| abstract |
Disclosed is a process and apparatus for the catalytic hydrogenation of fluoroolefins to fluorocarbons where the reaction is carried out in a multi-tube shell and tube reactor. Reactions involving hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins are typically exothermic. In commercial processes where a fluoro-olefin C (n) H (2n-x) F (x) to C (n) H (2n-x+2) F (x) is hydrogenated (e.g. hexafluoropropylene to 236ea, 1225ye to 245eb, and the like), inadequate management or control of heat removal may induce excess hydrogenation, decomposition and hot spots resulting in reduced yields and potential safety issues. In the hydrogenation of fluoro-olefins, it is therefore necessary to control the reaction temperature as precisely as practical to overcome challenges associated with heat management and safety. |