The kinetic parameters and safe operating conditions of nitroglycerine manufacture in the CSTR of Biazzi process

Nitroglycerine has been widely used as an ingredient of explosives and propellants for a long time. It is produced by the glycerine nitration reaction. Many fire and explosion incidents have occurred during its manufacturing process owing to its severe thermal instability in both the nitration reaction and the purification processes. The kinetic parameters of this reaction and the criteria for stable production have not so far been clearly identified. In this investigation, we estimate its reaction kinetic parameters from the experimental results obtained using a tubular flow reactor by a numerical analysis method. These reaction kinetic parameters are then used to evaluate the safe operating conditions in a CSTR for the Biazzi continuous nitroglycerine production. The results are important and useful in the production process of nitroglycerine.