Installation method of the condenser for reactions requiring solvent reflux
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Just arrived at the new company, and saw a reactor in the workshop. 2000L. The reaction needs to be carried out under solvent reflux. The device here is a φ100 pipe on top of the reaction vessel (for insulation); the solvent gas passes through this pipe to the second floor, where it enters a vertical condenser from above to undergo heat exchange and condensation. The condensed solvent flows back into the original reaction vessel from below the condenser, passing through a \"U-shaped bend\" to maintain the liquid level. The solvent that cannot be condensed in time passes through a tee joint to the condenser on the third floor, where it is further condensed before being vented (gas is generated in this reaction). And my previous workplace also dealt with reactions that required backflow (no gas was generated). However, the way the condenser is used is different. We have a φ500 hole directly on the reactor, to which a vertical condenser is connected. A horizontal condenser is connected above the vertical condenser. Connect it to the vent pipe again. Which method of using the two condensers in the reflux apparatus is more reasonable? I think it is reasonable to install a vertical condenser directly on the reaction vessel, as the solvent vapor is condensed and partially recycled right as it passes through the vertical condenser. This helps maintain the amount of solvent inside the reaction vessel at the beginning, reduces the amount of solvent vapor that needs to be processed later, lowers the pressure on the subsequent condensers, and decreases the likelihood of spraying from those condensers. The factory here believes that connecting a vertical condenser directly to the reaction vessel will cause turbulence between the gas phase rising in the condenser and the liquid phase flowing downward, thereby increasing the pressure inside the reaction vessel. So I’d like to ask the experts among those who work with equipment. Could you give some advice? Thank you!
I think the opposite. The return flow enters the reactor through the U-tube; it is certainly inserted below the liquid surface, which helps to improve the homogeneity of the reaction. The function of the U-tube is to provide a liquid seal and create a pressure difference, ensuring that gas does not take a shortcut, while also allowing the liquid to enter the reactor smoothly under a certain internal pressure. This helps to prevent backflow of material (cold material entering the reactor and having a cooling effect). Your original pattern has a low degree of homogeneity in its responses, and it is unable to withstand a certain level of stress that may arise. When the material returns to the upper layer of the liquid in the reactor, it vaporizes immediately, which will prolong the reaction time.
The condensed solvent passes through a tee to the condenser on the third floor, where it is further condensed before being vented (gas is generated in this reaction). And my previous employer