Technology Type

Ethylene and Oxygen are fed and passed through the Reactor (Bundles of Tubes packed with the Silver Catalyst Material) at 200 to 300 °C resulting in Ethylene Oxidation. Together with Ethylene Oxide, CO₂, H₂O, and Heat are generated as well. The Gas leaving the Reactor is cooled by means of Steam Generation or Direct Heating of the Gas Inlet of the reactor. Ethylene Oxide and CO₂ are removed from the Gas by Scrubbing with first Water and second an Aqueous Potassium Carbonate Solution. The Ethylene Oxide dissolves in the Solution. Ethylene Oxide is desorbed from the solution in the Desorber and stripped of its Low-Boiling Components. Ethylene Oxide is finally distilled with Separation into Water and Ethylene Oxide. The Process runs continuously using a Recycled Gas Stream through the Reactors driven by Compressors, and reloaded before entering the Reactor again.