Epoxidation system with fixed bed reactors

Abstract

A process for the production of an oxirane compound by reaction of an olefin with a hydroperoxide reactant in the presence of a solid epoxidation catalyst, wherein the olefin and hydroperoxide reactants are first reacted in at least two fixed bed reactors packed with fresh catalyst, olefin being fed serially to said reactors and hydroperoxide reactant being fed in parallel to said reactors and thereafter the reactor effluent from the last of said reactors is passed to at least one further fixed bed reactor packed with epoxidation catalyst which has been at least partially deactivated.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to an epoxidation reaction system using a fixed-bed reactor equipped with a solid epoxidation catalyst. Background technique [0002] The production of epoxides such as propylene oxide by the catalytic reaction of olefins with organic hydroperoxides is known. See for example the basic patent US 3351635 . [0003] In certain embodiments, a fixed bed reactor containing a solid heterogeneous epoxidation catalyst is used. See for example US 5849937 and US 6365761. [0004] There are some problems associated with fixed bed epoxidation systems. On the one hand, the high concentration of organic hydroperoxide reactant causes problems related to heat extraction and temperature control in the system. Catalyst deactivation rates are accelerated at high temperatures and due to feed-induced poisoning. Furthermore, the selectivity of the process is greatly improved at higher olefin / hydroperoxide ratios. [0005] However, where high olefi...

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Problems solved by technology

[0005] However, where high olefin / hydroperoxide ratios are used, large amounts of olefin must be recovered and recycled, which adversely affects process economics

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