Reactor and Process for Carrying Out Equilibrium-Limited Reactions

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This patent describes a novel reactor and method for carrying out equilibrium-limited chemical reactions. The reactor features an innovative stirring system with a hollow shaft and specialized paddles that improve gas and reactant flow without the need for additional compressors. The design enables continuous removal of reaction products, enhancing reaction efficiency and reducing energy needs for recirculating unreacted gases. The reactor can incorporate a liquid phase for absorbing products, further shifting reaction equilibrium toward product formation, and is especially suited for processes such as methanol or ammonia synthesis.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Industrial production of methanol from hydrogen and carbon oxides
• Ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process
• Any chemical manufacturing process limited by reaction equilibrium, particularly those requiring heterogeneous catalysis
• Scale-up of existing equilibrium-limited reactions where improved yield and energy efficiency are desired
• Retrofitting chemical plants to make product removal and reactant recirculation more efficient

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Higher product yields by continuously removing products and shifting reaction equilibrium
• Reduced technical and energy requirements compared to traditional reactors needing external compressors for reactant recirculation
• Enhanced mixing and contact between gases and catalyst, leading to better conversion rates
• Flexibility to function with or without a liquid sorption phase, allowing adaptation to various chemical processes
• Decreased accumulation of inert gases and impurities due to reduced recirculation, improving reaction consistency and efficiency
• Lower operational costs due to simplified gas handling and reduced equipment needs

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Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a reactor for implementation of equilibrium-limited reactions, comprising a reaction chamber (4) with a reactant supply device (6), an outlet device (8) for reaction products (10) and a device for containing catalyst material (14) and a stirring device (16), characterized in that the stirring device (16) comprises a hollow shaft (18) at one end of which there is provided a gas inlet opening (20), and in that a first stirring paddle (22) with gas outlet openings (24) is provided on the hollow shaft (18), and furthermore a second stirring paddle (26) is arranged on the hollow shaft (18) in the region of the device (12) for containing the catalyst material (14).