Production Processes of Formic Acid

Formic acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HCOOH. It can be produced through various methods, including methanol oxidation, carbon monoxide-water reduction, and gas-phase processes. 

Methanol Oxidation Method

The methanol oxidation method is one of the most widely used industrial processes for formic acid production. The process flow is as follows:

(1) Raw Material Preparation:
Methanol and air are prepared as raw materials. Methanol undergoes purification and dehydration to improve reaction efficiency.

(2) Catalytic Oxidation Reaction:
Methanol reacts with oxygen under specific temperature and pressure conditions, typically using a metal catalyst. Methanol is first oxidized to formaldehyde, which is further oxidized to formic acid.

(3) Separation and Purification:
The reaction products are separated and purified, commonly through distillation or crystallization.

(4) Tail Gas Treatment:
The reaction generates tail gases containing CO, CO₂, N₂, and other components, which require treatment via absorption, drying, or purification methods.

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