Flow Rate Measurement in Parallel Reactor Feed Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high throughput experimentation, controlling and measuring low flow rates in parallel reactors is challenging due to the labor-intensive calibration required for passive flow restrictors and the sequential operation of reactors in existing systems, which hinders efficient comparison of experiment results.
Innovation Solution
A system with a common feed line branching into multiple reactor feed lines, equipped with a measurement line and a valve system that allows for sequential measurement of flow rates using a single flow sensor, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enabling efficient distribution and adjustment of fluid flow rates across reactors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive flow restrictors are used to control flow rate through reactors, then flow rate control is achieved, but individual calibration of each restrictor is required which is labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses active flow controllers that automatically adjust and control flow rates without requiring manual calibration of each restrictor. The electronic control system self-regulates the flow distribution to multiple reactors, eliminating the labor-intensive calibration process while maintaining precise flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical flow restrictors with active electronic flow controllers. This substitution transitions from a mechanical system requiring manual calibration to an electronically controlled system that can be programmed and adjusted without physical calibration of each component.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow sensors are used to measure flow rates in each reactor feed line, then accurate flow measurement is achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single flow sensor located in the common feed line. By measuring the total flow entering the reactor system and using this combined measurement data, the system determines individual reactor feed line flow rates without requiring separate sensors for each line, thus reducing complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single flow sensor in the common feed line performs the measurement function for all reactor feed lines. This universal sensor serves multiple purposes by providing data that enables flow rate determination for each individual reactor, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors.
3Device complexity
If sequential measurement of flow rates is implemented using a single flow sensor, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of the total flow rate in the common feed line before distributing flow to individual reactors. This preliminary measurement data is then used to calculate and determine individual reactor feed line flow rates, avoiding the need for sequential physical measurements at each reactor and reducing overall measurement time.
4Quantity of substance
If low flow rates are used in high throughput experimentation, then reactant consumption is reduced, but controlling fluid flow becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic flow control using active electronic controllers that can precisely adjust flow rates in real-time. This dynamic control capability enables accurate management of low flow rates required for small reactor volumes, overcoming the difficulty of controlling such low flows that would be challenging with static passive restrictors.
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 approach allows for accurate and efficient measurement of flow rates in multiple reactors with reduced calibration needs and operational interruptions, enhancing the comparison of experiment results and catalyst activity assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a first flow sensor (23) which is arranged in the measurement line (21) and which is adapted to measure the flow rate of the fluid flow passing through the measurement line (21)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for measuring flow rates of fluid flows to parallel reactors, comprising: - a common feed line, - a plurality of reactor feed lines for receiving a reactor fluid flow, - a measurement line, and - a valve system, comprising one or more valves and a valve control unit for controlling the one or more valves, the valve system being arranged and/or adapted such that it can assume a measurement setting in which the valves redirect one of the reactor feed flows such that it flows through the measurement line.