U.S. patent application number 10/501498 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-17 for chemical reactor with heat pipe cooling.
Invention is credited to Le, Vinh N..
Application Number | 20050255015 10/501498 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21933906 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050255015 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Le, Vinh N. |
November 17, 2005 |
Chemical reactor with heat pipe cooling
Abstract
A polymerization reactor (10) for exothermic liquid phase
reactions comprises a reaction zone (31) which is divided into a
plurality of channels by thermally conductive heat transfer fins
(22) which are conductively mounted on one or more heat pipes (20)
for the removal of heat of reaction from reactants and reaction
products flowing between the heat transfer fins. The reactor (10)
of the invention is capable of maintaining essentially isothermal
conditions without the use of complicated and maintenance intensive
agitators. The reactor (10) is particularly useful when viscosity
of the reactants and/or reaction products is high, when the
reaction conducted has a fast reaction rate and when consistent
polymer properties are desired.
Inventors: |
Le, Vinh N.; (La Crosse,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KRAMER LEVIN NAFTALIS & FRANKEL LLP
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
10036
US
|
Family ID: |
21933906 |
Appl. No.: |
10/501498 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
January 10, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CA03/00017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/198 ;
165/104.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28D 15/0275 20130101;
B01J 19/24 20130101; B01J 2219/185 20130101; B01J 19/0013 20130101;
B01F 15/066 20130101; B01J 2219/00094 20130101; F28F 1/32 20130101;
B01F 5/0603 20130101; B01J 2219/00777 20130101; B01J 2219/00768
20130101; F28D 15/0233 20130101; B01J 19/32 20130101; F28D 15/04
20130101; B01J 2219/182 20130101; B01J 2219/00081 20130101; B01J
2219/00085 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/198 ;
165/104.21 |
International
Class: |
F28D 015/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 12, 2002 |
US |
10/044713 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A continuous flow reactor for conducting chemical reactions of
one or more chemical reactants having an exothermic heat of
reaction comprising: a reactor shell having an inlet end sheet tube
and an outlet end sheet tube; the reactor shell having an internal
reaction zone between said inlet and outlet end tube sheets; at
least one thermally conductive heat pipe extending between said
inlet end and outlet end tube sheets and at least one end of said
heat pipe extending through one of said tube sheets in fluid sealed
manner to a position outside the reaction zone; said reactor having
a reactant inlet for introducing reactants to said reaction zone
and a product outlet for conducting reaction products from said
reaction zone; a plurality of thermally conductive extended heat
transfer surfaces mounted in conducting manner on the exterior
surface of said at the thermally conductive heat pipe and extending
into said reaction zone for receiving the heat of reaction from
said reactants and conveying it to said at least one heat pipe;
said extended heat transfer surfaces defining therebetween channels
for the flow said chemical reactants through said reaction zone;
and said at least one heat pipe having an evaporation section
within the reaction zone and containing a liquid heat transfer
fluid for absorbing the heat of reaction from said reactants by
evaporating at substantially isothermal conditions to form a
vaporized heat transfer fluid which is conveyed from said reaction
zone.
2. The continuous flow reactor of claim 1, wherein the heat pipe is
a sealed heat pipe and the end of said heat pipe which extends
through the tube sheet is a condenser adapted to absorb the heat of
reaction from said vaporized heat transfer fluid.
3. The continuous flow reactor of claim 1, wherein said at least
one heat pipe is a thermosyphon heat pipe and said heat pipe has a
first end which extends in fluid sealed manner through said outlet
end tube sheet and said thermosyphon heat pipe has a second end
which extends in fluid sealed manner through said inlet end tube
sheet, said heat pipe first end is in fluid communication with a
heat exchanger for conveying said vaporized heat transfer fluid to
said heat exchanger and said heat pipe second end is in fluid
communication with said heat exchanger for conveying condensed heat
transfer fluid to said heat pipe.
4. The continuous flow reactor of claim 1, wherein said at least
one thermally conductive heat pipe is a principal heat pipe which
is in fluid communication with a heat transfer device which is
external to said reaction zone for removal of the heat of reaction
from said continuous flow reactor, said thermally conductive
extended heat transfer surfaces are fins and said fins have a
plurality of sealed secondary heat pipes in thermally conductive
contact therewith, said secondary heat pipes having a first closed
end adjacent to said principal heat pipe and in thermal
communication therewith and extending from said principal heat pipe
to a second closed end which is remote from said principal heat
pipe, said secondary heat pipes containing a liquid heat transfer
fluid for absorbing the heat of reaction from said reactants by
evaporating at substantially isothermal conditions to form a
vaporized heat transfer fluid which can convey the absorbed heat of
reaction to said principal heat pipe.
