Abstract: A method for carrying out catalytic gas phase reactions including providing a tube bundle reactor which has a bundle of reaction tubes that are filled with a catalyst charge and are cooled by a heat transfer medium, conveying a reaction gas through the catalyst charge, the reaction gas flowing into each reaction tube divided into two part flows introduced in the axial direction of the reaction tube at different points in the catalyst charge the catalyst charge has at least two catalyst layers of different activity, wherein the activity of the first catalyst layer, in the flow direction of the reaction gas, is lower than the activity of the at least one other catalyst layer and in step a first part flow is introduced into the first catalyst layer and each further part flow is introduced past the first catalyst layer into the at least one further catalyst layer.

Abstract: A catalyst for oxychlorination according to the present invention contains alumina and copper, and a content of copper is in the range from 5 to 20% by weight calculated as that of CuO, while a content of halogen is not more than 5% by weight. The catalyst is produced by the following steps (a) to (c): (a) preparing a slurry for spray-drying by adding an acid and an aqueous solution of cupric nitrate in a pseudo-boehmite alumina slurry; (b) spray-drying the slurry; and (c) burning the particles obtained in step (b).

Abstract: Improvements in previously disclosed methods of and apparatuses for converting alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics to olefins, alcohols, ethers, and aldehydes includes: safety improvements, use of alternative feedstocks, process simplification, improvements to the halogenation step, improvements to the reproportionation step, improvements to the solid oxide reaction, improvements to solid oxide regeneration, improvements in separations, maintenance, start-up, shut-down, and materials of construction.

Abstract: Modular reactor panel (1) for catalytic processes, comprising a feed header (5), a product header (7) and adjacent channels (3), each channel (3) having a length, running from an entrance end to an exit end, and wherein the entrance ends are directly connected to and open into the feed header (5) and the exit ends are directly connected to and open into the product header (7) and wherein the feed header (5) has at least one connection (9) to a feed line (51) and the product header (7) has at least one connection to a product line (55) and wherein part (21) of at least one of the feed header (5) and the product header (7) is detachable giving access to the channel ends and reactor comprising a housing (47) containing one or more of said reactor panels (1, 29), the reactor further comprising a feed line (51) and a product line (55), the panels (29) being connected to the feed line (51) and to product line (55).

Abstract: Catalysts for oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichlorethane, comprising compounds of copper and magnesium supported on gamma alumina, wherein the copper, expressed as metal, is present in a quantity from 7 to 12% by weight and the Mg/Cu ratio is from 0.05 to 1, wherein the distribution of copper in the catalyst particle is such that the ratio X/Y between the concentration of the copper atoms on the surface given by the Al/Cu ratio (X) on the surface (20-30 nm layer) and the concentration given by the Al/Cu ratio (Y) referred to the entire particle is greater than 1.3 and can reach 3.

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 the preparation of 1,2-dichloroethane that is very pure with respect to chloral or/and chloral hydrate and carbon dioxide is described herein. The process comprises oxychlorination of ethylene, using hydrogen chloride and an oxygen-containing gas, and alkali treatment of the 1,2-dichloroethane produced. In the process, the carbon dioxide present in the 1,2-dichloroethane-containing organic phase is, in accordance with the invention, substantially separated out from the 1,2-dichloroethane-containing organic phase before the alkali treatment.

Abstract: A hollow catalyst pellet for use in selective gas phase exothermic reactions in a tubular fixed bed reactor, having a parallelogram shaped external cross-section.

Abstract: A process for preparing 1,2-dichloroethane which comprises (A) feeding an ethane-containing feed gas stream into a dehydrogenation zone and dehydrogenating ethane to ethane to give a product gas stream comprising ethane, ethane and secondary constituents, (B) feeding the ethan- and ethene-containing dehydrogenation product gas stream as a single stream or a plurality of substreams, optionally after having separated off secondary constituents, into one or more chlorination zones, chlorinating ethene to 1,2-dichloroethane to give one or more product gas streams comprising 1,2-dichloroethane, ethane and possibly further secondary constituents, isolating 1,2-dichloroethane and one or more ethane-containing circulating gas streams and recirculating the ethane-containing circulating gas stream or streams to the ethane dehydrogenation.

