This invention relates to a process for starting up a fixed bed ethylene oxide reactor containing a catalyst comprising silver, an alkali metal promoter and a rhenium co-promoter supported on an alumina carrier, which process comprises: a) heating the reactor to a temperature within 5 DEG C to 55 DEG C below the normal operating conditions, b) passing an ethylene-containing gas over the catalyst in the reactor at a flow rate between 5 to 40 percent of the design flow rate, c) adding a chlorohydrocarbon moderator to the gas passing over the catalyst and after between 0.1 to 10 millilitres of moderator (basis liquid) per 28.3 litres of catalyst has been added, d) adding oxygen to the gas passing over catalyst, and raising the reactor temperature and gas flow rates to operating conditions.
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