Initialization method for a process to prepare an olefin oxide, process to prepare an olefin oxide, and, olefin oxide

Description

75 INITIALIZATION METHOD FOR A PROCESS TO PREPARE AN OLEFIN OXIDE, PROCESS TO PREPARE AN OLEFIN OXIDE, AND, OLEFIN OXIDE

[001] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a start-up method for a process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operating stage, wherein the normal operating stage comprises providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, so that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent is formed, and subjecting the reaction mixture to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture comprising olefin oxide and organic solvent;wherein the initialization method comprises (a) providing an organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin for a first period of time P1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a first mixture 1 is formed, which comprises organic solvent, additive, water and, optionally, olefin, and contacting the first mixture 1 for P1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst;wherein the additive releases or forms one or more cations M, wherein, at the end of Pi, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst was brought into contact with a molar amount M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 qmol M / kg of catalyst. A second aspect of the invention is directed to a process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, wherein the normal operation stage comprises (A) providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, such that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive,; Petition 870250100046, of 10 / 31 / 2025, page 7 / 167 / 75 water and organic solvent is formed; (B) subjecting the reaction mixture of (A) to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent; (C) removing an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent; wherein the initial stage comprises a step (a). A third aspect of the invention relates to an olefin oxide obtained or obtainable from the process of the second aspect.

[002] Olefin oxides, such as propylene oxide, are important intermediates in the chemical industry. A suitable process for the preparation of olefin oxide starts from the respective olefin and makes use of hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, organic solvents, water, and heterogeneous epoxidation catalysts such as titanium-containing zeolites. Due to their importance for industrial-scale processes, it is desirable to carry out such epoxidation reactions as efficiently as possible.

[003] Any process, and even more importantly, every process on an industrial scale, comprises at least three stages, which are an initialization stage, in which the reaction is initiated, a normal operation stage, in which the reaction is carried out so that the desired product is obtained, and finally, a shutdown stage, in which the reaction is terminated and the reaction vessel can be emptied, for example, to allow catalyst regeneration, replacement, etc.

[004] The startup stage, since it defines the conditions under which the catalyst in the reactor must operate, is of great importance. Especially when, as is often the case, epoxidations are carried out in several reactors in parallel, startup is relevant because normally, any epoxidation process is part of a highly integrated system in which reactors are started and shut down sequentially. If one of a plurality of reactors has to be Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 8 / 167 / 75 initiated, while one or more of the others are in operation, it is mandatory that this reactor does not negatively affect the overall balance.

[005] Document EP 0 230 949 81 describes a process for the epoxidation of olefinic compounds comprising the reaction in a reaction zone of one or more olefinic compounds with hydrogen peroxide introduced as such or produced by substances that can produce it under the reaction conditions, in the presence of a synthetic zeolite as a catalyst, distinguished by the catalyst being neutralized, as to its acidity, with neutralizing agents before and / or during the reaction. Strong or weak bases, among others, are described as suitable neutralizing agents.However, regarding neutralization during and before the reactions, it is only described that, for a batch epoxidation reaction, pretreatment of the catalyst is necessary using a fluid paste of the catalyst in a dilute solution of the neutralizing agent, followed by repeated rinsing of the catalyst with water, whereas for a continuous epoxidation reaction, it is indicated that the addition of the neutralizing agent only during the reaction, along with hydrogen peroxide, is sufficient.

[006] The technical problem underlying the present invention was, therefore, to provide an improved method for initiating an epoxidation reaction.

[007] Thus, in a first aspect, the invention is directed to a method of starting up a process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operating stage, wherein the normal operating stage comprises providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, so that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent is formed, and subjecting the reaction mixture to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 9 / 167 / 75 comprising olefin oxide and organic solvent; wherein the initialization method comprises (a) providing an organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin for a first period of time Pi to the epoxidation zone, so that a first mixture 1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and, optionally, olefin, and contacting the first mixture 1 for P1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; wherein the additive releases or forms one or more cations M, in which, at the end of Pi, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst was brought into contact with a molar quantity M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol M / kg of catalyst.

[008] The first mixture 1 is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide. “Essentially free of hydrogen peroxide” means that said first mixture 1 comprises less than 0.2% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, of hydrogen peroxide, based on the total weight of the first mixture 1.

[009] It was surprisingly found that using a startup procedure with the additive feed starting before the hydrogen peroxide feed started significantly helped to minimize propylene oxide losses. In particular, it proved effective to contact the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst before the hydrogen peroxide feed started with a molar amount M, especially K+, per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol M / kg of catalyst, aiming to avoid propylene oxide losses (selectivity to propylene oxide) and with regard to byproduct reduction.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the additive is selected from the group consisting of salts of Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 10 / 167 / 75 potassium of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonia, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and mixtures of two or more of the same; wherein the additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium formate, potassium acetate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive comprises, most preferably, at least dipotassium etidronate; wherein, most preferably, dipotassium etidronate comprises 95 to 100% by weight of the additive.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the additive is, in the case of ammonia, provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the additive is, in the case of being selected from the group consisting of a potassium salt of an inorganic acid, a potassium salt of an organic acid, an ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, an ammonium salt of an organic acid, or any mixture comprising two or more salts of these acids, or any mixture comprising ammonia and at least one salt of these acids provided in aqueous solution; wherein M represents, in the case of a potassium salt, K+, or, in the case of ammonia or ammonium salts, M represents the sum of NHZ and NH3.

[0012] Etidronic acid is a tetrabasic acid with pK values ​​of 1.35 ± 0.08; 2.87; 7.03 ± 0.01; 11.3. Each of the ammonia, potassium salts and ammonium salts mentioned above, when in aqueous solution, dissociates to release or forms at least to some extent anion(s) and one or Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 11 / 167 / 75 more cations. For example, ammonia forms NH3 to some extent, ammonium salts dissociate to some extent into NH4+, and one or more potassium anions or salts dissociate to some extent to release K+ and one or more anions, the positive charge being compensated by the appropriate equivalent of anions. With respect to ammonia and ammonium salts, due to the dissociation equilibrium between NH3 and NH4+, the sum of NH3 and NH4+ must be considered for M.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid, a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts and a mixture comprising ammonia and at least one of these acid salts, preferably from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts, and is provided as an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution of additive preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3% by weight, most preferably in the range of 1 to 2% by weight, of additive, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the additive is ammonia, which is provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous ammonia solution preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 32% by weight of ammonia, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0015] “Pure form” referring to ammonia means that a composition comprising ammonia is used, comprising in the range of 95 to 100% by weight, preferably in the range of 96 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 97 to 100% by weight, most preferably in Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 12 / 167 / 75 range of 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 99.5 to 100% by weight, of ammonia, based on the total weight of the composition being 100% by weight, the remainder up to 100% by weight preferably being water.

[0016] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, step (a) comprises (a.1) providing organic solvent, an additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive and water, and contacting the mixture 1.1 for P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.2) provide organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a second time period P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and olefin, and bring the second mixture 1.2 into contact during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[0017] Preferably, mixture 1.1 formed in (a.1) is essentially olefin-free and essentially hydrogen peroxide-free. Mixture 1.2 formed in (a.2) is essentially hydrogen peroxide-free. “Essentially hydrogen peroxide-free” in relation to mixture 1.1 in (a.1) and mixture 1.2 in (a.2) means that said mixture comprises less than 0.2% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, of hydrogen peroxide, based on the total weight of the mixture. “Essentially olefin-free” in relation to mixture 1.1 in (a.1) means that said mixture comprises less than 0.2% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, of olefin, based on the total weight of the mixture. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 13 / 167 / 75

[0018] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1), (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operating stage in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1.

[0019] A molar ratio of M:hydrogen peroxide in the range of 1.5 x 10-5:1 to 4.5 x 10'3:1 showed more favorable results with regard to propylene oxide selectivity, as well as with regard to byproduct reduction.

[0020] In the normal operating stage of the process for preparing an olefin oxide, the additive is preferably used in such a way that a specific molar ratio of M to hydrogen peroxide is established, which is preferably a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide in the normal operating stage in the range of 1 x 10⁵:1 to 1 x 10³:1. The expression “the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1), (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operating stage” means for the startup method, that for each mole of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage, the respective molar quantity of M is already used in the startup stage.If, for example, it is intended that the normal operating stage use an aqueous H2O2 solution (40% by weight H2O2) fed at a flow rate of 94 g / h in the normal operating stage, i.e., 1.106 mol of H2O2 per hour, then the additive is provided in (a) so that the molar amount of M per hour is in the range of 1.106 x 10'5 to 1.106 x 10'3.

[0021] As indicated above, organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin are provided in (a) for a first time period P1 to the epoxidation zone, so that, at the end of P1, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been brought into contact with a quantity Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 14 / 167 / 75 molar M by weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol M / kg of catalyst - this applies equally to the additive provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively. In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, so that, at the end of Pi or P1.2, respectively, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been brought into contact with a molar amount M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 pmol M / kg of catalyst, preferably in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,800 to 4,200 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,900 to 4,100 pmol M / kg of catalyst, most preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 pmol M / kg of catalyst.

[0022] The additive is preferably provided continuously during startup, so that there are no periods of time during startup in which no additive is provided.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the first time period P1 and / or the overall time period of P1.1 + P1.2 is a time period in the range of 15 to 120 minutes, preferably in the range of 45 to 100 minutes, more preferably in the range of 55 to 90 minutes, more preferably in the range of 60 to 85 minutes, more preferably in the range of 75 to 80 minutes.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the amount of olefin optionally provided in (a) and / or provided in (a.2) is less than the amount intended to be provided in the normal operating stage.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, the initialization method additionally comprises (b) after the time period of P1 or P1.2, respectively, Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 15 / 167 / 75 to provide organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second period of time P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and to contact the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments of the startup method, the amounts of olefin and hydrogen peroxide provided in (b) are less than the respective amounts intended to be provided in the normal operating stage.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, (b) preferably comprises (b') after the time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial amounts to the epoxidation zone for a time period P2', so that a mixture is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the amounts of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the amounts intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increasing the amount of hydrogen peroxide and the amount of olefin over the time period P2' until the amounts intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and contacting the mixture 2' during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[0028] In mixture 2', due to the increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide and the amount of olefin over the time period P2', the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and olefin increase during P2', where the amounts of olefin and hydrogen peroxide provided in (b') Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 16 / 167 / 75 are less than the respective quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage - the increase in the quantities of olefin and hydrogen peroxide over the time period P2 continues until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage are reached. The molar quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin initially provided in (b') are preferably each in the range of 1 to 50% of the quantity intended to be used in the normal operating stage. During P2', the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are increased up to 100% of the quantities intended to be used in the normal operating stage, wherein the increase is carried out gradually or continuously, so that the mixture formed in (b') comprises increasing quantities of olefin and hydrogen peroxide compared to the quantities initially provided in (b').

