Methods for liquid-phase reactions

Abstract

Methods and assemblies for improving the reaction kinetics of, conserving reactants utilized in, and/or producing a more pure reaction product of, liquid-phase reactions that involve volatile reactants and products are provided. The methods and assemblies herein provide for a feed of reaction liquid to two or more absorption zones, wherein the temperature and/or feed rate of the liquid is independently adjusted prior to introduction into at least one of the two or more absorption zones. More particularly, the temperature and feed rate of the liquid as delivered to each absorption zone can be adjusted independently to optimize the absorption of at least a portion of any gaseous reactants and byproducts from the gaseous product stream and/or to optimize reaction zone conditions. Reaction kinetics may thus be improved, or substantially maintained.

1 . A method for improving the reaction kinetics of, conserving reactants utilized in, and/or producing a more pure reaction product of, a liquid-phase hydrochlorination reaction of methanol to provide a gaseous product stream comprising methyl chloride, the method comprising:
 Providing a reaction zone and at least a first absorption zone and a second absorption zone;   Splitting a portion of a liquid from the reaction zone into at least a first liquid stream and a second liquid stream and adjusting the temperature of at least one of the liquid streams so that the temperature of the first liquid stream is higher than the temperature of the second liquid stream;   Directing the first liquid stream to the first absorption zone, and the second liquid stream to the second absorption zone; and   Causing at least a portion of the gaseous product stream leaving the reaction zone and at least a portion of the first liquid stream to come into contact within the first absorption zone and at least a portion of the gaseous product stream and at least a portion of the second liquid stream to come into contact within the second absorption zone;   
       wherein the splitting consists of splitting the liquid via a bifurcated conduit or multiple conduits operably disposed relative to the reaction zone and wherein at least a portion of any methanol, hydrogen chloride and/or water within the gaseous reaction stream are absorbed into the first and/or second liquid streams from the reaction zone. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the second stream is lowered, and the temperature of the first liquid stream is lowered to a lesser extent. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first absorption zone is proximal to the reaction zone and the second absorption zone is distal to the reaction zone. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising returning at least a portion of the liquid having at least a portion of the methanol, hydrogen chloride and/or water absorbed therein to the reaction zone.