Continuous non-catalytic pyrolysis of aqueous slurry of

Abstract

A solid mixture of aldehydo-, keto-, carboxy-, carboxy-and-aldehydo-, and keto-and-carboxy-substituted benzene and toluene especially as obtained as residue from the manufacture of benzene di- and tricarboxylic acid is continuously subjected to pyrolysis at a temperature above 700.degree. C. with the production of a gaseous product and no substantial production of a solid carbonaceous char by adding such mixture as a suspension of comminuted solid in liquid water, but without an externally added catalyst, to a bed of inert, moving solids whose movement is stimulated by a gas flowing through said bed to fluidize, expand or make ebullient said bed of particles. Said gaseous product comprises hydrogen, carbon oxides, methane, benzene and toluene enriched in hydrogen and carbon dioxide content by the reaction of carbon and steam from the suspending liquid water thus substantially consuming the carbonaceous char which would otherwise be produced as a solid product. A source of molecular oxygen can be also advantageously added to the bed.