[0029] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the olefin is provided in (a) or in (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio relative to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage in the range of 0.1:1 to 4, preferably in the range of 0.1:1 to 4:1, or in the range of 2.1 to 4:1.

[0030] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the olefin and hydrogen peroxide are provided in (b) or in (b'), respectively, such that the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide in the second mixture 2 formed in (b) or in the mixture 2' formed in (b'), respectively, is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1.

[0031] In the normal operating stage of the process for preparing an olefin oxide, the olefin is preferably used in a molar excess compared to hydrogen peroxide. The expression “the olefin is provided in (a.2) in a molar amount compared to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage” means Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 17 / 167 / 75 for the initialization method, that for each mole of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage, the excess molar amount of olefin relative to a 1:1 olefin:hydrogen peroxide ratio is provided in (a.2) and therefore contained in mixture 1.2 formed in (a.2). In other words, the molar amount of olefin provided in (a.2) is (molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage) - (molar amount of olefin intended to be used in the normal operating stage). For example, if the olefin:hydrogen peroxide molar ratio intended to be used in the normal operating stage is 1.1:1, then the excess molar amount of olefin intended to be used in the normal operating stage is 0.1.If, for example, it is intended that the normal operating stage uses an aqueous solution of H2O2 (40% by weight of H2O2) fed at a flow rate of 94 g / h in the normal operating stage, i.e., 1.106 mol of H2O2 per hour, then 0.22 mol of propylene are fed per hour, which means 9.26 g / h. In some preferred embodiments, the olefin is provided in (a) and / or in (a.2) in an amount in the range of 0.25 to 1.5 kg of olefin per kg of catalyst per hour ( ).

[0032] The point in time at which step (a) or (a.1) begins is t1, respectively. The point in time at which step (a.2) begins is t1.2 and the point in time when (b) or (b') begins is t2. The first time period P1 is therefore the time period between t1 and t2, i.e., P1 = t2 - t1, while P1.1 is t1.2 - t1 and P1.2 is t2 - t1.2, and the second time period P2 as well as P2' is / are the time period between t3 and t2, i.e., P2 = t3 - t2, P2' = t3 - t2. When the quantities of all components (organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide) are as high as intended for the normal operating stage, this indicates the beginning of the normal operating stage, which occurs at a point in time t3.

[0033] As indicated above and also below, the quantity of Petition 870250100046, of 10 / 31 / 2025, page 18 / 167 / 75 hydrogen peroxide provided in the normal operating stage is adjusted so that the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide in the reaction mixture formed is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1. Therefore, in (b) or (b'), respectively, preferably, an excess of olefin is used compared to hydrogen peroxide, while in (a) or (a.2), respectively, only the excess molar amount of olefin compared to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide - relative to what is intended to be used in the normal operating stage - is provided.

[0034] In some preferred embodiments, the initialization method (a.1) comprises (a.1.1) providing organic solvent, additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.1 during P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.1.2) remove, during P1.1, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (a.2) comprises (a.2.1) providing organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a period of time P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.2 during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.2.2) remove, during P1.2, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin, organic solvent, additive and water. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 19 / 167 / 75

[0035] In some preferred embodiments, the initialization method (b) comprises (b.1) after the time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (b.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (b') comprises (b'.1) after the second time period Pi or P1.2, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial quantities to the epoxidation zone for a time period Pr, so that a mixture is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increasing the quantity of hydrogen peroxide and the quantity of olefin over the time period P2' until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and contacting the mixture 2' during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (b'.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 20 / 167 / 75 comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water. Additive in (a) etc.

[0036] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the additive is provided in any one of (a.2.1), (b), (b'), (b.1), (b'.1), in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1, based on the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operating stage. This means that the amount of additive is adjusted in anticipation of the amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operating stage. Catalyst

[0037] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst comprises a zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti.

[0038] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the zeolitic material comprises Ti in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 4% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.7 to 3% by weight, calculated as elemental Ti and based on the total weight of the zeolitic material.

[0039] In some preferred embodiments of the initiation method, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti comprised in the epoxidation catalyst is a titanium zeolite having a framework structure of ABW, ACO, AEI, AEL, AEN, AET, AFG, AFI, AFN, AFO, AFR, AFS, AFT, AFX, AFY, AHT, ANA, APC, APD, AST, ASV, ATN, ATO, ATS, ATT, ATV, AWO, AWW, BCT, BEA, BEC, BIK, BOG, BPH, BRE, CAN, CAS, CDO, CFI, CGF, CGS, CHA, CHI, CLO, CON, CZP, DAC, DDR, DFO, DFT, DOH, DON, EAB, EDI, EMT, EPI, ERI, ESV, ETR, EUO, FAU, FER, FRA, GIS, GIU, GME, GON, GOO, HEU, IFR, ISV, ITE, ITH, ITQ, ITW, IWR, IWW, JBW, Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 21 / 167 / 75 KFI, LAU, LEV, LIO, LOS, LOV, LTA, LTL, LTN, MAR, MAZ, MCM22(S), MCM-36, MCM-56, MEI, MEL, MEP, MER, MIT-1, MMFI, MFS, MON, MOR, MSE, MSO, MTF, MTN, MTT, MTW, MWW, NAB, NAT, NEES, NON, NPO, OBW, OFF, OSI, OSO, PAR, PAU, PHI, PON, RHO, RON, RRO, RSN, RTE, RTH, RUT, RWR, RWY, SAO, SAS, SAT, SAV, SBE, SBS, SBT, SFE, SFF, SFG, SFH, SFN SFO, SGT, SOD, SSY, STF, STI, STT, TER, THO, TON, TSC, UEI, UFI, UOZ, USI, UTL, VET, VFI, VNI, VSV, WEI, WEN, YUG, ZON SVR, SVY or a mixed structure of two or more of these framework types; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI framework type, a MEL framework type, an MWW framework type, an MCM-22 (S) framework type, an MCM-56 framework type, an IEZ-MWW framework type, an MCM-36 framework type, an ITQ framework type, a BEA framework type, an MOR framework type or a mixed structure of two or more of these framework types;More preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI type framework or an MWW type framework; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti has the MFI type framework; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti is a titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1).

[0040] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI type framework, which exhibits a type IV nitrogen adsorption / desorption isotherm determined at 77 K according to the method described in DIN 66131 (July 1993).

[0041] In some preferred modalities of the method of Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 22 / 167 / 75 initialization, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst further comprises a binder, which preferably comprises silicon dioxide.

[0042] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst is in the form of a mold, preferably in the form of a wire or a granule.

[0043] A wire has a cross-section in which the cross-section preferably has a hexagonal, rectangular, square, triangular, trilobular, oval, or circular shape. In some preferred embodiments, the molding has the shape of a wire having a circular cross-section, which is most preferably formed by extrusion (cylindrical extrudate). A granule preferably comprises particles having a shape selected from cylindrical, spherical, trilobular (particle having a trilobular cross-section), and mixed shapes of two or more of these shapes, wherein the granule comprises particles of one shape as well as mixtures of particles having two or more of these shapes. A “sphere” comprises an ideal sphere shape, but also spheroidal shapes. A “cylinder” comprises shapes having a high h that is greater than the radius of the area of ​​the circle, as well as shapes having a high h that is less than the radius of the area of ​​the circle (tablet shape).

[0044] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the molding consist of the zeolitic material and the binder.

[0045] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the binder Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 23 / 167 / 75 included in the molding consists of Si and O.

[0046] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the binder, calculated as SiO2, in an amount in the range of 1 to 95% by weight, preferably in the range of 3 to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, most preferably in the range of 10 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the epoxidation catalyst, preferably based on the total weight of the molding and / or wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the zeolitic material in an amount in the range of 5 to 99% by weight, preferably in the range of 30 to 97% by weight, more preferably in the range of 50 to 95% by weight, most preferably in the range of 70 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the epoxidation catalyst. heterogeneous, preferably based on the total weight of the molding.

[0047] As indicated above, organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin are provided in (a) for a first period of time Pi to the epoxidation zone, so that, at the end of Pi, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst is brought into contact with a molar amount M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol M / kg of catalyst - this applies equally to the additive provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively; Preferably the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, so that, at the end of P1 or P1.2, respectively, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst was brought into contact with a molar quantity M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,800 to 4.200 pmol. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 24 / 167 / 75 M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,900 to 4,100 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 pmol M / kg of catalyst. In preferred embodiments of the initialization method, wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst comprises a zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti, providing in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol M / kg of catalyst in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, corresponds to providing in the range of 31 to 58 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; providing in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 pmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing in the range of 32 to 56 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; Providing a concentration of 2,700 to 4,300 pmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing a concentration of 33 to 54 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; supplying a concentration of 2,800 to 4,300 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst.200 pmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing 35 to 53 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; providing 2,900 to 4,100 pmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing 37 to 52 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; and providing 3,000 to 4,000 pmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing 38 to 51 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst. Hydrogen peroxide

[0048] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, hydrogen peroxide is provided as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which preferably has a total organic carbon (TOC) content in the range of 100 to 800 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, preferably in the range of 120 to 750 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, more preferably in the range of 150 to 700 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, determined in accordance with the document Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 25 / 167 / 75 DIN EN 1484 (April 2019).

[0049] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, hydrogen peroxide has a pH in the range of 0 to 3.0, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.3, determined with a pH-sensitive glass electrode according to the CEFIC PEROXYGENS H2O2 AM-7160 standard (2003).

