Process for the production of lower alcohols by olefin hydration

摘要

An improved process for the hydration of C2-C5 olefins to the corresponding alcohols via heterogeneous reactive extraction with ion exchange resin catalysts is provided. The improvements are based on the application of a structured catalytic packing, a simultaneous product extraction in multiple condensed phases for enhancement of the overall alcohol production rate and a simplified product purification procedure.

主权项

1. Process for the hydration of olefins to alcohols at pressures of 40 to 200 bar and a temperature of 80 to 200° C. by heterogeneous reactive extracting bringing into contact in a reactor one or more olefins having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, water and an acidic catalyst comprising an ion exchange resin, wherein the acidic catalyst is immobilized and selected from at least one of the following structured catalysts:
a) a structured catalytic packing wherein the structured catalyst comprises multiple flow through channels wherein first multiple channels are orientated with an angle of +20 to +60° and second multiple channels with an angle of −20 to −60° towards the flow direction and the first and the second channels provide for multiple intersections to allow mass transfer in multiple directions; b) a monolithic support having the shape of honeycombs or other parallel channel structures, impregnated or coated with the acidic catalyst; c) acidic fibres as part of woven or non woven fabrics; and d) catalytic elements aligned an wires or filaments.