Patent ID: 7169960
Filing Date: 2007-01-30
Classification: B01F,B01J,C07C,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A process for the production of a vinyl aromatic compound by the catalytic dehydrogenation of C 2 or C 3 alkyl aromatic compound comprising: (a) supplying a feedstock containing a C (b) operating said tubular reactor under temperature conditions effective to cause the dehydrogenalion of said alkyl aromatic compound to a corresponding vinyl aromatic compound with the attendant production of hydrogen in the presence of said dehydrogenation catalyst; (c) flowing said feedstock within at least a portion of said reactor along a spiral flow path extending longitudinally of said reactor and providing for an outwardly radial flow of hydrogen to provide a pressure gradient through said hydrogen permeable outer wall with the attendant flow of hydrogen through said permeable outer wall; (d) removing hydrogen from the vicinity of the outer wall of said tubular reactor in enhance the flow of hydrogen through said hydrogen permeable outer wall from the interior to the exterior of said reactor; and (e) recovering said vinyl aromatic product from a down stream section of said tubular reactor.