[0050] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution comprises 20 to 85% by weight, preferably 30 to 75% by weight, more preferably 40 to 70% by weight of hydrogen peroxide, relative to the total weight of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0051] In some preferred embodiments of the initiation method, hydrogen peroxide is obtained or obtainable from an anthraquinone process. Solvent

[0052] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the organic solvent is an organic epoxidation solvent, preferably the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile, propionitrile and mixtures of two or more thereof; more preferably selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile and mixtures of alcohol and acetonitrile; more preferably the organic solvent comprises at least one alcohol, wherein the alcohol is preferably a C1 to C5 monoalcohol or a mixture of two or more C1 to C5 alcohols, more preferably the alcohol comprises at least methanol, wherein the organic solvent comprises more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, more preferably at least 99% by weight of methanol. Olefin (oxide) Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 26 / 167 / 75

[0053] In some preferred embodiments of the initialization method, the olefin is a C2-C10 alkene, preferably a C2-C5 alkene, more preferably a C2-C4 alkene, more preferably ethylene or propylene, more preferably propylene. The olefin oxide, especially the olefin oxide removed from the epoxidation zone with the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, water and organic solvent in (C), as described in more detail below, is a C2-C10 alkene oxide, preferably a C2-C5 alkene oxide, more preferably a C2-C4 alkene oxide, more preferably ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, more preferably propylene oxide. 2nd aspect - Process for preparing an olefin oxide

[0054] A second aspect of the invention relates to a process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, wherein the normal operation stage comprises (A) providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, such that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent is formed; (B) subjecting the reaction mixture from (A) to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent; (C) remove an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent; wherein the initialization stage comprises (a) providing an organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin for a first period of time Pi to the epoxidation zone, so that a first mixture 1 is formed, which Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 27 / 167 / 75 comprises organic solvent, additive, water and, optionally, olefin, and contacting the first mixture 1 during Pi under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[0055] The first mixture 1 is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide. “Essentially free of hydrogen peroxide” means that said first mixture 1 comprises less than 0.2% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, of hydrogen peroxide, based on the total weight of the first mixture 1. All details, preferred embodiments and alternative preferred embodiments indicated above in the section relating to the first aspect also apply to the second aspect, especially for the initialization stage included in the process for preparing an olefin oxide.

[0056] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonia, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium formate, potassium acetate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof; where the additive most preferably comprises Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 28 / 167 / 75 less dipotassium etidronate; wherein dipotassium etidronate is more preferably in the range of 95 to 100% by weight of the additive.

[0057] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the additive is, in the case of ammonia, provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the additive is, in the case of being selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid or any mixture comprising two or more salts of these acids or any mixture comprising ammonia and at least one salt of these acids provided in aqueous solution; where M represents, in the case of a potassium salt, K+, or, in the case of ammonia or ammonium salts, M represents the sum of NH3 and NH3.

[0058] Etidronic acid is a tetrabasic acid with pK values ​​of 1.35 ± 0.08; 2.87; 7.03 ± 0.01; 11.3. Each of the ammonia, potassium salts and ammonium salts mentioned above, when in aqueous solution, dissociates to release or forms at least to some extent anion(s) and one or more cations. For example, ammonia forms to some extent NH4+, ammonium salts dissociate to some extent into NH4+ and one or more anions, or potassium salts dissociate to some extent to release K+ and one or more anions, the positive charge compensated by the appropriate equivalent of anions. With regard to ammonia and ammonium salts, due to the dissociation equilibrium between NH3 and NH4+, the sum of NH3 and NH4+ must be considered for M.

[0059] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the additive is selected from the group consisting of a potassium salt of an inorganic acid, a potassium salt of an organic acid, an ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, an ammonium salt of an organic acid, a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts and a Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 29 / 167 / 75 mixture comprising ammonia and at least one of these acid salts, preferably from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts, and is provided as an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution of additive preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3% by weight, most preferably in the range of 1 to 2% by weight, of additive, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0060] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the additive is ammonia, which is provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous ammonia solution preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 32% by weight of ammonia, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[0061] “Pure form” referring to ammonia means that a composition comprising ammonia is used, comprising in the range of 95 to 100% by weight, preferably in the range of 96 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 97 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably in the range of 99.5 to 100% by weight, of ammonia, based on the total weight of the composition being 100% by weight, the remainder up to 100% by weight preferably being water.

[0062] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, (a) comprises (a.1) providing organic solvent, an additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive and water, and placing in Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 30 / 167 / 75 contact mixture 1.1 during P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.2) provide organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a second time period P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and olefin, and bring the second mixture 1.2 into contact during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[0063] Preferably, mixture 1.1 formed in (a.1) is essentially olefin-free and essentially hydrogen peroxide-free. Mixture 1.2 formed in (a.2) is essentially hydrogen peroxide-free. “Essentially hydrogen peroxide-free” in relation to mixture 1.1 in (a.1) and mixture 1.2 in (a.2) means that said mixture comprises less than 0.2% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, of hydrogen peroxide, based on the total weight of the mixture. “Essentially olefin-free” in relation to mixture 1.1 in (a.1) means that said mixture comprises less than 0.2% by weight, preferably less than 0.1% by weight, more preferably less than 0.05% by weight, of olefin, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0064] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1), (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operation stage in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1.

[0065] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the additive is provided in at least one of (a), Petition 870250100046, of 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 31 / 167 / 75 (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, so that, at the end of Pi or P1.2 respectively, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been placed in contact with a molar quantity M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 pmol M / kg of catalyst, preferably in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,800 to 4,200 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,900 to 4,100 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 pmol M / kg of catalyst.

[0066] The additive is preferably provided continuously during startup, so that there are no periods of time during startup when no additive is provided.

[0067] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the first time period Pi and / or the total time period of P1.1. + P1.2 is a time period in the range of 15 to 120 minutes, preferably in the range of 45 to 100 minutes, more preferably in the range of 55 to 90 minutes, more preferably in the range of 60 to 85 minutes, most preferably in the range of 75 to 80 minutes.

[0068] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the amount of olefin optionally provided in (a) and / or provided in (a.2) is less than the amount intended to be provided in the normal operation stage.

[0069] In some preferred embodiments, the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage further comprises (b) after the time period of P1 or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 32 / 167 / 75 second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contact the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[0070] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the amounts of olefin and hydrogen peroxide provided in (b) are less than the respective amounts intended to be provided in the normal operation stage.

[0071] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage (b) preferably comprises (b') after the time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, provide organic solvent, additive, water, olefin, and hydrogen peroxide in initial quantities to the epoxidation zone for a period of time P2', so that a mixture is formed comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin, and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increase the quantity of hydrogen peroxide and the quantity of olefin over the period of time P2' until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage are reached, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and bring the mixture 2' into contact during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[0072] In mixture 2', due to the increase in the amount of hydrogen peroxide and the amount of olefin over the time period P2', the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and olefin increase during P2', where the amounts of olefin and hydrogen peroxide provided in (b') Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 33 / 167 / 75 are less than the respective quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage - the increase in the quantities of olefin and hydrogen peroxide over the time period P2 continues until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage are reached. The molar quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin initially provided in (b') are preferably each in the range of 1 to 50% of the quantity intended to be used in the normal operating stage. During P2', the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are increased up to 100% of the quantities intended to be used in the normal operating stage, wherein the increase is carried out gradually or continuously, so that the mixture formed in (b') comprises increasing quantities of olefin and hydrogen peroxide compared to the quantities initially provided in (b').

[0073] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the olefin is provided in (a) or in (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio relative to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operation stage in the range of 0.1:1 to 4, preferably in the range of 0.1:1 to 4:1, or in the range of 2.1 to 4:1.

[0074] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the olefin and hydrogen peroxide are provided in (b) or in (b'), respectively, such that the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide in the second mixture 2 formed in (b) or in the mixture 2' formed in (b'), respectively, is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1.

[0075] In the normal operating stage of the process for preparing an olefin oxide, the olefin is preferably used in a molar excess compared to hydrogen peroxide. The expression “the olefin is provided in Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page. 34 / 167 / 75 (a.2) in a molar amount compared to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage” means for the initialization method, that for each mole of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage, the excess molar amount of olefin relative to a 1:1 olefin:hydrogen peroxide ratio is provided in (a.2) and therefore contained in mixture 1.2 formed in (a.2). In other words, the molar amount of olefin provided in (a.2) is (molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage) - (molar amount of olefin intended to be used in the normal operating stage). For example, if the olefin:hydrogen peroxide molar ratio intended to be used in the normal operating stage is 1.1:1, then the excess molar amount of olefin intended to be used in the normal operating stage is 0.1.If, for example, it is intended that the normal operating stage uses an aqueous solution of H2O2 (40% by weight of H2O2) fed at a flow rate of 94 g / h in the normal operating stage, i.e., 1.106 mol of H2O2 per hour, then 0.22 mol of propylene are fed per hour, which means 9.26 g / h. In some preferred embodiments, the olefin is provided in (a) and / or in (a.2) in an amount in the range of 0.25 to 1.5 kg of olefin per kg of catalyst per hour ( ).

[0076] The point in time at which stage (a) or (a.1) begins is t1, respectively. The point in time at which stage (a.2) begins is t1.2 and the point in time when (b) or (b') begins is t2. The first time period P1 is therefore the time period between t1 and t2, i.e., P1 = t2 - t1, while P1.1 is t1.2 - t1 and P1.2 is t2 - t1.2, and the second time period P2 as well as P2' is / are the time period between t3 and t2, i.e., P2 = t3 - t2, P2' = t3 - t2. When the quantities of all components (organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide) are as high as intended for the normal operating stage, this indicates the beginning of the stage Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 35 / 167 / 75 of normal operation, which occurs at a point in time t3.

[0077] As indicated above and also below, the amount of hydrogen peroxide provided in the normal operating stage is adjusted so that the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide in the reaction mixture formed is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1. Therefore, in (b) or (b'), respectively, preferably an excess of olefin is used compared to hydrogen peroxide, while in (a) or (a.2), respectively, only the excess molar amount of olefin compared to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide – relative to what is intended to be used in the normal operating stage – is provided.

[0078] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, (a.1) comprises (a.1.1) providing organic solvent, additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.1 during P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.1.2) remove, during P1.1, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (a.2) comprises (a.2.1) providing organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a period of time P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.2 during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 36 / 167 / 75 (a.2.2) remove, during P1.2, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin, organic solvent, additive and water.

[0079] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage (b) comprises (b.1) after the time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (b.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (b') comprises (b'.1) after the second time period Pi or P1.2, provide organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial quantities to the epoxidation zone for a time period P2', so that a mixture is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increase the quantity of hydrogen peroxide and the quantity of olefin over the time period P2' until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and bring mixture 2' into contact during P2' under Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 37 / 167 / 75 epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (b'.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water. Additive in (a) etc.

[0080] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the additive is provided in any one of (a.2.1), (b), (b'), (b.1), (b'.1), in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1, based on the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operation stage. This means that the amount of additive is adjusted in anticipation of the amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operation stage. Catalyst

[0081] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst comprises a zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti.

