Abstract
A reactor and a method at least for pyrolysis of hydrocarbon-containing fluids at least for production of at least hydrogen-containing fluids are disclosed, where the reactor has a reactor shell and a reactor shaft disposed within the reactor shell, and a reactor lining at least for thermal sealing of the reactor shaft with respect to the reactor shell is disposed between the reactor shell and the reactor shaft, and wherein the reactor shaft has an at least tetragonal geometry in cross section, wherein at least one electrode for generation of thermal energy is disposed on each of two mutually opposite side walls of the reactor shaft.
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A reactor at least for pyrolysis of hydrocarbon-containing fluids and at least for production of at least hydrogen-containing fluids comprising: a reactor shell and a reactor shaft disposed within the reactor shell; a reactor lining at least for thermal sealing of the reactor shaft with respect to the reactor shell disposed between the reactor shell and the reactor shaft, wherein the reactor shaft includes an at least tetragonal geometry, where at least one electrode for generation of thermal energy is disposed on each of two mutually opposite side walls of the reactor shaft.
17. The reactor of claim 16, wherein the mutually opposite electrodes, viewed in vertical longitudinal direction (L) of the reactor, are disposed in the middle of the reactor shaft at least in sections.
18. The reactor of claim 16, wherein at least two or more electrodes for generation of thermal energy are disposed on each of the two mutually opposite side walls of the reactor shaft, and where at least one of the electrodes per side wall of the reactor shaft, viewed in vertical longitudinal direction (L) of the reactor, is disposed in the middle of the reactor shaft at least in sections, or each of the electrodes per side wall is disposed at least above or below the middle of the reactor shaft.
19. The reactor of claim 16, wherein the electrodes are arranged such that these generate an electrical field which is at least intermittently homogeneous in sections and viewed over cross section.
20. The reactor of claim 16, wherein the reactor includes a reactor head and a reactor bottom, where the reactor head and the reactor bottom each have at least intermittently closable feed openings and discharge openings through which at least fluids or solids, especially particles, can be introduced or discharged, such that, for creation of a moving bed, particles are continuously introduced into the reactor shaft at least intermittently through the reactor head.
21. The reactor of claim 30, wherein the electrodes are arranged in such a way that they generate an electrical field aligned orthogonally at least in sections to the direction of movement of the particles of the moving bed that move through the reactor shaft.
22. A method at least for pyrolysis of hydrocarbon-containing fluids at least for production of at least hydrogen-containing fluids, comprising: feeding hydrocarbon-containing fluids to a reactor shaft of a reactor in countercurrent to a moving bed of the reactor that consists of particles; and heating at least the particles of the moving bed or the hydrocarbon-containing fluids, by means of electrodes for generation of thermal energy up to a defined temperature in the range between 800-1600? C.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the method is conducted in a reactor of claim 1.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the particles of the moving bed migrate downward gravimetrically from a reactor head of the reactor to a reactor bottom of the reactor in vertical longitudinal direction (L) of the reactor.
25. The method of claim 22, wherein the electrodes generate an electrical field aligned orthogonally at least in sections to the direction of movement of the particles of the moving bed that move through the reactor shaft.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein a first heat integration zone (W1), a reaction zone (R), a heating zone (B) and a second heat integration zone (W2) are formed within the reactor shaft, where the individual zones, proceeding from the reactor bottom of the reactor to the reactor head of the reactor, viewed in vertical longitudinal direction (L) of the reactor are successive and at least partly overlap in sections.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the pyrolysis takes place at least in the reaction zone (R) or in the heating zone (B).
28. The method of claim 22, wherein the hydrocarbon-containing fluids are already at least preheated in the first heat integration zone (W1) by the particles of the moving bed which have already passed through the heating zone (B) and move in countercurrent to the hydrocarbon-containing fluids.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the particles of the moving bed that enter the reactor shaft are already at least preheated in the second heat integration zone (W2) by a heated hydrogen-containing fluid which flows in countercurrent to the particles of the moving bed, results from the hydrocarbon-containing fluids and has already passed through the heating zone (B) and released carbon.
30. The method of claim 22, wherein the carbon-laden particles in the moving bed are discharged from the reactor shaft via the reactor bottom of the reactor.
Description
[0030] Embodiments of the reactor of the invention and of the method of the invention are elucidated in detail hereinafter with reference to drawings. The figures show, each in schematic form:
[0031] FIG. 1 in a section diagram, a side view of one embodiment of the reactor of the invention,
[0032] FIG. 2 in a section diagram, a top view of the embodiment of the reactor of the invention shown in FIG. 1,
[0033] FIG. 3 in a section diagram, a front view of an arrangement of electrodes of one embodiment of the reactor of the invention,
[0034] FIG. 4 in a section diagram, a front view of a further arrangement of electrodes of one embodiment of the reactor of the invention,
[0035] FIG. 5 in a section diagram, a front view of a further arrangement of electrodes of one embodiment of the reactor of the invention,
[0036] FIG. 6 a top view of different geometries of electrodes, and
[0037] FIG. 7 an illustrative temperature profile of one embodiment of the reactor of the invention for illustration of the method of the invention.
