The Versalis/Lummus Technology cyclohexanone process produces cyclohexanone by hydrogenation of phenol in a single step process. The single step process is advantageous in terms of capital investment and energy savings since there is no need of a dedicated dehydrogenation section for the conversion of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone. This process is based on Versalis’ proprietary catalyst, which has been used in commercial operation since the late 1980s.
Benefits
- High selectivity with minimal formation of by-product impurities.
- The yield to cyclohexanone is higher than 93% of the total production.
- Cyclohexanone purity can be 99.90 wt% or higher.
- Longer catalyst life.
- Low investment and plant maintenance costs.
- Low energy costs.
- Very reliable and safe operation.
- Lower hydrogen consumption.
- Greater flexibility of product mix (cyclohexanone, cyclohexanol and KA-oil) without the need to implement the dehydrogenation step.