Hybrid Indirect/Direct Contactor for Counter-Current Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In counter-flow contactor processes, there is a need to manage temperature effectively as interactions between material streams can generate or absorb heat, limiting the efficiency of processes such as chemical reactions or material drying, where continuous heat addition or removal is required.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid indirect/direct contactor with a vertical reactor column and interconnected heat transfer tubes that form a continuous heat transfer fluid flow path, allowing for efficient thermal management by blocking straight-line paths and enabling counter-current material flow with cascading solid and upward gas streams, along with a heat transfer fluid flowing through the tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If heat transfer tubes are added to manage temperature in counter-current contactor, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer tubes are nested within the existing counter-current contactor structure, with tubes positioned inside the reaction chamber where they can transfer heat to the material streams without requiring a separate external heat exchange system. This integration reduces overall system complexity while achieving temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transfer fluid is introduced as an intermediary substance that circulates through the heat transfer tubes, enabling indirect heat exchange with the counter-current material streams. This mediator allows temperature control without direct thermal contact between heating/cooling sources and the process materials.
2Power
If tubes block straight-line paths to enhance heat transfer, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer tubes are arranged in a curved or spiral configuration rather than straight lines, blocking direct straight-line paths between inlet and outlet. This curved arrangement increases the path length and contact area for heat transfer while managing the flow path complexity through geometric design.
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
This configuration enables precise control of temperature profiles within the contactor, enhancing the effectiveness of processes by maintaining optimal conditions for reactions and drying operations, such as maintaining high evaporation rates and efficient heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
an array of interconnected heat transfer tubes within the reactor column, each of the tubes crossing the stream path, and the array forming a continuous heat transfer fluid flow path sealed by the tubes from the stream path
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer fluid contained within and flowing through the tubes
Implementation Method 3
the evaporation of adsorbed water will cause the air temperature to decrease, limiting the effectiveness of the air in drying the solid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to contactors suitable for use, for example, in manufacturing and chemical refinement processes. In an aspect is a hybrid indirect/direct contactor for thermal management of counter-current processes, the contactor comprising a vertical reactor column, an array of interconnected heat transfer tubes within the reactor column, and a plurality of stream path diverters, wherein the tubes and diverters are configured to block all straight-line paths from the top to bottom ends of the reactor column.