DE102006010368A1 - Reactor for carrying out chemical reactions with heat exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a reactor for carrying out chemical reactions with heat exchange, comprising a plurality of alternating reaction (3) and heat transport spaces (4) separated from one another by sheets (5), the reaction spaces (3) being each made up of two sheets (5 ) are limited, which are held at a defined distance from one another by a plurality of spacers (1) distributed over the surface of the sheets (5), without being firmly connected to one another via the spacers (1), and a method for carrying out a chemical, especially strongly exothermic reaction in the reactor according to the invention.

Description

The The present invention relates to a reactor, in particular a Plate reactor for carrying of reactions with heat exchange. These are preferably heterogeneously catalyzed, strong exothermic or endothermic gas phase reactions. Furthermore the invention a method for carrying out such chemical reactions in the reactor according to the invention.

at the reactor according to the invention the width of the reaction space can be set very precisely, whereby a very even flow distribution and thus a uniform residence time behavior can be realized. About that In addition, the reactor according to the invention in particular for implementation suitable for chemical reactions under conditions in which the reactant mixture is explosive. For reliable handling of explosive gas mixtures it is necessary that on the one hand the Reaction space is formed by a narrow gap, which acts as a flame arrester, causing a propagation of an explosion or even ignition of the Gas mixture can be avoided, and on the other hand, the reaction gap very precise must be adjusted to ensure a uniform flow distribution.

plate reactors with a plurality of mutually separated by sheets alternately arranged reaction and heat transport spaces are known from the prior art. In DE-A-198 48 208 and DE-A-197 54 185 plate reactors are described in which a plurality of pillow-like thermo modules arranged at a distance from each other are, within the thermal modules, the heat exchange medium flows and between the thermo modules a catalyst bed is arranged. Between the individual thermo modules are not provided spacers.

DE-A-100 42,746 describes in one embodiment a plate reactor with stacked arranged thermal modules, wherein the reaction gap between two Thermal modules by spacers in the edge region of the modules outside the Reaction space is determined. These embodiments of the prior Technique have the disadvantage that, especially at small module distances, such she for the implementation of explosive gas mixtures for safety reasons necessary and especially for modules with larger dimensions no precise, in particular constant adjustment of the module distance over the Total module surface possible is.

Out EP-A-1 621 250 discloses a plate reactor in which pillow-shaped thermomodules stacked are arranged and guided in lateral grooves. The heat exchange agent flows inside the thermo modules and between the thermo modules is one catalyst bed arranged. According to one embodiment can over the area of the Thermomodule spacers in the form of cylinders through which a Fastening bolt is pushed, are introduced, the distance of the Correspond to thermocouples. For this purpose must in the thermocouples holes for the Carrying out the Bolts are provided, which in particular when using thermo modules with plane-parallel sheets to an increased sealing effort over the Heat exchange space leads. Furthermore, the production of such a plate reactor is very consuming, as the holes to carry out The bolt must be made with extremely tight tolerances.

DE-A-103 17,451 discloses plate reactors in which the reaction gap by spacers in the form of webs between two adjacent plates is defined. Here are the webs as integral parts formed of the plates and the plates connected to each other via the webs.

These embodiment requires complex and expensive manufacturing processes. Furthermore throw such joined Reactors additional Problems with the coating of the walls of the reaction space with Catalysts on. Done the addition before coating, only coating processes are closed Structures such as e.g. Washcoat procedure available. These are for setting precise layer thicknesses, not suitable both axially and laterally to the flow direction. The layer thickness is usually limited to areas under 100 microns. If the coating of the catalyst before the joining, is the prepared Catalyst in the subsequent coincidence usually considerably thermally and mechanically loaded. For many Catalysts are expected to cause damage.

One Another significant disadvantage of internally joined reactors is their non-reusability after deactivation of the catalyst. The recovery and recycling from e.g. noble metal-containing catalysts is also extremely expensive.