5. The continuous flow reactor of claim 2, wherein said heat pipe
which extends through said tube sheet is a principal heat pipe,
said thermally conductive extended heat transfer surfaces are fins
and said fins have a plurality of sealed secondary heat pipes said
continuous flow reactor, said thermally conductive extended heat
transfer surfaces are fins and said fins have a plurality of sealed
secondary heat pipes in thermally conductive contact therewith,
said secondary heat pipes having a first closed end adjacent to
said principal heat pipe and in thermal communication therewith and
extending from said principal heat pipe to a second closed end
which is remote from said principal heat pipe, said secondary heat
pipes containing a liquid heat transfer fluid for absorbing the
heat of reaction from said reactants by evaporating at
substantially isothermal conditions to form a vaporized heat
transfer fluid which can convey the absorbed heat of reaction to
said principal heat pipe.
6. The continuous flow reactor of claim 3, wherein said
thermosyphon heat pipe is a principal heat pipe, said thermally
conductive extended heat transfer surfaces are fins and said fins
have a plurality of sealed secondary heat pipes in thermally
conductive contact therewith, said secondary heat pipes having a
first closed end adjacent to said principal heat pipe and in
thermal communication therewith and extending from said principal
heat pipe to a second closed end which is remote from said
principal heat pipe, said secondary heat pipes containing a liquid
heat transfer fluid for absorbing the heat of reaction from said
reactants by evaporating at substantially isothermal conditions to
form a vaporized heat transfer fluid which can convey the absorbed
heat of reaction to said principal heat pipe.
7. The continuous flow reactor of claim 1, wherein said at least
one thermally conductive heat pipe is a principal heat pipe which
is in fluid communication with a heat transfer device which is
external to said reaction zone for removal of the heat of reaction
from said continuous flow reactor, at least one of said plurality
of thermally conductive extended heat transfer surfaces is
comprised of a sealed flat heat pipe extending from said principal
heat pipe into said reaction zone, said flat heat pipe contains a
liquid heat transfer fluid for absorbing the heat of reaction from
said reactants by evaporating at substantially isothermal
conditions to form a vaporized heat transfer fluid which can convey
the absorbed heat of reaction to said principal heat pipe.
8. The continuous flow reactor of claim 2, wherein said heat pipe
which extends through said tube sheet is a principal heat pipe, at
least one of said plurality of thermally conductive extended heat
transfer surfaces is comprised of a sealed flat heat pipe extending
from said principal heat pipe into said reaction zone, said flat
heat pipe contains a liquid heat transfer fluid for absorbing the
heat of reaction from said reactants by evaporating at
substantially isothermal conditions to form a vaporized heat
transfer fluid which can convey the absorbed heat of reaction to
said principal heat pipe.
9. The continuous flow reactor of claim 2, wherein said
thermosyphon heat pipe is a principal heat pipe, at least one of
said plurality of thermally conductive extended heat transfer
surfaces is comprised of a sealed flat heat pipe extending from
said principal heat pipe into said reaction zone, said flat heat
pipe contains a liquid heat transfer fluid for absorbing the heat
of reaction from said reactants by evaporating at substantially
isothermal conditions to form a vaporized heat transfer fluid which
can convey the absorbed heat of reaction to said principal heat
pipe.
10. The continuous flow reactor of claim 1, wherein said extended
heat transfer surfaces are corrugated.
11. The continuous flow reactor of claim 2, wherein said surfaces
are corrugated.
12. The continuous flow reactor of claim 3, wherein said extended
heat transfer surfaces are corrugated.
13. The continuous flow reactor of claim 10, wherein said
corrugated fins are perforated to enable reactants fluid to pass
through said perforations.
14. The continuous flow reactor of claim 11, wherein said
corrugated fins are perforated to enable reactants fluid to pass
through said perforations.
15. The continuous flow reactor of claim 12, wherein said
corrugated fins are perforated to enable reactants fluid to pass
through said perforations.
16. The continuous flow reactor of claim 7, wherein said extended
heat transfer surfaces are corrugated.
17. The continuous flow reactor of claim 8, wherein said extended
heat transfer surfaces are corrugated.
18. The continuous flow reactor of claim 9, wherein said extended
heat transfer surfaces are corrugated.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved chemical
reaction apparatus which is capable of removing large heat fluxes
from a viscous reaction mixture while maintaining the reaction
mixture at essentially isothermal conditions. The invention also
relates to a method of conducting chemical reactions, and in
particular, polymerization reactions, at essentially isothermal
conditions using the novel reactor of the invention.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] A variety of commercially important chemical reactions, and
in particular polymerization reactions, require that reactants be
maintained within a narrow temperature range to achieve desired
product properties.
[0005] In the case of certain polymerization reactions, due to the
low conductivity and high viscosity of the reaction mixture, heat
transfer is a limiting factor in reactor design. Further, it is
frequently not possible to compensate for the low conductivity of a
polymer reaction mixture by using lower coolant temperatures
because low coolant temperatures cause polymer solidification in
the reactor. In many polymer reactors, the poor heat transfer
characteristics of polymer reaction mixture results in poor
reaction temperature control resulting in the formation of
undesirable products in the reactor. For example, temperature
variations in polymer reactors can lead to the formation of polymer
products having lower molecular weight than desired. This
negatively affects the flow and mechanical properties of the
desired polymer end product. Since it is frequently the case that
undesirable polymer reaction products are not easily separated from
desired polymer products, many attempts have been made to produce
polymer reactors which are capable of controlling, within a narrow
temperature range, the reaction temperature of highly viscous
reactants with poor thermal conductivity.
