DE855242C - Oven for treating flowing reactants - Google Patents

Description

Oven for treating flowing reactants For the time being Tube furnaces do a lot for the catalytic of flowing, especially liquid, reactants us in particular a tube-type reaction furnace in which reactants flow in a safe and effective manner under high pressure and high temperature conditions can be treated.

At the moment, tube furnaces are used a lot for catalytic and non-catalytic Treatment of pouring reactants and especially for treatment used by flowing hydrocarbons. To understand the different reactions in the To promote reaction tubes of these tube furnaces, temperatures are often high from 800 to 1100 ° required. To the possibility of tearing or bursting the Up until now, technology has been able to reduce pipes in the heating chamber to the smallest possible size generally found necessary, essentially at atmospheric pressure to work, d. H. in the range of about 0 to 1 kg / cm² pressure in the hottest part of the Pipe. After prolonged use of the tube furnace reaction tubes, it was found that that even at such low pressures they are exposed to such factors such as shape and laying stresses, structural changes in the metals used, particularly the preferred austenitic metals, factors related to the company, e.g. B.

Exposure to high-temperature flame or combustion gases the pipe wall and local burning as a result of previous coking, impact loads due to the presence of unwanted ones formed on boiling or start-up Condensate, crack or burst.

If one or more reaction tubes during operation at high If the temperature and low pressure rupture or burst, the result is a burn of the outflowing gas in the combustion space around the pipes. This burning under low pressure is generally not enough to cause a noticeable hazard or even cause significant damage to the neighboring pipes. At high However, pressure and high temperature will increase the frequency of bursting or pissing of the Tubes enlarged. In addition, pipes and smells are much more likely to take shape at high pressure from violent blowing, which seriously damage the entire furnace and one Can pose a risk to the operating personnel. Also included under high Pressure the reaction tubes themselves more gas and the system both at the inlet as at the exit end of the reaction tubes contains large volumes of pressurized Fluids that are ready to flow out in the event of a pipe burst.

Given this and others, working under high pressure and in the case of dangers associated with high temperatures, technology has hitherto avoided carry out such reactions in tubular furnaces, unless temperature or pressure or both were kept relatively low. For example, are high pressure coils or rows of pipes have been successfully used for refining petroleum, wherein Pipe temperatures are usually kept below> about 6500. Among those Conditions, the breaking stress of the LIetall guarantees a useful life the device. However, fractures still occur here, too, and a source of danger is always present regardless of the strength of the metal used. In contrast to Petroleum refining pipe temperatures of about 81 to 10,000 usually become at that catalytic columns of natural gas and other flowing hydrocarbons for the hydrogen production needed. Some reactions become effective at pipe temperatures of 11000 carried out, for which temperatures practically no indication of the temperature is available to provide a basis for designing a safe and satisfactory To form printing apparatus. As a result, technology has decided that as a result the great possible danger of pipe bursts and the resulting hazards pressures significantly above the atmospheric pressure as impractical and dangerous to carry out high-temperature reactions in tube furnaces should be avoided. This acknowledgment of a possible danger has in the absence of any resolution of the Problem is the development of technology in the field of high-pressure, high-temperature reactions flowing reactant in the preferred tubular reaction furnace is more efficient Way delayed.

In fact, there are many advantages of an i-high pressure high temperature system, which would be very tempting if such a system worked in an effective manner without substantial danger could be operated. For example, require a lot of reactions the use of pressurized synthesis gas as a reactant. at With the current state of the art, it is necessary to first use the synthesis gas in tube furnaces and then compress it to the desired pressure. at It is the direct production of pressurized synthesis gas from natural gas In general, the gas is usually mixed with oxygen at a pressure of 14 to 21 kg / cm2 in an internally insulated pressure chamber to react to form a to convert pressurized synthesis gas. This process requires high investment costs for the pressure equipment and the use of expensive oxygen or an expensive one Oxygen production process.

