| abstract |
Dilute solutions of acrolein are produced on site and on demand by oxidizing propylene in an improved reactor using an improved catalyst, which is a mixture of molybdenum, bismuth and tellurium oxides. The catalyst is deposited on metal particles, which are of a metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, tantalum, titanium, tungsten, niobium and mixtures thereof, and are packed to form a catalyst bed which provides improved heat transfer and distribution for better control of the process. The reaction is conducted in a reactor in which all the exposed surfaces are made of a metal selected from the group just mentioned. The produced acrolein is absorbed to form a dilute solution of acrolein in a liquid to be treated, such as irrigation water for weed control, or control of hydrogen sulfide in water used for oil and gas field water floods, or in fuel oil to inhibit growth of organisms. |