Laboratory‐scale continuous hydrogenation: Effect of pressure

A laboratory‐scale, high‐pressure, continuous reactor was used to partially hydrogenate soybean oil with copper catalysts. Effects of pressure on the kinetics of the reaction were studied by conducting experiments in a central composite design. The interaction of pressure (75‐200 psig) with the other independent variables of temperature (155‐255 C) and copper concentration (0.15‐1.85%) was evaluated. Dependent variables studied were linolenate selectivity and formation of trans isomers and conjugated dienes. in addition, effects of pressure up to 500 psig, use of experimental and commercial copper catalysts and comparison of continuous with high‐pressure batch rections were investigated. Linolenate selectivity (8‐10) and trans ‐isomer formation were not significantly affected by any of the independent variables. Conjugated dienes were eliminated as products of the reaction when pressure was above 200 psig. Experimental copper‐silica catalyst gave a 1.6‐fold increase in reaction rate over commercial copper catalysts.