Patent Publication Number: US-2023151832-A1

Title: Pressure Loss Generating Device and Use of the Pressure Loss Generating Device

Description:
The invention relates to a pressure loss production device having a process gas inflow that has a process gas inflow inlet, a process gas inflow outlet, a process gas inflow longitudinal center axis, and a process gas inflow cross-sectional surface, having a process gas distributor that has a process gas distributor longitudinal center axis, a process gas distributor cross-sectional surface, a process gas distributor inlet arranged on a first end face and a process gas distributor outlet arranged on a second end face, and having a process gas outflow that comprises a process gas outflow inlet, a process gas outflow outlet, a process gas outflow longitudinal center axis, and a process gas outflow cross-sectional surface, wherein the process gas inflow is connected with the first end face of the process gas distributor, and the second end face of the process gas distributor is connected with the process gas outflow, in such a manner that a continuous flow path is formed. 
     All the components, such as valves, slides or the like, which are arranged in pipelines through which a process gas flows, for example, bring about a pressure loss. These components have been part of the state of the art for a long time. 
     It is a disadvantage of these components that they do not adapt to pressure variations that occur in an oscillating process gas stream. 
     It is therefore the task of the invention to make available a pressure loss production device, wherein the pressure loss that is produced in the pressure loss production device adapts to pressure variations of an oscillating process gas stream that occur in the process gas. 
     This task is accomplished, in the case of a pressure loss production device of the aforementioned type, in that the process gas inflow and process gas outflow are arranged relative to one another in such a manner that the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis and the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis are arranged offset from one another. The pressure loss of the process gas stream is achieved in the pressure loss production device, in particular by means of a reduction in the flow cross-sections of process gas inflow and process gas outflow, as well as by a deflection of the process gas stream in the process gas distributor. Further possibilities for achieving the necessary pressure loss are changes in the geometry of the process gas inflow, distributor, and outflow or an increase in the length expanse of the aforementioned components. The advantage of the pressure loss production device is that the pressure loss produced in the pressure loss production device adapts to pressure variations that occur, for example of a resonance pressure amplitude, of an oscillating process gas stream. 
     According to an advantageous embodiment of the pressure loss production device in this regard, the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis, the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis, and the process gas distributor longitudinal center axis are arranged in a common reference plane that stands normal to the reference plane. In this way it is ensured, in a very simple manner, that the process gas stream that flows through the pressure loss production device experiences a deflection in the pressure loss production device. 
     According to an additional advantageous further development of the pressure loss production device, the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis lies at a higher height level than the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis in a position of use of the pressure loss production device. 
     According to a further advantageous embodiment of the pressure loss production device, the process gas inflow cross-sectional surface and the process gas outflow cross-sectional surface are arranged on opposite sides of a reference plane that contains the process gas distributor longitudinal center axis. In this way, it is ensured that the process gas stream that flows through the pressure loss production device experiences a deflection in the pressure loss production device. 
     In a preferred pressure loss production device, a distance between the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis and the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis projected onto the first or second end face of the process gas distributor is greater than or equal to the sum of the process gas inflow radius and the process gas outflow radius. In this way, it is guaranteed that a deflection of the process gas takes place in the pressure loss production device. 
     According to an additional advantageous further development of the pressure loss production device, the process gas inflow cross-sectional surface is greater than or equal to the process gas outflow cross-sectional surface. In this way, the process gas stream experiences a first deflection and a reduction in the process gas velocity during the transition from the process gas inflow to the process gas distributor, and subsequently a second deflection and an increase in the process gas velocity during the transition from the process gas distributor to the process gas outflow. 
     According to another advantageous further development of the pressure loss production device, the process gas inflow cross-sectional surface and the process gas outflow cross-sectional surface are configured to be circular. As a result, the possibility exists of producing the pressure loss production device in a simple manner, by means of the use of cylindrical pipe pieces that have different cross-sectional surfaces. 
