Stack Type Reactor Adjustable Channel Length

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional reactors face challenges in adjusting reaction time and ensuring complete mixing of raw substances, leading to incomplete reactions and sediment accumulation, which hinders efficient reaction processes.

Innovation Solution

A stack type reactor design with adjustable channel length and flow passage structure, featuring multiple inlets, connecting channels with varying widths, and flow rate adjusting members to optimize the mixing and reaction efficiency, while preventing sediment accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the distance between inlet and outlet is limited in a conventional reactor, then the reactor structure is compact, but raw substances requiring long reaction time cannot be completely reacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel lengthVSAvoidreaction completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-plane channel to a three-dimensional stacked channel structure. Multiple channels are arranged in vertical layers with connecting passages, allowing the reaction path to extend through multiple dimensions while maintaining a compact footprint. This resolves the contradiction by providing extended reaction length without proportionally increasing the reactor's overall volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested channels where reaction pathways are arranged in concentric or layered patterns. Inner channels are surrounded by outer channels, and connecting passages link different nesting levels. This nesting arrangement maximizes the effective reaction length within a confined space, enabling complete reaction of slow-reacting substances while maintaining compact dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If raw substances are merely flowed along the channel in a conventional reactor, then the structure is simple, but sufficient contact and mixing of raw substances cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel structureVSAvoidmixing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces connecting passages as intermediary elements between parallel channels. These passages facilitate periodic exchange of fluid between adjacent channels, acting as a mediator that enhances mixing without requiring complex internal structures within each channel. The connecting passages enable lateral interaction between flow streams, improving contact efficiency while maintaining relatively simple channel geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the reaction system into multiple segmented channels arranged in parallel layers. Each channel serves as an independent reaction pathway, and the segmentation allows for distributed mixing and reaction. The connecting passages link these segments, creating a network that achieves thorough mixing through repeated division and recombination of flow streams, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If sediment is formed during reaction in a conventional reactor, then the reaction proceeds, but sediment accumulates on the channel and hinders smooth flow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction progressVSAvoidsediment accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates curved or inclined channel sections instead of purely straight horizontal passages. The curved geometry promotes turbulent flow patterns and prevents stagnant zones where sediment could settle. By designing channels with appropriate curvature and inclination, the system maintains smooth flow progression while allowing sediment to remain suspended or be directed toward designated discharge points, thus resolving the contradiction between reaction progress and sediment accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 reactor ensures sufficient reaction time for raw substances, enhances mixing efficiency, and maintains smooth flow by adjusting channel length and flow rates, thereby achieving complete reactions and preventing sediment accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

each connecting channel has a width gradually decreased from the inlet toward the upper channels of the unit block and the upper block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi Effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentUS7510688B2Stack type reactor

Publication Date: 2009.03.31 LG CHEM LTD

AI summary

A stack type reactor that can adjust a length of channel (reaction time) to react raw substances with each other for a sufficient time and mix completely raw substances to maximize the reaction efficiency. The stack type reactor comprises an upper block with at least two inlets that introduce different kinds of raw substances and a lower channel fluidly connected to the inlets and formed at a lower surface thereof; a unit block including an upper channel corresponding to the lower channel of the upper block and formed on an upper surface thereof, the unit block including a lower channel formed at a lower surface thereof and fluidly connected with the upper channel via a connecting flow passage. The upper block and unit block form a flow path for the raw substances by connecting to the lower channel of the upper block to the upper channel of the unit block.