Modular Micro-reactor with Flange Frames and Tensioning Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous reaction micro-reactor technologies are challenging to design and simulate effectively, requiring supplemental experimental studies to understand fluid dynamics and scale up from laboratory to industrial sizes, limiting the depth of research and adaptability for various chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A modular continuous reaction micro-reactor with a process fluid channel system and heat exchange system, where the reaction unit is encased by flange-like frames and tensioning means, allowing for easy exchange of components and optimal temperature control, enabling in situ observation and adaptation for different chemical reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a continuous reaction micro-reactor is designed with a process fluid channel system and heat exchange system, then the temperature regime for chemical reactions can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the process fluid channel system and heat exchange fluid channel system into a single reaction unit structure. The heat exchange channels are integrated within the same module as the process channels, allowing thermal management to be incorporated without adding separate external heating/cooling apparatus, thus controlling temperature while managing device complexity through integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reaction unit is made modular with exchangeable components, then the adaptability for different chemical reactions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction unit is divided into modular components including the process fluid channel system, heat exchange fluid channel system, and frame means that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows different reaction units to be exchanged for different chemical reactions while using standardized frame means and tensioning means, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame means and tensioning means are designed as universal components that can accommodate different reaction units for various chemical reactions. The standardized flange interfaces and mounting structures allow the same frame assembly to hold different process modules, heat exchange modules, or both combined, providing multi-functionality that enhances adaptability while controlling complexity through standardization.
3Reliability
If the first and second frame means are pressed together by tensioning means, then the mechanical protection and sealing of the reaction unit is improved, but the ease of operation for component exchange deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning means are designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the frame means to be easily assembled and disassembled by adjusting the tensioning force. During operation, the tensioning means maintain sufficient compression for sealing and mechanical protection, but can be quickly released when component exchange is needed, thus achieving both reliability and ease of operation through dynamic control of the fastening mechanism.
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 modular design facilitates deeper understanding of fluid dynamics, enhances research capabilities, and allows for scalable and adaptable chemical reaction processes, improving the efficiency and flexibility of continuous reaction technology.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange fluid channel system for adjusting the temperature environment of the process fluid channel system
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of feeds or reactants continuously flowing into a reactor or micro-reactor chemically interact therein... bringing together, mixing and swirling the plurality of feeds embedded in an optimum reaction environment
Implementation Method 3
The process fluid channel system may be divided into at least one turbulent-flow mixing zone and at least one essentially laminar-flow retention zone
Data Source
AI summary
A continuous reaction micro - reactor of modular structure comprises, arranged along a back- to- front stacking axis thereof, a first frame means (100), a reaction unit (RU), and a second frame means (200), wherein said reaction unit (RU) comprises a process fluid channel system for continuous reaction of a plurality of feeds or reactants flowing into said reaction unit to form at least one product flowing out of said reaction unit (RU), and a heat exchange fluid channel system for adjusting the temperature environment of said process fluid channel system, said first and second frame means (100, 200) are each formed as a flange, and said first and second frame means are alpressed towards each other by a plurality of tensioning means (200) arranged along and within an outer circumference of said first and second frame means (100, 200) and enclosing said reaction unit (RU).