Imperial Chemical Industries Limited

Christopher Cowell

Ralph J Doy

Elliot Tanner

A catalytic process and apparatus therefor for the manufacture of hydrogen cyanide. In the process an oxygen rich oxidant stream and at least one oxidant-free feed steam containing methane and ammonia are separately preheated and rapidly mixed to form a detonable mixed stream at a temperature which is at least 50&deg; C. below the autoignition temperature of the mixed stream. The mixed stream is then conveyed to a catalyst capable of catalysing the formation of hydrogen cyanide at such a velocity that detonation is avoided. The process is more energy efficient and gives rise to an effluent stream containing more hydrogen than the conventional Andrussow process.

Hydrogen cyanide process and apparatus therefor

A catalytic process and apparatus therefor for the manufacture of hydrogen cyanide. In the process an oxygen rich oxidant stream and at least one oxidant-free feed stream containing methane and ammonia are separately preheated and rapidly mixed to form a detonable mixed stream at a temperature which is at least 50&deg; C. below the autoignition temperature of the mixed stream. The mixed stream is then conveyed to a catalyst capable of catalyzing the formation of hydrogen cyanide at such a velocity that detonation is avoided. The process is more energy efficient and gives rise to an effluent stream containing more hydrogen than the conventional Andrussow process.

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Cleveland, United Kingdom

Christopher Cowell