Abstract:
A method and apparatus for safely producing hydrogen peroxide by injecting dispersed minute bubbles of hydrogen (28) and oxygen (34) into a rapidly flowing liquid medium (24). The minute bubbles are surrounded by the liquid medium of sufficient volume for preventing an explosive reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen. The liquid medium is formed of an acidic aqueous solution and a Group VIII metal catalyst (14). Hydrogen (28) is sparged into the flowing medium (24) for dissolution of the hydrogen in the medium. Oxygen bubbles (34) are reacted with the dissolved hydrogen for producing hydrogen peroxide (72). Preferably, the liquid medium has a velocity of at least 10 feet per second for providing a bubbly flow regime in the reactor. Water (12) and catalyst (14) are added to tank (16). Preferably, an amount of hydrogen peroxide stabilizer is added to tank (16). The method and apparatus provide for the safe production of hydrogen peroxide with low manufacturing costs.