GB540208A - An improved process for concentrating olefins and separating the same from gaseous mixtures - Google Patents

Abstract

540,208. Separation and storage of olefines. STANDARD OIL DEVELOPMENT CO. Nov. 21, 1939. No. 30480. Convention date, Dec. 30, 1938. [Class 2 (iii)] Olefines are separated from hydrocarbon mixtures in which acetylene is also present by pressing the mixture through a slurry of cuprous chloride and ammonium chloride in dilute hydrochloric acid, whereby the acetylene and a part of the olefines are absorbed until the saturation point of the olefines is reached, continuing the passage of the mixture to complete the absorption of the acetylene and liberate the olefine, and finally passing the mixture through a fresh slurry to absorb and store the olefines. If desired, the latter may be liberated by the application of heat or reduction of the pressure. The ammonium chloride in the slurry may be replaced by an alkali or alkaline earth metal chloride, in which case the hydrochloric acid may be dispensed with. If any oxygen be present in the initial mixture, it may be removed simultaneously with the acetylene by passing the gas through a slurry of cuprous chloride and ammonium chloride in dilute hydrochloric acid to which metallic copper in the form of turnings has been added. The absorbed acetylene may be recovered from its absorption products by treatment with acid or by heat treatment or reduction of pressure. Tables are given showing the solubility of ethylene and propylene at different temperatures in solutions containing cuprous chloride, ammonium chloride and hydrochloric acid and in a solution of calcium chloride saturated with cuprous chloride. Examples are given.