Would the conditions of high pressure and high temperature at the same time can be used in a tubular reaction furnace, pressurized synthesis gases directly by inhalation of pressurized natural gas or others flowing hydrocarbons with water vapor, carbon dioxide or other oxygen-containing Gas can be produced. Expensive oxygen recovery systems could be avoided will. Since the flowing hydrocarbon in the reaction tube at a selected, could be introduced substantially above atmospheric pressure the subsequent compression of the gas generated is saved or at least substantially be reduced. Furthermore, everyone could start running reactions at elevated levels Advantages associated with pressure and elevated temperatures are realized. Considerable increased effects would result because under the high pressure conditions and high temperature the reaction rate while maintaining the same Heating area is enlarged.

The invention is therefore a tube reaction furnace in which flowing reactants, especially flowing hydrocarbons, under the conditions of high temperature and high pressure with increased effectiveness and Safety can be treated catalytically or non-catalytically. Another one The aim of the invention is such a tube reaction furnace, in which more than one flowing reactants can be treated simultaneously but separately.

In general, the invention provides a tubular reaction furnace for the treatment of pressurized flowing reactants, which from the union of a heating chamber of at least one elongated metallic, in the heating chamber arranged reaction tube, of at least one outer metallic, at least around the substantial part of each reaction tube in the area of the largest Stress inside the heating chamber arranged tube, this outer tube Designed to be flow-tight against the reaction tube and the heating chamber is, inlet means for delivering pressurized flowing reactants to each reaction tube and outlet means for removing the pressurized ones Reaction products from each reaction tube consists. Also included in the Invention is a method for treating flowing reactants flowing under conditions of high temperature and high pressure, which is Reactants through a reaction zone at Ci nem essentially above at atmospheric pressure to send an essentially inert gas into a confinement zone arranged around the reaction zone in a flow-tight manner introduce and the reaction zone to a predetermined temperature by outside, to heat heating means arranged in a flow-tight manner in the confinement zone. Preferential - the essentially inert gas is at a pressure considerably above atmospheric, but kept under the pressure of the flowing reactants iii the reaction zone.

I) he furnace iiaeh the lirfintlunh can have a single reaction tube inside each outer tube or a plurality of concentric or from each other and the Wall of the outer tube contain separately arranged reaction tubes. Preferably both the outer tubes and the inner reaction tubes go completely through the heating chamber. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that both, both the outer tube and the inner reaction tube lizw. -pipes, completely inside the @ heating chamber are included. It is further preferred that the outer tube and the reaction tube or tubes are of the same size within the heating chamber, indifferent to one or both ends of the heating chamber extend. However, it is also within the scope of the invention that the outer tube only around a selected part of the reaction tube or tubes in the area of greatest stress should be arranged within the heating chamber. where a pipe burst most likely to occur under high temperature and high pressure conditions can. Some metals are z. B. weakened by slow formation of the sigma phase. It has been found that sigma formation does not occur in the reaction tubes of tubular furnaces is limited only to the area where the tubes lead to the formation of the sigma Are subject to temperatures. On the contrary, the sigma phase was also in others Parts of the reaction tubes encountered, which are normally at considerably lower levels Temperatures are maintained, possibly because these pipe parts are intermittent. but Repeatedly exposed to abnormal temperatures as a result of irregularities in the transmission was. As a result, according to the invention, it may be desirable to have only these parts to protect the reaction tubes. what most common such irregularities be subjected. Therefore, it is made with reference to the embodiments of the invention be understandable that a reaction tube or part accessible to breakage it is surrounded by an outer tube, which is flow-tight against the heating chamber is trained.

One or both ends of the outer tube can be in connection with the atmosphere outside of anything to be ems. Likewise, one or both ends can be used the outer tube outside the furnace breaks, such as exhaust plugs or relatively weak parts, which tear or depress and excessive internal pressure as a result of the breakage of a reaction tube in the Atmosphere either at the secured point or through an exhaust pipe permit.

