Reactions of hydrogen with chloroform and trichloroethylene at high temperatures

Author

Burhan Mahmood, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

1-31-1985

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)

Department

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Environmental Science

First Advisor

Joseph W. Bozzelli

Second Advisor

Gordon Lewandowski

Third Advisor

Basil Baltzis

Abstract

The reactions of chloroform and trichloroethylene with hydrogen in the temperature range 550 to 1000°C were studied using tubular flow reactors of varying diameters. The residence time range was from 0.05 to 3.0 seconds.Two different concentrations of the chlorinated species were used, each with hydrogen in large excess. Flat temperature profiles (+/- 5°C) were achieved over 80 to 85 per cent of the 45 cm long reaction zone, with inlet gases preheated to about 400°C.

No chlorinated hydrocarbons, products or reactants were observed at /above 850°C. The major products at these temperatures were C₂H₂, C₂H₄, CH₄, HCL and benzene.

The first order plug flow model was used for analysis of the experimental data. A comparison of these results with a more rigorous laminar flow model is also shown. Wall and homogeneous phase rate constants were evaluated using Kaufman's method. The following rate equations were found to fit the data:

1. Chloroform
   k = 3.86 * 10¹²e^(-35.3/RT) sec^-1, gas phase.
   k = 3.24 * 10¹⁴e^(-43.4/RT) sec^-1, at the wall.
2. Trichloroethylene
   k = 4.54 * 10¹²e^(-35.0/RT) sec^-1, gas phase.
   k = 9.6 * 10¹⁰e^(-31.2/RT) sec^-1, at the wall.

Recommended Citation

Mahmood, Burhan, "Reactions of hydrogen with chloroform and trichloroethylene at high temperatures" (1985). Theses. 2072.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/2072