High shear process for cyclohexanol production

Abstract

Use of a high shear mechanical device incorporated into a process for the production of cyclohexanol is capable of decreasing mass transfer limitations, thereby enhancing the cyclohexanol production process. A system for the production of cyclohexanol from air oxidation of cyclohexane, the system comprising a high shear device, the outlet of the high shear device fluidly connected to the inlet of a reactor; the high shear device capable of providing a dispersion of air bubbles within a liquid comprising cyclohexane, the bubbles having an average bubble diameter of less than about 100 μm.

1 - 13 . (canceled) 
   
   
       14 . A system for the production of cyclohexanol, the system comprising;
 a high shear device comprising at least one rotor and at least one stator having a minimum clearance therebetween and configured to produce a dispersion of oxidant gas in a solution comprising cyclohexane, the dispersion having an average bubble diameter of less than about 5 μm; and   a vessel fluidly connected to an outlet of the high shear device, wherein the vessel comprises apparatus such that contents of the vessel may be maintained at a temperature of less than about 160° C.   
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the high shear device comprises at least two rotors and at least two stators. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the high shear device is adapted to rotate the at least one rotor at a tip speed of at least 5 m/sec. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the high shear device is adapted to rotate the at least one rotor at a tip speed of at least 20 m/sec. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the high shear device is configured to produce a localized pressure of at least about 1000 MPa at the tip of the rotor during operation of the high shear device. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the high shear device can produce a shear rate of greater than about 20,000s −1 . 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 14  wherein the minimum clearance is in the range of from 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.