Patent ID: 6878851
Filing Date: 2005-04-12
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for the hydrogenation of acetone to prepare isopropanol, wherein the hydrogenation reaction is carried out in a multi-tubular reactor comprising a substantially vertically extending vessel, a plurality of open-ended reactor tubes arranged in the vessel parallel to its central longitudinal axis of which the upper ends are fixed to an upper tube plate and in fluid communication with a top fluid chamber above the upper tube plate and of which the lower ends are fixed to a lower tube plate and in fluid communication with a bottom fluid chamber below the lower tube plate, supply means for supplying reactants to the top fluid chamber and an effluent outlet arranged in the bottom fluid chamber, the upper end part of each reactor tube is provided with a gas and liquid supply device, which device comprises an inlet chamber having a gas inlet opening, a liquid inlet and an outlet which is in fluid communication with the upper end part of the reactor tube, and a liquid riser extending between a level in the layer of liquid which is during normal operation present in the top fluid chamber and the liquid inlet of the inlet chamber.