Mixed Gas Distribution Layout for Uniform Ammonia Catalyst Bed Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ammonia synthesis systems face challenges in maintaining uniform flow rate distribution and temperature uniformity across the catalyst bed due to fluctuations in hydrogen flow rates and renewable energy variability, leading to reduced efficiency and yield.

Innovation Solution

A mixed gas distribution system with a horizontally installed gas distribution device, flow induction guide, and mixed gas flow pipes that ensure uniform flow distribution and mixing efficiency, combined with a flow regulating device and microwave heating to stabilize flow rates and temperature deviations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydrogen flow rate is increased to meet renewable energy production, then ammonia synthesis output increases, but flow rate distribution uniformity upstream of catalyst bed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveammonia synthesis outputVSAvoidflow rate distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The gas distribution device segments the hydrogen flow into multiple streams through a divided structure with multiple distribution channels. This segmentation allows each channel to maintain stable flow characteristics even when total flow rate increases, preventing flow distribution uniformity deterioration while maintaining high ammonia synthesis output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical dimension to flow distribution by creating a multi-level distribution structure with gas distribution holes arranged at different heights and positions. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures uniform flow distribution across the catalyst bed cross-section, maintaining flow uniformity even at high production rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If hydrogen flow rate fluctuates due to renewable energy variability, then system adaptability improves, but temperature uniformity across catalyst bed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem adaptability to renewable energyVSAvoidtemperature uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The gas distribution device performs preliminary action by pre-distributing hydrogen uniformly across all catalyst bed regions before the gas reaches the catalyst. This pre-distribution ensures that even when flow rate fluctuates, each region receives proportional flow, maintaining temperature uniformity across the catalyst bed during adaptive operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies local quality by creating region-specific distribution characteristics with tailored hole patterns and sizes in different areas of the gas distribution device. This allows each local region to receive optimized flow distribution, maintaining temperature uniformity even when overall system adapts to varying renewable energy input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If conventional vertical flow reactor is used, then结构简单性 is maintained, but temperature deviation between central and outer parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereactor structure simplicityVSAvoidtemperature deviation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the conventional vertical flow configuration with a horizontal flow arrangement where gas distributes radially across a circular catalyst bed. This curved, radial flow pattern eliminates the central-to-outer temperature gradient by ensuring uniform circumferential distribution, achieving temperature uniformity without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

The system maintains consistent flow rates and temperature uniformity, enhancing ammonia synthesis yield and catalyst lifespan while optimizing energy use and adapting to fluctuating hydrogen supply from renewable sources.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of mixed gas distribution openings 101 formed in an outer surface of the gas distribution device 1 to distribute the mixed gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas distribution:

Implementation Method 2

a flow induction guide 3; an upper area 4; and a plurality of mixed gas flow pipes 5 fixed to a circumference part of a bottom surface 401 of the upper area 4

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow induction:

Implementation Method 3

combined with a flow regulating device and microwave heating to stabilize flow rates and temperature deviations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave heating: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4566703B1Mixed gas distribution system and ammonia synthesis system comprising mixed gas distribution system
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 SK INNOVATION CO LTD
  • EP4566703B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4566703B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4566703B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a mixed gas distribution system and an ammonia synthesis system comprising the mixed gas distribution system, the mixed gas distribution system comprising a gas distribution device; a mixed gas supply line connected to the gas distribution device; a flow induction guide; an upper area; and a plurality of mixed gas flow pipes fixed to a circumference part of a bottom surface of the upper area, and connected to a plurality of openings formed in the circumference part of the bottom surface to enable a movement of mixed gas.