Loop-Venturi Reactor Deflection Trough for Isothermal Gas-Liquid Reactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical reactors for gas-liquid reactions, such as hydrogenations and oxidations, face issues with heat dissipation and short-circuit currents, leading to suboptimal product concentrations and catalyst degradation.
Innovation Solution
A reactor design featuring a deflection trough below a heat exchanger to manage internal circulation flow and a tube bundle heat exchanger for efficient heat transfer, minimizing short-circuit currents and ensuring isothermal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a loop venturi reactor with external heat exchanger is used, then heat dissipation is improved, but local overheating occurs in the ejector and reactor leading to side reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger with the reactor vessel, integrating cooling functionality directly into the reaction zone. The heat exchanger is positioned inside the reactor to cool the reaction mixture in-situ, eliminating the temperature gradients and local overheating problems associated with external heat exchangers while maintaining effective heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cooling system where a cooling medium flows through the heat exchanger located within the reactor. This intermediary medium absorbs heat directly at the source of generation, preventing local overheating before it can cause harmful side reactions, while the reaction mixture continues to flow through the reactor normally.
2Temperature
If the entire reaction mixture is pumped for circulation, then heat dissipation is improved, but mechanical stress on catalyst increases reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circulation system into two separate loops: an internal circulation loop that recirculates only a portion of the reaction mixture through the heat exchanger for cooling, and an external loop that handles the remaining flow. This segmentation allows effective heat dissipation while reducing the mechanical stress on the catalyst by avoiding continuous pumping of the entire reaction mixture through the catalyst bed.
3Device complexity
If a pure bubble column flow pattern is used, then gas-liquid contact is simplified, but mass transfer rates are comparatively low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flow elements including an ejector that creates intense mixing and turbulence in the reaction zone. The ejector utilizes the momentum of a high-velocity fluid stream to entrain and mix the gas-liquid phases, creating dynamic, chaotic flow patterns that dramatically enhance mass transfer rates compared to static bubble column flow, while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
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
This design enhances product concentration at the reactor outlet, improves reaction efficiency, and extends catalyst lifespan by optimizing heat dissipation and flow dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger, which is arranged inside the reactor (2), for dissipating heat of reaction
Implementation Method 2
internal circulation flow in the reactor is deflected by means of a deflection trough
Implementation Method 3
an internal circulation flow in the reactor is deflected by means of a deflection trough, which is arranged below a heat exchanger
Implementation Method 4
a tube bundle heat exchanger for efficient heat transfer
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device of the loop-Venturi reactor type for the continuous reaction of liquids with gases, in particular for hydrogenation, oxidation or acetylation, e.g. for the production of diaminotoluene by the hydrogenation of dinitrotoluol. The invention also relates to a method for the continuous reaction of liquid reactants with gaseous reactants in the device. In the device according to the invention an internal circulatory flow is deflected in the reactor by means of a deflection pan situated below a heat exchanger.