[0006] A wide variety of designs have been developed for continuous
flow polymerization reactors which can handle viscous process
liquids with poor thermal conductivity.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 2,727,884 to McDonald describes a polymer
reactor which uses forced convection heat transfer. In this
reactor, banks of cooling tubes in which a heat transfer fluid is
circulated are gently agitated in the polymer reaction mixture. The
agitation improves heat transfer, and at the same time preventing
channeling of less viscous material in the reactor. Examples of
another type of mechanically agitated, convection-type reactor,
known as a wiped-film reactor, are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,513,145 to Crawford, U.S. Pat. No. 3,679,651 to Kii and U.S. Pat.
No. 4,011,284 to Gawne. The construction of the internal coils
required by such reactors is extremely labor intensive and
therefore very costly. Further, the internal heat transfer coils
employed in such reactors have a history of failure causing polymer
to be contaminated with heat transfer oil. Despite the agitation in
these reactors, the heat transfer characteristic of wiped-film
reactors is nevertheless poor and hot spots frequently develop in
such reactors.
[0008] Another example of a polymer reactor designed to provide
high heat removal capability is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,838,139 to Latinen. This patent describes a horizontal
cylindrical reactor vessel equipped with an agitator consisting of
a plurality of discs with small clearance with respect to the
cylindrical vessel. The discs divide the reactor vessel into
compartments. The heat of reaction is removed from the reactor by
the direct evaporation of a volatile monomer from the reaction
mixture. Although this form of heat transfer is generally accepted
as more efficient than convection, hot spots with temperature
difference as high as 5-10.degree. C. are still experienced.
Further, the temperature in the various compartments of the reactor
are not necessarily the same due to different polymer
concentrations and reaction rates in the compartments.
[0009] Using the vaporization of volatile monomer reactants to
remove the heat reaction from a polymer reaction mixture is
generally not workable when the polymer reaction involves the
co-polymerization of more than one monomer. In such cases, the
vaporization of the different monomers is generally not equal
causing uncontrolled concentration of the different co-monomers.
Consequentially, the use of direct evaporation is to be avoided in
such cases.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,488 to Fukumoto discloses another direct
evaporation-type polymerization reactor. The inclusion of a
mechanical agitator in a polymer reactor is often an unwanted
necessity to improve heat transfer and homogeneity. These devices
are costly, require much maintenance and can cause quality problems
because the agitator shaft seal is often a source of air ingress to
a reactor, which can generate undesirable oxidation by-products
such as aldehydes and ketones. These compounds can retard a
polymerization reaction and can cause product discoloration.
[0011] Several designs have eliminated the use of mechanical
agitators in polymer reactors. U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,162 to Tollar
and European Patent No. 0150225 A1 describe the use of flat annular
plates disposed coaxially within a reactor shell. This concept can
be applied to a polymerization reactor with a viscous reaction
mixture by causing the heat of reaction to first be absorbed by
conduction through the flat annular plates and then by conductive
tubes which are in contact with the annular plates and then by
convection into an appropriate heat transfer liquid flowing through
the conductive tubes. The temperature in such reactor is usually
well controlled, however, the volume occupied by the annular plates
and tubes in the reactor reduce available reactor volume
significantly. Variations of this heat transfer mechanism has been
proposed by other inventors such as Oldershaw in U.S. Pat. No.
3,014,702, Brassie in U.S. Pat. No. 3,280,899, Aneja in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,808,262 and Mattiussi in U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,134.
[0012] Anionic polymerization reactions have also been conducted in
continuous stirred tank reactors. However, such reactions must
generally proceed at low temperature due to the extreme reactivity
of the reactants. Because it is desirable to operate continuous
flow reactors hydraulically full to enable simple process control,
heat removal in these reactors cannot depend on evaporation.
Consequently, such reactors most often rely upon cooling jackets
for heat transfer. However, the effectiveness of cooling jackets on
anionic polymerization reactors is constrained by the low heat
transfer coefficients applying of the convection mechanism and by
the limited range of coolant temperature imposed by polymer
solidification temperatures.
[0013] It would be desirable if there were available a continuous
reactor for viscous polymer reaction mixtures with improved heat
removal capability and with the capability of maintaining an
essentially isothermal temperature profile throughout the reactor
regardless of any varying heat loads associated with different
reaction rates or reaction products. It would also be desirable if
such a reactor were to be easy to construct, operate and maintain.
It would further be desirable if the reactor were to have a
relatively large void fraction for the conduct of polymerization
reactions in as small a vessel as possible.
