GB926622A - Improvements in or relating to the production of hydrocyanic acid - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0926622/III/1> Hydrocyanic acid is produced by burning a mixture of ammonia, a gaseous hydrocarbon and oxygen, the mixture being introduced into the combustion zone of a burner at a linear velocity between 40 and 80 metres per sec., and reducing this to between 1,0 and 3,0 metres per sec. within the combustion zone to maintain a turbulent stream of combustible mixture which burns at a stable location without blowing back. The ammonia and hydrocarbon enter mixing chamber 27 through tube 33 and apertures 30, in a ratio of hydrocarbon to ammonia between 1,5:1 and 2,5:1. The oxygen enters through inlets 36 and 34 in a ratio of oxygen to hydrocarbon between 0,5:1 and 1:1. The gases enter combustion zone 18, length between 0,3 and 0,4 metres, through jets 23 and are ignited by a pilot flame in tube 21. The space velocity of the gases through the combustion zone is between 10,000 and 50,000. The combustion zone is surrounded by metal, 16, e.g. iron, 19 is a heat insulating material, preferably of high alumina content, and between 16 and 19 is heat insulating material. The reacted gases pass through chamber 24, cooled by tubes 26 containing water. The hydrocarbon may be saturated or unsaturated with 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Hydrogen and carbon monoxide are formed as by-products. Specification 442,737, U.S.A. Specifications 2,596,421 and 2,718,457 are referred to. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 816,731.