Patent ID: 6656442
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: B01J,C01C

Abstract:
A catalytic process for the manufacture of hydrogen cyanide, which process comprises:(a) forming (i) an oxygen rich oxidant stream containing from 30% to 100% by volume oxygen; (ii) at least one oxidant-free feed stream supplying methane and ammonia; (b) separately preheating by indirect heat exchange at least one of said oxidant and feed streams to a respective oxidant and feed preheat temperature; (c) rapidly mixing sufficient quantities of the oxidant and feed streams at their respective preheat temperatures in a mixing zone to form a detonable mixed stream at a mixed temperature and which mixed temperature is at least 50Â° C. below the autoignition temperature of the mixed stream; (d) conveying the mixed stream through the mixing zone at a mixing velocity such that detonation of the mixed stream is avoided; and thereafter (e) feeding the mixed stream through a deflagration arrestor to a reaction zone comprising a catalyst capable of catalysing the formation of hydrogen cyanide from the mixed stream at the mixed temperature to form an effluent stream containing hydrogen cyanide, wherein the deflagration arrestor inhibits potential detonation from the reaction zone through to the mixing zone.