TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a reactor device and a method for operating the reactor device.

INTRODUCTION

Testing of catalytic properties of different catalysts involves difficulties of scaling down from an industrial scale to different types of laboratory reactors. A recirculation-type laboratory reactor was found to be well suited for studies on industrial-size catalyst particles. Such reactors such as differential recycle reactors (DRRs) are useful tools for the determination of kinetic information about reactions and the catalysts that catalyse them. This information can be used to support the development of kinetic models which in turn can be used to support process design and catalyst development.

DE 20 2014 006 675 U1 discloses a Berty reactor comprising a housing with a receiving space in which, while forming a gap to the housing, a catalyst basket through which an axial flow can flow from an inlet side to an outlet side is introduced, a feed line opening into the receiving space in the region of the inlet side of the catalyst basket, a flow machine arranged in the receiving space for generating a gas circulation flow in the gap between the outlet and the inlet sides of the catalyst basket, and a discharge line arising in the region of the outlet side of the catalyst basket. The flow machine comprises a directly driven impeller arranged on the outlet side of the catalyst basket projecting into the receiving space.

DE 102019207 565 A1 discloses a kit for a Berty reactor. The kit comprises a housing which encloses a receiving space in a pressure-tight manner, and a turbomachine which comprises an impeller for generating a circular flow in the receiving space. The kit comprises several catalyst baskets or parts for assembling different catalyst baskets. Each of the catalyst baskets has an annular basket wall which encloses a free interior space for receiving a catalyst through which a flow can flow in an axial direction. In the interior space of each catalyst basket, two sieves are arranged or can be arranged, which limit a filling volume to be filled with the catalyst. The catalyst baskets can be interchanged in the receiving space, so that a distance is formed between the catalyst basket and a peripheral wall of the housing. The catalyst baskets differ in a respective diameter of the interior space and/or an axial position of at least one sieve.

Although considerable improvements have been achieved by such reactors, the commercial DRR technology is currently, however, limited to temperatures of less than 750°C. This limitation excludes many reactions and catalysts of interest, for example dry reforming which requires conditions of approximately 950°C and 35bar. The reason for the current limitation lies in the unavailability of materials that can be used under conditions of both high temperatures and high pressures in a laboratory setting. Whilst large-scale reactors can be built to withstand these conditions, it remains beyond the limits of available materials to construct the intricacies of a DRR in a laboratory scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It was therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved reactor device allowing kinetic studies at high temperature and high pressure.

Thus, it has surprisingly been found that as opposed to the teaching of the prior art, by separating the two challenges of high temperature and high pressure into different materials used in the reactor construction, this allows for the operation of a reactor device such as a DRR under high temperature and high pressure conditions which were previously not possible. Rather, it has quite unexpectedly been found that with a new reactor design, wherein the DRR is contained inside a second, external reactor, the DRR can therefore be constructed from available materials that are certified for high temperatures and low pressures while the external reactor can be constructed from available materials that are certified for low temperatures and high pressures.

Therefore, the present invention relates to a reactor device comprising a first reactor body, wherein the first reactor body defines a first inner volume, wherein the first reactor body includes a first inlet, a first outlet, a tube member and at least one grid arranged in the first inner volume, wherein the at least one grid at least partially surrounds the tube member in a circumferential direction of the tube member, wherein the at least one grid is configured for supporting at least one type of catalyst, wherein the first inlet is configured for supplying a reaction fluid to the first inner volume, wherein the first outlet is configured for discharging reacted reaction fluid from the first inner volume, and a second reactor body, wherein the second reactor body defines a second inner volume, wherein the second reactor body encloses the first reactor body, wherein the second reactor body includes a heating member arranged in the second inner volume, wherein the heating member is configured for heating the first inner volume.

Thus, the first reactor body in which the intended reaction takes place is contained inside a second, external reactor body. The first reactor body can therefore be constructed from available materials that are certified for high temperatures and low pressures. The external, second reactor body can therefore be constructed from available materials that are certified for low temperatures and high pressures. By separating the two challenges of high temperature and high pressure into different materials used in the reactor construction, this invention allows for the operation of first reactor body under high temperature and high pressure conditions which were previously not possible in the state of the art.

It is preferred that the first reactor body is configured to be filled with a first fluid at a first predetermined pressure, and that the second reactor body is configured to be filled with a second fluid at a second predetermined pressure, wherein the first fluid is the reaction fluid. Thus, the reaction may take place under predetermined pressure conditions. It is preferred that the second reactor body comprises a second inlet configured for supplying the second fluid to the second inner volume. Thus, the second inner volume may be filled and pressurized with another fluid which may be an inert fluid or gas.

It is preferred that the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are substantially identical. Thus, both, the first reactor body and the external, second reactor body can be filled with gas at the same pressure, such that no pressure differential exists over the walls of the first reactor body. The first reactor body can therefore be constructed from available materials that are certified for high temperatures and low pressures. The external, second reactor body can therefore be constructed from available materials that are certified for low temperatures and high pressures.

It is preferred that the first fluid is a first gas and the second fluid is a second gas. This facilitates the handling of the pressurizing media.

It is preferred that the first fluid and the second fluid are different. The first fluid can be whatever the reaction requires. The second fluid can only be an inert gas such as N2, He, Ar, or air. This limitation comes from the second fluid being in direct contact with the heating element and the need to avoid fire or explosion. Needless to say, the first fluid and the second fluid can be identical if the first fluid is also inert, for example during a pressure test.

It is preferred that the first reactor body is at least partially made of a first material being resistant to a temperature in a range of 750°C to 1500°C, preferably 775°C to 1450°C, more preferably 800°C to 1400°C, and that the second reactor body is at least partially made of a second material being resistant to a pressure in a range of 15 bar to 100 bar, preferably 20 bar to 95 bar, more preferably 25 bar to 90 bar. Thus, catalysts of interest may be analyzed under rather high temperature and pressure conditions.