EP-A-1 234 617 describes plate reactors with reaction and heat transfer spaces separated from one another by thermoplates, in which the catalyst is applied in the form of a thin layer on at least part of the entire surface of the thermoplates which faces the reaction space. According to one embodiment, a corrugated module is introduced into the reaction space. From the description it can only be seen that this increases the catalyst area per volume shall be. There is no question of setting a defined distance between two plates. This is also not possible because such corrugated structures can easily be deformed under pressure, resulting in undesirable catalyst flaking. To act as a spacer such corrugated modules would have to be made very solid in order to resist deformation. However, this makes large thermal module spacings necessary, as a result of which the heat exchange surface area, based on the volume of the reaction chamber, is reduced, since the corrugated module itself is not in contact with a heat transfer medium. Then the reactor is no longer suitable for controlling highly exothermic reactions.

Therefore It is an object of the present invention to provide a reactor with a Plural of mutually separated by sheets alternately arranged Reaction and heat transport spaces with narrower Tolerance of the gap width of the reaction space over the entire surface of the Reaction space, especially at very small gap widths and large exchange surfaces in manufacturing technology easier way available by operating strongly exothermic reaction safely can and chemical reactions can be performed under condition where the reactant mixture is explosive. Furthermore, should at reaction spaces with catalyst coating a simple production without thermal or mechanical stress of the catalyst and reusability the reactor at spent catalyst coating and simple reclamation be possible of noble metal-containing catalyst coatings.

These Task is through a reactor to carry out chemical reactions with heat exchange, comprising a plurality of plates separated from each other by sheets, dissolved arranged reaction and heat transport spaces, wherein the reaction rooms are limited by two sheets, which by a plurality from above the area of the plates distributed spacer body in defined distance to each other without being over the spacer body to be firmly connected with each other. According to a preferred embodiment of the reactor according to the invention are prefabricated thermal modules, which limited the two sheets Heat transfer space form, stack-shaped arranged and are by the spacer body in the defined distance held to each other, whereby between two sheets adjacent Thermomodule the reaction space is formed. Since the the reaction room forming sheets not over the spacers are firmly connected to each other, the sheets or thermo modules and the spacers independently be made of each other in a simple manner with high dimensional accuracy. Since the distance of the reaction spaces forming sheets by Dimension of the spacer body is defined, leaves In a simple way, a very small tolerance of the reaction space across the Gesamtaustauscherfläche realize. Since the reaction chamber forming sheets do not have the spacer body connected with each other, that does not apply Joining the sheets together or with the spacer bodies, e.g. by thermal processes, such as soldering or welding. that is, A catalyst coating can be easily assembled before assembly of the reactor on the sheets on the reaction space facing Side can be applied without the assembly of the reactor the catalyst by thermal or mechanical stress adversely changed becomes.

Farther allows the use of spacers, not connected to the reaction space forming sheets are the use of prefabricated thermal modules that are in easier Way with catalyst can be coated and then with the help of spacer body at a defined distance from each other to form a reactor can be. The thermo modules are preferably detachably connected to one another in this way, that the reaction spaces with the exception of openings for the Inlet and outlet of the reaction media are sealed to the outside. That in a preferred embodiment can the connection points of the thermal modules by suitable separation methods opened again become. Thus, after deactivation of the catalyst, the reactor in a simple way disassembled into the individual thermo modules resulting in both reuse of the thermo modules after renewal the catalyst layer, as well as a simple recovery of Precious metals from noble metal-containing catalysts allows.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the spacer bodies are arranged in opposing depressions in the plates bounding a reaction space. It is particularly advantageous if the size and geometry of the recess and arranged therein spacer body are coordinated to give a conclusive or flexible fit. This embodiment leads to a significantly simplified assembly of the reactor according to the invention. Thus, for example, the spacers can be temporarily fixed in the depressions of a sheet bounding the reaction space, for example by a wax, and the second sheet bounding the reaction space can be simply placed on the spacers. It is particularly advantageous if the spacer body is a rolling element, for example, has the geometry of a ball or a cylinder, and the recesses in the opposite sheets have a corresponding geometry, such as For example, plate or shell-shaped geometry in the event that the spacer body is a ball. Then the second plate does not have to be aligned accurately, but can simply be placed on the spacer body and then brought by sliding or rolling in the intended position. Furthermore, the use of rolling elements as a spacer allows a slight displacement of the plates into each other, which, for example, thermal stresses can be reduced. The geometry and size of recesses of spacers is matched to each other, so that a defined distance between the, forming the reaction space sheets, arises. In this case, as mentioned above, there is a practically conclusive fit, for example a ball as a spacer body with a cup-shaped recess, shell and ball have approximately the same radius or the fit can be flexible, if, for example, a ball with a dish-shaped recess, ie the radius the depression is much larger than that of the sphere used. Flexible fits offer the advantage of increased mobility of the plates against each other, for example, to reduce thermal stresses. However, then the distance of the reaction space forming plates is no longer clearly defined. Alternatively, the spacers may also have the geometry of a cuboid. In the extreme case, a cuboidal embodiment can consist of extended strips which can measure the entire reaction space and which can then form reaction channels, for example, for which sealing with one another is not absolutely necessary.

