There were 5430 million pounds of ethylene oxide produced in the United States in 1995. Th...

There were 5430 million pounds of ethylene oxide produced in the United States in 1995. The flowsheet for the commercial production of ethylene oxide (EO) by oxidation of ethylene is shown in Figure P3-12B. We note that the process essentially consists of two systems, a reaction system and a separation system. Discuss the flow sheet and how your answers to P3-11A (c) would change if air is used in a stoichiometric feed. This reaction is studied further in Chapter 4.

Figure P3-12B EO plant flow sheet. [Adapted from R. A. Meyers, ed„ Handbook of Chemical Production Processes, Chemical Process Technology Handbook Series, New York: McGraw-Hill, 1983, p. 1.5-5. ISBN 0-67-041-765-2.]