[0082] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the zeolitic material comprises Ti in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 4% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.7 to 3% by weight, calculated as elemental Ti and based on the total weight of the zeolitic material.

[0083] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a Petition 870250100046, of 31 / 10 / 2025, p. 38 / 167 / 75 initialization stage, the zeolitic material having an arch structure comprising Si, O and Ti comprising the epoxidation catalyst is a titanium zeolite having arch structure of ABW, ACO, AEI, AEL, AET, AAF, AAF, AAF AFO, AFR, AFS, AFT, AFX, AFY, AHT, ANA, APC, APD, AST, ASV, ATN, ATO, ATS, ATT, ATV, AWO, AWW, BCT, BEA, BEC, BIK, BOG, BPH, BRE, CAN, CAS, CDO, CFI, CFI, CHA, CGF, CLO, CLO, CLO, CLO DAC, DDR, DFO, DFT, DOH, DON, EAB, EDI, EMT, EPI, ERI, ESV, ETR, EUO, FAU, FER, FRA, GIS, GIU, GME, GON, GOO, HEU, IFR, ISV, ITE, ITH, ITQ, ITW, IWR, IWW, IWW, JOS, LAW, LAW, LAW, KEV LOV, LTA, LTL, LTN, MAR, MAZ, MCM22(S), MCM-36, MCM-56, MEI, MEL, MEP, MER, MIT-1, MMFI, MFS, MON, MOR, MSE, MSO, MTF, MTN, MTT, MTW, MWW, NAB, NAT, NPO, NPO, OFF, NPO, OFF OSI, OSO, PAR, PAU, PHI, PON, RHO, RON, RRO, RSN, RTE, RTH, RUT, RWR, RWY, SAO, SAS, SAT, SAV, SBE, SBS, SBT, SFE, SFF, SFG, SFH, SFN SFO, SGT, SOD, SSY,STF, STI, STT, TER, THO, TON, TSC, UEI, UFI, UOZ, USI, UTL, VET, VFI, VNI, VSV, WEI, WEN, YUG, ZON SVR, SVY or a mixed structure of two or more of these framework types; More preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI framework type, a MEL framework type, an MWW framework type, an MCM-22 (S) framework type, an MCM-56 framework type, an IEZ-MWW framework type, an MCM-36 framework type, an ITQ framework type, a BEA framework type, an MOR framework type or a mixed structure of two or more of these framework types; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI framework type or an MWW framework type; More preferably, zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti has the MFI framework type; further, Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 39 / 167 / 75 preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium-1 silicalite (TS-1).

[0084] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI type framework, which exhibits a type IV nitrogen adsorption / desorption isotherm determined at 77 K according to the method described in DIN 66131 (July 1993).

[0085] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst further comprises a binder, which preferably comprises silicon dioxide.

[0086] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst is in the form of a mold, preferably in the form of a wire or a granule.

[0087] A wire has a cross-section in which the cross-section preferably has a hexagonal, rectangular, square, triangular, trilobular, oval, or circular shape. In some preferred embodiments, the mold has the form of a wire having a circular cross-section, which is more preferably formed by extrusion (cylindrical extrude). A granule preferably comprises particles having a shape selected from cylindrical, spherical, trilobular (particle having a trilobular cross-section), and mixed shapes of two or more of these shapes, wherein the granule comprises particles of one shape as well as mixtures of particles having two or more of these shapes.A "sphere" includes an ideal spherical shape, but also spheroidal shapes. A "cylinder" includes shapes. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 40 / 167 / 75 having a high h that is greater than the radius of the circle's area, as well as shapes having a high h that is less than the radius of the circle's area (tablet shape).

[0088] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the molding consists of the zeolitic material and the binder.

[0089] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the binder comprising in the molding consists of Si and O.

[0090] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the binder, calculated as SiO2, in an amount in the range of 1 to 95% by weight, preferably in the range of 3 to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the epoxidation catalyst, preferably based on the total weight of the molding and / or wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the zeolitic material in an amount in the range of 5 to 99% by weight, preferably in the range of 30 to 97% by weight, more preferably in the range of 50 to 95% by weight, more preferably in the range of 70 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 41 / 167 / 75 heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably based on the total weight of the molding.

[0091] As indicated above, organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin are provided in (a) for a first time period Pi to the epoxidation zone, so that, at the end of Pi, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been brought into contact with a molar amount M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 gmol M / kg of catalyst - this applies equally to the additive provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively; Preferably, the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, so that, at the end of Pi or P1.2, respectively, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst was brought into contact with a molar quantity M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 gmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 gmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,800 to 4,200 g / mol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,900 to 4,100 g / mol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 g / mol M / kg of catalyst. In preferred embodiments of the initialization method, wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst comprises a zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti, providing in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 gmol M / kg of catalyst in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, corresponds to providing in the range of 31 to 58 gmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; providing in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 gmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing in the range of 32 to 56 gmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; providing in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 gmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing in the range of 33 to 54 gmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; provide in the range of 2,800 to 4,200 gmol M / kg of catalyst Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 42 / 167 / 75 corresponds to providing in the range of 35 to 53 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; providing in the range of 2,900 to 4,100 pmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing in the range of 37 to 52 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst; and providing in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 pmol M / kg of catalyst corresponds to providing in the range of 38 to 51 pmol M / kg of Ti contained in the catalyst. Hydrogen peroxide

[0092] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, hydrogen peroxide is provided as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which preferably has a total organic carbon (TOC) content in the range of 100 to 800 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, preferably in the range of 120 to 750 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, more preferably in the range of 150 to 700 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, determined in accordance with DIN EN 1484 (April 2019).

[0093] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the hydrogen peroxide has a pH in the range of 0 to 3.0, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.3, determined with a pH-sensitive glass electrode according to the CEFIC standard PEROXYGENS H2O2 AM-7160 (2003).

[0094] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution comprises 20 to 85% by weight, preferably 30 to 75% by weight, more preferably 40 to 70% by weight of hydrogen peroxide, in Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 43 / 167 / 75 regarding the total weight of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.

[0095] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, hydrogen peroxide is obtained or obtainable from an anthraquinone process. Solvent

[0096] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the organic solvent is an organic epoxidation solvent, preferably the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile, propionitrile and mixtures of two or more thereof; more preferably selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile and mixtures of alcohol and acetonitrile; more preferably the organic solvent comprises at least one alcohol, wherein the alcohol is preferably a C1 to C5 monoalcohol or a mixture of two or more C1 to C5 alcohols, more preferably the alcohol comprises at least methanol, wherein the organic solvent comprises more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, more preferably at least 99% by weight, of methanol. Olefin (oxide)

[0097] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the olefin is a C2-C10 alkene, preferably a C2-C5 alkene, more preferably a C2-C4 alkene, more preferably ethylene or propylene, more preferably propylene. The olefin oxide, especially the olefin oxide removed from the epoxidation zone with the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, water and organic solvent in (C) is a C2-C10 alkene oxide, preferably an oxide of Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 44 / 167 / 75 C2-C5 alkene, more preferably a C2-C4 alkene oxide, more preferably ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, more preferably propylene oxide.

[0098] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the epoxidation in (B) is carried out at an absolute pressure in the reaction zones in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 MPa, preferably in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 MPa, more preferably in the range of 1.8 to 2.8 MPa.

[0099] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the epoxidation in (B) is carried out at a temperature in the reaction zones in the range of 20 to 75°C, preferably in the range of 25 to 75°C, more preferably in the range of 28 to 70°C, most preferably in the range of 30 to 65°C.

[00100] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the molar ratio of olefin: hydrogen peroxide (w / w) in the reaction mixture formed in (A) is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1.

[00101] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the organic solvent:hydrogen peroxide weight ratio (w / w) in the reaction mixture formed in (A) is in the range of 15:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 12:1 to 6:1, more preferably in the range of 12:1 to 8.5:1 or in the range of 8:1 to 6:1.

[00102] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the organic solvent:olefin weight ratio (w / w) in the reaction mixture formed in (A) is in the range of 10:1 to 1:0.1, Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 45 / 167 / 75 preferably in the range of 9:1 to 1:1, more preferably in the range of 7:1 to 4:1 or in the range of 1.5:1 to 1:1.

[00103] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, an additive is provided in (A), wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonia, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium formate, potassium acetate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive comprises, most preferably, at least dipotassium etidronate; wherein, most preferably, dipotassium etidronate comprises 95 to 100% by weight of the additive.

[00104] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the additive is, in the case of ammonia, provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the additive is, in the case of being selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid or any mixture comprising two or more of the same or any mixture comprising ammonia and at least Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 46 / 167 / 75 one of the same, provided in aqueous solution; wherein the additive in aqueous solution releases or forms one or more cations M, wherein M represents, in the case of a potassium salt, K+, or, in the case of ammonia or ammonium salts, M represents the sum of NH3 and NH3.

[00105] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the aqueous solution of additive comprises in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3% by weight, more preferably in the range of 1 to 2% by weight, of additive, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[00106] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the additive is preferably premixed with the organic solvent or with hydrogen peroxide, more preferably premixed with the organic solvent, before being provided to the epoxidation zone in (A).

[00107] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, the additive is provided in (A) in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1.

[00108] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the epoxidation reaction conditions according to (B) comprise fixed bed conditions.

[00109] In some preferred embodiments of the process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, the epoxidation reaction conditions according to (B) comprise trickle bed conditions.

[00110] The above description for the second aspect process is Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 47 / 167 / 75 applies equally to steps such as (A), (B), (C) of the normal operation stage and to steps such as (a), (b) of the initialization stage. 3rd aspect - olefin oxide

[00111] In a third aspect, the invention is directed to an olefin oxide, preferably propylene oxide, obtained or obtainable from the process of the second aspect.

[00112] The present invention is further illustrated by the following embodiments and combinations of embodiments, as indicated by the respective dependencies and subsequent references. In particular, it should be noted that in each case where a series of embodiments is mentioned, for example, in the context of a term such as “A ... of any of the embodiments 1 to 4”, each embodiment in that series must be explicitly described to the skilled, i.e., the formulation of this term must be understood by the skilled as synonymous with “A ... of any of the embodiments 1, 2, 3 and 4”.

