Propylene Epoxidation over Titanium-on-Silica Catalyst -the Heart of the SMPO Process

摘要

Shell Chemicals operates the Styrene Monomer Propylene Oxide (SMPO) process since 1979. Following recent expansions, four world-scale plants produce a combined total of over 800 kilo tonnes of propylene oxide (PO) and nearly 2000 kilo tonnes of styrene (SM) per annum. The plants are located close to market in The Netherlands and Singapore. The process uses a number of catalysts, the most important of which is a proprietary titanium-on-silica epoxidation catalyst at the heart of the process. Here we will discuss recent developments in epoxidation catalyst research, some aspects of our growing understanding of the epoxidation reaction and take a look at the future of the SMPO process.