Process Intensification in Catalytic Oxidation

Several examples of oxidation reactions, both in the liquid and in the gas phase, have been investigated in microreactors. Often the use of the microstructured device allows a better selectivity to the product of partial oxidation, because of a better temperature control on the catalyst surface (see, for instance, several examples in reviews [61a,b]). Indeed, several gas-phase oxidations can be completed in milliseconds, at significantly high temperatures. 

This route is emblematic of the new intensification approach currently used in the chemical industry, which is aimed at finally developing a safer, less-capital and energy intensive and more flexible production of bulk chemicals. 

To minimize the decomposition of HP during the evaporation, a microstmctured falling-film evaporator is used, placed below the mixing device and reaction zone. 

The catalyst was coated onto the reactor module, forming a layer several hundred micrometers thick one problem met was the slow accumulation of deposits on catalysts, deriving from by-products formation. 

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