Selective dimerization of ethylene to but-1-ene under the conditions of industrial process. I. Influence of temperature and pressure on the rate of the process in a bubbling type reactor

Analysis of mass and heat balance in the reaction node of the process of ethylene dimerization into but-1-ene under the industrial conditions is performed. It is found that ethylene concentration in the reactor liquid phase by a complex way depends on the reactor temperature, pressure and but-1-ene concentration in the liquid phase. Optimal process temperature is 80–90°C, operating pressure in the reactor is 0.6–0.8 MPa. Increase in pressure above 1 MPa practically excludes heat withdraw via but-1-ene evaporation and makes the system of heat withdrawing ineffective.