Cyclic Imide Slurry for Oxidation Catalyst Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods face challenges in efficiently and safely delivering solid cyclic imides, such as N-hydroxyphthalimide, to industrial-scale oxidation reactions due to issues like plugging, inferior mixing, and safety concerns related to explosive dust and allergic reactions, especially in mixed-phase reactions.
Innovation Solution
Forming a slurry of solid cyclic imides with a liquid organic material, like cyclohexylbenzene, which is then provided to the oxidation reaction zone, allowing for effective mixing and reducing safety risks by avoiding direct delivery of dry solids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solid cyclic imide is directly delivered to the oxidation reaction zone, then the catalyst can be delivered to the reaction system, but it may become suspended in the vapor phase and plug reactor portions or pressure safety devices
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid carrier stream is introduced as an intermediary medium to transport the solid cyclic imide catalyst into the oxidation reaction zone. The catalyst is suspended in the liquid carrier rather than being delivered as dry solid, preventing vapor-phase suspension and plugging of reactor portions and safety devices while maintaining effective catalyst delivery to the reaction system
2Ease of operation
If solid cyclic imide is delivered to the liquid feed stream, then the catalyst can be introduced to the reaction system, but mixing is inferior and safety issues arise from explosive dust and allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid carrier stream serves as an intermediary that dissolves or suspends the solid cyclic imide catalyst, eliminating the need to handle dry solid powder. This approach prevents explosive dust formation and allergic reaction hazards while enabling safe introduction of the catalyst to the oxidation reaction system through liquid-phase transport
3Productivity
If high throughput rates are desired in industrial-scale oxidation reaction, then productivity increases, but efficient and safe delivery of solid cyclic imide becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid hydraulic carrier system is employed to transport the solid cyclic imide catalyst at high flow rates compatible with industrial-scale throughput. The liquid carrier enables efficient pumping and delivery of the catalyst suspension to the oxidation reaction zone, maintaining high productivity while eliminating the operational challenges associated with dry solid powder handling at scale
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient and controlled delivery of the catalyst, improving mixing and safety while maintaining high throughput, thereby enhancing the oxidation process efficiency and reducing logistical and safety issues.
Implementation Method 1
forming a slurry of solid cyclic imides with a liquid organic material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a cyclic imide slurry composition and processes for forming and/or using such a composition. The slurry composition comprises solid cyclic imide and organic liquid, such as liquid alkylbenzene, liquid cyclohexane, and/or liquid organic alcohol (such as cyclohexanol). The slurry composition may find particular use in processes in which the cyclic imide serves as an oxidation catalyst (e.g., as a radical initiator). For instance, the slurry composition may be useful in the oxidation of a liquid alkylbenzene such as cyclohexylbenzene to corresponding 1-cyclohexyl-1-phenyl hydroperoxide. Such an oxidation reaction may further be part of an integrated process for the production of phenol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene via hydroalkylation to form cyclohexylbenzene.