[0014] These benefits and other advantages are achieved with the
present invention
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] A stratified flow reactor of the invention consists of a
shell, a heat transfer fluid channel, at least one heat pipe and a
plurality of fins. The reaction zone is the shell side of the
reactor and the heat pipe or heat pipes with fins mounted thereon
extend through the reaction zone. The heat pipe or pipes are in
fluid communication with the heat transfer fluid channel. The
reactor vessel is closed at one end with at the other end being a
cooling chamber through which the heat pipe or multiple heat pipes
protrude. The heat pipe or pipes act as super heat conductors from
the fins to the heat transfer fluid channel. In a preferred
embodiment, the stratified flow react if the invention is a
continuous flow polymerization reactor.
[0016] As described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,350,348 to Gaugler, heat
pipes utilize evaporation of a heat transfer fluid from a porous
medium affixed to a heat transfer surface to absorb heat. In the
present invention, the heat pipe removes the heat of reaction from
the reaction mixture by evaporative cooling from the heat transfer
surface of the heat pipe system. The porous medium on the heat
transfer surface is commonly referred to as a "wick". The
evaporation of the heat transfer fluid from the porous medium or
wick enjoys extremely good heat transfer coefficients and enables
extremely high heat flux at essentially isothermal conditions. If
desired, the evaporated heat transfer fluid is condensed and
returned to the heat transfer zone of the reactor. Since heat
transfer coefficients associated with condensation are also high,
both the heat absorption and heat release segments of the heat pipe
equipped reactor of the invention enjoy very high heat flux
rates.
[0017] The benefits of utilizing a heat pipe heat transfer device
in the reactor of the invention as described are derived from its
converting what would otherwise be convection heat transfer or
submerged heat transfer surface evaporative cooling to evaporative
cooling of a thin film from a porous surface from which the
evaporated heat transfer fluid can quickly and easily escape.
Convection heat transfer is limited by many factors, including the
velocity of the heat transfer fluid, the temperature differential
between the reaction mixture and the cooling fluid, the viscosity
of the heat transfer fluids, the surface area available for heat
transfer, the materials of construction of the heat transfer device
and the condition of the heat transfer surfaces, i.e., whether they
are fouled. Conventional evaporative cooling from a submerged heat
transfer surface enjoys higher heat transfer coefficients than
convection cooling, but is limited by the liquid phase surrounding
the submerged tubes. The heat pipe substitutes thin film
evaporation for submerged heat transfer surface boiling with a
corresponding improvement of the tube side heat transfer
coefficient of up to 10 times. Further, the heat release segment of
the reactor of the invention relies upon the condensation of a heat
transfer fluid which can take place in a condenser which is remote
from the reactor, so that the surface area available for cooling
need not be limited to the area of the heat pipe. Accordingly,
condenser(s) with sufficient surface area to handle the required
heat flux can be located away from the reactor of the invention
while still being in close proximity to it.
[0018] Because the evaporation of a pure heat transfer fluid occurs
at a single temperature and the heat transfer coefficients for the
heat pipe heat transfer system of the present invention are very
good, a stratified flow reactor equipped with a heat pipe heat
exchange device according to the present invention can be operated
at essentially isothermal conditions.
[0019] As described by Faghri ("Heat Pipe Science and Technology",
Taylor and Francis, 1995) and by Peterson ("An Introduction to Heat
Pipes", John Wesley & Sons, 1994), the choice of the material
of construction, the choice of the heat transfer fluid and the
design of the wick structure for the heat pipe apparatus of the
invention are within the capability of those skilled in the art.
The materials of construction in contact with the heat transfer
fluid are commonly selected from copper and copper alloys, aluminum
and its alloys and stainless steels.
[0020] Although the term heat "pipe" is used in the description of
this invention, innumerable configurations are possible, some of
which are far from the cylindrical shape of a conventional pipe.
For example, possible shapes could be, but are not limited to,
flat, rectangular, annular, polygonal or tubular. When tubular heat
pipe design is used, tube size can vary from less than 1 mm to
several cm in diameter.
[0021] The heat pipe heat transfer system of the present invention
is comprised of two or three sections: (1) an evaporator section
where heat is absorbed by vaporizing a liquid heat transfer fluid,
(2) an adiabatic section where the vaporized heat transfer fluid
flows without changing state, and optionally, (3) a condenser
section where the vaporized heat transfer fluid is condensed using
an external source of cooling. The heat transfer fluid condensate
can be returned to the evaporator section of the reactor by gravity
or by pumping. The evaporator section of the heat pipe heat
transfer system of the invention is comprised of a heat transfer
tube having a porous surface or wicked internal surface. The heat
transfer fluid is supplied to the porous or wicked heat pipe
surface where the wicking action of the porous surface or wick wets
the heat pipe with a thin film of heat transfer fluid. Because
wicking is a surface tension phenomenon which can be limited in
long heat pipes by liquid head, it is sometimes preferred for a
reactor according to the invention to be comprised of multi-reactor
sections, each having heat pipe transfer zones.
