Abstract:
A system and method for a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of acetic anhydride as a reactor device is shown to be capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the process. A system for the production of acetic anhydride including the mixing of catalyst and acetic acid via a high shear device.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a method for cyclohexane oxidation. The method comprises a) forming a dispersion comprising liquid cyclohexane and an oxidant gas utilizing a high shear device, wherein the dispersion comprises oxidant gas bubbles with a mean diameter of less than about 5 µm, and wherein the high shear device comprises at least one rotor and at least one stator; and b) hydrogenating the dispersion in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form a product comprising cyclohexanol or cyclohexanone. In some embodiments, the oxidant comprises air, oxygen-enriched air, oxygen, or an oxygen-containing gas. In some embodiments, step a) of the method comprises forming the dispersion in the presence of an oxidation catalyst. Also disclosed herein is a system for oxidizing cyclohexane.
Abstract:
A method of producing volatilized fatty acids by heating a feedstock comprising at least one fat or oil in a reactor under inert vacuum to volatilize fatty acids, and removing volatilized fatty acids from bottoms residue comprising cross-linked oil. A system for stripping fatty acids from triglycerides, the system comprising a reactor, heating apparatus and a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor. A system for producing a hydrogenated product including a reactor comprising an inlet for a stream comprising triglycerides, an outlet for volatilized fatty acids, and an outlet for a cross-linked product, heating apparatus, a vacuum pump capable of pulling a vacuum in the range of from 1 kPa to 50 kPa on the reactor, and a hydrogenation reactor, wherein an inlet of the hydrogenation reactor is fluidly connected to the outlet for cross-linked product.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for the hydroxylation of olefenic alcohols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote mixing and solubility of peroxides with the olefenic alcohol. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce hydroxylation time with existing catalysts.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for the hydrogenation of aldehydes and/or ketones are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of the hydrogen-containing gas (e.g. H 2 gas) in the aldehydes and/or ketones. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce hydrogenation time with existing catalysts.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for the production of phthalic acid diesters are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and mixing of a phtalic acid derivative with alcohol. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time with existing catalysts.
Abstract:
A method for hydrocracking a feedstream comprising liquid hydrocarbon by forming a dispersion comprising hydrogen-containing gas bubbles dispersed in the liquid hydrocarbon, wherein the bubbles have a mean diameter of less than about 5 microns, and introducing the dispersion into a hydrocracker comprising hydrocracking catalyst. A method for hydrocracking by subjecting a fluid mixture comprising hydrogen-containing gas and liquid hydrocarbons to a shear rate greater than 20,000 s -1 to produce a dispersion of hydrogen in a continuous phase of the liquid hydrocarbons, and introducing the dispersion into a fixed bed hydrocracking reactor from which a hydrocracked product is removed. A system for hydrocracking a hydrocarbonaceous feedstream including at least one high shear device capable of producing a tip speed of the at least one rotor of greater than 5.0 m/s, and a hydrocracker containing hydrocracking catalyst and comprising an inlet fluidly connected to an outlet of the high shear device.
Abstract:
A method for producing nitrobenzene is disclosed which comprises forming a dispersion comprising benzene-containing droplets or particles dispersed in a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid, wherein said particles have a mean diameter less than one micron, and subjecting the dispersion to reaction conditions comprising a pressure in the range of about 203 kPa (2 atm) to about 6080 kPa (60 atm) and a temperature in the range of about 20°C to about 230°C, whereby at least a portion of said benzene is nitrated to form nitrobenzene. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and wherein the reactor is configured to subject a reactant stream to shear. A system for carrying out a heterogeneously catalyzed reaction, the system comprising a reactor as described above and a pump configured for delivering reactants to the at least one reactor. A method for carrying out a heterogeneously-catalyzed reaction by introducing reactants into a reactor comprising at least one contact surface made from, coated with, or impregnated by a catalyst under conditions which promote production of a desired product, wherein the contact surface comprises a sintered metal or a ceramic, and forming a dispersion of reactants within the reactor, wherein the dispersion comprises droplets or gas bubbles of reactant with an average diameter of less than about 5um.
Abstract:
Methods and systems for preparing alkylene glycols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alkylene oxides with water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time.