Abstract: Catalysts for oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethane, comprising compounds of copper and magnesium supported on alumina, in which the copper, expressed as metal, is present in an amount of 7 to 12% by weight and the Mg/Cu ratio is 0.05 to 1, and wherein the ratio between the concentration of copper provided by the Al/Cu ratio at the surface and that provided by the Al/Cu ratio in the entire particle of the catalyst is from 0.8 to 1.3.

Abstract: An oxidative halogenation process involving contacting a hydrocarbon, for example, ethylene, or a halogenated hydrocarbon with a source of halogen, such as hydrogen chloride, and a source of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst so as to form a halocarbon, preferably a chlorocarbon, having a greater number of halogen substituents than the starting hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon, for example, 1,2-dichloroethane. The catalyst is a novel composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth halide support, preferably, a porous rare earth chloride support. A catalyst precursor composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth oxyhalide support is disclosed. Use of the porous rare earth halide and oxyhalide as support materials for catalytic components is disclosed.

Abstract: Catalytic composition comprising copper chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride deposited on an alumina, which may be used in particular for the oxychlorination of ethylene into 1,2-dichloroethane. In the processes for the oxychlorination of ethylene in oxygen in a fluid bed, this catalytic composition makes it possible to obtain an excellent yield of 1,2-dichloroethane without causing the deposition of soiling material on the surface of the bundle of tubes of the heat exchanger located in the reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing 1,2-dichloroethane by reacting about 2 mols of ethylene, about 4 mols of hydrogen chloride and about 1 mol of oxygen in the presence of a fixed bed of supported catalyst based on copper(II) chloride in only one reaction zone at a pressure of from 2 to 10 bar and at from 220 to 280° C.

Abstract: An oxidative halogenation process involving contacting a hydrocarbon, for example, ethylene, or a halogenated hydrocarbon with a source of halogen, such as hydrogen chloride, and a source of oxygen in the presence of a catalyst so as to form a halocarbon, preferably a chlorocarbon, having a greater number of halogen substituents than the starting hydrocarbon or halogenated hydrocarbon, for example, 1,2-dichloroethane. The catalyst is a novel composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth halide support, preferably, a porous rare earth chloride support. A catalyst precursor composition comprising copper dispersed on a porous rare earth oxyhalide support is disclosed. Use of the porous rare earth halide and oxyhalide as support materials for catalytic components is disclosed.

Abstract: Catalysts for exothermic reactions conducted in a fixed bed, comprising an inert diluent constituted by metal granules in which the metal has a thermal conductivity of more than 0.5 W/cm/K, particularly catalysts for the oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethane.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical hollow moulded catalyst having an outer diameter ranging from about 4 mm to about 7 mm, an inner diameter ranging from about 2 mm to about 2.8 mm, length ranging from about 6.1 mm to about 6.9 mm, and the ratio of the outer diameter to the inner diameter ranging from about 2 to about 2.5. The molded catalyst of the present invention is effective in the oxychlorination process, has a low resistance to flow, allows for good heat exchange with the wall of an industrial reactor and, with a suitable active phase based on copper and such additives as alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, group IIIB metals and lanthanides, is a good catalyst for fixed bed oxychlorination processes.

Abstract: A catalyst for the oxi-chlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethane which comprises cupric oxychloride (CuOHCl) as an active component. CuOHCl is preferably supported on a porous support such as alumina and used in fixed-bed oxi-chlorination processes.

Abstract: An oxidative halogenation process involving contacting a reactant hydrocarbon selected from methane, a halogenated C1 hydrocarbon, or a mixture thereof with a source of halogen and, preferably, a source of oxygen in the presence of a rare earth halide or rare earth oxyhalide catalyst, so as to form a halogenated C1 hydrocarbon having a greater number of halogen substituents as compared with the reactant hydrocarbon. Preferably, the product is a monohalogenated methane, more preferably, methyl chloride. The oxidative halogenation process to form methyl halide can be integrated with downstream processes to produce valuable commodity chemicals, for example, methyl alcohol and/or dimethyl ether; light olefins, including ethylene, propylene, and butenes; higher hydrocarbons, including gasolines; vinyl halide monomer, and acetic acid. Hydrogen halide, which is a co-product of these downstream processes, can be recycled to the oxidative halogenation process.