It is preferred that the first material is steel 1.4571 according to DIN EN 10027, wherein the second material is steel 1.4541 according to DIN EN 10027. These materials fulfill the requirements of high heat resistance on the one hand side and high pressure resistance on the other hand side.

It is preferred that the first reactor body is formed as a cylinder having an upper dome and a lower dome. Such a construction or shape having slightly curved covers or lids at the end of the cylinder allows operation at higher pressures if compared to a cylindrical shape closed by flat lids or covers. Such a domed cylinder is also a prerequisite for the kinetic studies that would be conducted. This first body’s design is based on well known or standard jet loop designs which also consist of dome-ended cylinders.

It is preferred that the first reactor body is made at least of an upper reactor body portion and a lower reactor body portion permanently fixed together. Thus, the first reactor body may be made of two parts permanently fixed to one another such as by means of welding or lasing. This simplifies the manufacturing process of the first reactor body. Further, in this way, the first reactor body can be sealed without needing additional flanges, bolts or sealing surfaces. The first reactor body is in this way a “one-way” item, which must be cut open at the end of its lifetime to remove the catalyst particles. With other words, the upper reactor body portion and the lower reactor body portion can only be separated again by means of destruction.

It is preferred that the second reactor body comprises a center wall portion, a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion defining the second inner volume. Thus, the second reactor body may be made of several parts which facilitates the manufacturing process of the second reactor body.

It is preferred that the top cover portion and the bottom cover portion are fixed to the center wall portion. Thus, the top cover portion and the bottom cover portion are fixed to the center wall portion and may be assembled or integrated.

It is preferred that the top cover portion and/or the bottom cover portion are releasably fixed to the center wall portion. Thus, the second reactor body can be disassembled such as for maintenance purposes.

It is preferred that the center wall portion comprises an upper flange portion and/or a lower flange portion, and that the top cover portion is releasably fixed to the upper flange portion and/or the bottom cover portion is releasably fixed to the lower flange portion. Thus, a construction being high pressure resistant is provided. Needless to say, it may be preferred that the bottom cover is not releasably fixed, but rather joined to the center wall portion such as by means of welding. Such a design would have benefits in terms of reducing the total mass and size of the reactor.

It is preferred that the top cover portion and/or the bottom cover portion is formed as a blind flange. Thus, the center wall portion may be securely closed such as in a gas tight manner.

It is preferred that the second reactor body comprises a thermal insulation member, and that the thermal insulation member is arranged between the center wall portion, the top cover portion, the bottom cover portion and the heating member. The external second reactor body is shielded from the internal high temperatures by insulation.

It is preferred that the reactor device further comprises a cooling device configured for cooling the second reactor body. Thereby, the heat impact on the second reactor body can be significantly decreased.

It is preferred that the cooling device comprises a heat exchanger integrated into the second reactor body. Thus, a good heat removal is provided. It is preferred that the tube member is cylindrically shaped. Thus, a flow of the reaction fluid through the tube member is facilitated.

It is preferred that the first inlet comprises a nozzle facing a lower end of the tube member. Thus, the reaction fluid can be supplied towards the interior of the tube member and through the tube member before contacting the catalyst.

It is preferred that the first inlet comprises a first inlet line extending outside of the first reactor body and connected to the nozzle. Thus, the first inlet line or pipe does not disturb the reaction of the reaction fluid taking place in the interior of the first reactor body.

It is preferred that the first outlet is arranged at a lower end of the first reactor body. Thus, reacted reaction fluid may be taken from the first reactor body close to its bottom.

It is preferred that the first outlet comprises a first outlet line extending outside of the first reactor body and opening out into an outlet orifice at the lower end of the first reactor body. Thus, the first outlet line or pipe does not disturb the reaction of the reaction fluid taking place in the interior of the first reactor body.

It is preferred that the reactor device further comprises at least one temperature sensor configured for detecting a temperature within the first inner volume. Thus, the temperature within the first reactor body may be sensed and controlled.

It is preferred that the reactor device further comprises a temperature sensor tube connected to an upper end of the first reactor body, and that the temperature sensor is arranged within the temperature sensor tube. Thus, the temperature sensor may be protected.

Further, the present invention relates to a method for operating a reactor device according to any one the embodiments disclosed herein. The method comprises the following method steps which, specifically, may be performed in the given order. Still, a different order is also possible. It is further possible to perform two or more of the method steps fully or partially simultaneously. Further, one or more or even all of the method steps may be performed once or may be performed repeatedly, such as repeated once or several times. Further, the method may comprise additional method steps which are not listed.

The method comprises the following steps: a) providing at least one type of catalyst at the at least one grid, b) pressurizing the first inner volume with a first predetermined pressure, c) pressurizing the second inner volume with a second predetermined pressure, wherein the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are substantially identical, d) heating the first inner volume up to a predetermined temperature, e) supplying a reaction fluid to the first inner volume when heated to the predetermined temperature such that the reaction fluid at least partially reacts at the catalyst, and f) discharging reacted reaction fluid from the first inner volume.

Thus, both the first reactor body and the external second reactor body are pressurized at the same pressure, such that no pressure differential exists over the walls of the first reactor body. The first reactor body can therefore be constructed from available materials that are certified for high temperatures and low pressures. The external, second reactor body can therefore be constructed from available materials that are certified for low temperatures and high pressures. By separating the two challenges of high temperature and high pressure into different materials used in the reactor construction, this invention allows for the operation of first reactor body under high temperature and high pressure conditions which were previously not possible in the state of the art.

It is preferred that the method further comprises filling the first reactor body with a first fluid at the first predetermined pressure, and filling the second reactor body with a second fluid at the second predetermined pressure, wherein the first fluid is the reaction fluid. Thus, the reaction may take place under predetermined pressure conditions.

It is preferred that the first fluid is a first gas and the second fluid is a second gas. This facilitates the handling of the pressurizing media.

It is preferred that the first fluid and the second fluid are different. The first fluid can be whatever the reaction requires. The second fluid can only be an inert gas such as N2, He, Ar, or air. This limitation comes from the second fluid being in direct contact with the heating element and the need to avoid fire or explosion. Needless to say, the first fluid and the second fluid can be identical if the first fluid is also inert, for example during a pressure test.