     In the pressure loss production device, according to an additional advantageous embodiment, a process gas inflow outlet surface and a process gas distributor inlet surface are configured to have the same size and to be congruent and/or a process gas distributor outlet surface and a process gas outflow inlet surface are configured to have the same size and to be congruent. As a result, process gas does not back up in the transition regions between process gas inflow and process gas distributor or between process gas distributor and process gas outflow, so that the process gas stream experiences only the necessary pressure loss. 
     The pressure loss production device is furthermore characterized in that a diffuser is arranged between the process gas inflow and process gas distributor and/or that a nozzle is arranged between the process gas distributor and process gas outflow. Preferably the diffuser widens continuously in the flow direction of the process gas and/or the nozzle narrows continuously in the flow direction of the process gas. Furthermore preferably, the diffuser and the nozzle have different lengths in their corresponding longitudinal center axis. By means of the inclusion of a diffuser between process gas inflow and process gas distributor or of a nozzle between process gas distributor and process gas outflow, the kinetic energy of the process gas stream is converted to pressure energy or vice versa, wherein such a conversion preferably takes place by means of continuous widening of the flow cross-section. This can be implemented geometrically in different ways, for example by means of a diffuser that is configured conically or in the shape of a trumpet bell or a nozzle that is configured conically or in the shape of a trumpet bell. 
     According to an additional advantageous embodiment of a preferred pressure loss production device, the pressure loss production device, in particular the process gas distributor, is configured as a cavity. The pressure loss production device is thereby configured to be hollow on the inside, i.e., the inside is empty and no filter element or the like, for example, is arranged in it. 
     The pressure loss production device is particularly preferably used in a reactor system for the production and/or treatment of particles in an oscillating, preferably hot process gas stream, in particular a pulsation reactor. An advantage of this is that the pressure loss production device geometrically limits the system that is capable of oscillation or oscillates in the operating state. The more limited the system, the more effective production and propagation of a resonance oscillation in the system will be. The pressure loss in the pressure loss production device occurs in that the pressure loss production device, as part of the reactor system, also experiences excitation due to the excitation of the reactor system, which is configured as an acoustic resonator, so that in the operating state, the pressure loss production device effectively prevents production and propagation that goes beyond the system, in the oscillating system. 
    
    
     
       In the following, the invention will be explained in greater detail using the attached drawing, which shows, in 
         FIG.  1    a sectional representation of a first embodiment of a preferred pressure loss production device, 
         FIG.  2    a top view of the reference plane D, oriented normal to the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis, of the first embodiment of the preferred pressure loss production device, 
         FIG.  3    a sectional representation of a second embodiment of a preferred pressure loss production device, 
         FIG.  4    a top view of the reference plane D, oriented normal to the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis, of the second embodiment of the preferred pressure loss production device, 
         FIG.  5    a sectional representation of a third embodiment of a preferred pressure loss production device, and 
         FIG.  6    a schematic representation of a reactor system that uses the pressure loss production device, which system is configured as an oscillating system. 
     
    
    
     Unless a statement to the contrary is made, the following description relates to all of the embodiments of a pressure loss production device  1  according to the invention that are illustrated in the drawing. 
     The pressure loss production device  1  comprises a process gas inflow  2 , a process gas distributor  3 , and a process gas outflow  4 . In the embodiments, process gas inflow  2 , process gas distributor  3 , and process gas outflow  4  are configured as cylindrical pipe pieces that have different cross-sectional surfaces. In other embodiments, not illustrated, process gas inflow  2 , process gas distributor  3 , and process gas outflow  4  are produced from other pipe pieces that are not configured to be cylindrical. 
     The process gas inflow  2  has a process gas inflow inlet  5 , a process gas inflow outlet  6 , a process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A, and a process gas inflow cross-sectional surface  7 . 
