Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata

Un intermedio clave para surfactantes y anticongelante

Petrochemical & Refining Global Industrial Scale $45 billion

Descripción general

Ethylene oxide (EO) is produced by the direct catalytic oxidation of ethylene over silver catalysts, making it one of the largest-scale selective oxidation processes in the chemical industry. EO is a critical intermediate for ethylene glycol (antifreeze and PET polyester), ethoxylated surfactants, and ethanolamines. The process requires extremely precise reaction control, as the desired partial oxidation competes with complete combustion to CO₂ and water.

Proceso químico

Ethylene and oxygen (or air) are passed over promoted silver catalyst (Ag/α-Al₂O₃ with Cs and Re promoters) at 220-280 degrees C and 10-30 bar in multitubular fixed-bed reactors. The EO is absorbed in water from the reactor effluent and recovered by steam stripping. Selectivity is 80-90% with oxygen-based processes.

C₂H₄ + ½O₂ →[Ag catalyst] C₂H₄O (desired, ΔH = −105 kJ/mol)
C₂H₄ + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 2H₂O (undesired total combustion)

Materias primas

  • Ethylene (C₂H₄) — Steam cracking (Reactant)
  • Oxygen (O₂) — Air separation unit (cryogenic) (Oxidant)
  • Silver catalyst (Ag/α-Al₂O₃) — Specialty catalyst manufacturers (Selective oxidation catalyst)

Productos finales

  • Ethylene oxide (C₂H₄O) — Ethylene glycol, surfactants, ethanolamines (>99.5% purity)
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Environmental Impact

EO is a known human carcinogen and potent greenhouse gas. Fugitive emissions from EO plants are tightly regulated. The combustion side reaction wastes feedstock and generates CO₂. Scrubber systems capture EO from vent streams.

Consideraciones de seguridad

Innovaciones recientes

High-selectivity catalysts with rhenium and cesium promoters have pushed selectivity above 90%.
Microchannel reactor designs offer improved heat removal and safety.
Electrocatalytic ethylene epoxidation is being explored as a low-temperature alternative.

Escala de producción

35000000

toneladas/año

$45 billion

valor de mercado

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Frequently Asked Questions

What industry uses Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata?
Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata is used in the petrochemical & refining sector at global industrial scale scale.
What process is involved in Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata?
Ethylene and oxygen (or air) are passed over promoted silver catalyst (Ag/α-Al₂O₃ with Cs and Re promoters) at 220-280 degrees C and 10-30 bar in multitubular fixed-bed reactors. The EO is absorbed in water from the reactor effluent and recovered by steam stripping. Selectivity is 80-90% with oxygen
What is the economic significance of Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata?
Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata has a market value of $45 billion and annual production of 35,000,000 tons.
What is the environmental impact of Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata?
EO is a known human carcinogen and potent greenhouse gas. Fugitive emissions from EO plants are tightly regulated. The combustion side reaction wastes feedstock and generates CO₂. Scrubber systems capture EO from vent streams.
What raw materials are used in Producción de Óxido de Etileno por Oxidación Catalítica con Plata?
The main raw materials include: Ethylene (C₂H₄), Oxygen (O₂), Silver catalyst (Ag/α-Al₂O₃).