US5358646A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Method and apparatus for multiple-stage and recycle wet oxidation
Assignee: The University of Texas System
•
Filing: 1993-01-11
•
Granted: 1994-10-25
•
Expires: 2013-01-11
Abstract
Abstract An organic or inorganic feed compound can be treated in two or more zones to progressively oxidize the compound. The first zone oxidizes the compound to an intermediate product which includes a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and end product. The second zone further oxidizes the intermediate product to an end product or a second intermediate compound which is intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product. One or both zones may operate catalytically and/or at supercritical conditions for water to oxidize the compounds.
Inventors
- 👤 Earnest F. Gloyna
- 👤 Lixiong Li
- 👤 Roy N. McBrayer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 07:59
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/72; C02F1/725; C02F11/00; C02F11/06; C02F11/08; C02F11/086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 56
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
A multistage reactor for reacting a feed compound, comprising: two reaction zones adapted to contact the feed compound with an oxidant, the first reaction zone being adapted to oxidize compounds during use to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product, and the second zone being adapted to further oxidize the intermediate product during use so that the first intermediate compound passed through the first zone is reacted to form an end product, or a second intermediate compound which is intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product; and wherein the first zone is substantially non-catalytic and adapted to oxidize compounds at conditions that are supercritical for water and the second zone is adapted to catalytically oxidize compounds during use.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
A multistage reactor for reacting a feed compound, comprising: two reaction zones adapted to contact the feed compound with an oxidant, the first reaction zone being adapted to oxidize compounds during use to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product, and the second zone being adapted to further oxidize the intermediate product during use so that the first intermediate compound passed through the first zone is reacted to form an end product, or a second intermediate compound which is intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product; and wherein the first zone is substantially non-catalytic and adapted to oxidize compounds at conditions that are supercritical for water and the second zone is adapted to catalytically oxidize compounds during use.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The reactor of claim 1, further comprising a conduit connecting the first zone to the second zone.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The reactor of claim 1 wherein the intermediate product comprises acetic acid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
11 words
The reactor of claim 1 wherein the intermediate product comprises ammonia.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The reactor of claim 2, further comprising a separator in the conduit to separate solids from liquids.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The reactor of claim 1, further comprising an oxidant source to add oxidant in or before either or both of the two zones.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The reactor of claim 2, further comprising a recycle conduit to recycle fluid from the conduit to the first zone.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The reactor of claim 1, further comprising a recycle conduit to recycle fluid from or after the second zone to the first zone.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The reactor of claim 1 wherein the first zone is connected to the second zone such that heat can exchange between the two zones.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The reactor of claim 9 wherein the second zone is in coaxial heat exchange relation to the first zone.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The reactor of claim 1 wherein both zones are adapted to operate during use at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
121 words
The reactor of claim 1 wherein the reactor comprises: an annular flow vessel, and wherein the second zone comprises a central flow chamber in the flow vessel, and the first zone comprises at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel, the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation, the central flow chamber comprising a catalyst, and at least one annular flow chamber being adapted to react compounds at supercritical conditions for water; and wherein the flow chamber comprises a fluid passageway interconnecting at least one annular flow chamber and the central flow chamber for flow of fluid between the at least one annular flow chamber and the central flow chamber during use.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus for treating a compound, comprising: a flow vessel having a central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber in coaxial heat exchange relation, and wherein at least one annular flow chamber is operable at supercritical conditions for water during use; a fluid passageway interconnecting at least one annular flow chamber and the central flow chamber for flow of fluid between the central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber during use; and a catalyst in the central flow chamber.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus for treating a compound, comprising: a flow vessel having a central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber in coaxial heat exchange relation, and wherein at least one annular flow chamber is operable at supercritical conditions for water during use; a fluid passageway interconnecting at least one annular flow chamber and the central flow chamber for flow of fluid between the central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber during use; and a catalyst in the central flow chamber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the central flow chamber is adapted to operate at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus for treating waste water, comprising: a flow vessel having a central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber in coaxial heat exchange relation, and wherein the central flow chamber is operable at supercritical conditions for water during use; a fluid passageway interconnecting at least one annular flow chamber and the central flow chamber for flow of fluid between the central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber during use; and a catalyst in at least one annular flow chamber.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
84 words
Apparatus for treating waste water, comprising: a flow vessel having a central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber in coaxial heat exchange relation, and wherein the central flow chamber is operable at supercritical conditions for water during use; a fluid passageway interconnecting at least one annular flow chamber and the central flow chamber for flow of fluid between the central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber during use; and a catalyst in at least one annular flow chamber.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein at least one annular flow chamber is adapted to operate at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of treating a feed compound comprising the steps of: (1) oxidizing a feed compound supercritical and substantially non-catalytic conditions for water to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product; and (2) catalytically oxidizing the intermediate product so that the first intermediate compound is oxidized to form an end product or a second intermediate compound intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product.