[00113] 1. A start-up method for a process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operating stage, wherein the normal operating stage comprises providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, such that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent is formed, and subjecting the reaction mixture to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture comprising olefin oxide and organic solvent; wherein the initialization method comprises (b) providing an organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin for a first period of time P1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a first mixture 1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and, optionally, olefin, and Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 48 / 167 / 75 to bring the first mixture 1 into contact during Pi under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; wherein the additive releases or forms one or more cations M, in which, at the end of Pi, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst was brought into contact with a molar quantity M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol M / kg of catalyst.

[00114] 2. The initialization method of embodiment 1, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonia, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium formate, potassium acetate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive comprises, most preferably, at least dipotassium etidronate; wherein, most preferably, dipotassium etidronate comprises 95 to 100% by weight of the additive.

[00115] 3. The initialization method of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the additive is, in the case of ammonia, provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the additive is, in the case of being selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an acid Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 49 / 167 / 75 organic or any mixture comprising two or more salts of these acids or any mixture comprising ammonia and at least one salt of these acids provided in aqueous solution; where M represents, in the case of a potassium salt, K+, or, in the case of ammonia or ammonium salts, M represents the sum of NHZ and NH3.

[00116] 4.The initialization method of embodiment 3, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid, a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts and a mixture comprising ammonia and at least one of these acid salts, preferably from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts, and is provided as an aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous solution of additive preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3% by weight, most preferably in the range of 1 to 2% by weight, of additive, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[00117] 5.The initialization method of embodiment 3, wherein the additive is ammonia, which is provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous ammonia solution preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 32% by weight of ammonia, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[00118] 6. The initialization method of any of the embodiments in 5, wherein (a) comprises (a.1) providing organic solvent, an additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive and water, and contacting the mixture 1.1 for P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; Petition 870250100046, of 10 / 31 / 2025, page 50 / 167 / 75 (a.2) provide organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a second period of time P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and olefin, and contact the second mixture 1.2 during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[00119] 7. The initialization method of any of the embodiments in 6, wherein the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1), (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operating stage in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1.

[00120] 8. The initialization method of any of the embodiments in 7, wherein the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, such that, at the end of Pi or P1.2, respectively, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been brought into contact with a molar quantity M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,600 to preferably in the range of 2,700 to preferably in the range of 2,800 to preferably in the range of 2,900 to 4,400 pmol M / kg catalyst, 4,300 pmol M / kg catalyst, more 4,200 pmol M / kg of catalyst, plus 4,100 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 pmol M / kg of catalyst.

[00121] 9. The initialization method of any of the modes in 8, wherein the first time period P1 and / or the overall time period of P1.1 + P1.2 is a time period in the range of 15 to 120 minutes, preferably in the range of 45 to 100 minutes, more preferably in the range of 55 to 90 minutes, more preferably in the range of 60 to 85 minutes, more preferably in the range of 75 to 80 minutes.

[00122] 10. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 6 to 9, in which the amount of olefin optionally supplied in Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 51 / 167 / 75 (a) and / or provided in (a.2) is less than the quantity intended to be provided in the normal operation stage.

[00123] 11. The initialization method of any of embodiments 1 to 10, further comprising (b) after the time period of Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[00124] 12. The initialization method of embodiment 11, wherein the quantities of olefin and hydrogen peroxide provided in (b) are less than the respective quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage.

[00125] 13. The initialization method of embodiment 11 or 12, wherein (b) comprises, preferably is, (b') after the time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, to provide organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial amounts to the epoxidation zone for a time period P2', so that a mixture is formed comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the amounts of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the amounts intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and to increase the amount of hydrogen peroxide and the amount of olefin over the time period P2' until the amounts intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and to bring the mixture 2' into contact during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the catalyst. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 52 / 167 / 75 of heterogeneous epoxidation.

[00126] 14. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the olefin is provided in (a) or in (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio relative to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage in the range of 0.1:1 to 4, preferably in the range of 0.1:1 to 4:1, or in the range of 2.1 to 4:1.

[00127] 15. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 11 to 14, wherein the olefin and hydrogen peroxide are provided in (b) or in (b'), respectively, such that the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide in the second mixture 2 formed in (b) or in the mixture 2' formed in (b'), respectively, is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1.

[00128] 16. The initialization method of any of embodiments 6 to 15, wherein (a.1) comprises (a.1.1) providing organic solvent, additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.1 for P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.1.2) remove, during P1.1, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (a.2) comprises (a.2.1) providing organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a period of time P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.2 during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 53 / 167 / 75 (a.2.2) remove, during P1.2, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin, organic solvent, additive and water.

[00129] 17. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 13 to 16, wherein (b) comprises (b.1) after the time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (b.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (b') comprises (b'.1) after the second time period Pi or P1.2, provide organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial quantities to the epoxidation zone for a time period P2', so that a mixture is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increase the quantity of hydrogen peroxide and the quantity of olefin over the time period P2' until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and bring mixture 2' into contact during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the catalyst Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 54 / 167 / 75 of heterogeneous epoxidation; (b'.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water.

[00130] 18. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 8 to 17, wherein the additive is provided in any one of (a.2.1), (b), (b'), (b.1), (b'.1), in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1, based on the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operating stage.

[00131] 19. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst comprises a zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti.

[00132] 20. The initialization method of embodiment 19, wherein the zeolitic material comprises Ti in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 4% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.7 to 3% by weight, calculated as elemental Ti and based on the total weight of the zeolitic material.

[00133] 21. The initialization method of embodiment 19 or 20, wherein the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti comprised in the epoxidation catalyst is a titanium zeolite having a framework structure of ABW, ACO, AEI, AEL, AEN, AET, AFG, AFI, AFN, AFO, AFR, AFS, AFT, AFX, AFY, AHT, ANA, APC, APD, AST, ASV, ATN, ATO, ATS, ATT, ATV, AWO, AWW, BCT, BEA, BEC, BIK, BOG, BPH, BRE, CAN, CAS, CDO, CFI, CGF, CGS, CHA, CHI, CLO, CON, CZP, DAC, DDR, DFO, DFT, DOH, DON, EAB, EDI, EMT, EPI, ERI, ESV, ETR, EUO, FAU, FER, FRA, GIS, GIU, GME, GON, GOO, HEU, IFR, ISV, ITE, ITH, ITQ, ITW, IWR, IWW, JBW, KFI, LAU, LEV, LIO, LOS, LOV, LTA, LTL, LTN, MAR, MAZ, MCM-22(S), MCM-36, Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 55 / 167 / 75 MCM-56, MEI, MEL, MEP, MER, MIT-1, MMFI, MFS, MON, MOR, MSE, MSO, MTF, MTN, MTT, MTW, MWW, NAB, NAT, NEES, NON, NPO, OBW, OFF, OSI, OSO, PAR, PAU, PHI, PON, RHO, RON, RRO, RSN, RTE, RTH, RUT, RWR, RWY, SAO, SAS, SAT, SAV, SBE, SBS, SBT, SFE, SFF, SFG, SFH, SFN SFO, SGT, SOD, SSY, STF, STI, STT, TER, THO, TON, TSC, UEI, UFI, UOZ, USI, UTL, VET, VFI, VNI, VSV, WEI, WEN, YUG, ZON SVR, SVY or a mixed structure of two or more of these types of frameworks; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI type framework, a MEL type framework, an MWW type framework, an MCM-22 (S) type framework, an MCM-56 type framework, an IEZ-MWW type framework, an MCM-36 type framework, an ITQ type framework, a BEA type framework, an MOR type framework or a mixed structure of two or more of these types of frameworks;More preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI type framework or an MWW type framework; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti has the MFI type framework; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti is a titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1).

[00134] 22. The initialization method of embodiment 21, wherein the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI type framework, which exhibits a nitrogen adsorption / desorption isotherm type IV determined at 77 K according to the method described in DIN 66131 (July 1993).

[00135] 23. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 19 to 22, in which the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst additionally comprises a binder, preferably comprising Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 56 / 167 / 75 silicon dioxide.

[00136] 24. The initialization method of embodiment 23, in which the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst is in the form of a mold, preferably in the form of a wire or a granule.

[00137] 25. The initialization method of embodiment 23 or 24, wherein 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the molding consists of the zeolitic material and the binder.

[00138] 26. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 24 to 25, wherein 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the binder comprised in the molding consists of Si and O.

[00139] 27. The initialization method of embodiment 26, wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the binder, calculated as SiO2, in an amount in the range of 1 to 95% by weight, preferably in the range of 3 to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, most preferably in the range of 10 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the epoxidation catalyst, preferably based on the total weight of the molding and / or wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the zeolitic material in an amount in the range of 5 to 99% by weight, preferably in the range of 30 to 97% by weight, more preferably in the range of 50 to 95% by weight, most preferably in the range of 70 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the catalyst of heterogeneous epoxidation, preferably based on the total weight of the molding.

[00140] 28. The initialization method of any of the Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 57 / 167 / 75 embodiments 1 to 27, in which hydrogen peroxide is provided as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which preferably has a total organic carbon (TOC) content in the range of 100 to 800 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, preferably in the range of 120 to 750 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, more preferably in the range of 150 to 700 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, determined in accordance with DIN EN 1484 (April 2019).

[00141] 29. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the hydrogen peroxide has a pH in the range of 0 to 3.0, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.3, determined with a pH-sensitive glass electrode in accordance with the CEFIC PEROXYGENS H2O2 AM-7160 (2003) standard.

[00142] 30. The initialization method of embodiment 28 or 29, wherein the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution comprises 20 to 85% by weight, preferably 30 to 75% by weight, more preferably 40 to 70% by weight of hydrogen peroxide, relative to the total weight of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution.

[00143] 31. The initiation method of any of the embodiments 1 to 30, in which hydrogen peroxide is obtained or obtainable from an anthraquinone process.

[00144] 32. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 1 to 31, wherein the organic solvent is an organic epoxidation solvent, preferably the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile, propionitrile and mixtures of two or more thereof; more preferably selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile and mixtures of alcohol and acetonitrile; most preferably the organic solvent comprises at least one alcohol, in Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 58 / 167 / 75 that the alcohol is preferably a C1 to C5 monoalcohol or a mixture of two or more C1 to C5 alcohols, more preferably the alcohol comprises at least methanol, wherein the organic solvent comprises more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, more preferably at least 99% by weight, of methanol.

[00145] 33. The initialization method of any of the embodiments 1 to 32, wherein the olefin is a C2-C10 alkene, preferably a C2-C5 alkene, more preferably a C2-C4 alkene, more preferably ethylene or propylene, more preferably propylene.