[0038] Elements having the same function and mode of action are each given the same reference symbols in FIGS. 1 to 7.
[0039] FIG. 1 shows, in schematic form, in a section diagram, a side view of one embodiment of an inventive reactor 1. More specifically, this is a longitudinal section through one embodiment of the inventive reactor 1. FIG. 2 shows, in a section diagram, a top view of the embodiment of the inventive reactor 1 shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, FIG. 2 shows a cross section through the embodiment of the inventive reactor 1 shown in FIG. 1, which extends essentially along the centerline M shown in FIG. 1. The reactor 1 is consequently cut down the middle, i.e. in the middle, according to FIG. 2. Therefore, FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described collectively hereinafter. The reactor 1 has a reactor shell 2 which has a circular geometric shape in cross section and extends like a tower in longitudinal direction L. The reactor shell 2 is fully closed and consequently has a closed reactor shell wall 20 which is circular in cross section. Within the reactor shell 2 or reactor shell wall 20 is disposed a reactor shaft 3. The reactor shaft 3 has a geometric shape which is tetragonal, especially square, in cross section and extends like a tower in longitudinal direction L. Consequently, the reactor shaft 3 comprises at least four side walls 30, 31, 32, 33, especially reactor shaft walls 30, 31, 32, 33. At least two of the side walls 30, 31, 32, 33, especially the first side wall 30 and the third side wall 32, lie parallel to one another. The reactor shaft 3 is a reaction space that consequently has a reaction volume 34 within which the chemical reaction, especially the pyrolysis of hydrocarbon-containing fluids, primarily hydrocarbon-containing gases, takes place. A reactor lining 4 is provided between the reactor shaft 3, especially the side walls 30, 31, 32, 33 of the reactor shaft 3 and the reactor shell 2, especially the reactor shell wall 20. This reactor lining 4 advantageously extends fully between the reactor shaft 3 and the reactor shell 2 in circumferential direction and in longitudinal direction L. The reactor lining 4 serves primarily to shield the reactor shell from thermal energy which is introduced into the reaction volume 34 of the reactor shaft 3. In addition, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a total of six electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, which are disposed on the reactor shaft 3, more specifically on the first side wall 30 and on the third side wall 32 of the reactor shaft 3. Accordingly, three electrodes 10, 12 and 14 are disposed on the first side wall 30, while three further electrodes 11, 13 and 15 are disposed on the third side wall 32. Advantageously, the respective electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, viewed in cross-sectional direction, extend over the entire width of the side walls 30, 32. The second side wall 31 and the fourth side wall 33 mainly have no electrodes. Respectively opposite electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 form an electrode pair 101, 102, 103. For instance, the electrodes 10 and 11 form the first electrode pair 101, the electrodes 12 and 13 the second electrode pair 102, and the electrodes 14 and 15 the third electrode pair 103. Advantageously, the respective electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 of an electrode pair 101, 102, 103, viewed in longitudinal direction L, are at the same height. The reference symbol M indicates the feature of the centerline. This (theoretical) centerline M consequently defines the middle of the reactor 1 viewed in longitudinal direction L, especially of the reactor shaft 3. The electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are disposed primarily in the region of, specifically in the vicinity of, the centerline M. As shown in FIG. 1 in particular, at least the first electrode pair 101 composed of electrodes 10 and 11 makes contact with the centerline in sections. The second electrode pair 102 composed of electrodes 12, 13 and the third electrode pair 103 composed of electrodes 14, 15, by contrast, are shifted above the centerline M, i.e. in the direction of the reactor head 5 of the reactor 1, especially in a section of the reactor shaft 3 that extends between the centerline M and the reactor head 5. The section of the reactor shaft 3 that extends from the centerline M in the direction of the reactor bottom 6, by contrast, has no further electrode pairs. The arrangement of the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 within the reactor shaft 3, with regard to the height of the reactor shaft 3 that extends in longitudinal direction L, may be designed individually and is decided by the desired position of the heating zone and of the resultant reaction zone. More specifically, the positioning of the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 is accordingly also dependent on whether the heating zone is to be formed in an upper region or lower region of the reactor shaft 3 relative to the centerline M. This variable positioning of the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 is also shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 that follow.
