Process of and apparatus for performing reactions in the gaseous or vapour phase in the presence of catalysts

摘要

PICT:0443792/III/1 In catalytic gas reactions wherein two or more separate currents of gas are led simultaneously into the converter, at least one of the currents is controlled with the aid of a gas metering instrument placed in the conduit, in accordance with the composition of the reaction gas. The invention is particularly applicable to processes requiring accurate temperature control, in which preheated gas and cold gas are supplied to the converter in proportions depending on the heat generated by the reaction. The Figure shows an apparatus for sulphuric acid manufacture. The catalyst is contained in the tubes 3 and undergoes heat-exchange with the main stream of reaction gas flowing through the inlet 2 and spaces 12. A second current of reaction gas is fed by the pipes 5 to points near the upper ends of the catalyst tubes. Metering devices of known type are installed at points 14, 15 and 16 of the inlet conduits, enabling the proportions of the gas streams to be controlled in accordance with the SO2 content of the gas. The invention is also applicable to the oxidation and reduction of organic substances.