Continuous hydrogenation process

US7056485B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Degussa AG · DE

Inventors

• Matthias Creutz · Frankfurt, DE
• Hubertus Eickhoff · Alzenau, DE
• Bernhard Maurer · Reutlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 14, 2003
• Grant date: Jun 6, 2006
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01J2208/00274
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention is directed to a continuous hydrogenation process in which a hydrogenable compound is dissolved in a working solution with hydrogen and a heterogeneous catalyst. At least part of the hydrogen-containing waste hydrogenation gas generated in the reaction is compressed and then recycled into the hydrogenation reactor. A jet pump is used for the compression of the waste hydrogenation gas and a liquid or gaseous feedstock of the hydrogenation process is used as the motive agent. Preferred motive agents are the hydrogenation gas or a working solution recycled into the process. The process is particularly suitable for performing the hydrogenation step in the anthraquinone process for the production of hydrogen peroxide.