Swirl Generator Combustion Device for Halide Synthesis

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the production of hydrogen halides like hydrogen chloride and hydrogen bromide, incomplete combustion leads to an increased proportion of free halogen in the product, resulting from insufficient mixing of halogen and hydrogen gases, which necessitates large and costly combustion chambers.

Innovation Solution

A combustion device with concentrically arranged tubes and a swirl generator in the inner tube, which causes a swirling flow of chlorine gas, enhancing the interface with hydrogen gas and reducing the free halogen content by improving mixing and stabilizing the flame, allowing for smaller synthesis equipment and a more continuous process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional burners with concentric tubes are used, then the structure is simple, but the mixing of halogen gas and hydrogen gas is insufficient resulting in incomplete combustion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion completenessVSAvoidburner structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a swirl generator that imparts rotational motion to the gas flow, transforming the static concentric tube structure into a dynamic mixing system. The swirling flow creates turbulence and enhances mixing between halogen and hydrogen gases, improving combustion completeness without requiring complex multi-component burners

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow parameters by introducing rotational motion through the swirl generator. This parameter change (from linear flow to rotational flow) significantly improves mixing efficiency and combustion completeness while maintaining the simplicity of the concentric tube structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If hydrogen excess of 5-15% is used to achieve high chlorine conversion, then conversion efficiency improves, but the flame becomes very long and narrow requiring large combustion chambers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechlorine conversion efficiencyVSAvoidflame length
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The swirl generator creates rotational flow that intensifies mixing and accelerates the combustion reaction rate. This dynamic effect allows the reaction to complete more rapidly, shortening the flame length even when using hydrogen excess for high conversion efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swirling flow creates periodic turbulence and recirculation zones that enhance heat and mass transfer. This periodic motion promotes more rapid and complete combustion, reducing the residence time required and thereby shortening the flame length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Volume of stationary object

If the flame is made shorter to reduce combustion chamber size, then equipment costs decrease, but flame stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion chamber volumeVSAvoidflame stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The swirl generator creates a stable recirculation zone that anchors the flame. This dynamic structure maintains flame stability by continuously feeding hot gases back into the combustion zone, allowing for a shorter combustion chamber without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The swirling flow creates a natural feedback mechanism where combustion products are recirculated back into the flame zone. This feedback loop stabilizes the flame by maintaining consistent temperature and reactant mixing, enabling compact chamber design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 improved mixing and stabilization of the flame result in higher conversion efficiency, reducing the free chlorine content in the product and enabling the use of smaller, more cost-effective synthesis equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The resulting turbulence further increases the interface between chlorine and hydrogen, thus achieving improved mixing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

chlorine gas and hydrogen gas react at temperatures of up to 2500 °C to form hydrogen chloride gas. The combustion reaction takes place in the combustion chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

In this recirculation zone, hot gas is drawn back towards the burner outlet, preheating the gas exiting the burner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3356290B1New type of burning device for producing gas mixtures
Publication Date: 2020.05.27 SGL CARBON SE
  • EP3356290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3356290B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3356290B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a new type of burning device for producing hydrohalogen compounds.