According to a preferred form of the invention, the interior of the outer tube stands in communication with a first valve to control the flow of flowing reactants to selectively interrupt or otherwise control in the reaction tubes, and it is in communication with a second valve to prevent the reflux of the pressurized to prevent standing reaction gases in the broken reaction tube or in another Way to control. Therefore, when a crack occurs, the cracked pipe can automatically and completely, individually or in conjunction with other pipes, from the rest Part of the plant to be isolated. Instead, a suitable valve device used to release escaping gases into the atmosphere, or only to control the flow of the flowing hydrocarbons to the reaction tube, while the continued flow of water vapor or other inert used Gas is allowed. In this way, the dampening effect of the inert gas can be used effectively as an additional means of securing.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the exterior Tube connected to means for introducing a gas into the outer tube, which is non-flammable and does not burn when mixed with the reactants supports. Means are also provided for drawing the gas on within the tube to hold a desired pressure. The presence of such a gas within the outer tube is very advantageous as when the gas is essentially inert is, it is the reactants flowing out of a broken reaction tube renders harmless which are often combustible or explosive. In addition, when the gas in the outer tube is at one between the atmospheric and the pressure pressure is maintained in the reaction tube, much of the load on the reaction tube removed. The presence of a substantially inert gas in the exterior Pipe also prevents, or at least greatly reduces, carbonation, sulfidation or sulfation of the outer wall of the reaction tubes or the formation of nitrides and oxidizing scales on the outer walls of the pipes all reduce these factors as is well known, the breaking load value is thinner-walled Reaction tubes significantly and their elimination or reduction extends the life of the Reaction tubes considerably. This is especially true under high pressure conditions and high temperature too, where the limited working area under such conditions as far as possible avoiding any condition which requires uniformity could interfere with the reaction. Examples of gases that can be used in the outer tube are water vapor, carbon dioxide, exhaust gas with low oxygen content, nitrogen and argon.

The inner and outer tubes can be positioned outside of each other the heating zone is supported and supported by attaching its ends to suitable support members being held. The reaction tube can also pass through between the inner and outer Pipes arranged and therewith associated ribs are supported. In the same Way, the reaction tubes themselves can be built with internal reinforcement parts, which are arranged lengthwise in them and attached to the insides of the tubes are.

While heat, the interior of the furnace by any suitable and known means can be supplied, the use of spatially separated Gas burners according to US Reissue 21 521 preferred, as this particular type of heating means provides a heating chamber or zone in which a mandatory control is carried out can be.

After the invention has been generally described, one further becomes detailed description of various special embodiments for Explanation is given with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals always refer to the same parts. It shows Fig. 1 preferred embodiment of a tube cracking furnace according to the invention, partly in section, partly in the side Front elevation, Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 are schematic views of additional embodiments of pipes which can be used according to the invention, FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 Sectional end views of further embodiments of can be used according to the invention Pipes.

According to Fig. I a preferred embodiment of the invention is a Oven 10 built from fire-resistant fireclay bricks. Lengthways through the heating chamber of the furnace 10 go outer metal pipes 1 1, which on a plurality of resilient support means are suspended from the type of suspension element 12. These suspension elements are also part of the Outer oil surface of the pipes I.I attached flanges I3 connected. Flow density Connections are through the top furnace wall by sealing rings 14 and asbestos sealing rings I5 provided. A reaction tube is concentric within each outer tube I, I i6 arranged from a steel alloy. The reaction tube I6 is by means of a Welding I7 carried, which the pipes I, I and I6 in a flow-tight relationship c) connects inside the furnace vault I8. The top of each reaction tube I6 is closed by means of a sealing washer 19. The lower ends of the outer Tubes 11 and reaction tubes 16 are by means of a grooved plate 20 and bolts sealed and held in place. Between the outer tube 1 1 and the inner one Reaction tube 16 formed annular space 22 is with an outflow pipe 23 through a flexible metal line 24 in connection. Exhaust pipe 213 is supported by a support member 25 and is in communication with both rows of the outer tubes 11.

In the upper end of the outflow pipe 23 there is an adjustable Pressure relief valve 26. A line 27 connects the discharge pipe 23 with a Control device 28, the effect of which will be described later.

