Published August 2003
Acrolein is a useful intermediate in the production of various compounds including methionine, methionine hydroxy analog, 1,3 propanediol, and glutaraldehyde. The principal process for its production is via oxidation of propylene with air. Union Carbide (now Dow) and BASF have developed processes for the production of acrolein using lower cost propane is the starting material. These processes are based on the use of oxygen to partially convert propane to propylene and water. A process called oxydehydrogenation(ODH). The propylene stream is converted in situ to acrolein and finally to the desired acrolein derivative. Unreacted propane and propylene plus inert gases are recycled to the ODH reactor.
In this review, we present a technical and economic evaluation of a two step reaction for the production of acrolein which includes ODH and oxidation of propylene to acrolein using oxygen as the oxygen source to reduce volume of gas handled in the process. The PEP design is based on the production of 88 million lb/yr (40,000 t/yr) of acrolein at a U.S. Gulf Coast location.
This review will be of interest to manufacturers of propylene derivatives such as acrolein that have access to a reliable supply of low cost propane.
