Reactor for Carrying Out Exothermic Reactions and Use and Method for Operating Such a Reactor

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention is a reactor designed specifically for conducting exothermic (heat-releasing) chemical reactions. The reactor uses a plate heat exchanger structure with multiple channels or gaps between parallel plates. Some channels contain the catalyst material needed for the reaction, while others are used to control fluid flow and temperature. The apparatus includes systems to inject primary and secondary fluids into the respective channels and is contained within a pressure vessel for safe operation under high pressure.

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

• Industrial chemical synthesis processes involving exothermic reactions, such as ammonia production or methanol synthesis
• Hydrogen production via catalytic reforming, partial oxidation, or other exothermic pathways
• Large-scale pharmaceutical or specialty chemical production requiring precise heat management
• Petrochemical refineries for safe and efficient product conversion
• Pilot or small-scale chemical reactors for research and development

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Efficient heat management through the integrated plate heat exchanger design, improving safety and reaction control
• Enhanced safety due to the use of a pressure vessel, reducing risk of leaks or explosions during high-pressure exothermic reactions
• Flexibility in handling different fluids due to separate channels and fluid supply systems
• Potential for better catalyst utilization and longer catalyst life by optimizing fluid flow and temperature
• Compact design suitable for modular or space-constrained industrial settings

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a reactor (1) for carrying out exothermic reactions comprising a plate heat exchanger (2) with a plurality of adjacent plates (3), between which gap channels (4, 5) are defined, wherein the gap channels (4, 5) are subdivided into a plurality of primary gap channels (4) fluidly connected to one another, and a plurality of secondary gap channels (5) fluidly connected to one another, wherein in at least one of the primary gap channels (4), a catalyst material (6) for an exothermic reaction is provided, and wherein primary fluid supply means (7) for supplying a primary fluid to the primary gap channels (4) and secondary fluid supply means (10) for supplying a secondary fluid to the secondary gap channels (5) are provided, a pressure vessel (18) which surrounds the plate heat exchanger (2), pressure fluid supply means (19) which are designed to supply a pressure fluid to the pressure vessel (18).