Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus for the manufacture of polyethylene and polyethylene copolymers. The apparatus includes a primary compressor in fluid communication with a two-stage secondary compressor, the secondary compressor in fluid communication with a heated conduit in fluid communication with a tubular reactor, the tubular reactor including one or more reaction zones having a heating/cooling jacket, said reactor tube including an inner material and an outer material, said outer material being substantially inert in the presence of water under operating conditions, the tubular reactor in fluid communication with a product separator, and at least one conduit for the transfer of recycled ethylene from the product separator to the secondary compressor. Processes for manufacturing polyethylene and polyethylene copolymers using such an apparatus are also described.

Abstract: In a process for producing anhydrides in a tubular reactor, gaseous reactants are passed downwardly through at least one reactor tube to a catalyst carrier where they pass into a passage defined by an inner perforated wall of a catalyst container before passing radially through the catalyst bed towards a perforated outer container wall. The reaction occurs as gas contacts the catalyst. Unreacted reactant and product exits the container though the perforated outer wall and then upwardly between an inner surface of a container skirt and the outer wall of the container and then over the end of the skirt and caused to flow downwardly between the outer surface of the skirt and the inner surface of the reactor tube where heat transfer takes place. These steps are repeated at any subsequent catalyst carrier product is then removed from the reactor outlet.

Abstract: A process for producing a ringlike oxidic shaped body by mechanically compacting a pulverulent aggregate introduced into the fill chamber of a die, wherein the outer face of the resulting compact corresponds to that of a frustocone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose improved micro-pore catalyst structures containing catalytic material comprised of mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus and using such improved micro-pore catalyst structures for the production of maleic anhydride.

Abstract: A chemical reactor including: a plurality of heat exchange plates which between them define reaction compartments, in which reactor each heat exchange plate includes two walls between them defining at least one heat exchange space, the respective walls being fixed together by joining regions, and the reactor also comprises at least one injection device for injecting substance into the reaction compartments, said substance-injection device passing through the heat-exchange plates in respective joining regions thereof. Also, a chemical reaction process that can be carried out in this reactor.

Abstract: In a process for producing anhydrides in a tubular reactor, gaseous reactants are passed downwardly through at least one reactor tube to a catalyst carrier where they pass into a passage defined by an inner perforated wall of a catalyst container before passing radially through the catalyst bed towards a perforated outer container wall. The reaction occurs as gas contacts the catalyst. Unreacted reactant and product exits the container though the perforated outer wall and then upwardly between an inner surface of a container skirt and the outer wall of the container and then over the end of the skirt and caused to flow downwardly between the outer surface of the skirt and the inner surface of the reactor tube where heat transfer takes place. These steps are repeated at any subsequent catalyst carrier product is then removed from the reactor outlet.

Abstract: A process for recovering solid reaction products during partial oxidation of hydrocarbons in a liquid solvent as a reaction medium by multi-stage evaporative crystallization includes determining a final temperature of the multi-stage evaporative crystallization based on a melting point of the solvent. The pressure and temperature of the solvent is reduced in steps via successive crystallization stages until the final temperature is reached. Each of the crystallization stages includes a compressor configured to perform the reducing of the pressure and to withdraw vapors formed. The vapors from the compressor of a lower expansion pressure crystallization stage are introduced into a vapor discharge conduit of a next successive higher expansion pressure crystallization stage upstream of the compressor of the higher expansion pressure crystallization stage.

Abstract: A process for producing a ringlike oxidic shaped body by mechanically compacting a pulverulent aggregate introduced into the fill chamber of a die, wherein the outer face of the resulting compact corresponds to that of a frustocone.

