Shell and tube oxidation reactor with improved resistance to fouling

摘要

The present disclosure relates to a single shell open interstage reactor (“SSOI”). The SSOI comprises a first reaction stage, an interstage heat exchanger, an open interstage region, and a second reaction stage. The SSOI may be configured for upflow or downflow operation. Further, the open interstage region of the SSOI may comprise a supplemental oxidant feed. When the open interstage region comprises a supplemental oxidant feed, the SSOI may further comprise a supplemental oxidant mixing assembly. Processes for producing acrylic acid through the oxidation of propylene are also disclosed.

主权项

1. A process of making acrylic acid comprising the following steps in process flow order:
a) providing a mixed feed gas comprising propylene to a first reaction stage of a single shell open interstage shell and tube reactor comprising a plurality of reaction tubes, wherein the first reaction stage comprises a mixed metal oxide catalyst for oxidizing propylene to acrolein; b) oxidizing the propylene in the first reaction stage to produce a process gas comprising acrolein; c) cooling the process gas in an interstage heat exchanger disposed between the first reaction stage and a second reaction stage; d) passing the cooled process gas through an open interstage region; e) passing the process gas to a second shell and tube reaction stage comprising a plurality of reaction tubes, wherein the second reaction stage comprises a mixed metal oxide catalyst for oxidizing acrolein to acrylic acid; and f) oxidizing the acrolein in the second reaction stage to produce a product gas comprising acrylic acid.