Pulse flow reaction

Abstract

A method of operating a multi-phase downflow reactor so as to induce a pulsing flow regime is disclosed. The pulse may be induced by increasing the gas rate while maintaining the liquid rate until a pressure drop sufficient to induce the pulse flow is achieved. The method is particularly useful in the sulfuric acid catalyzed alkylation of olefins in a reactor packed with a stainless steel/polypropylene mesh.

1 .- 4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said reactor is a three phase packed reactor comprising increasing the liquid and gas rates until a pulsing flow is induced.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein said reactor is packed with a wire mesh material containing stainless steel wire and interwoven with polypropylene.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein the liquid and vapor rates are adjusted to produce a pressure drop across said reactor of at least 0.06 pounds per square inch per foot of packing.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 7  wherein the liquid and vapor rates are adjusted to produce a total pressure drop across said reactor of between 0 and 4 psia.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 5  wherein said three phases comprise: 
 (a) a wire mesh material containing stainless steel wire and interwoven with polypropylene;    (b) liquid sulfuric acid mixed with liquid olefin;    (c) and vaporous alkane.    
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 14  wherein said reactor is a downflow reactor comprising increasing the gas rate while maintaining the liquid rate until a pressure drop sufficient to induce the pulse flow is achieved.  
   
   
       11 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . A method of operating a multi-phase reactor to induce a pulsing flow regime in a reaction having a gas rate and a liquid rate comprising increasing the gas rate.