Technology
Technology for Producing Isopropyl Alcohol from Propylene Hydration
Technologies for producing isopropyl alcohol via the hydration of propylene include:
1. Co-current hydration of propylene and water to produce isopropyl alcohol
2. Counter-current hydration of propylene and water to produce isopropyl alcohol
The main features are as follows:
1. Highly active cation exchange resins are used as catalysts, and the reaction is carried out with a high water-to-propylene ratio.
2. Reaction conditions are mild, with a reaction temperature of 130–160°C and a pressure of 0.7–0.8 MPa.
3. High single-pass conversion rate; under normal production conditions, the single-pass conversion rate exceeds 50%.
4. Few side reactions; initial isopropanol selectivity exceeds 95%, with an average selectivity per cycle exceeding 92%.
5. Low pressure drop; a specially designed reactor is used, with a single-stage pressure drop of less than 0.1 MPa.
6. Low conductivity of the recirculating water and minimal corrosion.
7. Long equipment operating cycle; designed for operation exceeding one year.
8. High-purity diisopropyl ether can be produced as a by-product.