Composite Distribution Solution for Minimizing Heat Loss in a Pyrolysis Reactor

Abstract

The article presents a novel design for a distribution plate. The solution is suitable for a reactor vessel where a reactant gas needs to be maintained at a different temperature from the reaction chamber in order to avoid unwanted occurrences, such as clogging of the distribution plate. A normal procedure involves cooling of the distribution plate which is reported to either increase heat loss substantially or yield insufficient temperature in parts of the reaction chamber. The problem is especially important for reactors where the difference in reactant inlet temperature and desired reaction temperature is large. The investigated design utilized materials of very different thermal conductivity to only cool specific parts of the distribution arrangement and thereby minimize heat loss. Our system is a distribution plate for use in a fluidized bed reactor for silane pyrolysis. However, the solution is general and may be utilized in many types of vessels and chemical reactors.