Inlet lines 29 lead the flowing reactants into the upper parts of the reaction tubes I6. A pressure actuated shut-off valve 30 is in each Inlet line 29 arranged and in communication with the control device 28 through Line 31. The lower ends of the reaction tubes I6, which extend from the bottom of the furnace hearth 32 protrude, are in connection with manifolds 33 through lines 34. In each of the lines 34 is a pressure-actuated shut-off valve 35, which is also in connection with the control device 28 through lines 36 and 31. The bottom of each the outer pipe 11 is equipped with an expansion connection 37. The ends of the outer tubes 1 1 and reaction tubes I6, which are located below the furnace hearth 32 are encased in insulating jackets 38. Lines 39 lead to the annulus 22 between the outer tubes 11 and reaction tubes 16 and are used for the introduction a non-combustible gas that does not support the combustion in the annulus used. The lines 39 can also be used to circulate the annulus 22 if desired to clean.

Valve 30 can be set up to only allow a burning fuel to flow To control reactants while there is the further flow of an inert or Dämpfendell Fluidums, z. 13. Steam, allowed. In the same jjise can valve 35 to serve full al) sl> erruiig, or it can be set up to to protect the damaged pipe from the compressed gas flowing downwards and the To connect parts of the pressure system with upward flow to the atmosphere. Valves 30 and 35 can be positioned as shown or at selected locations in the print file be arranged to act as described above. Control device 28 can be an electrical or mechanical device, of which numerous types be available. In addition to the functions described above, it can be used to control the main use and main power of the whole unit, to open outflow lines and pressure-generating devices such as pumps or Control compressors.

When operating the furnace 10 is first through suitable, not shown Medium heated and the reaction tubes I'6 are heated to the desired temperature rature counted. The furnace heats the outer walls of the Auí.3ellrollre 1 1 which in turn heat the reaction tubes 16 by radiation. The annular space 22 is with steam or another, non-flammable or the connection also mixed with the reaction participants unsupportive gas filled. Pressurized flowing reactants, z.n. a flowing hydrocarbon and water vapor, are now passed through the inlet duct lines 29 fed to the reaction tubes and the reaction gases generated through outlet lines 34 withdrawn to the distributors 33. If a break occurs in the reaction tubes 16, suddenly increases the pressure in the annular space 22 between reaction tube I16 and Outer pipe 1 1.

This pressure increase is transmitted to the discharge pipe 23 through the flexible metal pipe 24 transferred.

The control device 28, which is set to a certain pressure, is actuated in the inlet line 29 and outlet inlet 34 arranged valves 30 and 35, whereupon the inlet line 29 and the outlet line 34 are closed with or without venting and the broken reaction tube is isolated from the rest of the plant. The adjustable valve 26 is set to allow excessive pressures before the outer tube 1 1 is damaged. If desired, this can be done in the annulus 22 introduced gas can be maintained at any suitable pressure to produce a Part of the load to be taken up by the pressurized reaction tube I6.

In Fig. 2, a reaction tube 50 is concentric within a longer one Outer tube 51 arranged. Both reaction tube 50 and outer tube 5I are in one Heating chamber 52 suspended by means similar to those described in FIG. Reaction tube 50, outer tube 51 and heating chamber 52 are all closed off from one another in a flow-tight manner.

Flowing reactants are at the top of the reaction tube 50 introduced through inlet line 53 and the reaction products are from the bottom of the reaction tube 50 withdrawn through outlet line 54. Lines 55 and 56 are in communication with the annular space 57 between the reaction tube 50 and outer tube 51. A substantially Inert gas may be introduced into annulus 57 through either line 55 or 56 and kept at any desired pressure. Annular space 57 can also be sent through an inert gas into one of lines 55 and 56 and out of the other getting cleaned. An outflow line 58 with a pressure relief valve 59 leads from the annulus 57 to the atmosphere. Instead, discharge line 58 can be connected with a control device as described in FIG. 1.

According to Fig. 3, a reaction tube 60 goes entirely through a heating chamber 61. An outer tube 62 is arranged concentrically around a portion of the reaction tube 60 and also extends through the top wall of the heating chamber 6I.

Reaction tube 60, heating chamber 61 and outer tube 62 are all flow-tight closed from each other. Flowing reactants will roll into the reaction tube 60 fed through inlet line 63 and the reaction products below from the reaction tube 6o withdrawn through outlet line 64. Lines 65 and 66 are in communication with the Annular space 67 between the reaction tube and the outer tube 62. An essentially inert one Gas can be introduced into the annulus 67 through either line 65 or 66 and on held at any desired pressure. Annular space 67 can also be sent through an inert gas into one of the lines 65 or 66 and out of the other cleaned out.

