Linde Isothermal Reactor
The Linde isothermal reactor is a fixed bed reactor with indirect heat exchange suitable for endothermic and exothermic catalytic reactions. This reactor provides the benefits of a tube reactor while simultaneously avoiding the heat tension problems of a straight tube reactor.
Linde isothermal reactor, schematic illustration
Gas/gas, gas/liquid and liquid/liquid reactions can be carried out. The palpable head of gases and liquids as well as the latent evaporation heat can be used for cooling or heating operations.
The heating or cooling tube bundle embedded in the catalyst transfers the reaction heat in such a way that the catalyst can work at an optimum temperature. This results in higher outputs, a longer catalyst lifetime, fewer by-products as well as efficient recovery of the reaction heat and lower reaction costs.
Linde isothermal reactor, cross-section with catalyst and tube bundle
The development of the Linde reactor was carried out with a particular view toward exothermic reaction and steam generation.
The reactor is based on the design of the specially wound heat exchangers, with which Linde has been able to collect decades of experience in its own production facilities. The Linde isothermal reactor is in operation world-wide in more than 19 plants, among them eight methanol plants.
Linde isothermal reactor during transport to site
The reactor is advantageously applicable, e.g. in the following chemical industry processes:
methanol synthesis
carbon monoxide shift conversion
hydrogenation
methanization
CLINSULF® sulfur recovery
ethylene oxide synthesis
synthesis of long-chain alcohols
Example:
H2/CO2 plant with Linde isothermal reactor in Spergau, Germany
Customer:
TOTAL Raffinerie Mitteldeutschland GmbH
Process:
synthesis gas conversion in the Linde isothermal reactor, hydrogen and carbon dioxide separation in pressure swing adsorption units
Capacity:
53,000 Nm3/h synthesis gas
Scope of supply:
turnkey
Commissioned:
1997