Around exploiting the advantages of the present invention discussed above, is a double-sided connection-free arrangement of the spacer body between the, the reaction space forming sheets preferred. But it is also possible, the spacers permanently on a sheet over a suitable joining method to connect and only the contact to the opposite sheet flexible to design. The spacers between the sheets usually take over no sealing function. A force transfer via the spacer body is usually carried out only as far as he is responsible for a bias of the reactor for pressure stabilization necessary is.

As already mentioned at the beginning, is in a preferred embodiment of the present invention Invention of the reactor from a stack of pressure-resistant and rigid Thermomodules together. The distance between each two thermal modules is through spacers defined, which preferably in each wells of two opposite thermo modules lie. The gap between two thermo modules forms the reaction space, during the Heat transfer inside led the thermo module becomes.

One Thermomodule consists of two sheets, which are preferably plane-parallel are arranged at a defined distance from each other. The fat of the sheets is preferably in a range between 0.5 and 2 mm. In the context of the present invention, the term "sheet" for a sheet material used that the required thermal conductivity and having the required mechanical and thermal stability. Within these limits, the material of the sheets is freely selectable and is preferably a metal, with steel and aluminum, in particular Stainless steel, is particularly preferred. The sheets are essentially but in the preferred embodiment discussed above, e.g. by embossing formed structures, wherein the elevation of a structure in the direction the other, the thermo module forming sheet is addressed and the Humiliation of this structure, the above in connection with a preferred embodiment discussed depression forms. The shape of the structure can be as above discussed having different geometries. It is preferred Geometries for to select the structures formed by forming processes, e.g. Embossing very precise, easy and cost-effective can be made. The depth of the structures is preferably 0.1 to 10 mm. As already mentioned, cylindrical are preferred plate, cup to almost hemispherical or rectangular structures. Particularly preferred are plate, shell to almost hemispherical structures, then preferably with spherical spacer bodies used together.

The inward elevations of at least one embossed structure of a sheet metal can, but must not, with the base or with a survey of an embossed structure the other, the thermo module forming sheet in contact. The two, a thermo module forming sheets can then in one embodiment on the Contact point (s) preferably by soldering, welding, gluing or riveting together be connected.

The internal structure of the thermomodules, which goes beyond the embossing, can in principle be freely selected. It makes sense to use structures that allow an effective and even heat exchange with the reaction chamber and ensure mechanical stability. In a preferred embodiment, the thermal modules have further internal structural elements. These are spacers, such as cylindrical or cuboid, prefabricated body, which are positioned in a suitable form evenly in the space between the sheets. The height of these spacers is equal to or greater than the minimum distance defined by the embossing pattern. An arrangement in the form of laterally limited channels is conceivable, but not required. The spacers inside the thermo modules are by suitable joining procedures, such as welding, soldering, gluing or riveting, connected to both sheets. The function of the spacers within the thermal modules consists in the additional mechanical stabilization and the appropriate guidance of the heat carrier.

The Location and size of the individual embossed structures and optional spacer, based on the expected Pressure differences, calculated between process and heat carrier side. Become Used spacers, the density of embossed structures can be significantly reduced become. Usually are all reaction spaces within the reactor according to the invention, or all heat transport spaces, respectively at the same pressure level.