[0040] FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 each show, in a section diagram, a front view of an arrangement of electrodes in one embodiment of the inventive reactor 1.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, the three electrode pairs 101, 102, 103 used here are positioned within the reactor shaft 3 such that the electrodes of the second electrode pair 102 make contact with the (theoretical) centerline M at least in sections and are consequently disposed in the middle of the reactor shaft 3 in at least one section. The remaining electrode pairs 101 and 103 are then disposed within the reactor shaft 3 at a distance from the centerline M. Thus, the electrodes of the first electrode pair 101 are disposed in a region of the reactor shaft 3 between the centerline M and the reactor bottom 6, i.e. in a lower region relative to the centerline M, while the electrodes of the third electrode pair 103 are disposed in a region of the reactor shaft 3 between the centerline M and the reactor head 5, i.e. in an upper region relative to the centerline M.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the arrangement of only two electrode pairs 101 and 102 is also conceivable, where neither of the electrode pairs 101, 102, especially none of the electrodes of the respective electrode pair 101, 102, makes contact with the theoretical centerline M even in sections. Instead, the electrodes of the first electrode pair 101 are disposed in a region of the reactor shaft 3 between the centerline M and the reactor bottom 6, i.e. in a lower region relative to the centerline M, while the electrodes of the second electrode pair 102 are disposed in a region of the reactor shaft 3 between the centerline M and the reactor head 5, i.e. in an upper region relative to the centerline M.
[0043] Also conceivable is the configuration by means of only one electrode pair 101, as shown in FIG. 5. In this case, the respective electrodes of this electrode pair 101 make contact with the (theoretical) centerline M at least in sections and advantageously extend across this centerline M into the upper region of the reactor shaft 3 formed between the centerline M and the reactor head 5, and likewise in the lower region of the reactor shaft 3 formed between the centerline M and the reactor bottom 6. The electrodes of the electrode pair 101 are arranged primarily in such a way that there is a larger area of the respective electrode of the electrode pair 101 in the upper region of the reactor shaft 3. The electrodes of the electrode pair 101, i.e. the electrode pair 101, are consequently disposed slightly offset toward the top, viewed with respect to the centerline M.
[0044] Alternative positions of the electrodes per electrode pair 101, 102, 103 and an alternative number of electrode pairs 101, 102, 103 are conceivable. This means that it is also possible for more than three electrode pairs 101, 102, 103 to be arranged within a reactor shaft 3. However, not only the number and positioning of the electrode pairs 101, 102, 103 within a reactor shaft 3 may vary.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 6, the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 may also have different geometric configurations. For instance, the use of mesh electrodes 16 or circular electrodes 17 is conceivable, as is the use of tetragonal, especially rectangular, electrodes 18, 19. The size of the electrodes 16, 17, 18, 19 may also be different. For example, the dimensions of the rectangular, large-area electrode 19 may be such that it encompasses essentially the size of at least two, especially three or more, rectangular electrodes 18 and consequently may also be disposed in the reactor shaft alone or together with an electrode 19 of the same geometry to create an electrode pair. The use or arrangement of multiple electrode pairs 101, 102, 103 within the reactor shaft 3 advantageously enables the establishment of different axial temperature zones. Accordingly, in the case of different resistance characteristics of the particle material of the moving bed, controlled adjustment of the temperature via field parameters is advantageously possible.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows an illustrative temperature profile of an embodiment of the inventive reactor 1 for illustration of the method of the invention. The temperature profile of FIG. 7 is elucidated in conjunction with the fundamental construction of the reactor 1 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1 and 2. The temperature is plotted on the x axis of the temperature profile. Threshold values specified by way of example are 800? C. and 1500? C. The axial extent of the reactor shaft 3 in longitudinal direction L is shown on the y axis. The thermal evolution shown in FIG. 7 takes place in the reaction volume 34 of the shaft 3 of an inventive reactor 1. Hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 are introduced into the reactor shaft 3, especially into the reaction volume 34 of the reactor shaft 3, via inlet openings/feed openings in the reactor bottom 6 that are not shown here, and particles 50 of the moving bed via inlet openings/feed openings in the reactor head 5 that are not shown here. The hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 flow through the reactor shaft 3 proceeding from the reactor bottom 6 in the direction of the reactor head 5. The particles 50 of the moving bed migrate in the opposite direction proceeding from the reactor head 5 in the direction of the reactor bottom 6 through the reactor shaft 3. The hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 may already have been preheated before entry into the reactor shaft 3. Possible temperatures are below 800? C., especially essentially about 600? C. However, it is also conceivable that the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 are introduced into the reactor shaft 3 without preheating. Essentially at the same time, the particles 50 of the moving bed are also introduced into the reactor shaft 3 and, on their way through the reactor shaft 3 down to the reactor bottom 6, migrate through the second heat integration zone