     The process gas distributor  3  has a process gas distributor longitudinal center axis B-B, a process gas distributor cross-sectional surface  8 , a process gas distributor inlet  10  arranged on a first end face  9 , and a process gas distributor outlet  12  arranged on a second end face  11 . 
     The process gas outflow  4  comprises a process gas outflow inlet  13 , a process gas outflow outlet  14 , a process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C, and a process gas outflow cross-sectional surface  15 . 
     The process gas inflow  4  is connected with the first end face  9  of the process gas distributor  3 , and the second end face  11  of the process gas distributor  3  is connected with the process gas outflow  4 , in such a manner that a continuous flow path  16  through the pressure loss production device  1  is formed. 
     Furthermore, the process gas inflow  2  and process gas outflow  4  are arranged relative to one another in such a manner that the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A and the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C are arranged offset from one another. 
     It is advantageous if the pressure loss production device  1 , in particular the process gas distributor  3 , is configured as a cavity  30 , so that the pressure loss production device  1  is empty. This result is achieved in that the pressure loss production device  1  does not have any fittings. 
     In  FIG.  1   , a sectional representation of a first embodiment of a preferred pressure loss production device  1  is shown. In a preferred position of use of the pressure loss production device  1 , the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A lies at a higher height level than the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C. Since the pressure loss production device  1  can rotate about the process gas distributor longitudinal center axis B-B, here the term “height level” does not mean the geodetic height, but rather, in particular, a distance between the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A and process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C. 
     In the embodiment shown, the process gas inflow cross-sectional surface  7  and the process gas outflow cross-sectional surface  15  are configured to be circular, wherein the process gas inflow cross-sectional surface  7  is greater than the process gas outflow cross-sectional surface  15 . Furthermore, a process gas inflow outlet surface  17  and a process gas distributor inlet surface  18 , as well as a process gas distributor outlet surface  19  and a process gas outflow inlet surface  20  are configured to have the same size and be congruent. As a result, the process gas stream experiences a first deflection during the transition from the process gas inflow  2  to the process gas distributor  3 , and a reduction in the process gas velocity and subsequently a second deflection and an increase in the process gas speed at the transition from the process gas distributor  3  to the process gas outflow  4 . The process gas PG experiences a pressure loss in this regard. 
       FIG.  2    shows a top view of the reference plane D, oriented normal to the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A, of the first embodiment of the preferred pressure loss production device  1 . 
     In the pressure loss production device  1 , shown in a first embodiment, the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A and the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis B-B are arranged on opposite sides  20 ,  21  of a reference plane E that contains the process gas distributor longitudinal center axis B-B. The placement on different sides  20 ,  21  leads to a flow deflection of the process gas PG, and thereby produces a pressure loss in the pressure loss production device  1 . 
     Furthermore, the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A, the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C, and the process gas distributor longitudinal center axis B-B are arranged in a reference plane F that stands normal to the reference plane E. 
     A distance  23  between the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A and the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C, projected onto the first end face  9  of the process gas distributor  3 , is greater than or equal to the sum of the process gas inflow radius  24  and process gas outflow radius  25 . In this way, it is ensured that the process gas PG experiences at least one deflection on the flow path  16  through the pressure loss production device  1 . 
     The second embodiment of a preferred pressure loss production device  1  shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4    has the following differences as compared with the first embodiment. 
     The process gas inflow cross-sectional surface  7  and the process gas outflow cross-sectional surface  15  are arranged on opposite sides  21 ,  22  of a reference plane E that contains the process gas distributor longitudinal center axis B-B. In this way, too, it is possible to achieve a flow deflection of the process gas PG. 
     Furthermore, the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A and the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C are arranged in a common reference plane F that stands normal to the reference plane E. In this way, too, a deflection of the process gas on its flow path  16  through the pressure loss production device  1  is ensured. 