[0022] The heat pipe of the invention may be 1) sealed or 2) of the
thermosyphon type.
[0023] When a reaction mixture is viscous such as a polymer syrup,
heat transfer through the reactor of the invention is superior to
convection, direct evaporation or conduction. The invention
utilizes all three of these methods of heat transfer with maximum
effectiveness without causing detrimental side effects. Heat of
reaction is evenly extracted from the reacting viscous polymer
syrup as it flows, in a laminar fashion, past the plurality of fins
in the reactor shell. The fins can be made of a multitude of
geometric shapes and materials of construction. Using conductive
metals such as copper and aluminum alloys enhances thermal
performance when these the materials are compatible with the
process fluid. Conductance is further increased by constructing
flat heat pipes as fins or embedding mini heat pipes within
conventional fins. Conductance over long distance is avoided by
locating the fins a short distance from the heat pipe or heat
pipes. The heat pipe or pipes of the reactor act as collecting
header(s) where the heat of reaction is transferred very quickly
through indirect evaporation. No evaporation of monomers is
involved. The use of a suitable internal fluid with a high latent
heat of evaporation, such as water, can even improve heat transfer
over the direct evaporation of the monomers themselves.
[0024] The design of a heat pipe for use a reactor according the
invention depends on such factors as chemical resistance and
compatibility, temperature range, operating pressure and desired
heat flux.
[0025] In the sealed heat pipe embodiment of the invention, at the
condenser end of the reactor, the heat of reaction is transferred
to a condenser heat transfer fluid using forced convection
turbulent flow heat transfer. Preferably, the condenser heat
transfer fluid has relatively low viscosity and enables high heat
transfer coefficients. The reactor of the invention does not
require the use of any rotating equipment.
[0026] If a heat pipe in the reactor fails, the reactor is
minimally affected as small and temporary contamination with the
heat transfer fluid does not require a plant outage and heat load
is taken over by other heat pipes in the vicinity of the failed
heat pipe. The improved reliability means extended service life and
low maintenance cost.
[0027] In the thermosyphon heat pipe embodiment of the invention,
gravity or a pump is used to return reactor heat transfer fluid
condensate to the reactor heat pipe(s) through separate piping. In
a variant of this embodiment, the heat pipe(s) can communicate with
a low-pressure vapor (steam) header serving a network of vapor
(steam) users. In such case, a source of clean heat transfer fluid,
such as boiler feed water, is required. The advantages of using
thermosyphon heat pipe(s) in the reactor of the invention over
sealed heat pipes include: 1) the cogeneration of low-pressure
steam from reactor waste heat and elimination of reactor coolers,
and 2) enabling the remote location of condensers with more surface
area and multiple forms of cooling.
[0028] In the reactor of the invention, the heat transfer fluid is
chosen to assure trouble free heat pipe operation depending on the
temperature of operation. It can be selected from liquids having
the desired boiling point at a selected operating pressure. Common
heat transfer fluids are water, acetone, alkanes, ammonia,
fluorocarbons, aromatic solvents and even pure liquid metals.
[0029] The wick utilized in the invention can be comprised of fiber
mats, sintered metal powders of spherical or non-spherical shape,
of single size or multiple sizes, and metal screens in single or
multiple layers, all with or without external surface enhancements,
such as fins. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the porous
surface or wick is applied to the interior surface of the heat pipe
by preparing a paste of metal powder with a liquid binder, applying
the paste to the inside surface of the heat pipe and then heating
the heat pipe to evaporate the liquid binder and sinter the metal
powder to the interior surface of the heat pipe. Alternatively, a
dummy core is inserted into the heat pipe and metal powder is
sifted into the space between the core and the interior of the heat
pipe. The heat pipe is then heated to sinter the metal powder to
the surface of the heat pipe and the core then removed. A metal
powder which may be advantageously used in the invention is copper
powder.
[0030] In a preferred practice, two or more reactors of the
invention are operated in series so as to provide multiple
temperature zones suitable for manufacturing polymers of the
desired properties. Isothermal reactors are particularly required
when the rate of reaction is high (such as in anionic
polymerization) or when the rate of heat removal is low (due to
high viscosity, poor heat conductivity or low velocity).
[0031] In the case of thermosyphons, heat pipe temperature is
regulated by the pressure of the heat transfer fluid. In the case
of sealed heat pipes, heat pipes operating temperature is regulated
by the circulating condenser heat transfer medium temperature.
Temperature over the entire reactor can be controlled well within 1
degree C.
[0032] The reactor of the invention can be operated hydraulically
full, meaning without vapor space. In this way, for any given flow
rate of reactants the residence time in the reactor is known. This
flow scheme simplifies process control enormously. A pump is used
to push the material through the reactor or a series of reactors.
Flow measurement can be made simply and accurately at the beginning
of the process when viscosity is low, and there is no need to
control the level or net weight of the reaction vessel, as is
required with partially full reactors. Simplified instrumentation
and control translates into very predictable and consistent polymer
properties and ease of operation.
