Jet Pump Multi-Reactor Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Chemical process plants face challenges in maintaining accurate and safe pressure regulation and control between multiple chemical reaction zones, often leading to contamination and damage of equipment due to hazardous by-products, which complicates the design and operation of multi-reactor systems.
Innovation Solution
A process and device utilizing a thermolysis or pyrolysis reactor connected via a jet pump to create a negative pressure zone, allowing for the continuous operation of interconnected reactors without moving parts in the product flow line, enabling safe pressure regulation and separation of products from propellant media, thus preventing contamination and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If pumps are used to transport products between reactors, then pressure control and product transport are improved, but contamination and damage of pump components by hazardous by-products occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pumps with a jet pump system that uses fluid dynamics (a stream of inert gas or liquid) to transport products between reactors. This substitution eliminates mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to contamination and damage from hazardous by-products, while maintaining effective pressure control and product transport capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inert stream (gas or liquid) as an intermediary medium to carry the unstable product between reactors. This intermediary protects the transport system from direct contact with hazardous substances, preventing contamination and damage to equipment while enabling continuous operation
2Stress or pressure
If pumps and pressure control units are installed in multi-reactor systems, then pressure regulation between reactors is improved, but contamination of internal components with toxic or corrosive substances occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure control units with a jet pump-based pressure regulation system. The jet pump uses fluid stream dynamics to control pressure without mechanical components that could be contaminated, thereby maintaining effective pressure regulation while preventing contamination of internal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an inert stream (gas or liquid) to create a protected environment for product transport and pressure control. This inert atmosphere prevents toxic or corrosive substances from contacting and contaminating internal components of the pressure control system
3Productivity
If moving parts are used in product flow lines, then pressure control and product transport are improved, but maintenance costs increase due to wear and tear from hazardous substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts with a jet pump system that relies on fluid stream dynamics. This eliminates wear and tear on mechanical components from exposure to hazardous substances, maintaining productive product transport while dramatically reducing maintenance requirements and costs
Solution Approach 2:
The jet stream used in the system can be easily replaced or regenerated at low cost compared to repairing or replacing contaminated mechanical components. The system accepts that the inert stream will be contaminated but designs it to be easily replaced rather than protecting expensive mechanical parts
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 solution ensures safe and efficient pressure control between reactors, reducing the risk of contamination and extending equipment lifespan by eliminating moving parts that could be affected by hazardous substances, while allowing for continuous operation and simple phase separation of products.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum zone of the jet pump is operationally connected to the first reactor such that the first product of the first reactor passes through the vacuum zone into a jet of a motive medium of the jet pump
Implementation Method 2
passes through the vacuum zone into a jet of a motive medium of the jet pump
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for reacting a starting material in at least two reactors connected to each other, comprising the reacting of the starting material in a first reactor to a first product, removing the first product from the first reactor by means of a jet pump, wherein a negative pressure zone of the jet pump is operationally connected to the first reactor, so that the first product of the first reactor moves through the negative pressure zone in a propulsion jet of a propulsion medium of the jet pump, conducting the propulsion medium having the first product into a second reactor, wherein the first product is allowed to react into a second product, separating the second product from the propulsion medium and discharging the separated second product.