OP-II-3

PP-II-35accidents, is condition dependent, for instance it is catalysed by traces of compoundssuch as metals, it is pH sensitive, and there is strong evidence that it is alsoautocatalytic [4-7].The proposed design ensures operation at high synthesis reaction rates viaoperation at conditions where: (a) the synthesis reaction consumes most or all of thesupplied hydrogen peroxide. (b) hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the reactor isconstantly low, so that its accumulation in the reactor will not impose any threats interms of safety, while the rate of its autocatalytic decomposition will be minimised (c)all the heat generated by exothermic reactions is utilised by the process, and (d) thereactor size is small, however, it is not a microreactor.Case studies and preliminary experimental data will be shown.References[1]. Barton, J. A., & Nolan, P. F. (1989). Incidents in the chemical industry due to thermal-runawaychemical reactions. In IchemE symposium series no. 115, 1989: 3–13.[2]. Sheldom R.A., Catalysis and pollution prevention, Chem. Ind., 6 Jan 1997:13.[3]. Mackenzie, J., Considerations for the safe design of processes using hydrogen peroxide andorganics. Plant/Operations Prog., 1991. 10(3): 164-170.[4]. Klais, O., Hydrogen Peroxide decomposition in the presence of organic material. A case study.Thermochim. Acta, 1993. 225: 213-222.[5]. Wehrum, W.L., Case Study of a Hydrogen Peroxide Related Deflagration in a WastewaterTreatment Tank. Process Saf. Prog, 1993. 12(4): 199-202.[6]. Lacoursiere, J.P., An explosion caused by mixing incompatible liquids. Process Saf. Prog., 2005.24(2): 115-119.AcknowledgementsThe financial support of this research by Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center isgreatly acknowledged.397