Farther becomes the preferred thermo-module according to the present invention in the periphery by a suitable operation, e.g. reshape the plate edges or inserting strips in combination with a joining process, like welding or soldering, permanently sealed. In a particularly preferred embodiment become the sheet edges laterally moved so that they in the subsequent assembly to Thermo module already form the lateral boundary and connected by welding and can be sealed. But it is also a seal by pressing against a seal possible, this is preferably before joining the embossing and spacer structures. The finished and joined sealed thermo module is thus a stable, rigid and stable pressure-tight sandwich. It is able to absorb excess pressures from the process or heat transfer medium without being deformed. Through two or more recesses the circumferential seal ensures the inflow and outflow of heat transfer medium. The distribution of the heat carrier inside of the thermo module can preferably be uniform and is characterized by a suitable positioning and design of the embossed structures as well the optional spacer and the location of the inlet and outlet points reached. Alternatively, though also areas of different temperature in the thermo modules by appropriate distribution of the heat carrier and / or arrangement of a buildings be provided to adjust a particular temperature profile can.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus has a catalytic coating in the reaction space on. This is usually on both outer sides of the thermo module applied. But it is also possible that only one page of the thermo module carries a catalyst. One more way is that a suitably placed on the thermo module Sheet metal is coated, whereby then a positive, but not cohesive contact, between Catalyst layer and thermo module arises. An advantage of this embodiment is the easy separability of catalyst and thermomodule. The catalyst layer is chosen in thickness so that material and heat transport restriction significantly lower than in a conventional catalyst bed, on the other hand, however, sufficient catalyst per area is accommodated, one as possible economical embodiment to achieve. The layer thickness tolerance is low, preferably <15%. typical Layer thicknesses are between 50 microns and 2 mm, preferably between 200 μm and 1 mm. The layer has sufficient porosity to to ensure a good catalytic activity. Typical porosities are in the range 5-80 %. The coating preferably has recesses in the recesses on to allow direct contact of the spacer body with the sheet. The layer can be made by various known methods be such. spray on or spraying, screen printing, casting, knife coating or washcoating. The above optional recesses can be masked during coating be ensured. Alternatively, bodies can also be inserted into the depressions which are removed after coating.

• – Mischoxide, insbesondere: • Auf Basis Mo-V mit Zusatz von Promotoren • Auf Basis Mo-Bi mit Zusatz von Promotoren • Auf Basis V-P mit Zusatz von Promotoren • Auf Basis V-Sb mit Zusatz von Promotoren • Auf Basis Fe-Sb mit Zusatz von Promotoren
• – Übergangsmetalle bzw. Übergangsmetallverbindungen imprägniert auf keramische Träger, insbesondere • Edelmetalle auf Oxiden im wesentlichen des Al, Si, Ti und/oder Zr gegebenenfalls mit Zusatz von Promotoren • Elemente der Eisengruppe auf Oxiden im wesentlichen des Al, Si, Ti und/oder Zr gegebenenfalls mit Zusatz von Promotoren • Kupferchloride auf Oxiden im wesentlichen des Al, Si, Ti und/oder Zr gegebenenfalls mit Zusatz von Promotoren

The catalyst can be chosen freely according to the needs of the reaction, provided that a mechanically stable layer can be produced. Examples of possible catalysts include:

• - Mixed oxides, in particular: • Based on Mo-V with the addition of promoters • Based on Mo-Bi with the addition of promoters • Based on VP with the addition of promoters • Based on V-Sb with the addition of promoters • Based on Fe-Sb with Addition of promoters
• Transition metals or transition metal compounds impregnated on ceramic supports, in particular noble metals on oxides essentially of Al, Si, Ti and / or Zr optionally with addition of promoters elements of the iron group on oxides essentially of Al, Si, Ti and / or Zr optionally with addition of promoters • copper chlorides on oxides essentially of Al, Si, Ti and / or Zr, if appropriate with the addition of promoters

By applying the catalyst directly to the wall, and not as often described as a bed between the modules, a very intense heat transfer is ensured, which leads to defined thermal conditions in the reaction gap. The reactor can thus be thermally controlled very precisely. The optimal process point can be adjusted with regard to temperature, pressure and the stoichiometric (or superstoichiometric) educt ratios become. It can be used very highly active catalysts, since local overheating can be excluded. The distance between the two sheets forming the reaction space, for example the distance between two thermomodules and the catalyst layer thickness, if a catalyst coating is used, are preferably adjusted so that the free width of the reaction space is in the range from 20 to 3000 μm, preferably 300 to 1000 μm ,