It is preferred that the predetermined temperature is in a range of 750°C to 1500°C, preferably 775°C to 1450°C, more preferably 800°C to 1400°C, and that the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are in a range of 15 bar to 100 bar, preferably 20 bar to 95 bar, more preferably 25 bar to 90 bar. Thus, catalysts of interest may be analyzed under rather high temperature and pressure conditions.

It is preferred that the method further comprises cooling the second reactor body. Thereby, the heat impact on the second reactor body can be significantly decreased.

It is preferred that the method further comprises acquiring reaction kinetic information on the reaction of the reaction fluid. Thus, valuable information on reaction kinetics under rather high temperature and pressure conditions may be obtained which allows valuable information on potential catalysts of interest. It is preferred that the method is computer-implemented. Thus, the method may be carried out under control of a computer which decreases manpower.

Further, the present invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the reactor device according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein, cause the reactor device to perform the method according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Further, the present invention relates to a computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the reactor device according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein, cause the reactor device to perform the method according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein.

The term “reactor device” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a process vessel configured for carrying out at least one chemical reaction, in particular at least one inorganic or organic chemical reaction. The reactor device may comprise a plurality of components or elements such as at least one housing, at least one feed inlet, at least one outlet, and the like.

The term “reactor body” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to part of a reactor device which is configured for independently or separately carrying out predetermined functions of the reactor device.

The term “reaction fluid” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a fluid, i.e. a gas and/or liquid, which is involved in a chemical reaction. Particularly, the reaction fluid chemically reacts.

The term “reacted reaction fluid” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a fluid, i.e. a gas and/or liquid, which has been involved in a chemical reaction. Particularly, the reacted reaction fluid has at least partially chemically reacted.

The term “catalyst” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction or enables a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. The term “inlet” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a supply or infeed for the reactor device and the first reactor body, respectively. Thus, this term particularly refers to a device through which reaction fluid can be supplied to the reactor device and the first reactor body, respectively.

The term “outlet” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a discharge or removal device for the reactor device and the first reactor body, respectively. Thus, this term particularly refers to a device through which (reacted) reaction fluid can be discharged or removed from the reactor device and the first reactor body, respectively.

The term “tube member” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a tubular section or hollow cylinder, usually but not necessarily of circular cross-section, used mainly to convey substances which can flow such as liquids and gases (fluids), slurries, powders and masses of small solids.

The term “grid” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a flat constructional member also known as lattice having a plurality of openings or orifices therein allowing a flow of substances such as fluids therethrough. The openings or orifices may be arranged in a regular or irregular pattern. Further, the openings or orifices may comprise identical or different opening areas.

The term “heating member” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a constructional member configured for providing thermal energy. The heating member may be an electrical heating member that converts electrical current into thermal energy. Alternatively, the heating member may be operated with other heat transfer elements such as a heated liquid or heated steam.

The term “pressure” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to an amount of the force applied perpendicular to the surface of an object per unit area over which that force is distributed. Unless otherwise stated herein, the pressure is given as a parameter relative to the stand- ard atmospheric pressure. For example, if a pressure of 10 bar is given herein, this corresponds to a pressure of 11 bar absolute.

The term “pressurize” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to applying a predetermined pressure to something. Particularly, as used herein, pressure is applied to a fluid, i.e. a gas and/or liquid.

The term “substantially identical pressures” and its grammatical equivalents as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to pressures having a difference of not more than 0.5 bar, preferably not more than 0.1 bar and more preferably not more than 0.05 bar.

The term “resistant to a certain temperature” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to the characteristics of a material to be resistant to the certain temperature. If the temperature is lower than the so called upper application temperature, the material maintains its characteristics. If the temperature exceeds the so called upper application temperature, the material characteristics significantly vary such that the material does not comply with its application requirements or is destroyed. Needless to say, also the duration of being exposed to a certain temperature has influence on the material characteristics. Particularly, the term applies for a long term or theoretically endless period of time.

The term “resistant to a certain pressure” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to the characteristics of a material to be resistant to the certain pressure. If the pressure exceeds the so called upper application pressure, the material characteristics significantly vary such that the material does not comply with its application requirements or is destroyed. Needless to say, also the duration of being exposed to a certain pressure has influence on the material characteristics. Particularly, the term applies for a long term or endless period of time. The term may thus particularly be uses synonymously to the term compressive strength. In mechanics, compressive strength or compression strength is the capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to reduce size (as opposed to tensile strength which withstands loads tending to elongate). In other words, compressive strength resists compression (being pushed together), whereas tensile strength resists tension (being pulled apart). In the study of strength of materials, tensile strength, compressive strength, and shear strength can be analyzed independently. Some materials fracture at their compressive strength limit; others deform irreversibly, so a given amount of deformation may be considered as the limit for compressive load. Compressive strength is a key value for design of structures. Compressive strength is often measured on a universal testing machine. Measurements of compressive strength are affected by the specific test method and conditions of measurement. Compressive strengths are usually reported in relationship to a specific technical standard.

The term “dome” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a constructional member shaped similar to the hollow upper half of a sphere.

The term “flange” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a constructional member shaped as a plate or ring to form a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened to the pipe (for example, a closet flange). A flange joint is a connection of pipes, where the connecting pieces have flanges by which the parts are bolted together.

The term “blind flange” as used herein is a broad term and is to be given its ordinary and customary meaning to a person of ordinary skill in the art and is not to be limited to a special or customized meaning. The term specifically may refer, without limitation, to a constructional member shaped as a plate or ring to form a rim at the end of a pipe when fastened to the pipe for covering or closing the end of a pipe. Needless to say, a blind flange in the sense of the present invention provides that fluids are able to pass through inlets and outlets through the blind flange.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program including computer-executable instructions for performing the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. Specifically, the computer program may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.