[0033] Any polymerization reaction system in the liquid phase may
be used in the reactor of the present invention. The polymer
reaction mixtures or syrups can be solutions of polymer or
co-polymers in their respective monomers (mass polymerization) and
solutions of polymers in solvents and their monomers (solution
polymerization) generally having viscosities ranging from 1,000 cp
to 500,000 cp and preferably ranging from 10,000 cp to 200,000 cp.
Examples of monomers or co-monomers usable with this invention
are:
[0034] Ethylene (PE)
[0035] Propylene (PP)
[0036] Styrene (PS, ABS, SAN, SIBS)
[0037] Butadiene (PBR)
[0038] Acrylonitrile (PAN)
[0039] Acrylamide (Polyacrylamidej Dimethyl Terephtalate (PET)
[0040] Terephtalic acid (PET)
[0041] Methyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
[0042] Caprolactam (PA)
[0043] Naphtalene Dicarboxylate (PEN)
[0044] Maleic anhydride (SMA)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] Further features and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent from the following description taken in
connection with the annexed drawings, in which:
[0046] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross section of a reactor
according with the present invention with a sealed heat pipe.
[0047] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross section of a reactor
according to the invention with a thermosyphon heat pipe.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a sectional view a corrugated fin arrangement
which can be used in reactors according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Chemical reactors with heat pipe heat transfer devices and
methods of using such devices to perform chemical reactions are
disclosed. In the following detailed description of the invention,
for purposes of explanation, specific features, materials,
dimensions and the like may be set forth to provide a thorough
understanding of the present invention. However, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may
be practiced without these specific details. In some instances,
well known devices are shown in simplified or block diagram form so
as not to obscure the invention unnecessarily.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a
chemical reactor 10 constructed according to the present invention
is illustrated. For purposes of simplified illustration, reactor 10
is shown with a single heat pipe 20 in reactor shell 30. Reaction
zone 31 is in the interior of reactor shell 30. A commercial
reactor 10 could contain hundreds of heat pipes 20. Heat pipe 20 is
equipped with wick surface 21 in the area of reaction zone 31.
Reactants are fed into reactor 10 through input nozzle 11. Product
from reactor 10 flows through output nozzle 12. Reactor shell 30 is
sealed with inlet head 32 and outlet head 33.
[0051] Heat pipe 20 is equipped with fins 22 which are mounted on
heat pipe 20 so as to enable good thermal conductivity between fins
22 and heat pipe 20. Fins 22 are spaced apart along the length of
heat pipe 20 using spacers 23. Heat pipe 20 extends through outlet
head 33 into condenser 40. Condenser section 44 of heat pipe 20 in
condenser 40 can optionally be equipped with fins on its external
surface. Heat pipe 20 is mounted on outlet head 33 in sealed
fashion to prevent the flow of reactants from reaction zone 31 into
condenser 40 or coolant from condenser 40 into reaction zone 31.
Condenser 40 is comprised of closed shell 41. Condenser 40 is
mounted on reactor 10 at outlet head 33.
[0052] Liquid coolant is fed into condenser 40 through coolant feed
nozzle 42 and exits condenser 40 through coolant outlet nozzle 43.
Heat pipe 20 contains a liquid heat transfer fluid ("HTF") having a
boiling point which is the same as the design operating temperature
of reactor 10. Heat pipe 20 contains an amount of HTF which is
sufficient to fully wet wick surface 21 within heat pipe 20 and to
fill the remaining space of heat pipe 20 with vaporized HTF. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention, wick surface 21 extends into
a pool liquid HTF below level L in heat pipe 20 so that capillary
action can draw liquid HTF into wick surface 21. The heat of
reaction released by the reactants in reaction zone 31 is conducted
through fin 22 and heat pipe 20 and causes the evaporation of the
HTF on wick surface 21, which draws more wetting of wick surface 21
by capillary pumping. The HTF evaporated from wick surface 21 flows
through the center of heat pipe 20 into condenser section 44 of
heat pipe 20. The vaporized HTF transfers its heat of vaporization
to the coolant in condenser 40 by conduction through the wall of
heat pipe 20. This causes the evaporated HTF in heat pipe section
24 to condense and then flow down heat pipe 20, so that it is
available for the rewetting of wick surface 21.
[0053] In the vertical reactor orientation of the invention
depicted in FIG. 1, the length of heat pipe 20 is limited by the
maximum capillary height. If necessary, several heat pipe zones may
be present to cover a long section of a vertical reactor 10.
Alternatively, reactor 10 can be arranged in a horizontal
orientation so that the length of heat pipe 20 is not limited by
the capillary height.
[0054] Reactor 10 is equipped with baffles 34 to cause the reaction
mixture to flow between fins 22.