The reaction spaces are outward sealed except for openings for the Inlet and outlet of the reaction media. Preference is given to the thermal modules along the outer edge joined by known methods such as welding or soldering. For example, bars can be used be inserted to bridge the gap distance, or the thermal modules already contain an element that has a conclusive connection to the neighboring Thermo module allowed. This joining can be at a sufficient distance from the optional catalyst layer be made to e.g. thermal damage to the catalyst too avoid. Alternatively, a gasket with pressure can be used. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus provides that the thermo modules will be that the joint be reopened between the modules by suitable separation methods can. This will ensure that the reactor is back up be used and the contained catalyst for reprocessing or disposal can be removed.

The Supply and removal of the reaction medium is through the openings already mentioned guaranteed in the reaction chamber. The even distribution within a reaction gap, perpendicular to the flow direction becomes process dependent through the appropriate structuring and dimensioning of the and outflow area guaranteed. This is usually done by an artificially created, or by the construction predetermined, flow resistance. Optionally, individual Components of the reaction medium are supplied separately. In this case is expediently a mixed structure in the reaction chamber at the inlet of the Components with integrated. However, the mixture can also be in one Structure take place immediately before the reactor. In the case of explosive gas mixtures The structure should be dimensioned to be an explosion do not arise or can not reproduce. The same applies to the connection of mixed structure and reaction space.

In a particular embodiment The thermo modules or a part of the thermo modules have reactant channels over which a part or all of the reactants in the reaction space can be dosed into it. The heat transfer medium leading area in the thermo module leading channels are interrupted by such reactants. The reactant channels are doing tight against the heat transfer medium Area closed. The channels are over openings in the sheet to one side or both sides with the reaction space connected. These openings can e.g. be designed in the form of holes or slots. The size is preferably so selected that a sufficient pressure loss uniform dosage over the Area of all openings guaranteed (With holes a diameter of about 100 microns-500 microns). A possible catalyst layer can at height the reaction channel, in particular interrupted in the region of the metering openings become. The thermo module may contain several such reactant channels. These are preferably transverse to the flow direction in the reaction space appropriate. Preferably contains the thermo module has a reactant channel at the inflow edge. The described reactant channels can e.g. for generating highly reactive or explosive mixtures in the reaction space be used. Thus, e.g. the main part of the components over the normal ones inflow be given into the reaction space while the the actual reaction triggering Component over a reactant channel is added. An arrangement with several Reaktantenkanälen also permits replenishment of components, e.g. if those first in the Subtraction be added.

By the positioning of the inflow and outflow area can be the reactor be operated in the DC, counter and cross-current principle.

The Supply and removal of reactants and heat transfer preferably takes place via hoods ("Headers") preferred through a joining process such as. welding or soldering be firmly connected to the reactor. These headers are preferred already mentioned Structures for equal distribution of media. In such an arrangement At least 4 headers are necessary, depending on the number of inlet or outlet openings both in the reaction and in the heat transfer can but also be any more. The headers are made with conventional piping connected the integration of the reactor in the process periphery guarantee.

alternative for the use of headers but is also a separate connection of individual reactor and heat transfer rooms at distribution or manifolds e.g. above Flanges possible. Also possible is a connection of certain media streams via headers and in parallel other media streams via individual connections.

The reactor is preferably designed so that larger pressure differences between two neigh th reaction spaces are avoided, so that at most small forces are effective. The forces due to the pressure difference between the heat carrier space and the reaction space are largely absorbed by the internal structure of the thermo module. The forces on the two outermost thermal modules by the pressure difference between the reaction chamber and the environment are preferably compensated by appropriately sized pressure plates, which can be connected to each other, for example by tie rods, which can be provided with a bias. To compensate for different thermal expansion between tie rods and reactor, the tie rods can be provided with flexible force transmitters such as disc springs. It is also possible that the outermost thermal modules are designed so massive that they themselves can be used as pressure plates. Alternatively, the entire reactor can be arranged in an outer pressure vessel, so that the external pressure can be adapted to the pressure in the reaction space.

