Reactor and process for producing alkyl methacrylates

US11661395B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Röhm GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Steffen Krill · Mühltal, DE
• Andreas Rühling · Darmstadt, DE
• Belaid Ait Aissa · Darmstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 25, 2022
• Grant date: May 30, 2023
• Expiry date: May 25, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01J2235/30
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process produces methyl methacrylate by direct oxidative esterification of methacrolein. Methyl methacrylate is used in large amounts for producing polymers and copolymers with other polymerizable compounds. An optimized workup of the reactor discharge from the oxidative esterification of methacrolein allows for co-discharged fine catalyst particles to be very efficiently separated and optionally removed or recycled. In addition, this process can reduce the formation of byproducts in extended continuous operation compared to known variant. A reactor system contains stirrer configurations which allow virtually abrasion-free operation and thus a catalyst on-stream time of several years.