2 replies to this topic

[emekar]

Greetings, i am an undergraduate student studying chemical engineering at a nigerian university, we have been asked to design a plant to produce 2-ethyl hexanol uing propylene and synthesis gas as feed stock via the oxo route, from research i made i discoered that recent plant do make use of  the modified rhodium catalyst in the hydroformylation reactor. My major challenge is that i have not been able to get enough information on the process especially on the hydroformylation as regards to the conversion, the method of seperating the catalyst from the rection mixture etc. I have seen some articles but i am confused on which to go with as they sometimes tend to contradict each order. please i would be glad if i can get a website or any source of information that would help understand the process especially for the modern hydroformylation unit using modified rhodium.Thanks

[Pilesar]

Consider researching older technology for your plant design as you may find more information. Often companies are not willing to share information about their current processes as they perceive their know-how to be a competitive advantage. This means that your professor likely does not have access to much more information than you were able to find! If you insist on using rhodium catalyst, perhaps you can design the plant based on another catalyst and then substitute rhodium catalyst into the process after you get the main flowsheet settled.

[emekar]

thanks i appreciate the response will apply what you just said