W2, the heating zone B, the reaction zone R and the first heat integration zone W1. In the second heat integration zone W2, which forms between the heating zone B and the reactor head 5, the particles 50 of the moving bed are preheated within the reactor shaft 3. This is accomplished by transfer of thermal energy, which is transferred to the particles 50 of the moving bed from heated hydrogen-containing gases 41 which, coming from the heating zone B, leave the reactor shaft 3 via exit openings/discharge openings within the reactor head 5 that are not shown here. In the second heat integration zone W2, consequently, integration of heat/thermal energy from the gas phase to the solid phase advantageously takes place. The hydrogen-containing gases 41 are a reaction product formed as a result of the pyrolysis of the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 introduced into the reactor shaft 3. The pyrolysis advantageously takes place in the reaction zone R and at least partly also in the heating zone B, and advantageously (also) in the region of the overlap of reaction zone R and heating zone B. In order to trigger the pyrolysis, i.e. the dissociation of hydrocarbons, thermally into the carbon and hydrogen constituents, and consequently the splitting of carbon away from the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40, a minimum temperature of about 800? C. is required. This minimum temperature has advantageously already been attained after passage through a first heat integration zone W1. In this first heat integration zone W1, thermal energy is transferred, proceeding from the laden particles 51 of the moving bed that have already migrated through the heating zone B on their way to the reactor bottom 6, to the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 that are flowing in the direction of the heating zone B. In the first heat integration stage W1, consequently, integration of heat/thermal energy from the solid phase to the gas phase advantageously takes place. The closer the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 come to the heating zone B, the warmer they become, because of the constant absorption of thermal energy via the laden particles 51 of the moving bed. Laden particles 51 of the moving bed are understood in the context of this invention to mean particles that have already taken up carbon or carbon atoms from the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40. The carbons are deposited mainly on and between the particles 50 of the moving bed. This deposition affects the electrical resistance characteristics of the moving bed, or of the bed of the moving bed, that migrates gravimetrically through the reactor shaft 3. By virtue of the arrangement of electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 shown by way of example in FIG. 1 within an at least tetragonal reactor shaft 3 and the resulting electrical potential field, and also the flow direction of the moving bed, the moving bed or the particles 50 of the moving bed move(s) new particle material into the heating zone B, and consequently prevent(s) any adverse effect on the resistance characteristics mentioned. The heating zone B in the context of the invention is understood to mean a zone within which the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 are positioned or disposed at least in sections, advantageously completely. More specifically, the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, because of their heat input, generate the heating zone B. The electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 advantageously do not hinder the flow of particles 50 of the moving bed. On attainment of heating of the hydrocarbon-containing fluids of about 800? C., the pyrolysis process consequently commences and the reaction zone R is formed. This means that the carbons of the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 migrate in the direction of the particles 50 or else of the at least partly already laden particles 51 of the moving bed. This chemical reaction process may accordingly also proceed upstream of the heating zone B and accordingly before reaching the zone which is formed by the electrodes 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, solely through the heating of the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 by the thermal energy of the laden particles 51 of the moving bed. Within the heating zone B, the particles 50 of the moving bed and hence consequently also the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 are heated to a maximum temperature of advantageously 1200? C. to 1700? C. Within this heating zone B, the pyrolysis progresses, until essentially all carbons have been transferred from the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 to the particles 50 of the moving bed. What remain are the hydrogen-containing fluids 41 and the laden or at least partly laden particles 51 of the moving bed. Accordingly, it is also conceivable that the chemical reaction is already complete, even though the hydrocarbon-containing fluids 40 have not yet flowed fully through the heating zone B. Accordingly, it is conceivable that the reaction zone R does not additionally encompass the entire length of the heating zone B, but also merely partly overlaps it.
LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0047] 1 reactor [0048] 2 reactor shell [0049] 3 reactor shaft [0050] 4 reactor lining [0051] 5 reactor head [0052] 6 reactor bottom [0053] 10, 11, 12, [0054] 13, 14, 15 electrodes [0055] 16 mesh electrode [0056] 17 circular electrode [0057] 18 tetragonal/rectangular electrode [0058] 19 tetragonal large electrode [0059] 20 reactor shell wall [0060] 30, 31, [0061] 32, 33 reactor shaft walls/side walls [0062] 34 reaction volume [0063] 40 hydrocarbon-containing fluid [0064] 41 hydrogen-containing fluid [0065] 50 unladen particles of the moving bed [0066] 51 laden particles of the moving bed [0067] 101,102,103 electrode pair [0068] B heating zone [0069] L longitudinal direction [0070] M centerline [0071] R reaction zone [0072] W1 first heat integration zone [0073] W2 second heat integration zone [0074] x, y axes