Claim 21
Independent Claim
77 words
A method of treating a feed compound comprising the steps of: (1) oxidizing a feed compound supercritical and substantially non-catalytic conditions for water to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product; and (2) catalytically oxidizing the intermediate product so that the first intermediate compound is oxidized to form an end product or a second intermediate compound intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 17 wherein the intermediate product comprises acetic acid.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 17 wherein the intermediate product comprises ammonia.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of separating solids from liquids after the feed compound is oxidized.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of adding an oxidant prior to or during steps (1) or (2).
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of recycling a portion of the intermediate product to mix with the feed compound.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of recycling a portion of the second intermediate compound to mix with the feed compound.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of exchanging heat between the feed compound and the intermediate product.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 17 wherein both steps (1) and (2) are conducted at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 17 wherein water is vaporized in both steps (1) and (2).
Claim 31
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of treating a feed compound comprising the steps of: (1) oxidizing a feed compound by exposure to an oxidant at supercritical conditions for water in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product; and (2) catalytically oxidizing the intermediate product in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel so that the first intermediate compound is oxidized to form an end product or a second intermediate compound intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product; the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
115 words
A method of treating a feed compound comprising the steps of: (1) oxidizing a feed compound by exposure to an oxidant at supercritical conditions for water in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product; and (2) catalytically oxidizing the intermediate product in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel so that the first intermediate compound is oxidized to form an end product or a second intermediate compound intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product; the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 27 wherein the intermediate product in at least one annular flow chamber with the catalyst is oxidized at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of treating a feed compound comprising the steps of: (1) catalytically oxidizing a feed compound at supercritical conditions for water in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product; (2) oxidizing the intermediate product by exposure to supercritical conditions for water in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel so that the first intermediate compound is oxidized to form an end product or a second intermediate compound intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product; the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
116 words
A method of treating a feed compound comprising the steps of: (1) catalytically oxidizing a feed compound at supercritical conditions for water in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel to form an intermediate product comprising a first intermediate compound which is intermediate the feed compound and an end product; (2) oxidizing the intermediate product by exposure to supercritical conditions for water in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel so that the first intermediate compound is oxidized to form an end product or a second intermediate compound intermediate the first intermediate compound and an end product; the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of oxidizing a feed compound, comprising the steps of oxidizing the feed compound to form an intermediate product by exposing it to supercritical conditions for water in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel, and then substantially catalytically oxidizing the intermediate product in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel, the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of oxidizing a feed compound, comprising the steps of oxidizing the feed compound to form an intermediate product by exposing it to supercritical conditions for water in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel, and then substantially catalytically oxidizing the intermediate product in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel, the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 30 wherein the intermediate product in at least one annular flow chamber with the catalyst is oxidized at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of oxidizing a feed compound, comprising the steps of substantially catalytically oxidizing in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel to form an intermediate product, and then oxidizing the intermediate product by exposing it to supercritical conditions for water in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel, the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
68 words
A method of oxidizing a feed compound, comprising the steps of substantially catalytically oxidizing in a central flow chamber of a flow vessel to form an intermediate product, and then oxidizing the intermediate product by exposing it to supercritical conditions for water in at least one annular flow chamber of the flow vessel, the central and at least one annular flow chamber being in coaxial heat exchange relation.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the intermediate product in the central flow chamber is oxidized at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of any one of claims 13 or 15, wherein the fluid passageway is a conduit connecting the central flow chamber to at least one annular flow chamber.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of any one of claims 13 or 15, further comprising a separator in the passageway to separate solids from liquids.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of any one of claims 13 or 15, further comprising an oxidant source to add oxidant in or before either or both the central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of any one of claims 13 or 15, further comprising a recycle conduit to recycle fluid from the passageway to the central flow chamber.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of any one of claims 13 or 15, further comprising a recycle conduit to recycle fluid from or after at least one annular flow chamber to the central flow chamber.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of any one of claims 13 or 15 wherein the central flow chamber and at least one annular flow chamber are adapted to operate during use at supercritical conditions for water.
Claim 48
Independent Claim
19 words
The method of any one of claims 27, 29, 30 or 32 wherein the intermediate product comprises acetic acid.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
18 words
The method of any one of claims 27, 29, 30 or 32 wherein the intermediate product comprises ammonia.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
27 words
The method of any one of claims 27, 29, 30 or 32 further comprising the step of separating solids from liquids after the feed compound is oxidized.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 27 further comprising the step of adding an oxidant prior to or during step (2).
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 29 further comprising the step of adding an oxidant prior to or during steps (1) or (2).
Claim 53
Independent Claim
30 words
The method of any one of claims 27, 29, 30 or 32 further comprising the step of recycling a portion of the intermediate product to mix with the feed compound.
Claim 54
Independent Claim
29 words
The method of any one of claims 27 or 29 further comprising the step of recycling a portion of the second intermediate compound to mix with the feed compound.
Claim 55
Independent Claim
20 words
The method of any one of claims 27 or 29 wherein water is vaporized in both steps (1) and (2).
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 17 wherein the feed compound is oxidized in at least one annular chamber of an annular flow vessel, and the intermediate product is oxidized in a central flow chamber of the annular flow vessel.
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