Abstract: A process for specific energy saving, especially in processes involving the oxychlorination of ethylene, facilitates recovery of as much sensible heat to be used for other purposes. In the process the gas mixture leaving the oxychlorination reactor is cooled before it enters the quenching column and the heat recovered is then used to preheat the ethylene recycle gas feed stream.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for manufacturing chlorinated hydrocarbon by way of oxychlorination which yields reduced levels of environmental toxins such as, chlorobenzenes, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. The process involves fixed bed or fluid bed catalyzed oxychlorination of a hydrocarbon reactant containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The oxychlorination process consists of contacting the hydrocarbon reactant with oxygen or oxygenated gas and at least a portion of externally obtained hydrogen chloride in the presence of the oxychlorination catalyst in a heated reaction zone operated at from 150° C. to 600° C. and recovering chlorinated hydrocarbon from the effluents of the reaction zone.

Abstract: In a method for producing 1,2-dichloroethane by an oxychlorination reaction of ethylene, hydrogen chloride and oxygen, a continuous method for producing 1,2-dichloroethane, which comprises cooling a gas discharged from an oxychlorination reactor to condense and separate 1,2-dichloroethane and water therefrom, further removing hydrogen chloride and carbon dioxide therefrom, then mixing oxygen and nitrogen thereto so that the oxygen concentration becomes from 20 to 30 vol % and the ethylene concentration becomes from 1 to 3 vol % and supplying the gas mixture thus adjusted to an oxychlorination reactor.

Abstract: Catalysts for the oxichlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichlorethane, comprising copper chloride as a main component, in the form of hollow cylindrical granules having at least three through holes, obtained by compression forming by using, for lubrication, a lubricant placed on the walls of the forming chamber and on the plungers of the mold.

Abstract: In the oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane (EDC), in which ethylene, a chlorine source and an oxygen source are reacted in a fixed-bed oxychlorination reactor in the presence of a catalyst, a twin reactor system is used and the catalyst is a cupric chloride catalyst whose activity profile is arranged such that the reagent flow first comes into contact with a first layer of high activity catalyst, than a second layer of low activity catalyst and finally a third layer of high activity catalyst.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for manufacturing chlorinated hydrocarbon by way of a once-through air-based oxychlorination process which yields reduced levels of environmental toxins such as chlorobenzenes, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. The process involves fixed bed or fluid bed catalyzed oxychlorination of a hydrocarbon reactant containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms. The oxychlorination process consists of contacting the hydrocarbon reactant with air or oxygen enriched air and hydrogen chloride in the presence of the oxychlorination catalyst in a heated reaction zone operated at from 150.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. and recovering chlorinated hydrocarbon from the effluents of the reaction zone. The improvement consists of the use of air which is pretreated before use in the operated oxychlorination process by a means for removal of the aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a process for oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane. The process comprises contacting a mixture of ethylene, oxygen or oxygen containing gas and hydrogen chloride with a fixed or fluidized catalyst composition in a reaction zone and recovering 1,2-dichloroethane from the effluents of the reaction zone.The invention is embodied in a process for the oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane by contacting a mixture of ethylene, oxygen containing gas and hydrogen chloride with a catalyst composition in a reaction zone and recovering 1,2-dichloroethane from the effluents of the reaction zone the process comprising introducing ethylene, HCl and oxygen containing gas into said reaction zone in a ratio of 1.8 and 2.2 moles of HCl per mole of ethylene and from 0.5 to 1 mole of oxygen per mole of ethylene, the oxychlorination process taking place at a temperature of from 215.degree. C. to 230.degree. C.