Become Used pressure plates, is a surface contact between the external thermo module and Pressure plate possible. This flat Contact may be interrupted at the wells, it is but also possible at the extreme Thermo module on one side to avoid depressions. In a preferred embodiment the contact between external thermo module takes place and pressure plate but over arranged in the recesses of the module spacer body, the may be identical to those in the reaction spaces. It is preferable with balls. Because on this outer thermo module conditioned by the possible applied pressure difference forces act, if necessary, the density of the spacer body too increase, to prevent deformation of the thermo module. The advantage of this preferred embodiment lies in the fact that the spacer body rolling or sliding between outer thermo module and pressure plate enable, so that mechanical stresses, e.g. due to an uneven temperature distribution during heating or cooling, can be reduced. Another advantage lies in the reduced heat conduction between the thermal module and Pressure plate, otherwise for a heat dissipation out of the system. Alternatively, the pressure plate by replaced an external thermo module which is designed so massive that a deformation also omitted.

One further means of avoiding thermally induced stresses exists in the careful Isolation and if necessary heating of the pressure plates.

• – Partialoxidation von Propen und/oder Propan zu Acrolein und/oder Acrylsäure
• – Partialoxidation von Acrolein, Propen und/oder Propan zu Acrylsäure
• – Partialoxidation von Isobuten, Isobutan und/oder Isobutylalkohol zu Methacrolein und/oder Methacrylsäure
• – Partialoxidation von Methacrolein, Isobuten, Isobutan und/oder Isobutylalkohol zu Methacrylsäure
• – Partialoxidation von Butan und/oder Buten zu Maleinsäureanhydrid und/oder Maleinsäure
• – Partialoxidation von Ethan und/oder Ethen zu Essigsäure
• – Partialoxidation von o-Xylol und/oder Naphthalin zu Phthalsäure und/oder Phthalsäureanhydrid
• – Partialoxidation von p-Xylol zu Terephthalsäure
• – Oxidative und nichtoxidative Dehydrierung von Kohlenwasserstoffen, z.B. zur Herstellung von Propen oder Buten
• – Oxidative Kopplung von Ethen und Essigsäure zu Vinylacetat
• – Epoxidierung von Olefinen, z.B. Umsetzung von Ethen zu Ethylenoxid oder Propen zu Propylenoxid
• – Ammoxidation von Propen und/oder Propan zu Acrylnitril
• – Ammoxidation von Methylaromaten zu aromatischen Nitrilen
• – Oxychlorierung von Ethen und/oder Ethan zu Vinylchlorid
• – Erzeugung von Synthesegas

Another part of this invention is the use of a reactor described above in the various embodiments for carrying out chemical reactions. These are preferably strongly exothermic or endothermic processes. Particular preference may be given to gas-phase processes and very particularly preferably to partial oxidations, examples of which are:

• Partial oxidation of propene and / or propane to acrolein and / or acrylic acid
• Partial oxidation of acrolein, propene and / or propane to acrylic acid
• - Partial oxidation of isobutene, isobutane and / or isobutyl alcohol to methacrolein and / or methacrylic acid
• Partial oxidation of methacrolein, isobutene, isobutane and / or isobutyl alcohol to methacrylic acid
• Partial oxidation of butane and / or butene to maleic anhydride and / or maleic acid
• Partial oxidation of ethane and / or ethene to acetic acid
• Partial oxidation of o-xylene and / or naphthalene to phthalic acid and / or phthalic anhydride
• - Partial oxidation of p-xylene to terephthalic acid
• - Oxidative and non-oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, for example for the preparation of propene or butene
• - Oxidative coupling of ethene and acetic acid to vinyl acetate
• - Epoxidation of olefins, eg reaction of ethene to ethylene oxide or propene to propylene oxide
• - Ammoxidation of propene and / or propane to acrylonitrile
• - Ammoxidation of methyl aromatics to aromatic nitriles
• Oxychlorination of ethene and / or ethane to vinyl chloride
• - Generation of synthesis gas

In a particular embodiment These processes are operated under conditions in which the Reactant mixtures are explosive under reaction conditions. For this purpose, the reactor according to the invention be designed so that the gap defining the reaction space smaller than the ignition or extinguishing distance the respective reaction mixture under the given conditions is. Next is by a suitable litigation or by appropriate Built-ins (e.g., diffusion barrier) ensure that no explosive Mixture of the educts and / or products in the macroscopic range before entering the reactor or after the reactor exit can.

