Fluorination process and reactor

Abstract

The invention relates to a process to prepare tetrahalopropenes, such as 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (1233xf). The process comprises atomizing a feed material, such as 1,2,3-tetrachloropropene (1230xa) and the like, and mixing it with superheated HF to form a vaporized composition of feed material and HF with substantially instantaneous contact with a vapor phase fluorination catalyst. The invention extends catalyst life and forestalls catalyst deactivation.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A reactor apparatus comprising:
 a reaction chamber;   a heating chamber disposed on the reaction chamber, said heating chamber comprising a mixing area in fluid communication with said reaction chamber;   at least first and second feed lines in fluid communication with said mixing area; and   an atomizing nozzle disposed on at least said first feed line, said nozzle having an exit into said mixing area.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the heating chamber comprises heating means. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising superheating means in communication with at least said second feed line. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a catalyst bed within said reaction chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said nozzle exit is located proximate said catalyst bed. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mixing area is contiguous with the reaction chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising at least one outlet in fluid communication with said reaction chamber.