Method for initiating pyrolysis using a shock wave
US5300216A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1993 |
| Grant date | Apr 5, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S585/922
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus and method for initiating pyrolysis of a feedstock by establishing a continuous, standing shock wave. Several embodiments of a shock wave reactor (10, 100, 150) are disclosed; each is connected to receive an ethane feedstock and a carrier fluid comprising superheated steam. The feedstock and the carrier fluid are pressurized so that they expand into parallel supersonic streams that mix due to turbulence within a mixing section (36) of a longitudinally extending channel (12) of the shock wave reactor. The carrier fluid heats the ethane feedstock as it mixes with it, producing a mixture that flows at supersonic velocity longitudinally down the channel. A gate valve (44) disposed downstream of the channel provides a controlled back pressure that affects the position of the shock wave and the residence time for the reaction. The shock wave rapidly heats the mixture above a pyrolysis temperature, producing a desired product by cracking the feedstock. Rapid heating of the mixture enables a residence time in the pyrolysis section of only 5 to 50 milliseconds. By varying the position of the shock wave, the residence time is controlled as required to obtain maximum yield from diff…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.