Abstract: Catalytic composition comprising copper chloride, magnesium chloride and caesium chloride deposited on an alumina, which may be used in particular for the oxychlorination of ethylene into 1,2-dichloroethane. In the processes for the oxychlorination of ethylene in oxygen in a fluid bed, this catalytic composition makes it possible to obtain an excellent yield of 1,2-dichloroethane without causing the deposition of soiling material on the surface of the bundle of tubes of the heat exchanger located in the reactor.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to catalyst compositions for oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane. The catalysts comprise copper chloride, at least one alkali metal, at least one rare earth metal, and at least one Group IIA metal on a high surface area support for fluid bed applications or on a high or low surface area support for fixed bed applications. The catalyst compositions are prepared by depositing the metals on a support. The use of the catalyst compositions of the invention in the oxychlorination of ethylene to EDC results in high percent ethylene efficiency, high EDC product purity and high percent HCl conversion without exhibiting catalyst stickiness. A process for oxychlorination of ethylene to produce 1,2-dichloroethane is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the oxychlorination of ethylene by means of a catalyst composition comprising an alumina support impregnated with cupric chloride, magnesium chloride and a chloride of an alkali metal chosen from sodium and lithium. The oxychlorination performed in this manner makes it possible to obtain an excellent yield without the reactor being corroded by the catalyst composition employed.

Abstract: A process for the oxychlorination of ethylene to 1,2-dichloroethane using an oxychlorination catalyst composition comprising a mixture of copper chloride, magnesium chloride and potassium chloride carried on a support therefor.

Abstract: Alumina is used as a support for the CuCl2 catalyst and as a diluent in the oxychlorination of ethylene. When a low surface area alumina, e.g. high purity alpha-alumina, is used as diluent for the reaction, reduced oxidation and less chlorinated by-products are achieved. Alternatively, the alumina used as the catalyst support, e.g. a gamma-alumina which has a high surface area and higher amounts of impurities, can be used as diluent if it is impregnated with an alkali metal ion, e.g K+ ion, which is usually employed as a salt.

Abstract: 1,2-Dichloroethane is prepared by reacting ethylene, hydrogen chloride and oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a copper-containing catalyst by a process in which first hydrogen chloride and oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas are reacted in the presence of the catalyst, then ethylene is added, and the mixture is reacted in the presence of the said catalyst.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons are oxychlorinated by reaction with gaseous HCl and an oxygen-containing gas, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a ternary copper/molybdenum chalcogenide having the formula:Cu.sub.x Mo.sub.6 Ch.sub.8wherein x is a number ranging up to 4 and Ch is sulfur, selenium or tellurium, advantageously, in the added presence of a known oxychlorination catalyst and, optionally, a proportion of inert particulate solids; the ternary molybdenum chalcogenides of the formula M.sub.x Mo.sub.6 S.sub.8 are also prepared, wherein M is a metal, advantageously by the hydrogen gas reduction of intimate admixture of MoS.sub.2 and metal M, or precursors thereof.

Abstract: The use of hitherto known supported catalysts in chlorination processes and oxychlorination processes leads to high pressure drops and to the formation of hot spot temperatures in the reactor. When honeycomb monolithic catalyst supports provided with a multiplicity of channels open at both ends and parallel to the longitudinal axis are used, both the heat dissipation is improved and the pressure drops across the reactor are lowered drastically. This leads ultimately to an increase in the selectivity of the reaction and to a minimization of the combustion rate.

Abstract: A method for halogenating hydrocarbons wherein a reaction mixture including a hydrocarbon-containing feed, a hydrogen halide and an oxygen-containing gas is contacted at appropriate reaction conditions with a catalyst of copper aluminum borate to form halogenated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the oxychlorination of ethylene by means of a catalyst composition comprising an alumina support impregnated with cupric chloride, magnesium chloride and a chloride of an alkali metal chosen from sodium and lithium. The oxychlorination performed in this manner makes it possible to obtain an excellent yield without the reactor being corroded by the catalyst composition employed.

