The present invention includes methods and apparatuses that utilize
microchannel technology and, more specifically in exemplary form,
producing hydrogen peroxide using microchannel technology. An exemplary
process for producing hydrogen peroxide comprises flowing feed streams
into intimate fluid communication with one another within a process
microchannel to form a reactant mixture stream comprising a hydrogen
source and an oxygen source such as, without limitation, hydrogen gas and
oxygen gas. Thereafter, a catalyst is contacted by the reactant mixture
and is operative to convert a majority of the reactant mixture to
hydrogen peroxide that is withdrawn via an egressing product stream.
During the hydrogen peroxide chemical reaction, exothermic energy is
generated. This exothermic energy is absorbed by the fluid within the
microchannel as well as the microchannel itself. In a preferred
embodiment, a heat exchange fluid is in thermal communication with the
microchannel housing the exothermic reaction and is operative to absorb a
portion of this exothermic energy and transfer such energy from the
microchannel.