Farther the present invention will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 shows an embodiment of a thermal module according to the invention in an exploded view.

2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of an outer termination of the thermo module stack of the reactor according to the invention.

3 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement of two inventive thermal modules.

4 shows different embodiments according to the invention of depressions in the reaction space forming plates with matching spacer body geometries.

5 shows a schematic representation of the stacking of thermal modules according to the invention.

6 shows a schematic representation of the streams through the reactor of the invention.

In the in 1 shown embodiment of a suitable for the reactor according to the invention, thermo module 14 are a plurality of dish-shaped depressions in the, the main surfaces of the thermo module forming sheets 5 intended. The wells 2 are formed by embossed structures, wherein the elevations of these embossed structures are directed inward and in the in 1 shown embodiment contact points 6 form, where the two sheets 5 that the thermo module 14 form, are interconnected. The main surfaces of the thermo module are with a catalytic coating 8th provided, with only the coating is shown on one side. The catalytic coating 8th points in the area of the depressions 2 corresponding recesses on.

In the in 2 shown embodiment of the reactor according to the invention, the, the thermal modules 14 forming sheets 5 both over the contact points 6 between two opposite elevations of the recess for the spacers forming embossed structures, as well as by spacers 7 connected together to ensure sufficient pressure stability of the thermal modules. The distance between two thermal modules that defines the reaction space is determined by the geometry of the wells 2 and the spacer body 1 Are defined. The the reaction space 3 bounding surfaces of the stacked thermal modules 14 are with a catalytic coating 8th provided with the wells 2 for receiving the spacer body 1 are omitted. At the in 2 In the embodiment shown, the outer end of the reactor according to the invention forms a pressure plate 11 , The contact between the outer thermo module 14 and the pressure plate 11 over, in the wells 2 of the module 14 arranged spacers 13 that are identical to those in the reaction chambers 3 could be. At the in 2 the embodiment shown, the density of the spacer body 13 compared to the density of the spacer body 1 in the reaction space 3 increased to the forces due to the increased pressure difference between the reaction space 3 and the environment better.

3 shows a preferred embodiment of the thermal modules 14 for the reactor according to the invention. The thermal modules are made by two plane-parallel arranged sheets 5 formed, both over spacers 7 as well as the contact point 6 two opposite elevations of the, the recess 2 for the spacers 1 forming embossed structure interconnected. The wells 2 have a bowl-shaped geometry. The spacers 1 indicating the distance between the thermo modules 14 define, have a cylindrical geometry that matches the wells 2 in the thermal modules 14 is conically tapered at the ends. The thermomodules 14 have reactant channels 9 via which reactants can be metered into the reaction space. The heat transport room 4 in the thermo module 14 is through the reactant channels 9 interrupted. The reactant channels are via openings 10 in the in 3 shown embodiment to a side with the reaction space 3 connected.

4 shows various embodiments of the geometry of the wells 2 in the thermo module 14 and the matching geometries of the spacers 1 ,

How out 5 can be seen, in the reactor according to the invention a plurality of thermal modules 14 stacked stacked. The reaction space 3 is determined by the distance between two thermo modules 14 defined by the geometry of the depressions 2 and the spacer body 1 is determined. The sheets 5 the in 5 shown thermocouples are both on the spacers and through the contact points on the wells 2 interconnected and have reactant channels 9 on.

6 shows a schematic way a possible material flow guide for the reactants and streams, the product stream and the heat transfer stream. As in 6 shown, the respective streams are the reactor via hoods (headers) 12 supplied or removed.

