Process and apparatus for catalytic gaseous reactions

摘要

In a cyclic process for effecting catalytic gas reactions, such as the synthesis of ammonia, or of hydrocarbons or oxygenated organic compounds from hydrogen and an oxide of carbon, the reactants are brought into contact with the hot catalyst, make-up gases are then added, and the resultant mixture is brought into contact with the purifier material. Reaction products are then removed, and the gases recirculated. The purifier material may be in heat exchange relation with the catalyst. The gases are admitted through an inlet F, and are heated by passing upwards between an outer wall B and the catalyst chamber A. Thence, they pass through the main catalyst C, for instance, at 550 DEG C., and then, mixing with make-up gases from E, pass through the purifier catalyst D to outlet G. After removal of the products, the gases are returned to the same or similar apparatus. In a modification, a single catalyst chamber is used, the make-up gases being introduced at the junction of a layer of purifier and main catalyst. These may be similar in composition, for example, such as may be obtained by fusion and reduction of a mixture of iron, potassium, and aluminium oxides, for the ammonia synthesis, or a mixture of copper, chromium, and zinc oxides for the production of oxygenated organic compounds.ALSO: In a cyclic process for effecting catalytic gas reactions, such as the synthesis of hydrocarbons or oxygenated organic compounds from hydrogen and an oxide of carbon, the reactants are brought into contact with the hot catalyst, make-up gases are then added, and the resultant mixture is brought into contact with purifier material. Reaction products are then removed, and the gases recirculated. The purifier material may be in heat exchange relation with the catalyst. The gases are admitted through an inlet F, and are heated by passing upwards between an outer wall B and the catalyst chamber A. Thence, they pass through the main catalyst C, for instance, at 550 DEG C., and then, mixing with make-up gases from E, pass through the purifier catalyst D to outlet G. After removal of the products, the gases are returned to the same or similar apparatus. In a modification, a single catalyst chamber is used, the make-up gases being introduced at the junction of a layer of purifier and main catalyst. These may be similar in composition, for example, a mixture of copper, chromium and zinc oxides for the production of oxygenated organic compounds.