Abstract: A process for preparing a catalyst by selecting an active catalyst and contacting the active catalyst with one or more fluids containing an organic solvent or mixture of organic solvents. In one embodiment, each organic solvent has a dielectric constant within a range of about 5 to about 55 when measured at a temperature of 20° C. to 25° C. The catalyst thus prepared may be used in a process for preparing maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose improved micro-pore catalyst structures containing catalytic material comprised of mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus and using such improved micro-pore catalyst structures for the production of maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include improved shaped catalyst structures containing catalytic material comprised of mixed oxides of vanadium and phosphorus and using such shaped catalyst structures for the production of maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a fixed-bed shell-and-tube reactor, which can stably produce an aimed product for a long period when a solid particulate material such as a catalyst is packed and used for each substance; and its usage. The fixed-bed shell-and-tube reactor comprises a plurality of reaction tubes that are packed with a solid particulate material and arranged in parallel, wherein the solid particulate material is weighed so as to be uniform volume, and is packed in each reaction tube in a packing time of not shorter than 30 seconds per liter.

Abstract: A process for producing a ringlike oxidic shaped body by mechanically compacting a pulverulent aggregate introduced into the fill chamber of a die, wherein the outer face of the resulting compact corresponds to that of a frustocone.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for use in process systems which include exothermic chemical conversions of organic compounds to value added products is disclosed, more particularly, flow reactors for exothermic chemical conversions using a fixed heterogeneous catalyst with means for control of the exotherm.

Abstract: Process for preparing maleic anhydride by heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase oxidation of hydrocarbons having at least four carbon atoms by means of oxygen-containing gases at from 350 to 500° C.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for producing maleic anhydride comprising an azeotropic distillation step to dehydrate a crude maleic acid-containing aqueous solution, which method is characterized by as an azeotropic solvent (1) using an organic solvent exhibiting a maximum dissolving concentration of the organic solvent in water in the range of 0.1-5% by weight at a temperature of 20° C. According to this invention, it is made possible to prevent the occurrence of a blocking substance, allow a continuous operation for a long time, and remove by-produced acid components by a process of distillation for azeotropic dehydration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for gas-solid contacting in a bubbling fluidized bed reactor by:

Abstract: A process for the preparation of maleic anhydride by heterogeneously catalyzed gas-phase oxidation in a reactor with feed for the reaction mixture at one end of the reactor and discharge of the product mixture at the opposite end of the reactor, and with devices for dissipating the heat of reaction which are arranged in the reactor interior and through which a heat-exchange medium flows and which are designed as heat-exchanger plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of maleic anhydride, which comprises: reacting a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst; recovering maleic anhydride from the reaction gas; recovering unreacted hydrocarbon from the remaining gas; and returning the hydrocarbon thus recovered to the reactor for re-use, wherein said reaction is effected under the conditions such that the hydrocarbon concentration X (vol %) and oxygen concentration Y (vol) in all the gases to be fed into the reactor, the hydrocarbon conversion Z (t) in the reactor and the oxygen concentration W (vol %) in all the effluent gases from the reactor satisfy the following relationships: Y≧20, X+Y≦70, 1≦Y/X≦5, and 20(Y−10)/X≦Z≦25Y/X or 2≦W≦10.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of maleic anhydride, which comprises: reacting a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst; recovering maleic anhydride from the reaction gas; recovering unreacted hydrocarbon from the remaining gas; and returning the hydrocarbon thus recovered to the reactor for re-use, wherein said reaction is effected under the conditions such that the hydrocarbon concentration X (vol %) and oxygen concentration Y (vol %) in all the gases to be fed into the reactor, the hydrocarbon conversion Z (%) in the reactor and the oxygen concentration W (vol %) in all the effluent gases from the reactor satisfy the following relationships: Y≧20, X+Y≦70, 1≦Y/X≦5, and 20(Y−10)/X≦Z≦25Y/X or 2≦W≦10.

