Method and apparatus for obtaining enhanced production rate of thermal chemical reactions
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsAnna Lee Y. Tonkovich, Yong Wang, Robert S. Wegeng, Yufei Gao
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Abstract
Reactors and processes are disclosed that can utilize high heat fluxes to obtain fast, steady-state reaction rates. Porous catalysts used in conjunction with microchannel reactors to obtain high rates of heat transfer are also disclosed. Reactors and processes that utilize short contact times, high heat flux and low pressure drop are described. Improved methods of steam reforming are also provided.
Claims20
A reactor for the catalytic conversion of at least one reactant in a thermal chemical reaction, comprising:
- at least one reaction chamber;
- wherein said reaction chamber comprises a porous catalyst insert;
- at least one heat exchanger in thermal contact with said reaction chamber;
- wherein said heat exchanger comprises an inlet and an outlet and an open space for flow of a heat exchange fluid;
- wherein said reaction chamber has a length less than or equal to 6 inches and a height less than or equal to 2 inches;
- and
- wherein said porous catalyst insert comprises a porous metal foam having open cells ranging from about 20 ppi to about 3000 ppi.
A process for the catalytic conversion of at least one reactant in a thermal chemical reaction, excluding deep oxidation, comprising:
- passing at least one reactant into at least one reaction chamber;
- said reaction chamber comprising a porous catalyst that catalyzes the reaction of said at least one reactant;
- transferring heat to or from said at least one reaction chamber into at least one heat exchanger;
- and
- obtaining at least one product from said reaction chamber;
- wherein said reaction chamber has a height less than or equal to 2 inches;
- and
- wherein said porous catalyst comprises a porous metal having open cells ranging from about 20 ppi to about 3000 ppi.
A reactor for the catalytic conversion of at least one reactant in a thermal chemical reaction, comprising:
- at least one reaction chamber;
- wherein said reaction chamber comprises a porous catalyst insert;
- at least one heat exchanger in thermal contact with said reaction chamber;
- wherein said reaction chamber has a height less than or equal to 2 inches;
- and
- wherein said at least one heat exchanger and said at least one reaction chamber are configured such that, during steady-state operation, at least 0.6 W of heat per cc of total reactor volume can be transferred between said at least one heat exchanger and said at least one reaction chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.