Operation of a continuous heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation of at least one organic compound

A process for operating a continuous heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation of at least one organic compound in an oxidation reactor whose charging gas mixture, in addition to the at least one compound to be partially oxidized and molecular oxygen as the oxidant, comprises at least one diluent gas which is substantially inert under the conditions of the heterogeneously catalyzed gas phase partial oxidation, by using sir, both as the oxygen source and the inert gas source for the charging gas composition, which has been compressed beforehand in a compressor from a low starting pressure to a higher final pressure, which comprises subjecting the air, before its entry into the compressor, to at least one mechanical separating operation by which the solid particles dispersed in the air can be removed.