     It is practical if a reactor system  31  for the production and/or treatment of particles in an oscillating process gas stream, in particular a pulsation reactor, has the pressure loss production device  1 . The pressure loss production device  1  is configured with a process gas inflow  2  that has a process gas inflow inlet  5 , a process gas inflow outlet  6 , a process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A, and a process gas inflow cross-sectional surface  7 , with a process gas distributor  3  that has a process gas distributor longitudinal center axis B-B, a process gas distributor cross-sectional surface  8 , a process gas distributor inlet  10  arranged on a first end face  9 , and a process gas distributor outlet  12  arranged on a second end face  11 , and with a process gas outflow  4  comprising a process gas outflow inlet  13 , a process gas outflow outlet  14 , a process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C, and a process gas outflow cross-sectional surface  15 , wherein the process gas inflow  2  is connected with the first end face  9  of the process gas distributor  3 , and the second end face  11  of the process gas distributor  3  is connected with the process gas outflow  4 , in such a manner that a continuous flow path  16  is formed, characterized in that the process gas inflow  2  and process gas outflow  4  are arranged, relative to one another, in such a manner that the process gas inflow longitudinal center axis A-A and the process gas outflow longitudinal center axis C-C are arranged offset from one another. 
     Preferably the pressure loss production device  1  of the reactor system  31  is configured in accordance with one of claims  2  to  13 . 
     In  FIG.  5   , a sectional representation of a third embodiment of a preferred pressure loss production device  1  is shown. 
     In the third embodiment of the pressure loss production device  1 , a diffuser  26  is arranged between the process gas inflow  2  and process gas distributor  3 , and a nozzle  27  is arranged between the process gas distributor  3  and process gas outflow  4 . 
     The pressure loss production device is characterized, according to claim  10  or  11 , in that the diffuser and nozzle have a different length in terms of their corresponding longitudinal center axis. 
     By means of the diffuser  26 , the kinetic energy of the process gas stream is converted to pressure energy, wherein a continuous widening of a diffuser cross-section  28 , in the shape of a trumpet bell, takes place in the diffuser  26 . In contrast to this, the pressure energy is converted to kinetic energy of the process gas stream by means of the nozzle  27 , wherein a continuous conical widening of a nozzle cross-section  29  takes place in the nozzle  27 . This widening can also be implemented geometrically in a different way, and in the process adapts to the three-dimensional shape of the corresponding components, the process gas inflow  2 , process gas distributor  3 , and process gas outflow  4  of the pressure loss production device  1 . 
     The preferred pressure loss production device  1  finds use in a reactor system  31  for the production and/or treatment of particles in an oscillating process gas stream, in particular a pulsation reactor. Preferably a pressure loss production device  1  according to one of claims  1  to  13  finds use in a reactor system  31 . 
     The reactor system  31  has a reactor unit  32 , which is preceded by a process gas feed unit  33  and followed by a process gas discharge unit  34 . 
     The reactor system  31  comprises a process gas conveying device  35  and a heating device  36 . The process gas PG that flows through the reactor system  31  enters into the reactor system  31  by way of the process gas feed unit  33 , and is conveyed through the reactor system  31  by means of the process gas conveying device  35 . 
     The process gas conveying device  35  is configured, for example, in particular as a radial ventilator, blower or compressor. The process gas conveying device  35  can be arranged, in particular, in the process gas feed unit  33 , the process gas discharge unit  34  or, alternatively, both in the process gas feed unit  33  and in the process gas discharge unit  34 . In the embodiments shown in  FIG.  6   , placement of the process gas conveying device  35  in the process gas feed unit  33  is shown. The placement of the process gas conveying device  35  is adapted to the conditions to be set in the reactor system  31 , in particular with regard to shape, mass, and density of the starting substance. 