[0055] In operation, upon entry of a reaction mixture into reaction
zone 31 an exothermic chemical reaction commences or continues and
releases its heat of reaction to fins 22. The heat of reaction is
conducted through fins 22 to heat pipe 20, and then by conduction
through heat pipe 20 to the HTF on wick surface 21 on the interior
surface of heat pipe 20. The heat of reaction causes the liquid HTF
to vaporize and flow through the center of heat pipe 20 to
condenser 40 where the vaporized HTF gives up its heat of
vaporization to the condenser coolant and condenses to form liquid
HTF. The liquid HTF flows down wick surface 21 from condenser 40
rewetting wick surface 21 from the top and also flows down the
center of heat pipe 20 to form a liquid pool extending to elevation
L at the bottom of heat pipe 20. The liquid pool at the bottom of
heat pipe 20 provides HTF to rewet wick surface 21 by capillary
pumping.
[0056] In reaction zone 31, as the reaction mixture flows between
fins 22 following the path defined by baffles 34, it continues to
react to form the desire product at essentially isothermal
conditions because of the intimate contact of the reaction mixture
with fins 32 and the excellent isothermal heat transfer enabled by
heat pipe 20.
[0057] With reference to FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a
chemical reactor 110 with a thermosyphon type heat pipe 120
constructed according to the present invention is illustrated. For
purposes of simplified illustration, reactor 110 is shown with a
single heat pipe 120 in reactor shell 130. Reaction zone 131 is in
the interior of reactor shell 130. A commercial reactor 110 could
contain hundreds of heat pipes 120. Heat pipe 120 is equipped with
wick surface 121 in the area of reaction zone 131. Reactants are
fed into reactor 110 through input nozzle 111. Product from reactor
110 flows through output nozzle 112. Reactor shell 130 is sealed
with inlet head 132 and outlet head 133.
[0058] Heat pipe 120 is equipped with fins 122 which are mounted on
heat pipe 120 so as to enable good thermal conductivity between
fins 122 and heat pipe 120. Fins 122 are spaced apart along the
length of heat pipe 120 using spacers 123. Heat pipe 120 extends
through inlet head 132 and outlet head 133 in sealed fashion to
prevent the leaking of reactants from reaction zone 131. Heat pipe
outlet 124 communicates with condenser feed line 141. Heat pipe
inlet 125 communicates with condenser outlet line 142. Condenser
feed line 141 carries vaporized HTF to condenser 140 and condenser
outlet line 142 carries condensed liquid HTF from condenser 140 to
heat pipe inlet 125.
[0059] Heat pipe 120 contains, but is not filled with liquid heat
transfer fluid ("HTF") having a boiling point which is the same as
the design operating temperature of reactor 110. The HTF wets wick
surface 121. The heat of reaction causes the evaporation of the HTF
on wick surface 121. The HTF evaporated from wick surface 121 flows
through the center of heat pipe 120 to heat pipe outlet 124 and
then to condenser feed line 141 and condenser 140. The vaporized
HTF transfers its heat of vaporization to a coolant in condenser
140 by conduction. This causes the evaporated HTF to condense and
then to flow through condenser outlet line 142 from which position
the liquid HTF wets wick surface 121.
[0060] Reactor 10 is equipped with baffles 134 to cause the
reaction mixture to flow between fins 122.
[0061] In operation, upon entry of a reaction mixture into reaction
zone 131 an exothermic chemical reaction commences or continues and
releases its heat of reaction to fins 122, the heat of reaction is
conducted through fins 122 to heat pipe 120, and then by conduction
through heat pipe 120 to the HTF wetting wick surface 121 on the
interior surface of heat pipe 120. The heat of reaction causes the
liquid HTF to vaporize and flow through the center of heat pipe 120
to condenser 140 where the vaporized HTF gives up its heat of
vaporization to the condenser coolant and condenses to form liquid
HTF. The liquid HTF flows by gravity or pumping to heat pipe inlet
125 and wets wick surface 121 by capillary pumping.
[0062] In reaction zone 131, as the reaction mixture flows between
fins 122 following the path defined by baffles 134, it continues to
react to form the desire product at essentially isothermal
conditions because of the intimate contact of the reaction mixture
with fins 132 and the excellent isothermal heat transfer enabled by
heat pipe 120. Product exits reactor 110 at outlet 112.
[0063] Because reactor 110 is positioned with heat pipe 120 in a
horizontal orientation, the wicked length of heat pipe 120 can be
longer than the maximum vertical capillarity height of wick surface
122.
[0064] Reactors 10 and 110 can be equipped with fins 22 or 122
having mini sealed heat pipe embedded therein or soldered to the
surface of fins 22 or 122. Mini heat pipes in or on fins 22 or 122
act as enhanced heat transfer devices within fins 22 or 122
conveying heat from sections of fins 22 or 122 which are remote
from heat pipe 20 or 120 to the heat pipe. The length of the mini
sealed heat pipe is controlled by the distance from heat pipe 20 or
120 to the outer most extent of fins 22 or 122. The mini heat pipe
preferably has an interior diameter in the range of 2 mm to 5 mm.