As used herein, the terms “computer-readable data carrier” and “computer-readable storage medium” specifically may refer to non-transitory data storage means, such as a hardware storage medium having stored thereon computer-executable instructions. The computer-readable data carrier or storage medium specifically may be or may comprise a storage medium such as a random-access memory (RAM) and/or a read-only memory (ROM).

Thus, specifically, one, more than one or even all of method steps as indicated above may be performed by using a computer or a computer network, preferably by using a computer program.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product having program code means, in order to perform the method according to the present invention in one or more of the embodiments enclosed herein when the program is executed on a computer or computer net- work. Specifically, the program code means may be stored on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a data carrier having a data structure stored thereon, which, after loading into a computer or computer network, such as into a working memory or main memory of the computer or computer network, may execute the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Further disclosed and proposed herein is a computer program product with program code means stored on a machine-readable carrier, in order to perform the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein, when the program is executed on a computer or computer network. As used herein, a computer program product refers to the program as a tradable product. The product may generally exist in an arbitrary format, such as in a paper format, or on a computer-readable data carrier and/or on a computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, the computer program product may be distributed over a data network.

Finally, disclosed and proposed herein is a modulated data signal which contains instructions readable by a computer system or computer network, for performing the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Referring to the computer-implemented aspects of the invention, one or more of the method steps or even all of the method steps of the method according to one or more of the embodiments disclosed herein may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Thus, generally, any of the method steps including provision and/or manipulation of data may be performed by using a computer or computer network. Generally, these method steps may include any of the method steps, typically except for method steps requiring manual work, such as providing the samples and/or certain aspects of performing the actual measurements.

Specifically, further disclosed herein are: a computer or computer network comprising at least one processor, wherein the processor is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description, a computer loadable data structure that is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the data structure is being executed on a computer, a computer program, wherein the computer program is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the program is being executed on a computer, a computer program comprising program means for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description while the computer program is being executed on a computer or on a computer network, a computer program comprising program means according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the program means are stored on a storage medium readable to a computer, a storage medium, wherein a data structure is stored on the storage medium and wherein the data structure is adapted to perform the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description after having been loaded into a main and/or working storage of a computer or of a computer network, and a computer program product having program code means, wherein the program code means can be stored or are stored on a storage medium, for performing the method according to one of the embodiments described in this description, if the program code means are executed on a computer or on a computer network.

As used herein, the terms “have”, “comprise” or “include” or any arbitrary grammatical variations thereof are used in a non-exclusive way. Thus, these terms may both refer to a situation in which, besides the feature introduced by these terms, no further features are present in the entity described in this context and to a situation in which one or more further features are present. As an example, the expressions “A has B”, “A comprises B” and “A includes B” may both refer to a situation in which, besides B, no other element is present in A (i.e. a situation in which A solely and exclusively consists of B) and to a situation in which, besides B, one or more further elements are present in entity A, such as element C, elements C and D or even further elements.

Further, it shall be noted that the terms “at least one”, “one or more” or similar expressions indicating that a feature or element may be present once or more than once typically are used only once when introducing the respective feature or element. In most cases, when referring to the respective feature or element, the expressions “at least one” or “one or more” are not repeated, notwithstanding the fact that the respective feature or element may be present once or more than once.

Further, as used herein, the terms "preferably", "more preferably", "particularly", "more particularly", "specifically", "more specifically" or similar terms are used in conjunction with optional features, without restricting alternative possibilities. Thus, features introduced by these terms are optional features and are not intended to restrict the scope of the claims in any way. The invention may, as the skilled person will recognize, be performed by using alternative features. Similarly, features introduced by "in an embodiment of the invention" or similar expressions are intended to be optional features, without any restriction regarding alternative embodiments of the invention, without any restrictions regarding the scope of the invention and without any restriction regarding the possibility of combining the features introduced in such way with other optional or non-optional features of the invention.

Further, as used herein, the terms ‘first” and “second” are intended to distinguish between constructional members and features, respectively. It is explicitly stated that these terms are not intended to define a certain order or importance. Further, as used herein, the terms "upper", "lower", “top”, “bottom” or similar terms as used herein refer to an orientation with respect to a direction of gravity in a state of use or ready to use of the reactor device.

Further, as used herein, the reference to any standard refers to the respective standard applicable at the filing date of the present patent application unless otherwise stated. For example, if reference is made to DIN EN 10027, reference is made to the version of this standard applicable at the filing date of the present patent application unless otherwise stated.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following set of embodiments and combinations of embodiments resulting from the dependencies and back-references as indicated. In particular, it is noted that in each instance where a range of embodiments is mentioned, for example in the context of a term such as "The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 4", every embodiment in this range is meant to be explicitly disclosed for the skilled person, i.e. the wording of this term is to be understood by the skilled person as being synonymous to "The method of any one of embodiments 1 , 2, 3, and 4". Further, it is explicitly noted that the following set of embodiments is not the set of claims determining the extent of protection, but represents a suitably structured part of the description directed to general and preferred aspects of the present invention. Summarizing and without excluding further possible embodiments, the following embodiments may be envisaged:

1 . A reactor device comprising a first reactor body, wherein the first reactor body defines a first inner volume, wherein the first reactor body includes a first inlet, a first outlet, a tube member and at least one grid arranged in the first inner volume, wherein the at least one grid at least partially surrounds the tube member in a circumferential direction of the tube member, wherein the at least one grid is configured for supporting at least one type of catalyst, wherein the first inlet is configured for supplying a reaction fluid to the first inner volume, wherein the first outlet is configured for discharging reacted reaction fluid from the first inner volume, and a second reactor body, wherein the second reactor body defines a second inner volume, wherein the second reactor body encloses the first reactor body, wherein the second reactor body includes a heating member arranged in the second inner volume, wherein the heating member is configured for heating the first inner volume.

2. The reactor device according to embodiment 1 , wherein the first reactor body is configured to be filled with a first fluid at a first predetermined pressure, wherein the second reactor body is configured to be filled with a second fluid at a second predetermined pressure, wherein the first fluid is the reaction fluid.