[00146] 34. A process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage, wherein the normal operation stage comprises (A) providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, such that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent is formed; (B) subjecting the reaction mixture from (A) to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent; (C) remove an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent; wherein the initialization stage comprises (a) providing an organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin for a first period of time P1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a first mixture 1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and, optionally, olefin, and contacting the first mixture 1 for P1 under reaction conditions Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 59 / 167 / 75 of epoxidation in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[00147] 35. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 34, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonia, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium formate, potassium acetate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive comprises, most preferably, at least dipotassium etidronate; wherein, most preferably, dipotassium etidronate comprises 95 to 100% by weight of the additive.

[00148] 36. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the additive is, in the case of ammonia, provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the additive is, in the case of being selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid or any mixture comprising two or more salts of these acids or any mixture comprising ammonia and at least one salt of these acids provided in Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 60 / 167 / 75 aqueous solution; wherein M represents, in the case of a potassium salt, K+, or, in the case of ammonia or ammonium salts, M represents the sum of NH3 and NH3.

[00149] 37. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 36, wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of a potassium salt of an inorganic acid, a potassium salt of an organic acid, an ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, an ammonium salt of an organic acid, a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts and a mixture comprising ammonia and at least one of these acid salts, preferably from the group consisting of a potassium salt of an inorganic acid, a potassium salt of an organic acid, an ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, an ammonium salt of an organic acid and a mixture comprising two or more of these acid salts, and is provided as an aqueous solution,wherein the aqueous additive solution preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3% by weight, most preferably in the range of 1 to 2% by weight, of additive, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[00150] 38. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 36, wherein the additive is ammonia, which is provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the aqueous ammonia solution preferably comprises in the range of 0.01 to 32% by weight of ammonia, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[00151] 39. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 38, wherein (a) comprises (a.1) providing organic solvent, an additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 61 / 167 / 75, be formed, comprising organic solvent, additive and water, and bring mixture 1.1 into contact during P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.2) provide organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a second time period P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and olefin, and bring the second mixture 1.2 into contact during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[00152] 40. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 39, wherein the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1), (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operation stage in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1.

[00153] 41. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 40, wherein the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, such that, at the end of P1 or P1.2, respectively, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been brought into contact with a molar amount M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 pmol M / kg of catalyst, preferably in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,800 to 4,200 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,900 to 4,100 pmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 pmol M / kg of catalyst.

[00154] 42. The process for preparing an olefin oxide Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 62 / 167 / 75 comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of any of the modes 34 to 41, wherein the first time period Pi and / or the total time period of P1.1 + P1.2 is a time period in the range of 15 to 120 minutes, preferably in the range of 45 to 100 minutes, more preferably in the range of 55 to 90 minutes, more preferably in the range of 60 to 85 minutes, more preferably in the range of 75 to 80 minutes.

[00155] 43. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 42, wherein the amount of olefin optionally provided in (a) and / or provided in (a.2) is less than the amount intended to be provided in the normal operation stage.

[00156] 44. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of either embodiment 34 to 43, further comprising (b) after the time period of Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[00157] 45. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 44, wherein the amounts of olefin and hydrogen peroxide provided in (b) are less than the respective amounts intended to be provided in the normal operation stage.

[00158] 46. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of embodiment 44 or 45, wherein (b) preferably comprises, Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page. 63 / 167 / 75 (b') after time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, provide organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial quantities to the epoxidation zone for a time period P2', so that a mixture is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increase the quantity of hydrogen peroxide and the quantity of olefin over time period P2' until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and bring mixture 2' into contact during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

[00159] 47. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 46, wherein the olefin is provided in (a) or in (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio relative to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operation stage in the range of 0.1:1 to 4, preferably in the range of 0.1:1 to 4:1, or in the range of 2.1 to 4:1.

[00160] 48. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 47, wherein the olefin and hydrogen peroxide are provided in (b) or in (b'), respectively, such that the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide in the second mixture 2 formed in (b) or in the mixture 2' formed in (b'), respectively, is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1.

[00161] 49. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 64 / 167 / 75 of any of the modalities 38 to 48, wherein (a.1) comprises (a.1.1) providing organic solvent, additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.1 during P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.1.2) remove, during P1.1, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (a.2) comprises (a.2.1) providing organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a period of time P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, which is essentially free of hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the mixture 1.2 during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.2.2) remove, during P1.2, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin, organic solvent, additive and water.

[00162] 50. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of either embodiment 34 to 49, wherein (b) comprises (b.1) after time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 65 / 167 / 75 (b.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water; and / or wherein (b') comprises (b'.1) after the second time period Pi or P1.2, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial quantities to the epoxidation zone for a time period P2', so that a mixture is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the quantities of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increasing the quantity of hydrogen peroxide and the quantity of olefin over the time period P2' until the quantities intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and contacting the mixture 2' during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (b'.2) remove, during the respective time period, an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, the effluent stream comprising olefin oxide, organic solvent, additive and water.

[00163] 51. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 42 to 50, wherein the additive is provided in any of (a.2.1), (b), (b'), (b.1), (b'.1), in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1, based on the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operation stage.

[00164] 52. The process for preparing an olefin oxide Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 66 / 167 / 75 comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 51, wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst comprises a zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti.

[00165] 53. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 52, wherein the zeolitic material comprises Ti in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 4% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.7 to 3% by weight, calculated as elemental Ti and based on the total weight of the zeolitic material.

[00166] 54. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of embodiment 52 or 53, wherein the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti comprised in the epoxidation catalyst is a titanium zeolite having a framework structure of ABW, ACO, AEI, AEL, AEN, AET, AFG, AFI, AFN, AFO, AFR, AFS, AFT, AFX, AFY, AHT, ANA, APC, APD, AST, ASV, ATN, ATO, ATS, ATT, ATV, AWO, AWW, BCT, BEA, BEC, BIK, BOG, BPH, BRE, CAN, CAS, CDO, CFI, CGF, CGS, CHA, CHI, CLO, CON, CZP, DAC, DDR, DFO, DFT, DOH, DON, EAB, EDI, EMT, EPI, ERI, ESV, ETR, EUO, FAU, FER, FRA, GIS, GIU, GME, GON, GOO, HEU, IFR, ISV, ITE, ITH, ITQ, ITW, IWR, IWW, JBW, KFI, LAU, LEV, LIO, LOS, LOV, LTA, LTL, LTN, MAR, MAZ, MCM-22(S), MCM-36, MCM-56, MEI, MEL, MEP, MER, MIT-1, MMFI, MFS, MON, MOR, MSE, MSO, MTF, MTN, MTT, MTW, MWW, NAB, NAT, NEES, NON, NPO, OBW, OFF, OSI, OSO, PAR, PAU, PHI, PON, RHO, RON, RRO, RSN, RTE, RTH, RUT, RWR,RWY, SAO, SAS, SAT, SAV, SBE, SBS, SBT, SFE, SFF, SFG, SFH, SFN SFO, SGT, SOD, SSY, STF, STI, STT, TER, THO, TON, TSC, UEI, UFI, UOZ, USI, UTL, VET, VFI, VNI, VSV, WEI, WEN, YUG, ZON SVR, SVY or a structure, Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p.67 / 167 / 75 mixed of two or more of these framework types; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI framework type, a MEL framework type, an MWW framework type, an MCM22(S) framework type, an MCM-56 framework type, an IEZ-MWW framework type, an MCM-36 framework type, an ITQ framework type, a BEA framework type, an MOR framework type or a mixed structure of two or more of these framework types; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI framework type or an MWW framework type; More preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti has the MFI framework type; more preferably, the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O, and Ti is a titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1).

[00167] 55. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 54, wherein the zeolitic material having a framework structure comprising Si, O and Ti is a titanium zeolite having an MFI type framework, which exhibits a type IV nitrogen adsorption / desorption isotherm determined at 77 K according to the method described in DIN 66131 (July 1993).

[00168] 56. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 52 to 55, wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst further comprises a binder, which preferably comprises silicon dioxide.

[00169] 57. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 56, in which the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst is in Petition 870250100046, of 10 / 31 / 2025, page 68 / 167 / 75 form of a molding, preferably in the form of a wire or a granule.

[00170] 58. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 56 or 57, wherein 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the molding consist of the zeolitic material and the binder.

[00171] 59. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 56 to 58, wherein 95 to 100% by weight, preferably 98 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99 to 100% by weight, more preferably 99.5 to 100% by weight, most preferably 99.9 to 100% by weight of the binder comprised in the molding consists of Si and O.

[00172] 60. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and an initialization stage of embodiment 59, wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the binder, calculated as SiO2, in an amount in the range of 1 to 95% by weight, preferably in the range of 3 to 70% by weight, more preferably in the range of 5 to 50% by weight, more preferably in the range of 10 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the epoxidation catalyst, preferably based on the total weight of the molding and / or wherein the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably the molding, comprises the zeolitic material in an amount in the range of 5 to 99% by weight, preferably in the range of 30 to 97% by weight, more preferably in the range of 50 to 95% by weight, more preferably in the range of 70 to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, preferably based on the total weight of the molding. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 69 / 167 / 75

[00173] 61. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 60, wherein hydrogen peroxide is provided as an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which preferably has a total organic carbon (TOC) content in the range of 100 to 800 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, preferably in the range of 120 to 750 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, more preferably in the range of 150 to 700 mg per kg of hydrogen peroxide comprised in the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, determined in accordance with DIN EN 1484 (April 2019).

[00174] 62. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 61, wherein the hydrogen peroxide has a pH in the range of 0 to 3.0, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5, more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.3, determined with a pH-sensitive glass electrode in accordance with the CEFIC PEROXYGENS H2O2 AM7160 (2003) standard.

[00175] 63. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 62, wherein hydrogen peroxide is obtained or obtainable from an anthraquinone process.

[00176] 64. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 63, wherein the organic solvent is an organic epoxidation solvent, preferably the organic solvent is selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile, propionitrile and mixtures of two or more thereof; more preferably selected from the group consisting of alcohol, acetonitrile and mixtures Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 70 / 167 / 75 of alcohol and acetonitrile; more preferably the organic solvent comprises at least one alcohol, wherein the alcohol is preferably a C1 to C5 monoalcohol or a mixture of two or more C1 to C5 alcohols, more preferably the alcohol comprises at least methanol, wherein the organic solvent comprises more preferably at least 90% by weight, more preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 98% by weight, more preferably at least 99% by weight, of methanol.

