Hydrogen Peroxide Process Using Divided Reactor And Aqueous Recycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The anthraquinone process for hydrogen peroxide production faces issues such as the formation of undesired degraded anthraquinone species, supersaturation leading to explosive hydrogen peroxide concentrations, and reduced extraction efficiency due to the presence of residual water droplets, posing safety risks and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A novel process configuration involving a divided oxidation reactor with counter-current flow, combined degasser/decanter equipment, and recycling of aqueous phase from the extraction column to control hydrogen peroxide concentration and enhance extraction efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydrogen peroxide concentration is increased to improve productivity, then production efficiency increases, but safety risks increase due to formation of explosive concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The oxidation reactor is divided into multiple zones (upper, middle, lower areas) with different functions. The lower area handles gas introduction and initial reaction, the middle area is where aqueous phase is reintroduced to control concentration, and the upper area handles overflow and extraction. This segmentation prevents uniform high concentration throughout the reactor, eliminating explosive conditions while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Demineralised water acts as an intermediary substance introduced into the middle area of the oxidation reactor. It dilutes the organic working solution and controls hydrogen peroxide concentration locally, preventing formation of explosive concentrations while allowing continuous high-productivity operation.
2Productivity
If oxidation reactor operates with high hydrogen peroxide concentration to increase yield, then productivity improves, but degraded anthraquinone species formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the oxidation reactor are designed with different quality characteristics. The lower area has high oxygen concentration for efficient oxidation and high productivity, while the middle area has controlled hydrogen peroxide concentration through aqueous phase introduction to prevent degradation. This local differentiation allows high overall yield while protecting against degraded species formation in specific zones.
3Productivity
If extraction column operates with residual water droplets to improve extraction efficiency, then hydrogen peroxide recovery increases, but supersaturation occurs leading to safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by reintroducing demineralised water into the oxidation reactor before the organic working solution becomes supersaturated with hydrogen peroxide. This preventive measure ensures that the organic phase maintains appropriate water content throughout the circulation loop, preventing supersaturation and associated safety issues while preserving extraction efficiency.
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
The process effectively controls hydrogen peroxide concentration within safe limits, reduces degraded species formation, and increases production efficiency, achieving high productivity and safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first step of the AO process is the chemical reduction of the anthraquinone derivatives present in the organic working solution using hydrogen gas and a catalyst
Implementation Method 2
the hydroquinone species are oxidized using oxygen, air or oxygen-enriched air thus regenerating the quinone(s) with simultaneous formation of hydrogen peroxide
Implementation Method 3
Hydrogen peroxide is then typically extracted in an extraction column with water and recovered in the form of a crude aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution
Data Source
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AI summary
Novel Process for the Production of Hydrogen Peroxide The invention relates to novel process for the production of hydrogen peroxide by the anthraquinone process. In particular, the invention relates to a new flow configuration for the recirculation and removal of the hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous phase from the hydrogen peroxide process.