Abstract: The oxychlorination process for producing ethylene dichloride is carried out by reacting ethylene with hydrogen chloride and oxygen in an oxychlorination reactor. Thereby, ethyl chloride and perhaps vinyl chloride are produced as by-products. The effluent from the reactor is at least fractionated into an ethylene dichloride-rich fraction (I) and an ethyl chloride-rich fraction (II) so that fraction (I) contains less than 50 percent of the total weight of ethyl chloride produced in step (a) and the sum of the weight of ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride in fraction (II) is less than 30 percent of the weight of ethyl chloride in fraction (II). The ethyl chloride-rich fraction (II) is subjected to a cracking reaction in the presence or absence of an inert diluent wherein ethyl chloride is converted into ethylene and hydrogen chloride in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: Monosubstituted saturated lower hydrocarbons are oxyhalogenated selectively to saturated dihalohydrocarbons at 180.degree.-350.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst which is formed by depositing a variable valence metal compound on a zeolitic support in such a manner that the catalyst can be employed to selectively produce ethylene dichloride and ethylene from ethyl chloride.

Abstract: 1,2-dichloroethane is continuously and completely removed and recovered from the off-gas obtained during the production of 1,2-dichloroethane by subjecting ethylene to an oxychlorination reaction with hydrogen chloride and oxygen. The off-gas is initially contacted with active carbon, then incinerated at temperatures higher than 900.degree. C. and ultimately freed from hydrogen chloride and chlorine, and the active carbon is freed from 1,2-dichloroethane and regenerated by treating it with hot steam. More particularly, the off-gas loaded with the 1,2-dichloroethane and having a temperature of 1.degree. C. to 10.degree. C. is heated to a temperature at least 20.degree. C. higher than the respective dew point of water and contacted with the active carbon.

Abstract: In a process for producing 1,2-dichloroethane or ethylene dichloride ("EDC") in a high temperature direct chlorination ("HTDC") reactor in which ethylene is reacted with wet chlorine having a water content more than 100 ppm but no more than 1% by wt of the chlorine, the water leaves the reactor with the EDC product draw-off, either in the vapor overhead (if the HTDC is a boiling reactor), or, as a liquid sidestream (if the HTDC is a non-boiling reactor). In a subsequent step, the EDC draw-off is distilled in a product distillation column in which the water leaves in the overhead which is condensed to remove condensables in a first stage, and vent a non-condensable vent streams. The vent stream is corrosive due to the presence of minor amounts of chlorine, HCl and water, along with oxygen which is injected into the HTDC to improve selectivity of the reaction. The vent gases from the first stage are further cooled to a temperature in the range from about -30.degree. C. to about 0.degree. C.

Abstract: In a process for preparation of 1,2-dichloroethane by chlorination of ethylene-containing reaction vent gases from the oxychlorination of ethylene in the presence of a catalyst carrier impregnated with metal compounds wherein the waste from the oxychlorination stage are chlorinated, the improvement comprising preheating the ethylene-containing waste gases to at least 50.degree. C. and then chlorinating the ethylene at 100.degree. to 300.degree. C. at a pressure of 1 to 7 bar with a space velocity of 100 to 5000 h.sup.-1 related to standard conditions in the presence of at least one metal compound selected from the group consisting of chlorides and oxides of manganese, nickel and cobalt supported on a catalyst carrier with reduced formation of oxychlorinated by-products.

Abstract: 1,2-Dichloroethane is prepared by oxychlorination of ethylene in the presence of a catalyst which contains, on a conventional carrier, copper(II) chloride in a concentration such that the amount of copper ions is from 1 to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the catalyst, by a process in which the catalyst is obtained by impregnating the carrier with an aqueous solution which contains copper(II) chloride and hydrogen chloride in amounts such that the weight ratio of copper ions to hydrogen chloride is from 13:1 to 130:1.

Abstract: A process of upgrading hydrogen chloride which contains chlorine, iron-III-chloride, acetylene and/or ethylene, for use in an oxichlorination process, wherein water in a gaseous state is added to the hydrogen chloride at temperatures between 120.degree. and 180.degree. C. within a time period of maximally 0.9 seconds after the acetylene and/or ethylene is present in the hydrogen chloride, together with chlorine and iron-III-chloride.