[00177] 65. The process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage and a start-up stage of any of the embodiments 34 to 64, wherein the olefin is a C2C10 alkene, preferably a C2-C5 alkene, more preferably a C2-C4 alkene, more preferably ethylene or propylene, more preferably propylene.

[00178] 66. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any of the embodiments 34 to 65, wherein the epoxidation in (B) is carried out at an absolute pressure in the reaction zones in the range of 0.5 to 5.0 MPa, preferably in the range of 1.5 to 3.0 MPa, more preferably in the range of 1.8 to 2.8 MPa.

[00179] 67. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any of the embodiments 34 to 66, wherein the epoxidation in (B) is carried out at a temperature in the reaction zones in the range of 20 to 75°C, preferably in the range of 25 to 75°C, more preferably in the range of 28 to 70°C, most preferably in the range of 30 to 65°C.

[00180] 68. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any one of embodiments 34 to 67, wherein the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide (w / w) in the reaction mixture formed in (A) is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:1.

[00181] 69. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any of the embodiments 34 to 68, wherein the weight ratio of Petition 870250100046, of 10 / 31 / 2025, page 71 / 167 / 75 organic solvent:hydrogen peroxide (w / w) in the reaction mixture formed in (A) is in the range of 15:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 12:1 to 6:1, more preferably in the range of 12:1 to 8.5:1 or in the range of 8:1 to 6:1.

[00182] 70. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any one of embodiments 34 to 69, wherein the organic solvent:olefin weight ratio (w / w) in the reaction mixture formed in (A) is in the range of 10:1 to 1:0.1, preferably in the range of 9:1 to 1:1, more preferably in the range of 7:1 to 4:1 or in the range of 1.5:1 to 1:1.

[00183] 71. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any of embodiments 34 to 70, wherein an additive is provided in (A), wherein the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonia, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium formate, potassium acetate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive comprises, most preferably, at least dipotassium etidronate; wherein, most preferably, dipotassium etidronate comprises 95 to 100% by weight of the additive.

[00184] 72. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to embodiment 71, wherein the additive is, in the case of ammonia, provided in pure form or in aqueous solution, wherein the additive is, in the case of being Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 72 / 167 / 75 selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid or any mixture comprising two or more of the same or any mixture comprising ammonia and at least one of the same, provided in aqueous solution; wherein the additive in aqueous solution releases or forms one or more cations M, wherein M represents, in the case of a potassium salt, K+, or, in the case of ammonia or ammonium salts, M represents the sum of NHZ and NH3.

[00185] 73. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to embodiment 71 or 72, wherein the aqueous solution of additive comprises in the range of 0.01 to 5% by weight, preferably in the range of 0.5 to 3% by weight, more preferably in the range of 1 to 2% by weight, of additive, based on the total weight of the aqueous solution.

[00186] 74. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any of the embodiments 71 to 73, wherein the additive is preferably premixed with the organic solvent or with hydrogen peroxide, more preferably premixed with the organic solvent, before being provided to the epoxidation zone in (A).

[00187] 75. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any one of embodiments 34 to 74, wherein the additive is provided in (A) in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1.

[00188] 76. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any one of embodiments 34 to 75, wherein the epoxidation reaction conditions according to (B) comprise fixed bed conditions.

[00189] 77. The process for preparing an olefin oxide according to any one of embodiments 34 to 76, wherein the epoxidation reaction conditions according to (B) comprise bed conditions of Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p. 73 / 167 / 75 dripping.

[00190] 78. An olefin oxide obtained or obtainable from the process of any of the embodiments 34 to 77.

[00191] The present invention is further illustrated by the following reference examples, comparative examples and examples. Examples Table 1________________________________________________________________ Chemicals Methanol CH3OH Propylene C3H5 (C3) Oxygen O2 Nitrogen N2 Hydrogen peroxide H2O2(HP) Dipotassium etidronate K2HEDP Titanium silicalite zeolite-1 TS-1

[00192] The TS-1 catalyst was prepared according to Reference Example 12 of document WO 2020 / 074586 A1 and was used in the form of extruded wires having a diameter of 1.7 mm (cross section). The extrudates contained 75% by weight of TS-1 and 25% by weight of silicon dioxide. Analytical methods Determination of organic constituents

[00193] The concentration of the constituents of the effluent stream (product) from the 2nd separator (see Reference Example 1) was analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC). Determination of oxygen and nitrogen concentration

[00194] The ventilation stream flow after the 2nd separator (see Reference Example 1) was measured using a Brunkhorst flow meter and the oxygen concentration was measured using a Dräger Polytron 7000 detector with an electrochemical sensor. Determination of water concentration Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 74 / 167 / 75

[00195] The water concentration was determined by Karl Fischer titration. Determination of hydrogen peroxide

[00196] Hydrogen peroxide was determined photometrically in accordance with DIN38409, part 15 (June 1897). Determination of total peroxides

[00197] Total peroxides (organic ROOH and H2O2) were provided as the active oxygen content. The active oxygen content in the samples was determined by iodometry. A general description of how the determination was performed is provided below.

[00198] Approximately 5 g of the sample, weighed to the precision of 0.1 mg, were placed in a reaction flask, washed with argon, and 40 ml of a 1:1 acetic acid / chloroform mixture were added to dissolve the sample. The reaction flask was fitted with a chiller and placed in a preheated stirring block at 80°C. A weak stream of argon was passed through the chiller to prevent air from entering. After temperature equilibration, 5.0 ml of a saturated potassium iodide solution (approximately 60.0 g of potassium iodide dissolved in 100 ml of deionized water) were added through the chiller and the mixture was boiled under reflux for 10 min. In the next step, 40.0 ml of deionized water were added and the sample solution was titrated with a 0.01 M thiosulfate solution, using a platinum electrode as an endpoint indicator. Hydrogen peroxide conversion calculation

[00199] The conversion of H2O2 in % was calculated according to the following equation (I): H2O2 conversion [%] = [(mmol of hydrogen peroxide (feed) - mmol of hydrogen peroxide (effluent)) / mmol of hydrogen peroxide (feed)]*100 % (I) Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 75 / 167 / 75 where “mmol of hydrogen peroxide (feed)” means the quantity in mmol of H2O2 in the reactor feed stream and “mmol of hydrogen peroxide (effluent)” means the quantity of mmol of H2O2 in the effluent stream leaving the reactor. Reference Example 1: Experimental Reactor Setup for Example 1

[00200] 127 g of TS-1 catalyst were loaded into a reaction tube of a mini-plant with a length of 180 cm and a volume of 300 ml. The tube diameter was 1.905 cm (0.75 inch), with a wall thickness of 0.07 inch (0.19 cm). In the center of the reaction tube, a smaller tube (0.3175 cm, 0.125 inch) was installed, containing thermocouples to measure the temperature over the catalyst bed. The critical point, i.e., the zone where the maximum reaction occurs, is normally located in the first half of a catalytic bed, and preferably, most of the thermocouples used are located in the first half of the catalytic bed.

[00201] Propylene was stored in 50 l gas cylinders containing immersion tubes, facilitating transfer to the mini-plant via a nitrogen pressure of 2,500 kPa (25 bar). The precise quantity was measured using a Brunkhorst flow meter with a range of 0 to 500 g / h; the flow is controlled by a Flowserve control valve. Hydrogen peroxide was transferred to the reactor using a Grundfos DME2 pump. The quantity was determined using a scale. The measurement showed liters / minute. The respective additive solution was fed to the reactor using an LC hydrogen peroxide pump. The exact quantity was determined using a scale. A Lewa pump with a range of 0 to 1,500 ml / h was used to feed methanol. Feed control was performed using a Lewa KMM. Nitrogen was fed using a Flowserve control valve. The quantity was measured using a meter. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 76 / 167 / 75 of Brunkhorst flow with a range of 0 to 200 Nl / h. “Nl / h” means normal liter per hour, where 1 normal liter is the amount of gas that fills 1 litre at 0°C and 101.3 kPa (1,013 mbar) (see DIN 1343 of January 1990).

[00202] The reagents, solvents, and additives, as indicated in detail in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, all entered the reaction tube by means of a static mixer [0.635 cm (0.25 inch) mixer], so that a combined feed stream was formed and fed into the reaction tube, wherein the feed direction was from the bottom to the top of the reaction tube.

[00203] The reactor effluent was passed through a 2-micrometer filter to remove fine particles (catalyst) before passing to the first separator. The bottom level valve controlled a 25% level in the first separator, while the top pressure valve established a pressure of 2,000 kPa (20 bar) throughout the upstream reaction system. The second separator was also operated at a 25% liquid level, while the top pressure valve reduced the pressure to 200 kPa (2 bar). This lower pressure served to allow the evaporation of unconverted propylene, allowing for safe sample collection and providing an additional safety buffer. The two separators had a volume of 2 liters each and were maintained at a temperature of 5°C using cooling water.A nitrogen stream with a gas flow rate of 5 Nl / h was fed through the entire system (reactor -> 1st separator -> 2nd separator -> venting system) to maintain sufficient gas flow in the venting direction to verify if traces of oxygen, formed by the partial decomposition of H2O2, had evaporated and could be analyzed at the end of the vent pipe. A flow meter was installed in the vent line, through which the gaseous vent stream from the 2nd separator flows, to measure the flow and quantify the amount of oxygen. The liquid effluent (product stream from the 2nd separator) was analyzed by Gas Chromatography. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 77 / 167 / 75 (GC) regarding the compounds contained therein and their respective quantities and concentrations. Example 1 and Comparison Examples 1, 2, 3, 4: Startup process with feed additive initiated before the start of propylene and before the start of aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution feed. Startup stage

[00204] The reactor in Reference Example 1 was purged with nitrogen and pressurized to 2,000 kPa (20 bar).

[00205] 1. Initially, methanol was fed at a rate of 370 g / h through the static mixer into the reaction tube, so that the reaction tube was initially flooded with methanol, with the feed direction being from the bottom to the top of the reaction tube.

[00206] 2. 15 minutes later, the addition of a power supply current K2HEDP (aqueous solution of dipotassium etidronate (K2HEDP), 1.2% by weight K2HEDP) was initiated via the static mixer in the reaction tube, where the solution was pre-dosed to achieve a concentration of X pmol K+ per mol of hydrogen peroxide added in step 5, i.e., the K2HEDP feed stream was provided at a dosing rate of pmol K+ / min, as indicated in Table 2 below. The feed was continued for a period of time (Y - 15 minutes).

