Process and apparatus for catalytic gaseous reactions

摘要

In a process for effecting catalytic exothermic gaseous reactions such as the synthesis of ammonia, or the production of hydrogen or organic compounds such as methanol from carbon monoxide and steam or hydrogen respectively, the gases are first warmed by passage in relation to, but out of direct contact with, the main catalyst, and are then passed to the purifier catalyst in a vessel surrounded by separate pressure-sustaining walls. After removal of the products of the purification, the gases are passed to the main catalyst. In an apparatus for carrying out the process, the compressed gases are passed between the catalyst container C and wall D to a purifier chamber A. Reaction products therefrom are removed at H, wherein, in addition, the temperature may be regulated, and the gases are then passed to the main catalyst C. A byepass conduit L may be provided for controlling the temperature of the purifier catalyst. Catalysts which may be employed are:--a mixture of iron, potassium oxide and aluminium oxide for the ammonia synthesis, a similar mixture, or a mixture of cobalt and magnesium oxides being employed for removing carbon monoxide; a mixture of zinc and chromium oxides for the synthesis of methanol, a mixture of zinc and copper oxides being employed to remove organic sulphur compounds. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) comprises also the use of a reaction chamber wherein the purifier catalyst chamber is disposed within the main catalyst chamber, Fig. 2 (Cancelled). Herein the reaction gases are passed as before between the catalyst chamber C, and pressure-sustaining wall B and then through an inner compartment E containing the purifier catalyst. The gases are circulated via regulating means P, wherein the products of the purification are removed, to the main catalyst chamber C and to outlet K. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.ALSO: In a process for effecting catalytic exothermic gaseous reactions such as the production of methanol and other oxygenated organic compounds from carbon monoxide and hydrogen, the gases are first warmed by passage in relation to, but out of direct contact with, the main catalyst, and are then passed to a purifier catalyst in a vessel surrounded by separate pressure-sustaining walls. After removal of the products of the purification, the gases are passed to the main catalyst. In an apparatus for carrying out the process, the compressed gases are passed between the catalyst container C and wall D to a purifier chamber a. Reaction products therefrom are removed at H, wherein, in addition, the temperature may be regulated, and the gases are then passed to the main catalyst C. A by-pass conduit L may be provided for controlling the temperature of the purifier catalyst. A mixture of zinc and chromium oxides may be used as catalyst for the synthesis of methanol, a mixture of zinc and copper oxides being employed to remove organic sulphur compounds. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 (3) (a) comprises also the use of a reaction chamber wherein the purifier catalyst chamber is disposed within the main catalyst chamber. As shown in Fig. 2 (Cancelled), the reaction gases are passed as before between the catalyst chamber C, and pressure-sustaining wall B and then through an inner compartment E containing the purifier catalyst. The gases are circulated via regulating means P, wherein the products of the purification are removed to the main catalyst chamber C and to outlet K. This subject-matter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.