     The heating device  36  can be arranged upstream or downstream from a pulsation device  37 . Placement upstream from the pulsation device  37  is preferred, since the heating device  36  does not damp a resonance pressure amplitude in the reactor system  31  in such an arrangement. Placement downstream from the pulsation device  37  is disclosed in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   . The arrangement of the heating device  36  determines the assignment of the heating device  36  to the reactor unit  32  or to the process gas feed unit  33 . A heating device  36  arranged upstream from the pulsation device  37  is assigned to the process gas feed unit  33 , while a heating device  36  arranged downstream from the pulsation device  37  is assigned to the reactor unit  32 . In the embodiment shown, the heating device  36  is therefore assigned to the reactor unit  32 . 
     Preferably the heating device  36  is configured as a convective gas heater, an electric gas heater, a plasma heater, a microwave heater, an induction heater or as a radiation heater. Less preferably the heating device  36  is configured as a burner that has a flame. 
     The process gas PG that flows through the reactor system  31  is warmed or heated to a production and/or treatment temperature by means of the heating device  36 . The temperature for the production or thermal treatment of the at least one starting substance is preferably between 100° C. and 3000° C., preferably 240° C. to 2200° C., particularly preferably 240° C. to 1800° C., very particularly preferably 650° C. to 1800° C., most preferably 700° C. to 1500° C. 
     A pulsation that has a pulsation frequency and a pulsation pressure amplitude is imposed on the process gas PG that flows through the reactor system  31 , by means of the pulsation device  36 . The pulsation preferably has a pulsation pressure amplitude of 0.1 mbar to 350 mbar, particularly preferably of 1 mbar to 200 mbar, very particularly preferably of 3 mbar to 50 mbar, most preferably of 10 mbar to 40 mbar. 
     The pulsation frequency of the process gas PG can be set independently of the pulsation pressure amplitude. The pulsation frequency of the pulsating process gas PG that flows through the reactor system  31  on the basis of the pulsation device  37  can also be adjusted, preferably in the frequency range from 1 Hz to 2000 Hz, preferably between 1 Hz to 500 Hz, particularly preferably between 40 Hz and 160 Hz. 
     The pulsation device  37  is configured as a pulsation device  37  that works without a flame. It is practical if the pulsation device  37  is configured as a compression module, in particular as a piston, or as a rotary vane or as a modified turnstile. 
     Downstream from the process gas feed unit  33 , the reactor  39  that has a reaction space  38  and is assigned to the reactor unit  32  is configured. In the reaction space  38  of the reactor  39 , the starting substance is introduced into the pulsating process gas PG that flows through the reactor system  31  and the reactor  39 , by means of an application device  40 . 
     The application device  40  is preferably configured for the introduction of liquids or solids into the reaction space  38  of the reactor  39 . 
     Liquids or liquid raw materials (precursors) can be introduced into the reaction space  38 , preferably as a solution, suspension, melt, emulsion or as a pure liquid. The introduction of the liquid raw materials or liquids preferably takes place continuously. For the introduction of liquids into the reaction space  38  of the reactor  39  of the reactor unit  32 , an application device  40  is preferably used, such as, for example, spray nozzles, feed pipes or droplet dispensers, which are configured, for example, as single-substance or multi-substance nozzles, pressure nozzles, nebulizers (aerosol) or ultrasound nozzles. 
     In contrast to this, for the introduction of solids, for example powders, granulates or the like, into the reactor  39 , preferably into the reaction space  38  of the reactor  39 , an application device  40  is preferably used, such as, for example, a double flap, a rotary feeder, a batching valve or an injector. 
     The introduction of the starting substance in the form of a liquid or of a solid can take place in or counter to the flow direction of the process gas PG that flows through the reactor system  31 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG.  6   , application of the starting substance takes place counter to the flow direction of the process gas PG. 
     Preferably the starting substance is introduced into the reactor system  31 , preferably into the reaction space  38  of the reactor  39 , using a carrier gas. The decision as to whether the starting substance is introduced into the reactor system  31  in or counter to the flow direction of the process gas PG depends decisively on the shape, mass, and density of the starting substance at a set average flow speed of the process gas PG. As a result, the possibility exists of also thermally treating starting substances that cannot be transported in the reactor system  31  by means of the process gas PG. 