3. The reactor device according to embodiment 2, wherein the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are substantially identical. 4. The reactor device according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the first fluid is a first gas and the second fluid is a second gas.

5. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 2 to 4, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are different.

6. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first reactor body is at least partially made of a first material being resistant to a temperature in a range of 750°C to 1500°C, preferably 775°C to 1450°C, more preferably 800°C to 1400°C, wherein the second reactor body is at least partially made of a second material being resistant to a pressure in a range of 15 bar to 100 bar, preferably 20 bar to 95 bar, more preferably 25 bar to 90 bar.

7. The reactor device according to embodiment 6, wherein the first material is steel 1.4571 according to DIN EN 10027, wherein the second material is steel 1.4541 according to DIN EN 10027.

8. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the first reactor body is formed as a cylinder having an upper dome and a lower dome.

9. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8, wherein the first reactor body is made at least of an upper reactor body portion and a lower reactor body portion permanently fixed together.

10. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the second reactor body comprises a center wall portion, a top cover portion and a bottom cover portion defining the second inner volume.

11 . The reactor device according to embodiment 10, wherein the top cover portion and the bottom cover portion are fixed to the center wall portion.

12. The reactor device according to embodiment 11 , wherein the top cover portion and/or the bottom cover portion are releasably fixed to the center wall portion.

13. The reactor device according to embodiment 12, wherein the center wall portion comprises an upper flange portion and/or a lower flange portion, wherein the top cover portion is releasably fixed to the upper flange portion and/or the bottom cover portion is releasably fixed to the lower flange portion.

14. The reactor device according to embodiment 13, wherein the top cover portion and/or the bottom cover portion is formed as a blind flange. 15. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 10 to 14, wherein the second reactor body comprises a thermal insulation member, wherein the thermal insulation member is arranged between the center wall portion, the top cover portion, the bottom cover portion and the heating member.

16. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, further comprising a cooling device configured for cooling the second reactor body.

17. The reactor device according to embodiment 16, wherein the cooling device comprises a heat exchanger integrated into the second reactor body.

18. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the tube member is cylindrically shaped.

19. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the first inlet comprises a nozzle facing a lower end of the tube member.

20. The reactor device according to embodiment 19, wherein the first inlet comprises a first inlet line extending outside of the first reactor body and connected to the nozzle.

21 . The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the first outlet is arranged at a lower end of the first reactor body.

22. The reactor device according to embodiment 21 , wherein the first outlet comprises a first outlet line extending outside of the first reactor body and opening out into an outlet orifice at the lower end of the first reactor body.

23. The reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 22, further comprising at least one temperature sensor configured for detecting a temperature within the first inner volume.

24. The reactor device according to embodiment 23, further comprising a temperature sensor tube connected to an upper end of the first reactor body, wherein the temperature sensor is arranged within the temperature sensor tube.

25. A method for operating a reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, comprising the following steps: a) providing at least one type of catalyst at the at least one grid, b) pressurizing the first inner volume with a first predetermined pressure, c) pressurizing the second inner volume with a second predetermined pressure, wherein the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are substantially identical, d) heating the first inner volume up to a predetermined temperature, e) supplying a reaction fluid to the first inner volume when heated to the predetermined temperature such that the reaction fluid at least partially reacts at the catalyst, and f) discharging reacted reaction fluid from the first inner volume.

26. The method according to embodiment 25, further comprising filling the first reactor body with a first fluid at the first predetermined pressure, and filling the second reactor body with a second fluid at the second predetermined pressure, wherein the first fluid is the reaction fluid.

27. The method according to embodiment 26, wherein the first fluid is a first gas and the second fluid is a second gas.

28. The method according to embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are different.

29. The method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 28, wherein the predetermined temperature is in a range of 750°C to 1500°C, preferably 775°C to 1450°C, more preferably 800°C to 1400°C, wherein the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are in a range of 15 bar to 100 bar, preferably 20 bar to 95 bar, more preferably 25 bar to 90 bar.

30. The method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 29, further comprising cooling the second reactor body.

31 . The method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 30, further comprising acquiring reaction kinetic information on the reaction of the reaction fluid.

32. The method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 31 , wherein the method is computer-implemented.

33. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, cause the reactor device to perform the method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 32.

34. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the reactor device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, cause the reactor device to perform the method according to any one of embodiments 25 to 32.

Short description of the Figures

Further optional features and embodiments will be disclosed in more detail in the subsequent description of embodiments, preferably in conjunction with the dependent claims. Therein, the respective optional features may be realized in an isolated fashion as well as in any arbitrary feasible combination, as the skilled person will realize. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the preferred embodiments. The embodiments are schematically depicted in the Figures. Therein, identical reference numbers in these Figures refer to identical or functionally comparable elements.

In the Figures:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a reactor device according to the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a top view of the reactor device;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a top view of a center wall portion of the second reactor body;

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 4;

Figure 6 shows a top view of a top cover portion of the second reactor body;

Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 6;

Figure 8 shows a top view of a bottom cover portion of the second reactor body;

Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a top view of the first reactor body;

Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an upper reactor body portion of the first reactor body;

Figure 13 shows a top view of a tube member and a lower grid of the first reactor body;

Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 13;

Figure 15 shows a top view of an upper grid of the first reactor body;

Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a top view of a nozzle of the first inlet; and Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 17.

Detailed description of the embodiments

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a reactor device 100 according to the present invention. The reactor device 100 is particularly configured for the determination of kinetic information about reactions. As shown in Figure 1 , the reactor device 100 is shaped substantially rotationally symmetrically.

Figure 2 shows a top view of the reactor device 100. Concerning the top view, the reactor device has a circular shape.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the reactor device 100 comprises a first reactor body 102. The first reactor body 102 defines a first inner volume 104. The first reactor body includes a first inlet 106, a first outlet 108, a tube member 110 and at least one grid 112 arranged in the first inner volume 104. The at least one grid 112 at least partially surrounds the tube member 110 in a circumferential direction of the tube member 110. In the shown embodiment, the at least one grid 112 completely surrounds the tube member 110 in a circumferential direction of the tube member 110. The at least one grid 112 is configured for supporting at least one type of catalyst. The first inlet 106 is configured for supplying a reaction fluid to the first inner volume 104. The first outlet 108 is configured for discharging reacted reaction fluid from the first inner volume 104. Further details of the first reactor body 102 will be given with reference to Figures 10 to 18.

