The pressure oxidation of acidic FeCl2 solution with oxygen

The oxidation of aqueous solutions of FeCl2 in HCl media has been investigated in a flow reactor. The effects of flow rate, oxygen pressure, temperature, initial pH of the solution and the presence of catalysts on conversion has been studied. A conversion of 42%, in the absence of catalyst and 61% in the presence of catalyst was achieved at the operating conditions of 60 psig pressure, 140–150°C temperature, 5 ml/min flow rate. This paper presents experimental results and discusses the conditions favouring an increased oxidation rate.