Stirred Microreactor Catalyst Basket for Uniform Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-temperature microreactors face challenges in safely and efficiently introducing catalysts into confined spaces while maintaining mechanical stability and uniform convection, especially in reactors with limited internal volumes.
Innovation Solution
A high-temperature microreactor design featuring a reactor vessel and lid made of metal, with a mechanical shaft for a stirring device and a sampling tube, incorporating a liquid-permeable receiving vessel for particulate solids fixed to the shaft, ensuring mechanical stabilization and uniform convection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a catalyst is introduced into a confined reactor space, then the catalytic activity is improved, but the mechanical stability and uniform convection deteriorate due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The catalyst is segmented into two forms: a liquid-permeable receiving vessel (solid structure) and particulate solids (catalyst material). The receiving vessel is fixed to the mechanical shaft, while the particulate solids are contained within it. This segmentation allows the catalyst to be introduced into the confined reactor space without compromising mechanical stability, as the receiving vessel provides structural support and the particulate solids are contained rather than freely dispersed.
2Quantity of substance
If a catalyst is introduced into a confined reactor space, then the catalytic activity is improved, but the convection uniformity deteriorates due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-permeable receiving vessel acts as an intermediary between the mechanical shaft and the particulate solids catalyst. It allows liquid to pass through while containing the solid catalyst particles, enabling uniform convection flow through the catalyst bed without direct contact between the shaft and catalyst particles. This intermediary structure maintains convection uniformity while accommodating the catalyst in the confined space.
3Volume of moving object
If the internal volume of the reactor is reduced, then the reactor size is minimized, but the space for catalyst and auxiliary components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical shaft serves multiple functions: it provides rotational drive for stirring and simultaneously supports the liquid-permeable receiving vessel containing the catalyst. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate catalyst support structures, maximizing space utilization within the minimized reactor volume while maintaining both stirring and catalytic functions.
4Quantity of substance
If catalyst particles are placed directly in the reaction chamber, then the catalytic activity is maximized, but mechanical damage to catalysts occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-permeable receiving vessel serves as a protective intermediary between the mechanical stirring system and the fragile particulate solids catalyst. It allows the catalyst particles to remain contained and protected from direct mechanical contact with the stirring elements, preventing mechanical damage while still enabling catalytic activity through liquid permeation. The vessel walls protect the catalyst integrity during stirring operations.
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 design allows for a large catalyst volume without mechanical damage, enhanced mixing performance, and uniform convection, even in small reactor volumes, while maintaining mechanical integrity and efficient space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-permeable receiving container (60) suitable for receiving particulate solids
Implementation Method 2
the receiving container can be fixedly attached to the mechanical shaft by means of a fixing device (70)
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical shaft (30) that can be guided through the reactor lid (20) for driving a stirring device (40) located in the reactor vessel (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a high-temperature microreactor comprising a reactor vessel and a reactor lid mechanically arrangable on the reactor vessel, with a mechanical shaft passing through the reactor lid for driving a stirring device located in the reactor vessel and a sampling tube passing through the reactor lid, wherein the microreactor has a liquid-permeable receiving vessel suitable for receiving particulate solids, which can be arranged inside the reactor vessel and wherein the receiving vessel can be fixedly attached to the mechanical shaft by means of a fixing device.