Process for the start-up of an epoxidation process, a process for the production of ethylene oxide, a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, a 1,2-carbonate, or an alkanolamine

摘要

A process is provided for the start-up of an ethylene epoxidation process comprising: (a) contacting a catalyst bed comprising a high selectivity epoxidation catalyst with a feed comprising ethylene, oxygen and an organic chloride for a period of time until an increase of at least 1×10−5 mole-% of vinyl chloride (calculated as the moles of vinyl chloride relative to the total gas mixture), preferably 2×10−5 mole-% of vinyl chloride is detected in a reactor outlet gas or a recycle gas loop; and (b) subsequently adjusting the quantity of organic chloride in the feed to a value sufficient to produce ethylene oxide at a substantially optimum selectivity.

主权项

1. A process for the start-up of an ethylene epoxidation process comprising:
(a) contacting a catalyst bed comprising a high selectivity epoxidation catalyst with a feed comprising ethylene, oxygen and an organic chloride in a quantity that is above the optimum quantity used during the initial period of normal ethylene oxide production for a period of time until an increase of at least 1×10−5 mole-% of vinyl chloride (calculated as the moles of vinyl chloride relative to the total gas mixture) is detected in a reactor outlet gas or a recycle gas loop; and (b) subsequently adjusting the quantity of organic chloride in the feed to a value sufficient to produce ethylene oxide at an optimum selectivity.