Patent ID: 6054103
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: B01F,B01J,F28D,Y02P

Abstract:
Apparatus for a process using supercritical process media comprising:a pressure vessel including an agitator for mixing a batch of materials therein;a source connected to the pressure vessel for supplying process media to the pressure vessel;heat transfer means for maintaining the process media in the pressure vessel in a supercritical state;delivery means for introducing batch materials into the pressure vessel that are mixed in the presence of the process media in a supercritical state to produce a reaction mixture based on a selectable reaction process;said heat transfer means comprising a liner that generally conforms to an interior surface geometry of the pressure vessel with said liner comprising a high thermal conductivity material;said liner comprising an interior heat transfer surface in thermal exchange with the reaction mixture and a plurality of fluid channels;heat transfer fluid that circulates turbulently through said channels and in thermal exchange with said heat transfer surface;heat transfer fluid supply means exterior to the pressure vessel for circulating said heat transfer fluid through said channels;said pressure vessel having a shape of an elongated cylinder with said interior surface geometry having a conically tapered outlet at one end of the cylinder;said liner having a cylindrical portion that generally conforms to the interior cylindrical portion of the pressure vessel and a conical portion that generally conforms to the interior conically tapered end of the pressure vessel; andsaid liner conical portion being contiguous with one end of said liner cylindrical portion to form an elbow; said liner including a reinforcing deflection plate in the area of said elbow to absorb impact of the agitator to prevent rupture of said liner.