Oxidation of propionic acid solutions

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Abstract
Wet air oxidation is a process in which organic materials in the aqueous phase are oxidized by air at temperatures between 300°F and 600°F and pressures of 1000‐1800 psia. To improve our understanding of the process, its kinetics were studied using a propionic acid solution to simplify both analysis and rate measurements. The aim of the research was to define the regime where the reaction rate is kinetically controlled, to develop a model for the reaction rate and to interpret the model in terms of mechanism. Oxidation appears to proceed homogeneously in the aqueous phase and is probably kinetically controlled between 450° and 550°F. The oxidation appears to take place via two principal routes. Approximately half the propionic acid is oxidized completely to carbon dioxide while the oxidation of the remainder apparently proceeds via acetaldehyde as an intermediate to acetic acid. Acetic acid oxidizes only at a very low rate. A power law rate expression was developed which adequately described the oxidation of propionic acid solutions.