LIQUID-PHASE HYDROCARBON OXIDATION PROCESS Russian patent published in 2003 - IPC

FIELD: petrochemical processes. SUBSTANCE: process us conducted at elevated temperature and pressure in multizone reactor with vapor space common for all zones. Starting hydrocarbons are introduced into the first contact zone and oxidized product is discharged from the last zone, whereas oxygen is fed into all contact zones. Secondary oxidation vapors are recycled through contact zones at temperature inferior to oxidation temperature being dispersed in each contact zone. Reaction mixture is recycled in contact zones under pressure, whereas oxidation reaction heat is removed and secondary vapors leaving all contact zones are mixed. More specifically, starting hydrocarbons, prior to enter the first contact zone, are preheated and saturated with oxygen by way of being mixed with recycling flow of secondary oxidation vapors. Oxygen-containing gas is heated with by reaction mixture and mixed with secondary oxidation vapors. Recycling secondary oxidation vapors are advantageously mixed with part of recycling reaction mixture in weight proportion between 1: 0.2 and 1:1, respectively. EFFECT: increased productivity and selectivity regarding desired oxidation products, increased conversion of oxygen, improved safety of process, and simplified equipment. 3 cl, 1 dwg, 2 ex