Abstract: A carrier containing silicon carbide, inorganic bonding component, and at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of a niobium oxide, an antimony oxide, and a tungsten oxide carries at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of a vanadium oxide and a molybdenum oxide as catalytically active component. An inexpensive catalyst for catalytic oxidation use can be thus offered that does not change its properties over a period of time, that boasts stable catalytic activity over a period of time, and that is suitable for, e.g., manufacture of an acid anhydride and a nitrile compound by conducting a catalytic gas-phase oxidation reaction (partial oxidation reaction) on a hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A metalorganic complex of the formula:MA.sub.Y Xwherein:M is a y-valent metal;A is a monodentate or multidentate organic ligand coordinated to M which allows complexing of MAY with X;y is an integer having a value of 2, 3 or 4;each of the A ligands may be the same or different; andX is a monodentate or multidentate ligand coordinated to M and containing one or more atoms independently selected from the group consisting of atoms of the elements C, N, H, S, O and F.The metal M may be selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ba, Sr, La, Nd, Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Th, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Bi, Tl, Y, Pb, Ni, Pd, Pt, Al, Ga, In, Ag, Au, Co, Rh, Ir, Fe, Ru, Sn, Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, Mg, Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, and W. A may be selected from the group consisting of .beta.-diketonates and their sulfur and nitrogen analogs, .beta.-ketoesters and their sulfur and nitrogen analogs, cyclopentadienyls, alkyls, perfluoroalkyls, alkoxides, perfluoroalkoxides, and Schiff bases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for recovering fumaric acid formed as a by-product during the production of maleic anhydride so that both fumaric acid and maleic anhydride are obtained. The process of the present invention further eliminates the wasting of MAN that occurs when fumaric acid is incinerated and improves the production of maleic anhydride by eliminating a source of fouling caused by the fumaric acid which leads to down-time in the reaction process to clean out the fumaric acid.

Abstract: Petrochemicals are produced by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with air in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The petrochemical product is removed from the product gas stream, and unreacted hydrocarbon in part or all of the remaining gas stream is recovered by subjecting the gas stream to a TSA process in which the adsorbed hydrocarbon is desorbed at elevated pressure by purging the adsorbent with hot compressed air, the air being heated by compression. The compressed air-desorbed hydrocarbon mixture is recycled to the reactor.

Abstract: A petrochemical is produced by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with air in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The petrochemical is removed from the reactor effluent, and part or all of the remaining petrochemical-free gas stream is passed through a hydrocarbon-selective adsorbent, which adsorbs hydrocarbon from the gas stream, leaving a hydrocarbon-depleted waste gas. Hydrocarbon is purged from the adsorbent with air, and the air-hydrocarbon mixture is recycled to the partial oxidation reactor. The purge air, and preferably both the purge air and the petrochemical-free gas stream are dried by passage through beds of zeolite 3A prior to being introduced into the hydrocarbon-selective adsorbent, and the beds of zeolite 3A are regenerated by passing heated hydrocarbon-depleted waste gas therethrough.

Abstract: This invention is directed towards an improved process for the selective gas phase oxidation of a organic reactant using a metal oxide redox catalyst, wherein the organic reactant and air feeds are at a substantially continuous level, the improvement comprising adding a fluctuating flow of oxygen at alternating relatively high and relatively low levels. The invention also teaches means by which a gas may be provided to a reaction process on a fluctuating basis.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon derivatives are produced by contacting a hydrocarbon with oxygen obtained from an air separation unit in the presence of a partial oxidation reaction catalyst. After separation of the hydrocarbon derivative from the reactor effluent, unreacted hydrocarbon is recovered from the effluent by adsorbing the unreacted hydrocarbon onto an adsorbent at superatmospheric pressure and removing the adsorbed hydrocarbon from the adsorbent by depressurizing said adsorbent and purging the adsorbent with nitrogen obtained from the air separation unit. The recovered unreacted hydrocarbon is recycled to the partial oxidation reactor.

Abstract: Process for improving a controlled oxidation reaction between at least one reactant and oxygen, in which at least one reactant is reacted with oxygen or an oxygen containing gas, constituting a reaction mixture, in the presence of at least one additional gas which is introduced into said reaction mixture and is selected from methane, ethane and helium, and the resulting reaction product from the oxidation reaction is possibly treated so as to give a final product.