As shown in Figure 3, the reactor device 100 comprises a second reactor body 114. The second reactor body 114 defines a second inner volume 116. The second reactor body 114 encloses the first reactor body 102. With other words, the first reactor body 102 is at least partially arranged within the second inner volume 116. The second reactor body 114 comprises a center wall portion 118. The second reactor body 114 comprises a second inlet 119 configured for supplying a second fluid to the second inner volume 116.

Figure 4 shows a top view of the center wall portion 118 of the second reactor body 114. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 4. The center wall portion 118 comprises an upper flange portion 120 and/or a lower flange portion 122. In the shown embodiment, the center wall portion 118 comprises an upper flange portion 120 and a lower flange portion 122. Further, the center wall portion 118 comprises a cylindrical wall portion 124 sandwiched between the upper flange portion 120 and a lower flange portion 122. The center wall portion 118 comprises a height 126 slightly larger than an inner diameter 128 thereof in the present embodiment. Generally, the height 126 may be designed relative to the inner diameter 128 by a ratio of 0.9 to 1 .8 : 1 such as 1 .15 : 1 . The upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122 each comprise an outer diameter 130 larger than the height 126. In the shown embodiment, the outer diameter 130 of the upper flange portion 120 and the outer diameter 130 of the lower flange portion 122 is identical, while it has to be noted that they may be different. Further, the upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122 each comprise through holes 132. In the shown embodiment, the upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122 each comprise 12 through holes 132 which are equidistantly arranged or spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction adjacent an outer periphery of the upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122.

As is further shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second reactor body 114 further comprises a top cover portion 134 and a bottom cover portion 136. The center wall portion 118, the top cover portion 134 and the bottom cover portion 136 define the second inner volume 116.

Figure 6 shows a top view of the top cover portion 134 of the second reactor body 114. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 6. As is shown in Figures 6 and 7, the top cover portion 134 is substantially disc shaped, i.e. comprises a circular cross-section. The top cover portion 134 is formed as a blind flange. An outer diameter 138 of the top cover portion 134 corresponds to or is identical to the outer diameter 130 of the upper flange portion 120 and incidentally but not necessarily the lower flange portion 122. With other words, the upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122 may have identical or different dimensions depending on the respective application and constructional prerequisites. The lower flange portion 122 may even be omitted. The outer diameter 138 of the top cover portion 134 is significantly larger than a height 140 thereof. Particularly, the outer diameter 138 is larger than the height 140 by the factor 10.0 to 15.0 such as 11.5. Further, the top cover portion 134 comprises through holes 142. In the shown embodiment, the top cover portion 134 comprises 12 through holes 142 which are equidistantly arranged or spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction adjacent an outer periphery of the top cover portion 134. Further, the top cover portion 134 comprises line through holes 144 in a central or middle area thereof which will be explained in further detail below.

Figure 8 shows a top view of the bottom cover portion 136 of the second reactor body 114. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 8. As is shown in Figures 8 and 9, the bottom cover portion 136 is substantially disc shaped, i.e. comprises a circular crosssection. The bottom cover portion 136 is formed as a blind flange. An outer diameter 146 of the bottom cover portion 136 corresponds to or is identical to the outer diameter 130 of incidentally but not necessarily the upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122. With other words, the upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122 may have identical or different dimensions depending on the respective application and constructional prerequisites. The lower flange portion 122 may even be omitted. The outer diameter 146 of the bottom cover portion 136 is significantly larger than a height 148 thereof. Particularly, the outer diameter 146 is larger than the height 148 by the factor 10.0 to 15.0 such as 11.5. Further, the bottom cover portion 136 comprises through holes 150. In the shown embodiment, the bottom cover portion 136 comprises 12 through holes 150 which are equidistantly arranged or spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction adjacent an outer periphery of the bottom cover portion 136. As is further shown in Figures 1 to 3, the top cover portion 134 and the bottom cover portion 136 are fixed to the center wall portion 118. Particularly, the top cover portion 134 and the bottom cover portion 136 are releasably fixed to the center wall portion 118. More particularly, the top cover portion 134 is releasably fixed to the upper flange portion 120 and the bottom cover portion 136 is releasably fixed to the lower flange portion 122. For this purpose, screws 152 are inserted into the through holes 144 of the top cover portion 134 and the through holes 132 of the upper flange portion 120 so as to extend therethrough and are fixed by means of nuts 154. Further, screws 153 are inserted into the through holes 150 of the bottom cover portion 136 and the through holes 132 of the lower flange portion 122 so as to extend therethrough and are fixed by means of nuts 155. It has to be noted that the screws 152 used for the top cover portion 134 and the screws 153 used for the bottom cover portion 136 may be identical but they do not need to be identical. Similarly, the nuts 154 used for the top cover portion 134 and the nuts 155 used for the bottom cover portion 136 may be identical but they do not need to be identical.

The second reactor body 114 further includes a heating member 156 arranged in the second inner volume 116. The heating member 156 is configured for heating the first inner volume 104. For example, the heating member 156 comprises a plurality of heating rods 158 arranged in a circumferential direction around the first reactor body 102. The second reactor body 114 further comprises a thermal insulation member 160. The thermal insulation member 160 is arranged between the center wall portionl 18, the top cover portion 134, the bottom cover portion 136 and the heating member 156. Optionally, a protective tube (not shown in detail) may externally surround the heating member 156 to provide stabilization and to physically separate this from the thermal insulation member 160. Optionally, the reactor device 100 may further comprise a cooling device (not shown in detail) configured for cooling the second reactor body 114. The cooling device may comprise a heat exchanger integrated into the second reactor body 114.