[00207] 3. Propylene addition was initiated via the static mixer at a flow rate of 54 g / h, so that a combined stream comprising methanol, water, K2HEDP and propylene was fed into the reaction tube for 15 minutes - the total time of steps 2 and 3 being the K2HEDP feed time Y; the values ​​for “X” and “Y”, the flow rate and the resulting amount of potassium cations in contact with the catalyst (in kg) during the Y-minute period are indicated below in Table 2.

[00208] 4. After 15 minutes of stage 3, feeding began. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 78 / 167 / 75 an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution (40% by weight of H2O2) with a flow rate of 65 g / h (70% of the flow rate used for normal operation) in the static mixer, so that a combined stream of methanol, propylene, water, hydrogen peroxide and K2HEDP was fed into the reaction tube - from that point in time, the production time was counted (ton stream = 0h).

[00209] 5. After 24 hours, the flow rate of aqueous hydrogen peroxide was increased to 94 g / h - step 5 initiates the start of the normal operating stage. Table 2 K2HEDP concentration X and feeding time Y Parameter Example Comp. 1 Example 1 Example Comp. 2 Example Comp. 3 Example Comp. 4 Additive dosage rate (gmol K+ / min) 5.67 5.67 5.67 7.94 3.60 K2HEDPaq Y Feed Time during initialization [min] 105 75 45 75 23h, 45 min K+ quantity |gmol / kg|* 4690 3351 2010 4690 8310 X (gmol K+ / mol of hydrogen peroxide) 308 308 308 462 133 * Quantity of K: quantity of K+ expressed in gmol / kg of catalyst, fed to the system before starting the hydrogen peroxide dosing. The molar quantity of K+ per weight of catalyst represents the molar quantity of potassium cations in the K2HEDP feed stream fed during period Y divided by the weight of catalyst used (0.127 kg), expressed in gmol / kg of catalyst. Normal operating stage

[00210] The reaction was then carried out under normal operating conditions with a combined feed stream to the reactor based on propylene fed at 54 g / h, aqueous H2O2 solution (40 wt% H2O2) fed at a rate of 94 g / h, methanol fed at a rate of 370 g / h and an additive solution of 4 g / h aqueous K2HEDP solution (1.2 wt% K2HEDP), wherein the flow rate of the additive solution was adjusted in the case of Comparative Example 3 to have a micromol K+ / mol ratio of Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 79 / 167 / 75 H2O2 of 308 pmol K+ / mol of hydrogen peroxide. Normal operation continued for at least 70 hours in production.

[00211] During the initialization stage and the normal operation stage, the water temperature setpoint was maintained constant at 25°C using a water-cooled jacket circuit.

[00212] During the initialization stage and the normal operation stage, starting with ton stream = 0h, samples were collected from the liquid effluent (product) stream downstream of the 2nd separator at specific points in time.

[00213] Selectivities for PO (propylene oxide) and MOPs (MOPs: sum of 1-methoxy-2-propanol and 2-methoxy-1-propanol) were calculated based on hydrogen peroxide. H2O2 conversion was 100% in all cases except for CE4, where no conversion was observed in the first 3 hours of production.

[00214] The results obtained during the initialization stage are shown below in Table 3. Table 3 Selectivities obtained during the initialization stage for PO and by-products Example Quantity of K* Selectivities after 6 hours in production Selectivities after 22 hours in production PO (%) MOPs (%) PO (%) MOPs (%) CE1 4690 70.4 27.0 90.9 6.0 E1 3351 83.3 14.8 95.5 3.8 CE2 2010 72.1 25.2 90.3 6.4 CE3 4690 61.4 35.5 94.5 4.8 CE4 8310 No activity in the first 3 hours. Interrupted. * Quantity of K: quantity of K+ expressed in qmol / kg of catalyst, fed to the system before starting the hydrogen peroxide dosing. Results - Comparison of procedure according to Example 1 versus Comparative Examples 1, 2, 3, 4

[00215] The first data point was generated by analyzing the sample collected 6 hours after the start of hydrogen peroxide. It can be observed that the highest selectivity of PO (83.3%) was achieved in Example Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 80 / 167 / 75 when the catalyst was exposed to 308 pmol K+ / mol HP for 75 minutes before the start of hydrogen peroxide feeding. In all Comparative Examples, the selectivity of PO was significantly lower.

[00216] The second data point was generated by analyzing samples collected after 22 hours and shortly before increasing the hydrogen peroxide load to 100%. The highest selectivity of PO (95.5%) was again observed in Example 1.

[00217] Overall, it was demonstrated that the use of a startup procedure with additive feed initiation before hydrogen peroxide feed initiation significantly helped to minimize propylene oxide losses, where initial feeds comprising additive (without hydrogen peroxide) showed the best results when conducted for a period of time in the range of 45 to 100 minutes, more preferably in the range of 55 to 90 minutes, more preferably in the range of 60 to 85 minutes, most preferably in the range of 75 to 80 minutes. Furthermore, a K+:H2O2 molar ratio in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to 1 x 10-3:1 showed more favorable results regarding PO selectivity as well as regarding the reduction of MOPs byproducts.

[00218] In particular, it has proven effective to bring the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst into contact before the start of the hydrogen peroxide feed with a molar amount of K+ per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol K+ / kg of catalyst, preferably in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 iimol K+ / kg of catalyst, preferably in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 pmol K+ / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,800 to 4,200 pmol K+ / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,900 to 4,100 pmol K+ / kg of catalyst, most preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 iimol K+ / kg of catalyst. Literature Cited

[00219] - EP 0 230 949 81 - WO 2020 / 074586 A1 Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 81 / 167

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Startup method for a process for preparing an olefin oxide comprising a normal operation stage, wherein the normal operation stage comprises providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, such that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent is formed, and subjecting the reaction mixture to epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture comprising olefin oxide and organic solvent;characterized in that the initialization method comprises (a) providing an organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin for a first period of time P1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a first mixture 1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and, optionally, olefin, and contacting the first mixture 1 during P1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; wherein the additive releases or forms one or more cations M, wherein, at the end of Pi, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been contacted with a molar amount M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,500 to 4,500 pmol M / kg of catalyst.

2. A method of initiation according to claim 1, characterized in that the additive is selected from the group consisting of potassium salt of an inorganic acid, potassium salt of an organic acid, ammonia, ammonium salt of an inorganic acid, ammonium salt of an organic acid, and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive is preferably selected from Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, p.82 / 167 2 / 5 group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium formate, potassium acetate, potassium hydrogen carbonate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof, more preferably from the group consisting of potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium etidronate, ammonia and mixtures of two or more thereof; wherein the additive most preferably comprises at least dipotassium etidronate; wherein dipotassium etidronate is most preferably in the range of 95 to 100% by weight of the additive.

3. Initiation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that (a) it comprises (a.1) providing organic solvent, an additive and water for a period of time P1.1 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive and water, and contacting the mixture 1.1 during P1.1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst; (a.2) providing organic solvent, additive, water and olefin for a second period of time P1.2 to the epoxidation zone, so that a mixture 1.2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and olefin, and contacting the second mixture 1.2 during P1.2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

4. Startup method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1), (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio M:hydrogen peroxide intended to be provided in the normal operating stage in the range of 1 x 10-5:1 to Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 83 / 167 3 / 5 1 x 10-3:

1.

5. Initialization method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the additive is provided in at least one of (a), (a.1), (a.2), preferably in (a) or in (a.1) and (a.2), respectively, such that, at the end of Pi or P1.2, respectively, the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst has been brought into contact with a molar amount M per weight of catalyst in the range of 2,600 to 4,400 gmol M / kg of catalyst, preferably in the range of 2,700 to 4,300 gmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,800 to 4,200 gmol M / kg of catalyst, more preferably in the range of 2,900 to 3,100 gmol M / kg of catalyst, most preferably in the range of 3,000 to 4,000 gmol M / kg of catalyst.

6. Startup method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the amount of olefin optionally provided in (a) and / or provided in (a.2) is less than the amount intended to be provided in the normal operating stage.

7. A method of initiation according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises (b) after the time period of P1 or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide to the epoxidation zone for a second time period P2, so that a second mixture 2 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, and contacting the second mixture 2 during P2 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

8. Startup method according to claim 7, characterized in that the amounts of olefin and hydrogen peroxide provided in (b) are less than the respective amounts Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 84 / 167 4 / 5 intended to be provided in the normal operating stage.

9. Initialization method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that (b) preferably comprises (b') after time period Pi or P1.2, respectively, providing organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide in initial amounts to the epoxidation zone for a time period P2', so that a mixture is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water, olefin and hydrogen peroxide, wherein the amounts of hydrogen peroxide and olefin are less than the amounts intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, and increasing the amount of hydrogen peroxide and the amount of olefin over time period P2' until the amounts intended to be provided in the normal operating stage, so that a mixture 2' is formed, and contacting the mixture 2' during P2' under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.

10. Startup method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the olefin is provided in (a) or in (a.2), respectively, in a molar ratio relative to the molar amount of hydrogen peroxide intended to be used in the normal operating stage in the range of 0.1:1 to 4, preferably in the range of 0.1:1 to 4:1, or in the range of 2.1 to 4:

1.

11. Initialization method according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the olefin and hydrogen peroxide are provided in (b) or in (b'), respectively, such that the molar ratio of olefin:hydrogen peroxide in the second mixture 2 formed in (b) or in the mixture 2' formed in (b'), respectively, is in the range of 1.1:1 to 5:1, preferably in the range of 1.1:1 to 2:1 or in the range of 3:1 to 5:

1.

12. Process for preparing an olefin oxide, characterized Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 85 / 167 5 / 5 by the fact that it comprises a normal operation stage and an initialization stage, wherein the normal operation stage comprises (A) providing olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent in an epoxidation zone comprising a heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst, so that a reaction mixture comprising olefin, hydrogen peroxide, additive, water and organic solvent is formed; (B) subjecting the reaction mixture of (A) to the epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone, thereby obtaining a mixture comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent; (C) removing an effluent stream from the epoxidation zone, comprising olefin oxide, additive, water and organic solvent;wherein the initialization stage comprises (a) providing an organic solvent, an additive, water and, optionally, an olefin for a first period of time Pi to the epoxidation zone, so that a first mixture 1 is formed, comprising organic solvent, additive, water and, optionally, olefin, and contacting the first mixture 1 for P1 under epoxidation reaction conditions in the epoxidation zone with the heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst.; 13. Olefin oxide, characterized by being obtained or obtainable by the process as defined in claim 12. Petition 870250100046, dated 10 / 31 / 2025, page 86 / 167