ACETYLENE CONVERTER MODERATORS

摘要

A process for removing acetylene from a hydrocarbon stream comprises exposin g the stream to a hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of an acetylene converter modifier which substantially remains on the catalyst and does not unsubstantially migrate into the stream. Exposure is under conditions which are effective to support acetylene hydrogenation with enhanced selectivity. The moderator, which may be arsine or phosphine, is used at a low concentration level and serves to prevent temperature runaway during the exothermic acetylene hydrogenation reaction. By controlli ng the presence of moderator levels to such a relatively low level, temperature runaway during the highly exothermic acetylene hydrogenation reaction is prevented while maintaining acceptable catalyst activity levels for purposes of the acetylene hydrogenation reaction.