Reactor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat exchanger-type reactors face challenges in efficiently installing and removing structured catalysts, particularly in reactors with complex branch channels, where catalysts are prone to displacement due to fluid pressure and require significant time and effort to align and replace.
Innovation Solution
A reactor design incorporating a holding member with extending parts and regulating projections that securely engage and stabilize structured catalysts within reaction channels, allowing for easy installation and removal, and ensuring positional stability during reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If structured catalysts are installed in series in branch channels to increase reaction efficiency, then reaction efficiency is improved, but installation and removal time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction channel is divided into multiple branch channels, and structured catalysts are segmented into multiple units that can be independently installed in each branch channel. This allows partial replacement of catalysts without requiring removal from all channels, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining overall reaction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The reactor design incorporates movable or adjustable catalyst installation structures that enable dynamic access to individual branch channels. This allows operators to quickly install or remove catalysts from specific channels without disassembling the entire reactor structure, reducing maintenance downtime.
2Area of stationary object
If the number of branch channels is increased to increase heat transfer area, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but catalyst installation and removal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reactor is segmented into multiple independent branch channels, each capable of being accessed and maintained separately. This modular structure allows catalyst installation in one channel without affecting others, managing complexity through systematic organization despite the increased number of channels.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized catalyst support structures and installation mechanisms are designed to be universally applicable across all branch channels. This uniformity simplifies the installation process by using the same procedures and components throughout the reactor, regardless of the total number of channels.
3Ease of operation
If structured catalysts are made removable for maintenance purposes, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but positional stability during reaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Catalysts are pre-assembled on support structures or carriers that are designed for easy insertion and secure retention. This preliminary preparation ensures that catalysts are positioned correctly and stably before reaction begins, while maintaining ease of removal for maintenance through the designed interface between catalyst support and reactor channel.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary support structure or retaining mechanism is introduced between the catalyst and the reactor channel walls. This intermediary element provides stable positioning during reaction but allows for easy removal when needed, decoupling the requirements of stability and accessibility.
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
Facilitates the efficient installation and removal of structured catalysts, maintaining their positional stability and reducing the time and effort required, even in reactors with complex channel structures.
Implementation Method 1
using heat exchange between a heat medium and a reaction fluid to cause a reaction of the reaction fluid to proceed
Implementation Method 2
at least one structured catalyst supporting a catalyst for promoting the reaction of the reaction fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A reactor includes: a heat exchange body including a heat medium channel through which the heat medium flows and a reaction channel through which the reaction fluid flows; at least one structured catalyst supporting a catalyst for promoting the reaction of the reaction fluid and removably installed in the reaction channel; and a holding member including an extending part extending in a direction conforming to an extending direction of the reaction channel and capable of engaging with the at least one structured catalyst, and regulating parts provided in the extending part to regulate a movement of the at least one structured catalyst in the extending direction of the extending part, wherein the holding member is inserted and removed with respect to the reaction channel while holding the structured catalyst.