Methods and devices for oxidizing a hydrocarbon to form an acid

摘要

This invention relates to monitors used in the oxidation of hydrocarbons to respective acids, which monitors are capable to detect formation of a second liquid phase in the reaction mixture. The reactions are conducted in a single liquid phase, and formation of a second liquid phase is highly undesirable. The information gathered by the detector is provided to a controller, which controller in turn takes measures to re-establish operation of the reaction in a single liquid phase.