Reactor Cooling Device for Sorbent Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equilibrium-limited chemical reactions in reactors result in low product yield due to partial conversion, as the reaction products are not effectively removed, leading to thermal issues that reduce reaction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A reactor design with a sorbent collection zone and cooling device to absorb and remove reaction products, combined with a recycling system and catalyst space, separated by a gas-permeable element, to enhance sorbent efficiency and maintain optimal reaction conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a one-stage reaction procedure is used, then the process is simple, but the conversion is only partial due to equilibrium limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a catalyst space for the chemical reaction and a sorbent collection zone for product removal. This segmentation allows continuous operation by maintaining the reaction away from equilibrium while removing products, thereby increasing conversion rate without substantially complicating the overall process design.
Solution Approach 2:
A sorbent phase is introduced as an intermediary substance that selectively absorbs reaction products from the gas phase. This mediator continuously removes products from the reaction zone, shifting the equilibrium toward products and enabling higher conversion rates while maintaining a relatively simple one-stage reactor configuration.
2Reliability
If the sorbent is not cooled, then the device structure is simpler, but thermal decomposition of the sorbent occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the sorbent collection zone structure. The cooling device is integrated into the lower region where the sorbent accumulates, combining the product collection function with the thermal management function in a single structural element, thereby preventing sorbent decomposition without adding separate complex cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorbent collection zone serves dual purposes: it collects the reaction products and simultaneously acts as the cooling location. The sorbent is cooled in situ where it accumulates, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing overall device complexity while ensuring sorbent stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cooling device is placed above the liquid level, then installation is easier, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is positioned at the liquid level of the sorbent, creating optimal thermal contact between the cooling surface and the sorbent liquid. This positioning ensures that the cooling device operates at the same gravitational potential as the sorbent, maximizing heat transfer efficiency through direct contact while maintaining practical installation requirements.
4Productivity
If catalyst and sorbent are mixed, then the reactor structure is simpler, but both substances can have negative effects on the reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is segmented into a catalyst space and a sorbent collection zone separated by a gas-permeable element. This segmentation prevents direct contact between catalyst and sorbent, avoiding their negative interactions, while maintaining separate functional optimization. The gas-permeable separator allows reaction gases to pass through while keeping the catalyst and sorbent phases distinct.
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
Increases the yield of reaction products by preventing thermal decomposition of sorbents, allowing for more efficient sorbent use and improved heat management, thereby enhancing the equilibrium conversion and stability of the reaction process.
Implementation Method 1
the cooling of the sorbent reduces the heating in the entire reaction space
Implementation Method 2
a cooling device is provided for cooling the sorbent
Implementation Method 3
Sorbents can be used for the continuous removal of reaction products. These sorbents form an additional phase that absorbs selective products
Implementation Method 4
a liquid sorbent is also introduced into the reaction space... The reaction products are carried from the catalyst surface to the sorbent and are absorbed by the latter
Implementation Method 5
the sorption space and the catalyst space to be separated from one another by a gas-permeable element. In turn, this element is expediently impermeable to liquids or liquid droplets
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a reactor having a reaction chamber (4), wherein a feed device (6) for reactants (7), a feed device for a liquid sorption agent (9) and a discharge device (10) for the sorption agent (9) are arranged on the reaction chamber (4). A sorption agent collection zone (12) is arranged a lower region of the reaction chamber. The invention is characterised in that a cooling device (13) for cooling the sorption agent (9) is provided.