Abstract:
The system and methods described herein solve problems of inaccurate flow control, loss of optimum reactant gas feed ratios, and the associated inefficiencies brought on by variable humidity in reactant feedstream gases during production of hydrogen cyanide by an Andrussow process.
Abstract:
Processes and systems for the production of hydrogen cyanide via the Andrussow process are described. A reaction zone, wherein oxygen, ammonia, and methane can be allowed to react in the presence of a catalyst comprising platinum to provide hydrogen cyanide. A desulfurization zone, wherein a feed stream comprising sulfur and at least one of the oxygen, the ammonia, and the methane can be contacted with a desulfurization material to produce a sulfur- reduced feed stream that is provided to the reaction zone. In an example, the desulfurization material includes zinc oxide.
Abstract:
Methane and ammonia raw materials are typically the major costs for HCN production. The methods described herein can be used to vary the molar ratio of methane to ammonia during HCN production to reduce costs.
Abstract:
A method and a system for recovering hydrogen from a process for making hydrogen cyanide are described herein. In the method, hydrogen is recovered from a gaseous waste stream of an Andrussow process. The method comprises the following steps: (a) adjusting a reaction mixture comprising methane, ammonia and oxygen to provide the reaction mixture with sufficient oxygen to generate a gaseous waste stream that has at least 40% hydrogen after removal of ammonia and recovery of hydrogen cyanide; and(b) removing components from the gaseous waste stream to generate recovered hydrogen.