APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING OF FORMIC ACID Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: equipment for providing catalytic oxidation of gas-vapor mixtures under stationary conditions, in particular, production of formic acid in chemical and leather industry and in metallurgy.

SUBSTANCE: apparatus for producing of formic acid by two-staged gas-phase heterogeneous catalytic oxidation of methyl alcohol by oxygen to formaldehyde and the latter to formic acid has reactant substance preparing and feeding unit, unit for oxidation of methyl alcohol to formaldehyde, unit for oxidation of formaldehyde to formic acid, and formic acid separation unit. Said units are connected in series with one another via conveyance pipelines equipped with sensors, regulating valves and locking fittings. Unit for oxidation of methyl alcohol to formaldehyde has tubular reactor with high-temperature cooling contour. Unit for oxidation of formaldehyde to formic acid has at least two tubular reactors for gradual conversion of formaldehyde into formic acid, each equipped with individual circulation contour for heating-cooling of tubular space filled with catalyst.

EFFECT: increased efficiency in production of formic acid from methyl alcohol by oxidation thereof to formaldehyde on oxide iron-molybdenum catalyst by oxygen followed by oxidation of formaldehyde into formic acid on vanadium-titanium catalyst.

9 cl, 1 dwg