Sandeep BhatiaWillowbrook, IL

5882618, Mar 16, 1999

Apr 28, 1997

8/845849

Sandeep Bhatia - Willowbrook IL
Metin Gezer - Houston TX

Air Liquide America Corporation - Houston TX

C01C 302
C01C 308

423376

Provided is a process for the production of hydrogen cyanide by reacting methane, ammonia and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst. The process, more specifically, comprises first establishing a temperature for the catalyst in the reaction using air as a source for oxygen. This essentially establishes the gauze temperature of the plant. Additional oxygen is then provided to the reaction to provide oxygen enrichment of the reaction feed, while also adjusting the amount of ammonia and methane reactants in the reaction feed such that the volume percent of the ammonia and methane is above the upper flammability limit and the temperature of catalyst is maintained within 50. degree. C. of the temperature of the catalyst originally established as the fixed gauze temperature of the plant. The process of the present invention allows one to increase production of hydrogen cyanide while maintaining safe operation and not sacrificing catalyst performance in return. In particular, the process of the present invention has applicability to existing plants which need to be improved with regard to hydrogen cyanide production.