Methanol synthesis reactor - with catalyst packing contg. coolant pipes aligned parallel with flow of synthesis gas to minimise drop in gas pressure

摘要

The reactor has a cylindrical casing (2) contg. a packing (4) of catalyst; and in packing (4) are pipes (5) through which a coolant flows. Pipes (5) are straight, and are parallel with the axis of casing (2). Pipes (5) are pref. located at the corners of triangles or squares; and are pref. provided with longitudinal, external fins (16), projecting radially outwards from the pipes (5) to increase their surface area in contact with catalyst (4). A max. of eight fins (16) spaced 45 deg. round each pipe is pref. used. Alternatively, pipes (5) may each possess a helical fin. The exit ends of pipes (5) are pref. located in a tube plate (6). Used to prevent a pressure drop in the synthesis gas. For example, in the low pressure synthesis of methanol at 50-120 bars a substantial drop in gas pressure occurs in conventional reactors which means that extra compressor energy is needed to maintain the pressure. This loss of pressure is minimised by the invention.