Catacarb potassium salt solution

Catacarb Process [667], [681], [682]. This process was introduced about 30 years ago. A modified potassium salt solution is used, containing various stable and non toxic catalysts and corrosion inhibitors. The process is very versatile and allows the process and mechanical configuration to be tailored to a wide range of C02 partial pressures. Figure 68 showes a Catacarb single-stage low heat design. 

The process for CO absorption is the same as shown in Fig. 33.1. The only difference is that a potassium salt solution is used instead of the amine solution to absorb the COj from the hydrogen product. The potassium salt solution is called Catacarb, as shown in Fig. 33.2. 

The lesson is, if raising reaction temperature in a reactor promoting an exothermic reaction makes the reaction proceed further, the reactor is limited by kinetics and not equilibrium. The term "exothermic" means that heat is liberated in the reaction. How can one tell if the absorption of CO in the Catacarb solution is exothermic (gives off heat), rather than endothermic (absorbs heat) Refer to Fig. 33.2. Note that both the hydrogen gas and the Catacarb liquid are being heated in the absorber. They are being heated by the heat of reaction between the COj and the potassium salt in the Catacarb solution. 

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See also in sourсe #XX -- [ ]

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