An outflow line 68 with a pressure relief valve 69 leads from the entrance space 67 to the atmosphere. Instead of this, the outflow line 68 can also are in connection with a control device as described in FIG.

4, a single reaction tube 70 is concentric within a shorter outer they tallrohres 71 arranged. Tubes 70 and 7I both go completely through a heating chamber 72. The closed end of the reaction tube 70 extends a short distance beyond the end of the outer tube 7I and both are connected to one another in a flow-tight manner. The annulus 73 between the tubes 70 and 7I is at the top of the outer tube 7I by a breakable washer "4 closed, which at a predetermined pressure within the annulus 73 is broken. Under the heating chamber 72 is an annular corrugated member 75 at the lower end of the outer tube 71 and on the outer surface of the reaction tube 70 attached in close connection.

I) the corrugated part 75 leaves certain differences in expansion between the reaction tube 70 and the outer tube 71. Lines 76 and 77 sinci with the annular space 73 between reaction tube 70 and outer tube 7I in connection. A Substantially inert gas can enter the annular space 73 through one of the lines 76 and 77 are inserted and maintained at a desired pressure. The annulus 73 can also be achieved by sending an inert gas into the room through one of the Lines 76 and / 7 are cleaned in and out through the other.

Flowing reactants standing under I) become the upper The end of the reaction tube 70 is fed through inlet line 78. The pouring reactants go through pipe 70 and react in the area surrounded by heating chamber 72. The generated gases are discharged from the bottom of the reaction tube through an exhaust pipe 79 discharged. When the reaction tube 70 breaks, the gases flow from the reaction tube 70 in the annular space 73 between reaction tube 70 and outer tube 71. At a predetermined Pressure ruptures disk 74 and the gases escape to or through the atmosphere a specially provided derivation, not shown.

In Fig. 5 a modification of the tube shown in Fig. I is shown. In the device of FIG. 5, a reaction tube 80, a reaction pipe 81 and an outer tube 8a arranged concentrically and go completely through a Heating chamber 83. The three tubes are flow-tight to one another above the heating chamber 83 connected. Under the heating chamber 83 is outer tube 82 with the outer reaction tube 81 flow tight by an annular corrugated member 84 and the outer reactioiisrolir 81 in turn with the inner reaction tube 80 in a flow-tight manner through an annular corrugated member 85 connected.

Pressurized reactants flowing into the inner reaction tube 80 inserted through feed line 86. A pressure shut-off valve 87 is arranged in feed line 86. The same or different under pressure standing reactants flowing are fed into the outer reaction tube 88 introduced, in which a pressure shut-off valve 89 is arranged. A derivation 90 leads out of the annular space 91 between the outer tube 82 and the reaction tube 8I to a control device 92. Device 92 and valve 89 are connected by line 93 in connection.

Lines 94 and 95 are in communication with the annular space 91 between the outer reaction tube 81 and the outer tube 82. A substantially inert gas can be introduced into ringram 91 through either conduit 94 or 95. Annulus 91 can also be achieved by passing an inert gas into the annulus through a of lines 94 and 95 in and out through the other. Under of the heating chamber 83 leads through an exhaust pipe g6 from the outer reaction tube 8I Valves 97 and 98. An outlet line 99 leads from the lower end of the inner Reaction tube 80 through a valve 100. Control device 92 is in communication with inlet valves 87 and 89 through lines 101 and 93. Control device 92 stands in connection with outlet valve 98 through line Io2 and with outlet valve 100 through Lines 102 and 103. Valve 97 in line 96 is also in communication with the control device 92 through line 104.