Abstract: An improvement in the oxidation catalyst used for the partial oxidation of n-butane and containing vanadium and phosphorus, zinc and lithium mixed oxides which comprises adding a molybdenum compound modifier in an amount of from about 0.005 to 0.025/1 Mo/V to the catalyst during the digestion of the reduced vanadium compound by concentrated phosphoric acid. The addition of Mo produces a catalyst which is very stable more active system and longer lived than the unmodified catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the production of carboxylic anhydrides from aromatic hydrocarbons in gas phase oxidation by using a high activity and high selectivity fluid catalyst, comprising 50 to 95% by weight calculated as TiO.sub.2 +SiO.sub.2 +B.sub.2 O.sub.3 of component (A) which comprises titanium oxide, silicon dioxide and boron oxide and5 to 50% by weight calculated as V.sub.2 O.sub.5 +M.sub.2 O (M represents an alkali metal) +SO.sub.3 of component (B) comprising vanadium oxide, an alkali metal oxide and sulfuric anhydride, wherein weight ratios of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 to TiO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 to TiO.sub.2 in said component (A) are in the range of 0.02 to 0.5 and 0.25 to 1.0, respectively, is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for producing phthalic anhydride by gas phase catalytic oxidation of o-xylene and/or naphthalene with molecular oxygen or gas containing molecular oxygen and, to a process for producing phthalic anhydride by using said catalyst. The catalyst is made by supporting, on a heat-resistant inorganic carrier, a catalytic active substance which comprises: vanadium oxide; anatase type titanium dioxide having specific surface area of 10 to 60 m.sup.2 /g; niobium; at least one element selected from potassium, cesium, rubidium and thallium; phosphorus; and antimony. The catalytic active substance is prepared by using a five-valent antimony compound as an antimony source. The process for producing phthalic anhydride comprises use of said catalyst.

Abstract: Tetrabromophthalic anhydride and the corresponding free acid are propared by oxidizing in the liquid phase a compound of the formula ##STR1## each of A and A' is independently selected from oxygen, OH or acetoxy; each of R and R' is independently selected from H, OH, alkyl, alkylidene or oxygen;x is 0 or 1; y is 3-x; and R.sub.y and R'.sub.y may together form a closed alicyclic or heterocyclic ring structure.Mixtures of two or more compounds of formula (I), optionally in the presence of an oxidation catalyst, can also be employed as the starting material.

Abstract: Phthalic anhydride is prepared in a multiple tube reactor provided with separate salt baths, the temperature of the salt bath used for cooling the first layer of catalyst, as regarded in the direction of flow of the reaction mixture, being from 2.degree. to 20.degree. C. higher than that of the salt bath(s) associated with the following layer(s).

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of a petrochemical by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst to produce a flammable gaseous product stream comprising the desired petrochemical, unreacted hydrocarbon, oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In the improved process, a cooled or liquefied inert gas is injected as a quench fluid into the gaseous product stream exiting the hydrocarbon oxidation reactor, thereby cooling the stream to a temperature below the autoignition temperature of the flammable components of the stream, the petrochemical is recovered from the gaseous product and unreacted hydrocarbon is removed from the gaseous product and recycled to the reactor.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of an anhydride by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the improved process, the anhydride product is removed, carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as a by-product, is oxidized to carbon dioxide and part of the gaseous effluent, comprised mainly of carbon dioxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor. Removal of carbon monoxide from the recycle stream reduces the hazard of a fire or explosion in the reactor or associated equipment. The use of carbon dioxide as the principal diluent increases heat removal from the reactor, thereby increasing the production capacity of the reactor.

