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Abstract

A reactor (1) comprising a shell (2) having a first inlet (3) and outlet (4) and a second inlet (5) and outlet (6). The shell (2) is divided into first and second non-communication volumes (7, 8) by way of a first tube plate (9) which carries a number of tubular elongate pockets (10). The pockets (10) extend generally transversely from the first tube plate (9) into the first volume (7), and the first inlet and outlet (3, 4) are arranged so as to define a flow path through the first volume (7) from the first inlet (3) to the first outlet (4) by way of external surfaces of the pockets (10). A second tube plate (11) extends across the shell (2) in the second volume (8), and supports a number of tubular elongate conduits (12) corresponding to the number of pockets (10). The conduits (12) extends from the second tube plate (11), across the second volume (8) and into the pockets (10). The conduits (12) are opened-ended and extend almost, but not quite, to the ends of the pockets (10). The second inlet and outlet (5, 6) are arranged so as to define a flowpath through the second volume (8) from the second inlet (5), along outer surfaces of the conduits (12) and into the pockets (10) towards the ends of the pockets, and then into the conduits (12), passing along inside the conduits (12) towards the second tone plate (11) and thence to the second outlet (6). Combustion of a combustible mixture in the flowpath through the second volume (8) generates heat which is available for an exothermic reaction taking place in the flowpath through the first volume (7).

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