If during the operation of the device shown in FIG outer reaction tube 8 bursts, internal pressure arises in the annular space gI between Outer tube 82 and outer reaction tube St. at a predetermined pressure become control means 92 actuated and pressurized gas can from the annular space 91 in lines93, IOI, 102 and 103 flow to inlet valves 89 and 87 and outlet valves 98 and 98, respectively 100 to close. On the other hand, when the reaction tube 80 bursts, the pressure in the reaction tube increases 81 either rise or fall depending on the relative, in the pipes 80 and 8I sustained pressures. So actuated at a predetermined pressure in the pipe Valve 97 in outlet line 96 the control device 92, and pressurized Gas can come from pipe 81 through line 104, control device 92 and lines 93, 101 102 and 103 flow to inlet valves 87 and 89 and outlet valves 98 and Ioo, like described above to close. As a result, whichever prevents the Reaction tubes bursts, the concentric arrangement of the reaction tubes that flammable and / or explosive gases escape into the furnace interior. As with the other pipe units can explain, a substantially inert gas, such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide or Water vapor, introduced into the annulus 91 and applied to any desired Pressure to be held.

In Fig. 6 is a modification of the pipe unit according to the invention shown, with three reaction tubes IIO separated lengthwise in an outer tube 11 1 are arranged from each other and from the inner wall of the outer tube. @ The reaction tubes 110 are heated by radiation from the outer tube 111, which in turn passes through an oven as described in FIG. is heated.

According to Fig. 7, a single reaction tube 120 is within an outer tube 121 arranged concentrically. In addition to obese, at each end of the tube The support means used are ribs 122 lengthwise between the outer surface of the tube I20 and the inner surface of the tube 121. These ribs reduce distortion of the reaction roller 120 in use and therefore serve to reduce the tension present in the composition.

The ribs 122 can be unal> pendent. on the outside of the pipe 120 or the inside of the outer tube I2I or parts attached to both Its tube I! 20 or tube 121 can also have vertical ribs as a coherent one Partly cast or the whole structure of tube 120, tube 121 and fins 122 can be used be cast as one piece.

In Fig. 8, a reaction tube 130 is concentrically within one Outer tube 131 arranged. Ribs 132 are attached between tubes 130 and 131. The reaction tube 130 is divided into compartments by a cross-like member 133, each end of the cross is attached to the inner wall of the tube 130. That inner tube can be molded as a single piece or in any if desired Way to be made of separate segments, member 133 is used for reinforcement of the reaction tube 130 and to increase the heat transferring area. It can Parts used are dividing the reaction tube into any number of compartments divide up as far as no harmful resistance to the gas flow arises from it results. As with the pipe shown in FIG. 7, the structure shown in FIG be cast as a coherent unit.

It can therefore be seen that a tube furnace according to the invention the Treatment of flowing reactants, e.g. B. hydrocarbons, at high Temperature and high pressure with increased security makes possible. Meanwhile, should the arrangement of one or more reaction tubes within an outer tube according to the invention not as advantageous only in terms of a safety measure be considered. In the tubular reaction furnace according to the invention will the life of the reaction tubes was considerably extended, since the heating of the Reaction tubes due to the stratification of the outer tubes are much more uniform than in the known devices in which the reaction tubes are directly be heated. Even if the heat supplied to the outer tube is somewhat irregular is, this Itohr serves as a balance in the heat transfer and that of the outside Irregularities acting on the outer tube are divided into a smoothii Evoke a flow of radiant heat onto the reaction tubes. When at high pressure and high temperature is used, a uniform pipe temperature is very desirable because the safety range between breaking stress values at a given operating temperature is often low. The outer tube also acts as a buffer and protects the j) reaction tubes from damage that usually occurs Irregularities of the ilezeun and the exposure to flames result in which are significant contribute to causing full pipe ruptures in conventionally used tubular furnaces. In addition, the outer tube protects the Xaclil <arrobre from the impact of the liquid jets and the application of flames. which so far resulted from the rupture of a neighboring Rohres have shown and which quickly break adjacent pipes under the conditions high temperature and high pressure If the combustion gases contain sulfur, the outer tube protects the reaction tubes from sulfur corrosion. If as preferred If the outer tube contains an inert gas, the formation of oxidic scale will occur eliminated or at least reduced to a minimum on the reaction tube.

