Dual vessel reactor

摘要

A dual vessel reactor and a method of carrying out a reaction using a dual vessel reactor are provided using a non-condensable gas to substantially isolate the inner vessel from the outer vessel during the reaction and limit the heating of the outer vessel when steam from the inner vessel condenses on the interior surface of the outer vessel. By limiting the heating of the outer vessel through the condensation of the steam or other vapor from the inner vessel, the operating temperature of the outer vessel is kept below an upper threshold of the operating temperature of a seal used to seal the door in the outer vessel.

主权项

1. A dual vessel chemical reactor comprising:
an outer vessel for sustaining a reaction pressure of at least 500 psi, the outer vessel comprising a non-condensable gas input for inputting a non-condensable gas directly into the outer vessel to substantially thermally isolate the outer vessel from the inner vessel during operation; a reactor lid on the outer vessel, the reactor lid openable for accessing an interior of the outer vessel; a seal for sealing the reactor lid with the outer vessel when in a closed position; an inner vessel enclosed within the outer vessel for containing a liquid, the inner vessel comprising a lid for covering the inner vessel, and a valve to equalize pressure between the inner vessel and the outer vessel during rapid pressure changes while allowing partitioning of the non-condensable gas in the outer vessel and vapour in the inner vessel during heating and cooling of the reaction, the inner vessel supported above a bottom surface of the outer vessel by a supporting structure; a heat source capable of heating the liquid in the inner vessel without directly heating the outer vessel; and a controller for maintaining an over-pressure of the non-condensable gas during the reaction.