Thermogravimetric Reactor for Multi-Form Solids Under Controlled Gases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermogravimetric analyzers are limited in handling solids in lump/granular/powder form, lack gas feeding sections for inert and reactive gases, do not include steam generators, lack balance protection from overheating, and have inadequate gas cooling and cleaning systems, restricting scalability and accuracy of weight change measurements.
Innovation Solution
A Thermogravimetric Reactor (TGR) with a gas feeding system, electrically heated steam generator, movable furnace, and integrated gas cooling and cleaning system, enabling the handling of solids up to 100 g in various forms under different gases at high temperatures and pressures, with real-time data acquisition and safety controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermogravimetric analyzers are used, then weight measurement is available, but the device cannot handle solids in lump/granular/powder form with varying particle sizes and weights up to 100 g
Solution Approach 1:
The sample container is designed with universal applicability to hold solids in any form (lump, granular, powder) and weight range (up to 100 g) through adjustable positioning mechanisms and flexible container geometry, enabling a single device to accommodate diverse sample types without requiring form-specific instrumentation
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional analyzers are used, then weight change measurement is possible, but there is no gas feeding section to introduce inert and reactive gases including steam and their mixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The gas feeding system is designed as a universal interface that can introduce multiple gas types (inert gases, reactive gases, steam) and their mixtures in any proportion through a single integrated manifold and flow control system, eliminating the need for separate gas introduction mechanisms for each gas type
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional devices are used, then basic thermogravimetric analysis is available, but there is no steam generator to supply measured quantity of steam to the reactor
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically heated steam generator acts as an intermediary component that converts liquid water into measured quantities of steam, which is then transported to the reactor through controlled flow paths, enabling precise steam addition without requiring direct water injection into the high-temperature reaction zone
4Measurement precision
If the balance is exposed to the reactor environment, then direct measurement is possible, but the balance cannot be protected from overheating and corrosive/reactive gases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a protected balance chamber for precise measurement and a separate reactor zone for high-temperature chemical reactions. This spatial separation allows the balance to operate in a controlled, protected environment while the reactor handles harsh conditions, with gas flow paths carefully designed to minimize exposure
5Ease of operation
If conventional devices are used, then reaction monitoring is possible, but there is no gas cooling and cleaning system to remove contaminants from product gas
Solution Approach 1:
The gas cooling and cleaning system operates continuously throughout the reaction process, constantly removing contaminants from the product gas stream. This continuous operation ensures that the gas analysis system always receives clean samples, enabling uninterrupted monitoring of reaction progress and product composition without manual intervention
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
Enables precise measurement of weight changes in solids during thermo-chemical reactions, supporting isothermal and non-isothermal reactivity studies, and gasification kinetics, reflecting overall and intrinsic kinetics, with online gas analysis and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
any electrically heated steam generator along with a water metering pump to generate and supply measured quantity of steam to the reactor
Implementation Method 2
movable furnace for the purpose of sudden heating/cooling of the sample
Implementation Method 3
gas cooling and cleaning system comprising of condenser, scrubber
Data Source
AI summary
Thermogravimetric Reactor (TGR) and process to study weight change behavior of carbonaceous solids/catalysts during thermo-chemical reactions in gaseous environment up to the maximum operating temperature of 1000° C. and at atmospheric pressure are disclosed. The device includes a vertical tube reactor, digital weighing balance, gas feeding system equipped with volumetric flow controllers, rotameters, isolation valves and non-return valves to introduce inert and reactive gases and their mixtures to the reactor. It also has a movable electrical furnace heater for sudden heating/cooling of sample as per requirement. It also has sample feeding/loading system comprising containers of different sizes and shapes with a hanging arrangement There is arrangement to test the product gas composition with on line gas analyzer in the exit line or collecting the outgoing gas from the sampling port for off line gas analysis. The system also has control panel to store and display data including process parameters.