Abstract: A classifying apparatus (1) has a flow path (structure) through which an emulsion flows. The flow path is provided between at least two plates (upper plate (2), lower plate (4)) that are separated by a distance smaller than the largest diameter of a liquid droplet included in the emulsion. Emulsion is fed from a supply port (5) provided in the upper plate (2) and can be classified by passing it in the flow path.

Abstract: A method is provided for industrially advantageously and effectively separating 4M2B and 3M6B from a t-butylcresol mixture containing 2-t-butyl-4-methylphenol (4M2B), 2-tbutyl-5-methylphenol (3M6B), compounds having a lower boiling point than that of 4M2B and compounds having a higher boiling point than that of 3M6B derived from a m,p-cresol mixture.

Abstract: A liquid filtering and supply system according to the present invention comprises, a main line to connect a liquid introducing part to a liquid supplying part, a filter disposed in said main line to filter said liquid, a first pressure detector disposed in said main line at an upstream side of said filter to detect a pressure of said liquid before said liquid is introduced to said filter, a second pressure detector disposed in said main line at a downstream side of said filter to detect a pressure of said liquid after said liquid passed out of said filter, a first circulating line for returning a liquid in said main line to the liquid introducing part, a pressure difference computing element to determine a pressure difference between the first pressure detector and said second pressure detector, a control valve disposed in the first circulating line, and a controlling part to adjust an opening of said control valve, based on a signal of the pressure difference transmitted from the pressure difference computin

Abstract: A process for purifying and recovering phenol present in a mixed solution containing phenol and one or more compounds capable of forming azeotropic mixtures with phenol wherein an additive which is at least one compound belonging to the following groups 1 to 5 is added to the mixed solution and the resulting mixture is distilled:group 1: dialkylene glycols having 2-10 carbon atoms, polyalkylene glycols having 2-10 carbon atoms, and the ethers thereof,group 2: alkanediols having 2-20 carbon atoms,group 3: ethanolamine-type compounds represented by the formula (1) shown below,group 4: lactam compounds represented by the formula (2) shown below,group 5: quinoline, sulfolane, and N,N-dimethylimidazolidinone, ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents an alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, a monohydroxyalkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms or a hydrogen atom, m represents an integer of 1-4, and X represents a hydroxyl group, an amino group or a hydrogen atom provided that R.sub.

Abstract: sec-Butylbenzene hydroperoxide obtained by oxidizing sec-butylbenzene is decomposed into phenol and methyl ethyl ketone, a resulting liquid comprising a methyl ethyl ketone as the main component is washed with an aqueous alkali solution to remove carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters, unsaturated ketones, and aldehydes, and the washed liquid is further subjected to neutralization, dehydration, and distillation.A methyl ethyl ketone can be obtained which has a high quality with regard to purity and potassium permanganate fading.