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AssigneeMonsanto Company
InventorsMacaulay S. Feld, David O. Fisher, John J. Freeman, Gregory J. Gervasio, Mark A. Hochwalt, Leonard F. Laskowski, Evan E. Thomsen
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There is disclosed an improved process for the preparation of phosphorus trichloride wherein elemental phosphorus is caused to react with chlorine. The improvement comprises continuous, high speed analysis of the contents of the reactor whereby the reaction is controlled to produce less phosphorus pentachloride and other by-products. The analysis is performed by a laser Raman spectrometer associated with an optrode having a remotely located probe head and a circulating sampling system to continuously provide fresh sample to the probe head continuously. Also disclosed is apparatus for the automatic control of the reaction by control of the reactant feed to the reactor in response to the on-line, continuous analysis of the reactor contents.
In a continuous commercial scale process for the production of phosphorus trichloride wherein phosphorus is caused to react with chlorine in a reaction zone within a reactor, the improvement which comprises providing a circulatory sampling pipe to withdraw a portion of the reaction mixture from the reaction zone, said pipe containing a window transparent to laser light, analyzing the contents of the reaction zone by means of a laser Raman spectrometer in optical communication with said contents through said window by means of an optrode and continuously controlling the reactor conditions in response to the analysis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.