Abstract: A fluid bed catalyst which has lost activity or fluidization quality through agglomeration, contamination, or a physical or chemical change on the surface of the catalyst is deagglomerated and/or its surface re-exposed, by contacting the fluidized catalyst with a high velocity gas sufficient to cause multiple collisions among the catalyst particles and thereby deagglomerating the particles and/or abrading the surface of the particles to expose fresh catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a phosphorus-vanadium mixed oxide and existing in the form of geometric shapes, such as tablets, provides minimum expansion of the geometric shapes under process reaction conditions, since the catalyst in the form of said geometric shapes has been heated in an inert atmosphere at a temperature within the range of about 343.degree. C. (650.degree. F.) to about 704.degree. C. (1,300.degree. F.) prior to being exposed to an oxygen-containing atmosphere at an elevated temperature. This catalyst is suitable for the oxidation of a hydrocarbon, such as benzene or n-butane, to maleic anhydride.

Abstract: Crude maleic anhydride produced by catalytic oxidation is distilled and then n-propyl gallate, cuprous chloride and zinc chloride are added thereto.Alternatively, crude maleic anhydride is distilled in the presence of tridecyl phosphite. Further, these procedures can be used in combination. Thermal stability and color stability of the maleic anhydride is improved.

Abstract: Novel maleic anhydride catalysts comprising phosphorus-vanadium oxides and phosphorus-vanadium-co-metal oxides wherein said catalysts do not expand under reaction conditions for the manufacture of maleic anhydride and a process for preparing these catalysts are disclosed. The process comprises reacting a vanadium compound with a phosphoryl halide in the presence of water in an atmosphere comprising at least about 0.1% oxygen wherein the molar ratio of water to phosphorus from the phosphoryl halide is in the range of about 2.25:1 to about 3.75:1.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of maleic anhydride using phosphorus-vanadium catalyst and peroxide modifiers.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for increasing the recovery of maleic anhydride from the product condenser. Maleic anhydride is added to the oxidation reactor gaseous effluent. Maleic acid buildup in the condenser is reduced; condenser plugging is reduced; and process run time required to build up to production rates after periodic cleaning can be reduced.

Abstract: Process for obtaining maleic anhydride that is not prone to discolor by treating crude maleic anhydride with oxygen, a gas mixture containing oxygen, or a substance that releases oxygen before or while it is distilled.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form at least a monolayer amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible to vanadium oxide upon calcining; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the tantalum oxide source into the oxide form; (c) depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and at least one metal oxide source selected from the group consisting of oxides of Sb, Ga, Ge, In, T.sub.1, Pb, Se, Te, P and Bi, which is convertible into the corresponding metal oxide upon heating and which is reactive with V.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of hydrocarbons to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide catalyst solids in the anatase form a continuous monolayer amount of at least one source of titanium oxide, calcining the thus-formed catalyst percursor under conditions sufficient to convert the titanium oxide source into the oxide form, depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a continuous monolayer amount of at least one vanadium compound which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: A novel siliceous crystalline composition of matter further comprising one or more metals is prepared by admixing a basic silica salt and a dissolved metal salt in the presence of a quaternary ammonium ion and subsequently heating under pressurized conditions. This novel composition of matter is useful as a catalyst for oxidation, alkylation, disproportionation, synthesis gas conversion, hydrocracking, and hydrodewaxing.

Abstract: A process for the reactivation of vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen catalyst with alkyl esters of phosphoric acid and water is disclosed. The catalysts are useful for the manufacture of maleic anhydride from C.sub.4 hydrocarbon benzene feedstock.

Abstract: An improved process for producing maleic anhydride which comprises catalytically oxidizing benzene with a molecular oxygen-containing gas in the vapor phase in a multitubular heat-exchanger-type reactor. The process is characterized in thata catalyst-packed layer of the reactor is divided into a gas inlet side layer and a gas outlet side layer,the activity of the gas inlet side layer is controlled by adding at least one component selected from the group consisting of potassium, cesium, thallium and rubidium as a promoter or by decreasing the amount of phosphorus pentoxide (P.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of an aromatic hydrocarbon to form the corresponding aromatic carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form a continuous monolayer amount of at least one source of zirconium dioxide, calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the zirconium oxide source into the oxide form, depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium compound which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.