Patent ID: 7192561

Claim:
Apparatus comprising 1) a high-pressure reactor having an internal volume of from 0.4 to 20 m 3 and capable of operating at an internal pressure of from 1000 to 5000 bar, 2) measurement devices for determining pressure and/or temperature in the high-pressure reactor, 3) an electronic control system, 4) a hydraulic control unit having one or more valves, 5) a hydraulic system containing a hydraulic cylinder having a movable piston mass, and a pressure-relief valve located on the high-pressure reactor and controlled by the hydraulic cylinder, and 6) connecting lines between the hydraulic control unit and the hydraulic system which are provided for conveying hydraulic fluid, wherein if a prespecified temperature or a prespecified pressure is exceeded in the high-pressure reactor, a measurement device transmits a signal to the electronic control system, which then effects the opening of one or more valves of the hydraulic control unit, causing hydraulic fluid to be forced through one or more connecting lines in the direction of the movable piston mass of the hydraulic cylinder, the movable piston mass is moved thereby, causing the pressure-relief valve to be opened, where at least one of the connecting lines has on average an internal diameter of from 10 to 80 mm, this at least one connecting line has an internal pressure of from 100 to 500 bar, and the movable piston mass weighs from 10 to 80 kg.