     The starting substance is treated thermally in the treatment zone of the reactor  39 , preferably in the reaction space  38 , so that the particles P to be produced, preferably the inorganic or organic nano-particles, particularly preferably the nano-crystalline metal oxide particles, are formed. The region in which the starting substances are treated thermally is defined as the treatment zone. 
     The process gas discharge unit  34  that follows the reactor unit  32  comprises a separation device  41 . The separation device  41 , in particular a filter, preferably a hot gas filter, very particularly preferably a tubular, metal or fiberglass filter, a cyclone or a washer, separates the thermally treated particles P from the pulsating, hot process gas stream that flows through the reactor system  31 . The particles P that are removed from the process gas stream are drawn off from the separation device  41  and processed further. If necessary, the particles P that have been thermally treated in the reactor system  31  are subjected to further subsequent treatment steps, such as, for example, suspension, grinding or calcination. The non-charged process gas PG is conducted away into the environment. 
     The dwell time of the one starting substance introduced into the reactor system  31 , in particular into the reaction space  38  of the reactor  39 , lies between 0.1 s and 25 s. Closed-cycle operation of the process gas PG is possible. If applicable, partial removal of the process gas PG from the circuit is also possible. 
     Furthermore, the reactor system  31 , which has a static process gas pressure, is configured as an acoustic resonator  42 , which has inherent resonance frequencies that each define a resonance state. The process gas PG can form a gas column that is capable of resonance in the reactor system  31 , so that the resonator  42  can be excited by means of the pulsation frequency and/or the pulsation pressure amplitude of the pulsation that is generated by means of the pulsation device  37 , and in the resonance state, the pulsation can be amplified to produce a resonance oscillation of the process gas PG that has a resonance frequency and a resonance pressure amplitude. 
     The process gas feed unit  33  and the process gas discharge unit  34  each comprise a pressure loss production device  1  that produces a pressure loss, wherein the pressure loss production devices  1  are configured in such a manner that optionally one of the resonance states of the resonator  42  can be set. The pressure loss production devices  1  limit a system  43  of the reactor system  31  that is capable of oscillation and oscillates in the operating state, geometrically and with regard to the process gas volume of the gas column that is formed and is capable of resonance. The pressure loss production devices  1  thereby prevent propagation of the resonance oscillation beyond the pressure loss production devices  1 . The more limited the system  43  is, which is capable of oscillation or oscillates in the operating state, the more effective production and propagation of the resonance oscillation in the system  43  will be. 
     The pressure loss production devices  1  are arranged in the reactor system  31 , in particular in the process gas feed unit  33  and the process gas discharge unit  34 , so that their respective positions can be changed, wherein in the operating state, the pressure loss production devices  1  cannot be changed in terms of their position, which has previously been set. In this way, it is ensured that the system  43 , which oscillates in the operating state, does not change. 
     The pulsation device  37  of the reactor system  31  is configured for adapting the pulsation frequency and/or the pulsation pressure amplitude of the pulsation to one of the inherent resonance frequencies of the resonator  42 , in such a manner that the selected resonance state can be achieved. Particularly preferably, the pulsation frequency or a whole-number multiple of it is set close to the resonance frequency of the resonator  42 , so that the resonator  42  is excited and a resonance oscillation occurs in the system  43 , which is capable of oscillation. By means of imposing a periodic pulsation onto the process gas PG, wherein in particular the pulsation frequency or a whole-number multiple of it is set close to the resonance frequency of the resonator  42 , in a targeted manner, amplification of the resonance oscillation of the process gas PG, which has a resonance frequency and a resonance pressure amplitude, is achieved. In this way, the heat transfer and material transfer properties of the preferably hot process gas PG in the reactor system  31  are improved.