Figure 10 shows a top view of the first reactor body 102. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of Figure 10. As shown particularly in Figure 11 , the first reactor body 102 is formed as a cylinder 162 having an upper dome 164 and a lower dome 166. The first reactor body 102 has a height 168 larger than an inner diameter 170 thereof. Particularly, the height 168 is larger than the inner diameter 170 by the factor 1 .2 to 3.0 such as 1.60 or 1 .70. The tube member 110 has a length 172 larger than an inner diameter 174 thereof. Particularly, the length 172 is larger than the inner diameter 174 by the factor 2.5 to 6.0 such as 3.0. Further, the height 168 of the first reactor body 102 is larger than the length 172 by the factor 1.2 to 3.0 such as 1 .60 or 1.70. The tube member 110 is arranged centrally within the first inner volume 104 so as to extend parallel to a direction of the height 168 of the first reactor body 102.

The first reactor body 102 is made at least of an upper reactor body portion 176 and a lower reactor body portion 178. Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the upper reactor body portion 176 of the first reactor body 102. The lower reactor body portion 178 is formed identical to the upper reactor body portion 176. Thus, the following explanations concerning the upper reactor body portion 176 correspondingly apply to the lower reactor body portion 178. The upper reactor body portion 176 and the lower reactor body portion 178 are permanently fixed to one another. Particularly, the upper reactor body portion 176 and the lower reactor body portion 178 are welded or fixed by lasing together so as to close the first reactor body 102. For this reason, the upper reactor body portion 176 and the lower reactor body portion 178 have a slight welding lip or burr at their joining surface. In this way, the first reactor body can be sealed without needing additional flanges, bolts or sealing surfaces. The first reactor body 102 is in this way a “oneway” item, which must be cut open at the end of its lifetime to remove the catalyst particles. The upper dome 164 is curved so as to have a radius 180 identical to or only slightly different from the inner diameter 170 of the first reactor body 102. Particularly, a ratio of the radius 180 and the inner diameter 170 of the first reactor body 102 may be in a range of 1 : 1.2 to 1 : 1 .0 such as 1 .02 : 1 .

As mentioned above, the first reactor body 102 comprises at least one grid 112 arranged in the first inner volume 104. In the shown embodiment, the first reactor body 102 comprises two grids 112 arranged in the first inner volume 104. The grids 112 are axially spaced apart from one another along a direction of the length 172 of the tube member 110. Thus, the grids may be identified as upper grid 112 and lower grid 112.

Figure 13 shows a top view of a tube member 110 and the lower grid 112 of the first reactor body 102. Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of Figure 13. The lower grid 112 has a flat, circular or ring shape. The grid 112 has a central orifice 182 configured for allowing insertion of the tube member 110. Particularly, the inner diameter 184 of the central orifice 182 is adapted to the outer diameter 186 of the tube member 110 so as to rigidly engage the tube member 110. The lower grid 112 and the tube member 110 may be welded together for reasons of stability. The lower grid 112 comprises a plurality of openings 188. The openings 188 are arranged as a pattern of concentric rings. Further, the openings 188 of adjacent concentric rings are shifted in a circumferential direction relative to one another. Further, the opening area of the openings 188 increases in a radial outward direction. With other words, the opening area of the openings 188 is the higher the radially outer the respective openings 188 are located. Further, an outer diameter 190 of the lower grid 112 is adapted or corresponds to the inner diameter 170 of the first reactor body 102. Further, the lower grid 112 comprises angled legs 192 such as three angled legs 192. The angled legs 192 protrude from the lower grid 112 and allow the lower grid 112 to rest or support at the lower dome 166 of the first reactor body 102 as shown in Figure 11 .

Figure 15 shows a top view of the upper grid 112 of the first reactor body 102. Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of Figure 15. The upper grid 112 is formed substantially identical to the lower grid 112 such that only the differences from the lower grid 112 will be described and like constructional members are indicated by like reference numerals. Rather than angled legs 192, the upper grid 112 comprises straight legs or struts 194 such as three straight legs or struts 194. The straight legs or struts 194 protrude from the upper grid 112 and allow the upper grid 112 to rest or support at the upper dome 164 of the first reactor body 102. Thus, the straight legs or struts 194 have a stabilizing function. As is further shown in Figure 11 , the first inlet 106 comprises a nozzle 196 facing a lower end 198 of the tube member 110. For this purpose, the nozzle 196 is arranged at a lower end 200 of the first reactor body 102. Figure 17 shows a top view of the nozzle 196 of the first inlet 106. Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of Figure 17. As is particularly shown in Figure 18, the nozzle 196 gradually narrows towards its leading end 202 such as at an apex angle a of 25° to 45° such as 30°. Thereby, the nozzle 196 gradually narrows or reduces such that an inner diameter 204 at the leading end 202 being approximately a quarter of an inner diameter 206 at its rear end 208.

As is further shown in Figure 11 , the first inlet 106 comprises a first inlet line 210 extending outside of the first reactor body 102 and connected to the nozzle 196. The first inlet line 210 further extends through one of the line through holes 144 of the top cover portion 134 of the second reactor body 114. As is further shown in Figure 11 , the first outlet 108 is arranged at the lower end 200 of the first reactor body 102. The first outlet 108 is arranged adjacent to the first inlet 106 but laterally shifted or spaced apart therefrom. The first outlet 108 comprises a first outlet line 212 extending outside of the first reactor body 102 and opening out into an outlet orifice 214 at the lower end 200 of the first reactor body 102. The first inlet line 210 further extends through one of the line through holes 144 of the top cover portion 134 of the second reactor body 114.

The reactor device further comprises at least one temperature sensor 216 configured for detecting a temperature within the first inner volume 104. The reactor device 100 further comprises a temperature sensor tube 218 connected to an upper end 220 of the first reactor body 102. The temperature sensor tube 218 further extends through one of the line through holes 144 of the top cover portion 134 of the second reactor body 114. The temperature sensor 216 is arranged within the temperature sensor tube 218. Needless to say, other or further temperature sensors may be present for controlling the set temperature and also for safety considerations. For example, further temperature sensors may extend through the bottom cover portion 136.

