Patent ID: 6175040
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B01D,B01J,C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
Method for increasing the conversion yield and production capacity of a reactor for urea synthesis at high pressure and temperature wherein a co-current flow of a gaseous phase and a liquid phase takes place in a vertical tubular shell (2) which is provided with a plurality of superimposed horizontal perforated plates (6a-6e) disposed in mutually spaced relationship with each plate having at least one opening (12a-12e) for liquid flow offset from an opening in an adjacent plate and a plurality of perforated sectors for gas flow separated from each other by unperforated sections, the method comprising the steps of:causing said liquid phase to flow in said shell (2) from below upward along a substantially zigzag liquid flow path defined between said openings (12a-12e) for liquid flow,causing said gaseous phase to flow in said shell (2) from below upward along a gas flow path defined between said perforated plates (6a-6e) and crossing said liquid flow path, andperforming between said perforated plates (6a-6e) continuous mixing of the liquid phase with the gaseous phase flowing along said crossed liquid and gas flow paths,wherein the liquid phase and the gaseous phase flowing upwardly from one perforated plate to the other are divided in a plurality of alternating liquid and gaseous flows, so as to increase intimate contact and improve mass and heat transfer.