The wick is applied to the interior surface of the mini heat pipes
in the same fashion as aforedescribed for principal heat pipes 20
or 120. Heat is absorbed at the evaporator end of the mini sealed
heat pipes in sections of the fins which a remote from a heat pipe
and is conveyed to condenser section of the mini sealed heat pipe
proximate to the major heat pipe 20 or 120.
[0065] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, fins 22 or 122
can be flat heat pipes comprised of two flat conductive sheets
having a porous layer applied to one side. The conductive sheets
are bonded together with the porous layer and a liquid heat
transfer fluid inside. The heat transfer fluid should have a
boiling point which is the design operating temperature of the
reactor and should not completely fill the void space between the
conductive sheets. The flat heat pipe can be made by applying a
porous surface to a flat sheet and folding it so that the porous
surface is inside. The periphery of the sheet is sealed by stamping
or welding. Where necessary to prevent bulging caused by the
pressure of the vaporized heat transfer fluid in the flat heat
pipe, the fold sheet can be secured with welds or by stamping at
one or more interior positions. The flat heat pipe can be folded
into corrugated fins 200, as shown in FIG. 3. Corrugated fins 200
can be equipped with perforation 201 through which process fluid
may pass to promote mixing and to avoid channeling. Perforations
201 are preferably sealed by stamping or welding.
EXAMPLE
[0066] The following example illustrates the efficacy of the
reactors of the invention to maintain essentially isothermal
conditions in chemicals and especially polymerization
reactions.
[0067] Polystyrene mass polymerization technologies are
differentiated by the configuration of the main polymerization
reactors used to bring conversion from 30% to 45% solids to 65% to
85% solids. During the course of the polymerization reaction large
amounts of heat is evolved. If this heat of reaction is not
removed, the reactor temperature will increase causing an unwanted
and uncontrolled spread of the polymer molecular weight which
adversely affects polymer properties.
[0068] A polystyrene mass polymerization is conducted in a reactor
according to the invention consisting of a jacketed vertical pipe
containing several straight heat pipes onto which are fitted a
number of fins. The inside of the heat pipes is covered with a
porous medium from which a heat transfer fluid is vaporized to
provide cooling. This vaporized heat transfer fluid is continually
replaced by the capillary action of the porous medium on a pool of
heat transfer fluid below. The heat transfer fluid is chosen to
provide low surface tension, high heat of evaporation and stability
over the operating temperature range. The vaporized heat transfer
fluid is condensed in an external heat exchanger. The condensate is
returned to the bottom of the heat pipes by gravity. For startup
the jacket is heated with hot oil. The tubes are drained and vented
to atmosphere to prevent over pressurization.
[0069] The anionic polymerization of styrene using the
organo-lithium catalyst, normal butyl lithium, is considered. The
polymerization rate is very fast and the reaction goes to
completion in approximately 2 hours of residence time. Toluene, or
alternatively ethylbenzene, is used to keep the reaction mixture in
a liquid state at low temperature.
[0070] In the example, a stream of 70% styrene in toluene flowing
at 10,000 kg/hr is reacted. It is desired to maintain a temperature
of 100.degree. C. throughout the reactor, which consists of a shell
8 ft diameter by 16 ft long, giving a residence time of 2 hours.
The fins are made of flat aluminum heat pipes corrugated in a
triangular pattern. The fins are made from sheets of aluminum with
a layer of very fine copper powder sintered on one side. The sheets
are bonded together with the porous layer and liquid water on the
inside. The double sheets are perforated with 1" diameter and
{fraction (3/)}" diameter holes with a fluid tight seal being
maintained all around the double sheets and in the positions of the
perforations. The 1" holes are aligned and one hundred 1" heat
pipes are inserted and pressure expanded to provide intimate
bonding with the fins and mechanical strength. The 1" heat pipes
are made of copper tubing in which a layer of fine copper powder
has been sintered. The outside is clad with aluminum to make the
pipes corrosion-compatible with styrene. The corrugated fins are
stacked together in layers after being rotated by 90.degree. with
respect to each other as illustrated in FIG. 3. The process fluid
flows within the triangular channels and through the 3/8" holes to
communicate with neighboring channels and thus are in intimate
contact with the fins. This flow pattern creates a status mixing
effect, which prevents channels from plugging.
[0071] The heat pipes are mounted between tube sheets so that the
outlet end of the heat pipe communicates with the condenser inlet
and the condenser outlet communicates with the inlet end of the
heat pipes. The heat pipes and fins form a bundle that is inserted
in the tubular reactor shell, such as that depicted in FIG. 2.
Reactants flow through the reactor shell as depicted in FIG. 2.
[0072] Polymer is recovered by subjecting the reactor effluent to
240.degree. C. and devolatilization of the solvent under vacuum.
The solvent is recycled. The remaining viscous melt is then
pelletized by strand bath or underwater technique as commonly
practiced.
[0073] The above description of the invention is intended to be
illustrative and not limiting. Various changes or modifications in
the embodiments described may occur to those skilled in the art.
These can be made without department from the spirit or scope of
the invention.
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