A Single-Stage Adiabatic Catalytic Reactor for Oxychlorination of Methane

Abstract

To simplify a design of reactors for oxychlorination of methane, a number of adiabatic catalytic reactors have been studied and pilot tested. As a result, a single-stage adiabatic reactor with an internal recycle was designed, which allows one to replace traditional 6- or 4-stage reactors. The new reactor design reduces the number of points for monitoring and control over the oxychlorination process. A recycle of waste hydrochloric acid, which was applied to remove the heat of the reaction, provides the full use of hydrogen chloride during the oxychlorination and simplifies both the evolution of the outlet water and the oxygen supply system. On the basis of results of the pilot testing, an industrial reactor was designed.