Abstract: A process for the recovery of molybdenum catalyst from the epoxidation reaction product of olefins with organic hydroperoxides. The active form of the glycol-molybdate epoxidation catalyst is removed from the process stream with an anion ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin can be either a weak base or strong base type. The preferred embodiment of the invention produces a concentrated epoxidation catalyst in the “ammonium” form that is suitable for recycle to the catalyst preparation vessel. The ammonia form is converted into the active form by evaporating the water and ammonia from the recovered catalyst in the presence of a glycol. The preferred configuration of the ion exchange process is a “Lead-Lag” system. Two vessels will be in service while the third is in the regeneration mode recovering the epoxidation catalyst. A fourth polishing vessel can also be included as a “guard bed” to prevent leakage of the molybdate catalyst into the process stream.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for the purification of waste wash water derived from the production of aromatic acids. Lost aromatic acid product and the heavy metal oxidation catalyst is recovered and purified water is recycled to the process. The process includes the steps of filtration to recover the insoluble aromatic acid, ion exchange to recover and purify the heavy metal oxidation catalyst, and a reverse osmosis system for recovering the water for reuse.

Abstract: An improved separation process for the continuous catalytic oxidation of aromatic alkyls for the production of aromatic carboxylic acids in a liquid solvent medium, wherein the reactor product stream is withdrawn from the oxidation process, then separated to produce a product containing stream, mother liquor stream and a catalyst containing purge stream which is then passed through a filtration system and series of sorption vessels to remove the oxidation catalyst and separate the impurities from the catalyst. The solvent is then separated from the reaction by-products by conventional distillation methods. The solvent is recycled to the process while the reaction by-product residue is disposed of by incineration. The oxidation catalyst is eluted from the ion exchange columns and returned to the process.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of polyester resin from the esterification of an aromatic acid with a glycol followed by polycondensation in the presence of a metal oxide catalyst in which spent glycol is removed during the course of the polycondensation reaction along with insolubles, large particulates, low molecular weight oligomers, metal oxide catalyst, cation impurities and anion impurities, and trace amounts of other impurities in which the temperature of the spent glycol is increased to maintain the monomer dissolved in solution while passing the spent glycol to a crossflow membrane filtration device with sufficient fluid velocity across the crossflow membrane filtration device to maintain turbulent flow. The glycol permeate is recycled to the esterification process while the concentrated insolubles are separated from the purged retentate.

Abstract: A mobile process to reclaim spent aqueous glycol solutions used as heat transfer fluids and which contains deleterious contaminants, oil/grease, corrosion products, and additives such as buffers and corrosion inhibitors. Particulate contaminates and oil/grease are removed by passing the solution through an ultrafiltration membrane. The dissolved contaminants are removed by passing through a series of ion exchange resin (IER) vessels. The reclaimed glycol solution is reused after replacing the required additives. One embodiment provides for central processing of the filtration and absorption media housed in a mobile enclosure, such as a trailer. The mobile trailer may be used at various collection sites for cleaning and reprocessing spent glycols. After the media are spent, the mobile trailer is returned to a central processing facility for regeneration of the filtration and absorption media. The waste produced by the regeneration is concentrated at a single treatment and disposal facility.