Claims
- 1. A continuous vapor phase process for the nitration of cellulose to produce nitrocellulose by reaction with nitric acid which comprises
- introducing cellulose in porous sheet form into a reactor having a substantially gas-tight housing containing a table having a perforated surface,
- passing the cellulose sheet over at least a portion of the perforated surface of said table,
- introducing a stream of nitric acid vapor into said housing and through said perforations to provide a cushion of gas supporting said sheet moving over said table and force nitric acid vapor through said porous cellulose sheet,
- contacting said sheet with said nitric acid vapor for a sufficient period to nitrate the cellulose to a nitrogen content of at least about 7%, and
- continuously removing from said housing unreacted nitric acid vapor and water vapor formed in the reaction and the nitrocellulose sheet thus produced.
- 2. The process according to claim 1, wherein the reaction is carried out in a series of said reactors.
- 3. The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cellulose is nitrated to a nitrogen content of about 7% and then further nitrated with nitric acid in liquid phase to a nitrogen content of about 12% to 14%.
- 4. The process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cellulose is nitrated to a nitrogen content of about 12% to 14%.
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS
The invention described herein may be manufactured, used and licensed by the Government for Governmental purposes without the payment to me of any royalties thereon.
US Referenced Citations (2)
Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
230216 |
Arrault et al. |
Jul 1880 |
|
1780151 |
Becker et al. |
Nov 1930 |
|