Consequences

By going single-phase it is possible to improve selectivity, conversion and yield and to reduce both investment and operation costs.

Improved selectivity
Single-phase conditions make it possible to control the selectivity and thus reach product qualities impossible at multiphase conditions.

·   During partial hydrogenation of C=C bonds in fatty methyl esters we have reached trans-fatty acids concentrations below 1wt% at an iodine level of 70. This is impossible at multiphase conditions.

·   During hydrogenation of ester bonds to fatty alcohols we have reached yields of 98.1wt% direct from the reactor. This is impossible at multiphase conditions. This is also better than after distillation in commercial processes.

Improved conversion
The tremendous reaction rate at single-phase conditions makes it possible to reach a given conversion much faster than in multiphase reactors.

Improved yield
We have combined high conversion with high selectivity. This made it possible to reach very high yield.

·   During hydrogenation of ester bonds to fatty alcohols we have reached yields of 98.1wt% direct from the reactor. This is impossible at multiphase conditions.

Reduced investment costs
The tremendous reaction rate makes the rector very small. The improved product quality makes it possible to reduce the downstream costs. Together these points balance the investment costs for the recovery of the solvent.

Reduced operation costs
The recovery of the solvent is the cost that has to be balanced. In some cases the improved product quality is an outstanding factor and balance alone all other operation costs. In other cases the improved catalyst life can be very important.




Page maintained by svh@harrod-research.se Updated: 2004-02-16