Modular reactor configuration for production of chemicals with electrical heating for carrying out reactions

A modular reactor system for carrying out endothermic reactions comprising:

• a. At least one module, each module further comprising
• i. A plurality of wall sections positioned to encompass a reaction zone inside a channel configured to allow a fluid to flow through the reaction zone;
• ii. A power source;
• and
• iii. At least one resistance heating element passing through the reaction zone in mechanical connection with the wall sections and in electrical connection with the power source;
• iv. Wherein the at least one resistance heating element is in electrical isolation from the wall sections;
• v. Wherein the reactor system is configured to allow for the flow of a fluid containing one or more reactants;
• vi. Wherein the reaction zone is suitable for conversion of the reactants to products when reactants are present in the fluid;
• b. Wherein the resistive heating element of each module is configured to generate resistance heating in the reaction zone such that its temperature can be adjusted to a required reaction temperature range;
• c. wherein the at least one resistance heating element comprises a configuration selected from a group consisting of a plurality of wires, a plurality of plates, wiremesh, gauze, and a metallic monolith.
• d. wherein the at least one resistance heating element comprises a plurality of wires;
• e. wherein each of the wires is parallel to the other wires;
• f. wherein the wires each have a length between 0.1 m and 10 m;
• g. wherein the wires each have a diameter of between 10 μm and 1000 μm;
• and
• h. wherein the wires have a resistivity between 10−9Ω·m and 10−5Ω·m