An additional advantage, apart from the device itself and The avoidance of the risk of explosion lies in the fact that harassment and danger for the operating personnel due to the deterioration of the atmosphere due to gases low oxygen content or gases containing carbon monoxide are removed can.

The pipes used according to the invention can be made from the selected currently used material can be made with which the longest useful life can be obtained in operation according to current knowledge of the technique. the The reaction tubes of the tube furnaces are generally made of an austenitic steel been made. Type 310 metal is widely used and some are cast Steel pipes have been used. Metal 3lo stabilized with about 1% columbium is a preferred metal for making the tubes according to the invention.

The addition of about 3 to 6% tungsten gives increased strength.

While most tube furnaces have vertically arranged reaction tubes use and the invention has been explained in particular using embodiments, in which the reaction tubes and outer tubes are arranged vertically, is the invention in no way limited to vertically arranged tubes. Indeed, as for is open to the person skilled in the art, the reaction tubes in the heating chamber are also horizontal or arranged diagonally and in rows, bends or snakes.

The annular corrugated parts and expansion joints shown are preferably made of a metal that is resistant to scaling in one Manufactured in such a way that the structure has sufficient elasticity to accommodate expansion differences balance between the pipes. However, the invention is not to use limited annular corrugated metal parts. Though such corrugated expansion joints other known methods of compensating for differences in expansion may also be preferred be used.

It is also within the scope of the invention that flowing reactants the reaction tubes by means of suitable distributors instead of individual feed lines. as shown in the figures.

The device according to the invention can either be used for catalytic or non-catalytic reactions are used, or if a variety of Reaction tubes, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, used can be catalytic and non-catalytic reactions actually happening simultaneously in the different tubes the same device. When an oven after the lirfindullg for a catalytic reaction is needed, the catalyst can be in the reaction tubes be attached in any suitable known manner. While furnaces according to the invention primarily for the treatment of flowing hydrocarbons and in particular for the production of hydrogen synthesis gas and gas containing olefins catalytic and non-catalytic treatment of flowing hydrocarbons are useful, the invention has general utility for treatment of flowing reactants.

For example, the furnace according to the invention can advantageously be used for reactions like the production of acetic anhydride from acetic acid, of ketene by cleaving Acetone and various Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactions can be used.

Claims (9)

P A T E N T A N S P R Ü C H E: 1. Tube reaction furnace for treatment of pressurized flowing reactants, characterized in that that it consists of the combination of the following features: a heating chamber, from at least one elongated metallic reaction tube arranged in the heating chamber, of at least one outer metallic part for at least a substantial part of the reaction tube in the area of greatest stress chung within the heating chamber arranged tube, this outer tube flow-tight against the Reaction tube and the heating chamber is formed from inlet means to under pressure to deliver standing flowing reactants to and out of each reaction tube Outlet means to remove pressurized reaction products from each reaction tube to remove. 2. Oven according to claim I, characterized in that it has a line for introducing a non-combustible gas that does not support combustion into the outer tube and a device to keep this gas under pressure inside the outer tube to keep owns. 3. Oven according to claim I or 2, characterized in that the outer tube and pass the reaction tube fully through the heating chamber. 4. Oven according to claim 3, characterized in that one end of the Outer tube closed and the other end is in communication with the atmosphere. 5. Oven according to claim 3, characterized in that one end of the Outer tube is closed, and the opposite end a pressure relief means owns. 6. Oven according to claim 3, characterized in that both ends of the outer tube closed and the interior of the outer tube in connection with a first valve is to selectively allow the flow of reactants flowing in to interrupt the reaction tube, and that it is in connection with a second valve is to prevent the reaction products from flowing backwards into the reaction tube, wherein the outer tube with a line for the introduction of a non-audible and the combustion of non-supporting gas into the outer tube and with a Device for maintaining this gas under pressure inside the outer tube connected is. 7. Oven according to any one of the preceding claims, dadurc'h characterized in that a plurality of reaction tubes within each outer tube is arranged. 8. Oven according to claim 7, characterized in that a plurality of reaction tubes (80, S.i) arranged concentrically within each outer tube is. 9. Oven according to claims I to 6, characterized in that a single reaction tube arranged concentrically within each outer tube is.