Propylene Oxide Production Cooling Water Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous production of propylene oxide through epoxidation reaction faces issues with pressure loss and catalyst destruction due to increased pressure in the solid catalyst layer, leading to reduced production amounts.
Innovation Solution
Cooling propylene to 0-50°C to separate and remove water and oxygen-containing organic compounds before supplying it to the epoxidation reactor, where a titanium-containing silicon oxide catalyst is packed, to prevent catalyst degradation and maintain production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If propylene and organic peroxide are continuously supplied to the epoxidation reactor with solid catalyst, then propylene oxide production continues, but pressure loss increases and catalyst is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention cools propylene to 0-50°C before supplying it to the epoxidation reactor to separate and remove water in advance. This preliminary action prevents water from entering the reactor, which would otherwise cause pressure loss increase and catalyst destruction, thereby maintaining catalyst integrity while enabling continuous production
2Reliability
If pressure loss is suppressed to avoid catalyst destruction, then catalyst lifespan is extended, but production amount must be decreased
Solution Approach 1:
By performing preliminary cooling and water separation of propylene before it enters the epoxidation reactor, the invention eliminates the root cause of pressure loss (water accumulation) without reducing the supply amount of reactants. This allows continuous high-volume production while protecting the catalyst from pressure-related damage
3Device complexity
If water is not removed from propylene, then process is simpler, but pressure loss increases and catalyst is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter of propylene to 0-50°C to exploit the phase behavior difference between propylene and water. This simple temperature change causes water to separate from propylene through condensation, providing an effective water removal method that protects the catalyst while adding minimal complexity to the process
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 process effectively suppresses pressure loss and maintains high propylene oxide production yields by removing impurities and water from the propylene, thereby extending catalyst lifespan and maintaining production levels.
Implementation Method 1
cooling at least part of the propylene to 0 to 50°C thereby separating and removing water contained in the propylene
Data Source
AI summary
A process for producing propylene oxide, which comprises supplying an organic peroxide and propylene to an epoxidation reactor in which a solid catalyst is packed thereby continuously producing propylene oxide through epoxidation reaction, wherein said process comprises cooling at least a part of the propylene before supplying to separate and remove water contained in the propylene, and supplying the propylene in which water has been separated and removed to the epoxidation reactor.