction tube in the length direction, electrically connected to the reaction tube, and including a second passage connected to the first passage; a power source supplying power to the reaction tube to heat the reactant passing through the first passage in the reaction tube; and a pair of conductive sockets electrically connecting the power source to the pair of connection tubes.