Method of sensing abnormal condition in heat exchange process and heat exchange apparatus

Abstract

A method of sensing an abnormal condition in a heat exchange process, capable of promptly and readily sensing leakage of a heat medium into a process fluid flow path in a process of heat exchange, is provided. The present invention is directed to a method of sensing an abnormal condition in a heat exchange process between the heat medium and the process fluid having a sensing step of sensing a gas component generated as a result of decomposition of a heat medium and/or a gas component generated as a result of contact between the heat medium and the process fluid, in a vapor phase portion in a flow path for the process fluid. The method is preferably applied in a heat exchange process where the heat medium is fused salt including nitrate and/or nitrite and the process fluid includes secondary alcohols or a dehydrated product thereof.

1 . A method of sensing an abnormal condition in a heat exchange process for heat exchange between a heat medium and a process fluid, comprising:
 a sensing step of sensing a gas component generated as a result of decomposition of said heat medium and/or a gas component generated as a result of contact between said heat medium and said process fluid, in a vapor phase portion in a flow path for said process fluid.   
     
     
         2 . The method of sensing an abnormal condition in a heat exchange process according to  claim 1 , wherein
 said heat medium is fused salt including nitrate and/or nitrite,   said process fluid contains secondary alcohols and/or a dehydrated product thereof, and   said gas component sensed in said sensing step includes at least one of nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen.   
     
     
         3 . The method of sensing an abnormal condition in a heat exchange process according to  claim 2 , wherein
 said fused salt includes said nitrate and 20 to 90 weight % of said nitrite and has a melting point from 100 to 200° C.   
     
     
         4 . A heat exchange apparatus, comprising:
 a process fluid flow path through which a process fluid flows;   a heat medium flow path through which a heat medium flows;   a heat exchanger for heat exchange between said heat medium and said process fluid; and   a gas sensor for sensing a gas component generated as a result of decomposition of said heat medium and/or a gas component generated as a result of contact between said heat medium and said process fluid,   said gas sensor being provided in a vapor phase portion in said process fluid flow path.