Method of fabricating concentric-tube catalytic reactor assembly
A method of fabricating a catalytic reactor assembly having an outer tube and an inner tube is provided. The method may include inserting a catalyst into the outer tube and inserting the inner tube through the catalyst. The method may further include radially expanding the inner tube against the catalyst.
1. A method of fabricating a catalytic reactor assembly having an outer tube and an inner tube, the method comprising:
inserting a catalyst into the outer tube;
inserting the inner tube through the catalyst, wherein the inner tube is concentric with the catalyst and the outer tube;
connecting at least a first end of the inner tube to a source of pressurized fluid;
directing pressurized fluid from the source into the at least first end of the inner tube; and
radially expanding the inner tube against an inner surface of the catalyst using pressurized fluid from the source.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is a pre-fabricated catalyst.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the pre-fabricated catalyst is configured to contact an inner surface of the outer tube.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the pre-fabricated catalyst is one of a cylindrical catalyst, a toroidal catalyst, and an annular catalyst.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the pre-fabricated catalyst comprises one or more of pellets, particulates, and a coating disposed on a support structure.
6. The method of claim 1 , further including sealing a second end of the inner tube, wherein sealing the second end of the inner tube includes one of installing a compressing fitting and welding.
7. The method of claim 1 , further including directing pressurized fluid from the source into a second end of the inner tube.
8. The method of claim 1 , further including: evacuating the inner tube of pressurized fluid; and
trimming a length of the inner tube to a desired length.
9. The method of claim 8 , further including installing a cap onto an end of the outer tube and sealing the end of the outer tube.
10. A method of fabricating a catalytic reactor assembly having an outer tube and an inner tube, the method comprising:
inserting a catalyst into the outer tube;
inserting the inner tube through the catalyst, wherein the inner tube is concentric with the catalyst and the outer tube;
connecting a first end of the inner tube to a source of pressurized fluid; sealing a second end of the inner tube;
directing pressurized fluid from the source into the first end of the inner tube;
radially expanding the inner tube against an inner surface of the catalyst using pressurized fluid from the source;
evacuating the inner tube of pressurized fluid; and
installing a cap onto an end of the outer tube and sealing the end of the outer tube.