Animation (http://nptel.ac.in/courses/103106109/SWF files/Acetic acid by ethylene oxidation.

swf )

Vapour phase oxidation of ethylene was carried out using palladium supported on alumina as catalyst.
Ethylene and oxygen was charged into a reactor in vapour phase. The reaction temperature and
pressure was 215 – 2500C and 150 -300psi respectively.

Unreacted ethylene from product stream was separated in separator.

The crude liquid containing acetaldehyde and acetic acid was separated in a distillation column.
Acetaldehyde and ethylene obtained from distillation and separation respectively, where recycled to the
process for increasing yield and conversion.

4. Oxidative fermentation
Raw material
Animation (http://nptel.ac.in/courses/103106109/SWF files/Acetic acid by oxidative fermentaion.swf )

Dilute solution of alcohol was first sterilize in autoclave and then charged in to fermenter. Oxygen in the
form of air was supplied by bubbling through the solution of alcohol in fermenter. An aerobic bacterium
like acetobacter was added into the fermenter for aerobic fermentation. Oxidation of ethanol was
carried out at 26 – 360C temperature.

Nitrogen was removed from product stream in scrubber, by scrubbing with cooled water. Liquid mixture
coming out from bottom of scrubber containing acetic acid and water was separated in acetic acid still.
Vinegar of 15% and 20% acetic acid was manufacture in 24hrs and 60hrs process respectively

The species of anaerobic bacteria, including members of the genus clostridium are used which are
capable to convert sugars to acetic acid directly, instead of using ethanol. At an actual 85% yield, the
anaerobic process offers 60% reduction in raw material.

The mechanism of anaerobic fermentation of sugar is quite complex.

Anaerobic Fermentation of sugar was carried out in fermenter. An anaerobic bacterium like clostridium
was added to initiate the fermentation process.

Nitrogen is supplied by bubbling during the fermentation process.

Block diagram of manufacturing process

Engineering aspects
Acetaldehyde oxidation process

 Reactor design

The reaction vessel consists principally of aluminum-lines steel vessel fitted with air distributor.
Aluminum coils for heating and cooling, inlet and outlet opening and an air distributor.

Alternative purification methods for acetic acid from acetaldehyde have discovered but it has no
industrial application. Nitric acid and sodium nitrate were used for oxidation of formic acid and
acetaldehyde, but they causes serious corrosion problem.

Impurities are reduced rather than oxidized by oxidizing agent. The reduction is carried out by passing
hydrogen over a metallic catalyst such as nickel or copper turnings. This method is not used because
hydrogen can be explosive. Acetaldehyde conversion is 90%. Stainless steel must be used in plant
construction.
Methanol carbonylation process
In carbonylation process, methanol is obtained from synthesis gas, so manufacture of acetic acid
without isolating methanol is explored in both vapour and liquid phase. If halide promoted ruthenium
catalyst used alcohols are generated. Acetic acid is produced by addition of Ru3(CO)12. A selective
synthesis can be done by using complex metallic catalyst containing rhodium, manganese, iridium and
lithium supported on silica. Catalyst activity can be improved by running them in by stages to the
optimum operating temperature over prolonged time periods.

Ethylene oxidation process

 Ethylene concentration

Ethylene concentration was kept below 3%. If it above 3% then there is always possibilities of formation
of by products viz. acetaldehyde, ethanol etc. There so yield ane acetic acid was lowered.

 Amount of air

The oxygen supply should be kept optimum. If oxygen supply in lesser amount will kill the bacteria. If
over-oxidation takes place, acetic acid will convert in to CO 2 and H2O; which leads to decrease in acetic
acid production. To overcome the problem efficient aeration are used by compressed air and proper
mechanical device.

PROPERTIES

 Molecular formula : C2H4O2

 Molecular weight : 60.05gm/mole

 Appearance : Colourless liquid

 Odour : Pungent

 Boiling point : 118-1190C

 Melting point : 16-170C

 Density : 1.049gm/cm3

 Solubility : Miscible with water

USES

 As monomer in the production of vinyl acetate

 Used in synthesis of wood glue, synthetic fibres, fabrics and cellulose acetate

 Esters of acetic acid used as solvent in coatings, inks and paints industry

 20% of acetic acid is used as solvent in terephthalic acid production

 As a stop bath in development of photographic films

 As a household vinegar to clean indoor climbing holds of chalk

 As solvent for recrystallization to purify organic compounds

 As wart and verruca remover

 As a food additives