Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recovering power from the gaseous stream produced by an oxidation reaction. Specifically, the invention is based on heating the gaseous stream from the oxidation reaction to a temperature of at least 800° C. and recovering energy through a gas turbine. The compressor stage of the gas turbine compresses the oxidant feed to the reactor thereby at least partially offsetting the cost of providing the high temperature and pressure reaction conditions in the reactor. The invention also provides improved control of the power recovery system by optimising the efficiency of the gas turbine by feeding gas to the gaseous stream to modulate the flow of gas to the turbine relative to the compressor discharge flow in order to compensate for the consumption of oxidant in the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a lactam from an amino alkane nitrile and/or its hydrolysis derivatives, comprising reacting a solution comprising at least about 5% by weight amino alkane nitrile in water at a temperature of greater than or equal to about 350° C. and at a pressure of greater than about 250 bar. Optionally, a dilute acid may be added as a catalyst.