Parallel Tank Reactor Pressure Control for Two-Phase Reaction Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reaction systems, particularly those using tube reactors, are inadequate for analyzing two-phase reactions where liquids and gases are added at different times, as they cannot replicate the properties of tank reactors and do not allow for precise control of pressure and component addition at varying reaction times.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising at least two tank reactors connected by a common feed and drain line system, with pressure control options that include pressure control in the feed line, common drain lines, and flow restrictors, allowing for independent pressure regulation in each reactor and enabling the analysis of reactions under identical or varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tube reactors are used for continuous reactions, then productivity is improved, but the ability to carry out batchwise reactions and analyze two-phase systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the reaction analysis into multiple parallel tank reactors (at least two) that can be independently operated. Each reactor functions as an independent batch reactor while being part of a larger automated system, enabling both continuous throughput through parallel operation and flexible batchwise experimentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank reactors are designed to perform multiple functions: they can operate in batch mode for detailed kinetic studies, in continuous mode for productivity analysis, and accommodate various two-phase reaction systems. The common feed and drain lines enable the same hardware to support diverse experimental configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tank reactors are used for batchwise reactions, then reaction mode flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases compared to tube reactors
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tank reactors are connected to common feed lines and common drain lines for both liquid and gas phases. This merging of infrastructure reduces the overall complexity compared to having completely separate systems for each reactor, while still maintaining independent operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as flow restrictors in the drain lines and pressure control mechanisms that mediate between the individual reactors and the common lines. These intermediaries simplify control by standardizing the interface between reactors and the shared infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If common feed and drain lines are used for multiple reactors, then ease of operation is improved, but pressure control precision for individual reactors may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
While maintaining common feed and drain lines for operational simplicity, the system implements local pressure control features through flow restrictors and pressure control mechanisms in individual reactor drain lines. This allows each reactor to have customized pressure conditions tailored to specific reaction requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure control system is designed to be dynamic, allowing adjustment of flow restrictor settings and pressure control parameters based on the specific reaction being performed in each reactor. This enables the system to adapt pressure conditions in real-time while maintaining the simplicity of common lines.
4Measurement precision
If separate liquid and gas drain lines are provided, then measurement precision for two-phase systems is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the drain line infrastructure by providing common drain lines for liquid and gas phases that serve multiple reactors simultaneously. This reduces the overall number of separate drain lines needed while still enabling separate collection and measurement of liquid and gas products from each reactor through the common lines.
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
Enables precise analysis of reactions by allowing for the separate control of liquid and gas phases, enabling reactions to be conducted at elevated or reduced pressures, and allowing for the addition of reactants at different times, thereby mimicking the properties of tank reactors and facilitating the study of two-phase reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure control in the common drain line for the liquid phase and a flow restrictor in the common drain line for the gas phase
Implementation Method 2
the pressure in each reactor is controlled by one of: (a) a pressure control in the feed line; (b) a pressure line which is connected to the gas space of each tank reactor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing reaction systems with a liquid phase (13) and a gas phase (15), the apparatus (1) comprising at least two tank reactors (3), a common feed line (5), a common drain line (25) for the liquid phase and a common drain line (21) for the gas phase, each tank reactor (3) being connected to the common feed line (5) by a supply line (7), to the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase by a liquid withdrawal line (27) and to the common drain line (21) for the gas phase by a gas withdrawal line (23), wherein the pressure in each tank reactor (3) is controlled by one of:(a) a pressure control (31) in the common feed line (5);(b) a pressure line (29) which is connected to the gas space of each tank reactor (3);(c) a pressure control (31) in the common drain line (21) for the gas phase and a flow restrictor (33) in the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase or a pressure control (31) in the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase and a flow restrictor (33) in the common drain line (21) for the gas phase; or(d) a pressure line (29) which enters into the common drain line (25) for the liquid phase or into the common drain line (21) for the gas phase.The invention further relates to a process for analyzing reaction systems in such an apparatus.