1

spacer body

2

wells

3

reaction chamber

4

Wärmetransportaum

5

sheets

6

contact points

7

spacer (Heat transfer area)

8th

catalytic coating

9

reactant channels

10

openings

11

platen

12

header (Hoods)

13

Spacer body pressure plate

14

thermomodules

Claims (26)

Reactor for carrying out chemical reactions with heat exchange, comprising a plurality of one another by sheets ( 5 ) separate, alternately arranged reaction ( 3 ) and heat transport spaces ( 4 ), the reaction spaces ( 3 ) by two sheets ( 5 ) are defined by a plurality of over the surface of the sheets ( 5 ) distributed spacer body ( 1 ) are kept at a defined distance to each other, without the spacer body ( 1 ) to be firmly connected to each other. Reactor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer bodies ( 1 ) with neither of the two sheets ( 5 ), between which they are arranged, are connected. Reactor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer bodies ( 1 ) in opposite wells ( 2 ) in the one reaction space ( 3 ) bounding sheets ( 5 ) are arranged. Reactor according to claim 3, wherein the size and geometry of depression ( 2 ) and arranged therein spacer body ( 1 ) are matched to give a conclusive or flexible fit. Reactor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer body ( 1 ) is a rolling element. Reactor according to claim 5, wherein the rolling element is selected from a sphere and a cylinder. Reactor according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the spacer body a Cuboid is. Reactor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein prefabricated thermomodules ( 14 ), that of two sheets ( 5 ) limited heat transport space ( 4 ) are formed, stacked and arranged by the spacer body ( 1 ) are kept at the defined distance from each other, whereby between two sheets ( 5 ) of adjacent thermal modules ( 14 ) the reaction space ( 3 ) is formed. Reactor according to claim 8, wherein the two sheets ( 5 ), which is a thermo module ( 14 ), are arranged plane-parallel and with a defined distance from each other. Reactor according to claim 8, wherein the sheets ( 5 ) embossed structures ( 2 ), wherein the elevation of one structure in the direction of the other the thermal module ( 14 ) forming sheet ( 5 ) and the humiliation of this structure is the deepening ( 2 ). Reactor according to claim 10, wherein the elevation of at least one structure of a sheet ( 5 ) of a thermocouple ( 14 ) with either the base surface or with a survey of an embossed structure of the other the thermo module ( 14 ) forming sheet ( 5 ) in contact ( 6 ) stands. Reactor according to claim 11, wherein the two are a thermal module ( 14 ) forming sheets ( 5 ) via the contact point (s) ( 6 ) are preferably interconnected by soldering, welding, gluing or riveting. Reactor according to one of claims 8-12, wherein the thermal modules ( 14 ) Spacers ( 7 ) between the sheets ( 5 ) over which the sheets ( 5 ) are firmly connected. Reactor according to one of claims 3 or 10, wherein the depressions ( 2 ) have cylindrical, dish-shaped, cup-shaped or rectangular geometries. Reactor according to claim 14, wherein the depression ( 2 ) is plate-shaped or cup-shaped and the spacer body ( 1 ) is a ball. Reactor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheets ( 5 ) on the reaction space ( 3 ) facing side with a catalytic coating ( 8th ) are provided. Reactor according to claim 16, wherein the catalytic coating ( 8th ) in the area of the depressions ( 2 ) is omitted. Reactor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of the reaction space ( 3 ) Is 50-3000 μm, preferably 300-1000 μm. Reactor according to any one of claims 8-18. where the thermal modules ( 14 ) are preferably detachably connected to one another such that the reaction spaces ( 3 ) are sealed to the outside except for openings for the entry and exit of the reaction media. Reactor according to one of claims 8-19, wherein the thermal modules ( 14 ) at least one reactant channel ( 9 ), over which at least a portion of the reactants via openings ( 10 ) in one or both of the thermo module ( 14 ) adjacent reaction space (spaces) ( 3 ) and the reactant channel ( 9 ) opposite the heat transfer space ( 4 ) is sealed. Reactor according to one of claims 8-20, wherein the forces on the outer thermal modules ( 14 ) of the module stack due to the pressure difference between the reaction space ( 3 ) and environment through external thermal modules ( 14 ) or pressure plates ( 11 ) of suitable strength can be compensated. Reactor according to one of claims 8-20, wherein the entire reactor arranged in a pressure vessel is, so that the ambient pressure adapted to the pressure in the reaction space can be. Method for carrying out a chemical reaction, wherein a reactor according to any one of claims 1-22 is used. The method of claim 23, wherein the chemical Reaction is strongly exothermic or endothermic. Method according to one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the chemical Reaction a gas phase reaction, preferably a partial oxidation is. A method according to any of claims 23-25, wherein the chemical reaction performed under conditions where the reactant mixture is explosive.