(142d) Scale up of the Epoxidation of H2-O2-C3H8-C3H6 Mixtures in Jet-Loop Reactor System

Green synthesis of propylene oxide(PO) from the H₂-O₂-C₃H₈-C₃H₆ mixtures in jet-loop reactor system was studied. The reactor has a volume of 8000mL and made of stainless steel. Experimental results indicate that epoxidation effect in jet-loop reactor is considerably better than that in the case of stirred reactor of 300ml. The epoxidations were investigated under the following conditions: solvent is methanol, temperature of 50-70 degree centigrades, pressure of 0.3-0.5MPa, ratios of H₂-O₂-C₃H₈-C₃H₆ of 9:10:73:8--5:7:80:8(mol/mol). PO yield is up to 12% per pass, PO selectivity 60% and H₂ utilization 50% when propylene conversion is 30%. Turbulent effect caused by jet loop flow make the liquid film in the catalyst surface thin, reducing mass transport obstacles and enhancing the solubility of hydrogen and oxygen in methanol. In this way, required oxygen is decreased greatly and process safty improved. The used bifunctional catalyst Pd/TS-1 was prepared by wet impregnation of Pd (NH₃)₄Cl₂ solution.