文摘
Ethylene oxide synthesis has been chosen as a benchmark case to evaluate the performance ofa microreaction system in comparison to an existing industrial process. This reaction was selectedbecause microreaction technology provides equipment with very good mass- and heat-transferconditions, which avoids hot spots inside the reactor channels that are known problems for thepartial oxidation of ethylene. Furthermore, because the microstructured reactors are inherentlysafe with respect to explosions, gas compositions within the explosion limits are attainable andcan be handled safely. For example, 15% ethylene in pure oxygen, which is in the middle of theexplosive regime and far away from typical compositions for industrial processes, could be used.Space time yields of 0.14-0.78 tons h-1 m-3 calculated on the basis of the channel volume, incomparison to the values of 0.13-0.26 tons h-1 m-3 for an industrial reactor calculated on thebasis of the reactor volume, have been achieved by using the microreactor.