Generalized kinetic model for wet oxidation of organic compounds

Abstract A generalized kinetic model for wet oxidation (WO) of organic compounds was developed based on a simplified reaction scheme considering acetic acid as the rate‐limiting intermediate. The selectivity of product vs. intermediate formations was quantified by the ratio of the two reaction rate constants. This point selectivity α may be used to characterize the “strength” of the feed stream to be treated. This global model was validated using WO kinetic data reported for temperatures ranging from 150°C to 550°C and pressures varying from 20 bar to 440 bar. Organic conversions predicted by this model, as compared to other models, more accurately reflect the actual performance of WO processes. The model has practical validity for a variety of organic compounds, wastewaters and sludges in both subcritical and supercritical water oxidation processes.