The invention relates to a method and apparatus for safely producing
hydrogen peroxide by injecting dispersed minute bubbles of hydrogen and
oxygen into a rapidly flowing liquid medium. The minute bubbles are
surrounded by the liquid medium of sufficient volume for preventing an
explosive reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen. The liquid medium is
formed of an acidic aqueous solution and a Group VIII metal catalyst.
Hydrogen is sparged into the flowing medium for dissolution of the
hydrogen in the medium. Oxygen bubbles are reacted with the dissolved
hydrogen for producing hydrogen peroxide. Preferably, the liquid medium
has a velocity of at least 10 feet per second for providing a bubbly flow
regime in the reactor. The invention allows the direct combination of
oxygen and hydrogen while preventing propagation of an explosive condition
within the reactor. The method and apparatus provide for the safe
production of hydrogen peroxide with low manufacturing costs.
