Reactive scrubbing for upgrading product value, simplifying process operation and product handling
An apparatus for removing formaldehyde from a blend of partially oxygenated hydrocarbons includes a reactor for reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor vessel to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde. The apparatus also includes a reactive scrubbing station in fluid communication with the reactor where the blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid at the reactive scrubbing station to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound.
1. An apparatus for removing formaldehyde from partially oxygenated compounds, the apparatus comprises:
a) a reactor for reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor vessel to form first product blend, the first product blend including a blend of partially oxygenated compounds that include formaldehyde; and
b) a reactive scrubbing station in fluid communication with the reactor where the first product blend is contacted with a reactive scrubbing liquid at the reactive scrubbing station to form a reactive liquid-formaldehyde compound.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an oxygen-containing compound supply and a hydrocarbon supply.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fractional distiller for removing methanol and ethanol from the first product blend that is depleted of formaldehyde.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further wherein the reactive scrubbing liquid including urea.