Abstract: An alkane is reacted with oxygen and available chlorine in the presence of a solid solution catalyst containing iron cations to yield unsaturated hydrocarbons and chlorinated saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In a preferred embodiment of the process, ethane is reacted with oxygen and available chlorine in the presence of a solid solution catalyst containing iron cations to yield vinyl chloride, ethylene, and other valuable by-products. The conversion of ethane to products approaches 100 percent, vinyl chloride is prepared in up to 40 mole percent yield, and the combined yield of vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, ethyl chloride, and ethylene is up to 90 mole percent.

Abstract: An alkane is reacted with oxygen and available chlorine in the presence of a solid solution catalyst containing iron cations to yield unsaturated hydrocarbons and chlorinated saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In a preferred embodiment of the process, ethane is reacted with oxygen and available chlorine in the presence of a solid solution catalyst containing iron cations to yield vinyl chloride, ethylene, and other valuable by-products. The conversion of ethane to products approaches 100 percent, vinyl chloride is prepared in up to 40 mole percent yield, and the combined yield of vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, ethyl chloride, and ethylene is up to 90 mole percent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixed bed catalyst for the oxychlorination of ethene, alpha olefins and aromatics. More specifically, this invention relates to a catalyst having an impeded center which excludes reactants, or prevents products from forming in the interior of the catalyst. The impeded center may be made inaccessible or it may be inert to reaction. Thin layers of high specific surface area carrier material cover the outer surface of the impeded center. An agent capable of catalyzing oxychlorination reactions is added to the layered catalytic carrier material.

Abstract: A catalyst suitable for use in the preparation of 1,2-dichloroethane by oxychlorination of ethylene containing cupric chloride and, as a promotor, a combination of potassium chloride and cesium chloride, which can inhibit production of ethyl chloride by-product and has excellent selectivity to 1,2-dichloroethane and catalyst life.

Abstract: Highly active, improved ethylene oxychlorination catalysts are prepared by forming alumina having specific pore volume characteristics and impregnating such alumina with an oxychlorination catalyst such as CuCl.sub.2. The improved catalysts of the present invention utilize an alumina carrier having a pore volume distribution such that substantially no pores are present which have diameters of less than 150 .ANG.ngstroms and the total alumina carrier has a surface area of at least 30 square meters per gram.

Abstract: An alkane is reacted with oxygen and available chlorine in the presence of a solid solution catalyst containing iron cations to yield unsaturated hydrocarbons and chlorinated saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. In a preferred embodiment of the process, ethane is reacted with oxygen and available chlorine in the presence of a solid solution catalyst containing iron cations to yield vinyl chloride, ethylene, and other valuable by-products. The conversion of ethane to products approaches 100 percent, vinyl chloride is prepared in up to 40 mole percent yield, and the combined yield of vinyl chloride, ethylene dichloride, ethyl chloride, and ethylene is up to 90 mole percent.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 1,2-dichloroethane is described, in which 1 mol of ethylene, 0.35 to 0.7 mol of chlorine, 0.7 to 1.4 mol of hydrogen chloride and 0.2 to 0.6 mol of oxygen, optionally together with inert gas, are reacted in a reaction zone containing surfaces capable of being heated and cooled, at 180.degree. to 260.degree. C. and under a pressure of 0.09 to 1.1 MPa, in the presence of a fixed bed catalyst containing copper. The process allows better utilization of the heat generated in the chlorination of ethylene.

Abstract: A process for removing ethylene and vinyl chloride from a gas stream containing them by passing a mixed gas containing ethylene, vinyl chloride and a necessary amount of chlorine through a fixed-bed reactor charged with as a catalyst an activated alumina supporting at least 4% by weight of ferric chloride in terms of iron, said catalyst having an outer surface area per unit packed catalyst volume of not less than 7.8 cm..sup.2 /ml. Ethylene and vinyl chloride are converted into and removed as 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,1,2-trichloroethane. The concentrations of ethylene and vinyl chloride can be decreased to not more than 10 p.p.m. and not more than 20 p.p.m., respectively.