Flammability limits of methanol/methacrolein mixed vapor under elevated temperatures and pressures

Abstract

The one-step oxidative esterification of methanol and methacrolein to yield methyl methacrylate (MMA) at elevated temperatures and pressures is a crucial chemical procedure for producing MMA. However, the conditions under which fire and explosions may occur during this procedure must be determined. This study models gas mixing to predict concentration distribution. Simulation results indicate stability with increasing pressure but wider gradients with higher temperature. Experimental studies on the flammable limits of methanol and methanol/methacrolein vapor mixtures under high temperatures and pressures show that the initial pressure has a significant impact on expanding the explosive limit of flammable vapor, whereas temperature has a relatively minor effect. The combustible limit of the mixed vapor is predicted using the heat balance approach, and a comparison with experimental data shows that the anticipated and real values coincide well.