Method and apparatus for performing a chemical reaction under pressure in a multi-stage reaction zone with external intermediate temperature control

摘要

The chemical reactions are brought about in the presence of a solid catalyst. The objective of the process may be the synthesis of ammonia, of methanol or gasoline reforming. The process is characterised in that at least one reaction fluid (20) is introduced into at least one compartment (201a), a first reaction effluent (3a) is recovered and a heat exchange outside the reaction zone between the first effluent and an external heat exchange medium (4a), this first effluent is then introduced into at least one subsequent compartment and a second reaction effluent is recovered from the subsequent compartment (202a). In addition, the reaction fluid or the reaction effluent is circulated through the compartments transversely substantially at right angles to the generatrix of the reaction zone, the compartments being leakproof and of elongate shape, each of the compartments (203a) being adjacent to one or two other compartments, each group of two adjacent compartments comprising a middle or common wall which is either substantially parallel to the said generatrix or substantially oblique in relation to the said generatrix. …IMAGE…