Presaturated one-liquid flow

Kinetic studies on the epimerization of menthol diastereomers have been conducted in a laboratory-scale semi-batch reactor (Figure 6.17.3) as well as in a continuous fixed bed reactor (Figure 6.17.4). In the latter case, the liquid feed was externally saturated with Hz to suppress dehydrogenation to menthone [presaturated one-liquid flow (POLF) reactor]. 

Figure 6.17.5 Experimental results of epimerization in a fixed bed reactor [presaturated one-liquid flow (POLF) reactor] and in a well-mixed semi-batch stirred tank reactor (STR) [feed 50mol.% ( )-neomenthol, 26% ( )-menthol, and 23% ( )-isomenthol, 1% menthone, 180°C, PH2 = 2MPa, deal = 250-500 pm]. Data from Etzold (2007) and Etzold and Jess (2009).

For the calculations of a continuous fixed bed reactor, a presaturated one-liquid flow (POLF) is assumed. Figure 6.17.14 compares the results of calculations for 2 and 6 mm spherical particles for 175 °C, 5 MPa hydrogen pressure, and a typical industrial feed mixture. 

POLF [Presaturated One Liquid Flow] A deep desulfurization process for hydrocarbon fuels in which the oil is presaturated with hydrogen before contacting the Co/Mo catalyst. 

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