The first reactor body 102 is at least partially and preferably completely made of a first material being resistant to a temperature in a range of 750°C to 1500°C. In the shown embodiment, the first material is steel 1.4571 according to DIN EN 10027. The second reactor body 114 is at least partially and preferably completely made of a second material being resistant to a pressure in a range of 15 bar to 100 bar. In the shown embodiment, the second material is steel 1 .4541 according to DIN EN 10027. Further, the first reactor body 102 is configured to be filled with a first fluid at a first predetermined pressure and the second reactor body 114 is configured to be filled with a second fluid at a second predetermined pressure. It has to be noted that the reaction fluid is the first fluid and vice versa, respectively. The first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are substantially identical. Preferably, the first fluid is a first gas and the second fluid is a second gas. Preferably, the first fluid and the second fluid are different. Particularly, the first fluid can be whatever the reaction intended to be carried out within the first reactor body 102 requires. The second fluid can only be an inert gas such as N2, He, Ar, or air. The first fluid and the second fluid may be supplied from a first reservoir and a second fluid reservoir (not shown in detail).

Hereinafter, operation of the reactor device 100 will be explained. The method for operating the reactor device 100 may be computer-implemented, i.e. may be carried out under control of a computer or computer system. The first reactor body 102 is assembled outside of the second reactor body 114 by combining sequentially: a) the lower reactor body portion 178 with the first inlet 106, the nozzle 196 and the first outlet 108 all attached, b) the tube member 110 with the supporting angled legs 192 and the lower grid 112, c) at least one type of catalyst particles is provided on the lower grid 112, d) the upper grid 112 with the stabilizing straight struts 194, e) the upper reactor body portion 176 with temperature sensor tube 218 attached. The upper stabilizing struts 194 are variable in length as they can be cut to allow the stabilization of different catalyst filling heights. The upper reactor body portion 176 and the lower reactor body portion 178 are then welded or lasered together so as to close the first reactor body 102. For this reason, the upper reactor body portion 176 and the lower reactor body portion 178 have a slight welding lip or burr at their joining surface. In this way, the first reactor body can be sealed without needing additional flanges, bolts or sealing surfaces. The first reactor body 102 is in this way a “one-way” item, which must be cut open at the end of its lifetime to remove the catalyst particles.

Then, the first reactor body 102 is disposed within the center wall portion 118 of the second reactor body 114 including the heating member 156. Subsequently, the center wall portion 118 of the second reactor body 114 is closed by the top cover portion 134 and/or the bottom cover portion 136 by screwing them to the upper flange portion 120 and the lower flange portion 122 by means of the screws 152, 153 and nuts 154, 155. The first inlet line 210, the first outlet line 212 and the temperature sensor tube 218 thereby extend through the through holes 144 of the top cover portion 134.

The first inner volume 104 is pressurized with a first predetermined pressure and the second inner volume is pressurized with a second predetermined pressure. For this purpose, the first reactor body 102 is filled or supplied with a reaction fluid, which is used as a first fluid, at the first predetermined pressure and the second reactor body 114 is filled or supplied with a second fluid at the second predetermined pressure. The first fluid is a first gas and the second fluid is a second gas. The first fluid and the second fluid are different. The first fluid can be whatever the reaction requires. The second fluid can only be an inert gas such as N2, He, Ar, or air. The first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are in a range of 15 bar to 100 bar depending on the respective intended chemical reaction. Particularly, the first predetermined pressure and the second predetermined pressure are substantially identical. Thus, at both sides of the walls of the first reactor body 102 identical pressures are present and no pressure difference exists across the walls of the first reactor body 102. Further, the first inner volume 104 is heated up to a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is in a range of 750°C to 1500°C depending on the respective intended chemical reaction. The temperature is detected by means of the at least one temperature sensor 216. When the first inner volume 104 is heated to the predetermined temperature, the reaction fluid may be supplied to the first inner volume 104 by means of the first inlet 106 such that the reaction fluid at least partially reacts at the catalyst. The supply of the reaction fluid may be carried out at the first predetermined pressure so as to pressurize the first inner volume 104. The second fluid is supplied to the second inner volume 116 by means of the second inlet 119. Particularly, the reaction fluid is supplied through the nozzle 196 facing the lower end 198 of the tube member 110, flows through the tube member 110 leaves the tube member 110 at the opposite end, flows through the grid(s) 112 carrying the catalyst and re-enters the tube member 110 at the lower end 198. Thereby, a circulation flow of the reaction fluid is provided. During this circulation, the reaction fluid carries out a chemical reaction at the catalyst. Finally, reacted reaction fluid is discharged from the first inner volume 104 by means of the outlet 108. Optionally, the second reactor body 114 may be cooled. The method may be used for acquiring reaction kinetic information on the reaction of the reaction fluid. For example, reacted reaction fluid may be analyzed

Cited literature

- DE 202014 006 675 U1

- DE 102019207 565 A1

List of reference numbers reactor device first reactor body first inner volume first inlet first outlet tube member grid second reactor body second inner volume center wall portion second inlet upper flange portion lower flange portion cylindrical wall portion height of center wall portion inner diameter of center wall portion outer diameter of upper I lower flange portion through holes of upper I lower flange portion top cover portion bottom cover portion outer diameter of top cover portion height of top cover portion through hole of top cover portion line through hole of top cover portion outer diameter of bottom cover portion height of bottom cover portion through hole of bottom cover portion screw screw nut nut heating member heating rod insulation member cylinder upper dome lower dome height of first reactor body inner diameter of first reactor body length of tube member inner diameter of tube member upper reactor body portion lower reactor body portion radius of upper dome central orifice inner diameter of central orifice outer diameter of tube member opening outer diameter of grid angled leg straight leg or strut nozzle lower end of tube member lower end of first reactor body leading end of nozzle inner diameter at leading end inner diameter at rear end rear end of nozzle first inlet line first outlet line outlet orifice temperature sensor temperature sensor tube upper end of first reactor body