Continuous ethylene- and or propylene oxide adduct prepn. - with spectrophotometric monitoring of free alkylene oxide in reaction product

摘要

Parent Patent discloses a process for continuous addn. of 1-12 moles ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide to a cpd. contg. =1 active H, in a heat exchanger-surrounded spiral tube reactor, under pressures at which reaction mixt. is liquid, in presence of alkaline-reacting catalysts. Reaction takes place at 190-240 degrees C, kept constant over tube length. Peak temps. in 1st half of reactor are =30 degrees C above inlet temp. and =240 degrees C. Ratio tube length:tube dia. is 105:(1-10). Tube length is 100-160m. and reaction mixt. is passed through at 20-60kg/hr. In present Patent of Addn., the reaction mixt. leaving the reactor is continuously monitored spectrophotometrically. In the presence of free ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, an electrical signal appearing in spectrophotometer functions as controlled for a regulator which switches off plant operation. Hazard of explosion through free alkylene oxide in presence of catalysts can be prevented. Plant can be operated without supervision, and can be switched on again, by hand or automatically, with a slight rise in reactor temp., for alkylene oxide-free prod. generation.