Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a feed arranged below the middle of the apparatus, a quenching agent inlet arranged above the feed, an outlet arranged below the feed and a draw arranged above the quenching agent inlet, the apparatus having a region provided with one or more packing elements, wherein at least one means which ensures the formation of a liquid layer having a height of at least 1 cm is present between the quenching agent inlet and a packing element present between the quenching agent inlet and feed. The present invention also provides a process for preparing acrylic acid, which includes a step of oxidizing acrolein, wherein the reaction mixture obtained in this oxidation is contacted with water as quenching agent in an inventive apparatus, and a composition obtainable as bottom product in the process according to the invention, comprising acrylic acid and water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a feed which is arranged below the center of the device, a quenching agent inlet which is arranged above the feed, an outlet which is arranged below the feed, and a discharge which is arranged above the quenching agent inlet, said device having a region provided with one or more packets between the quenching agent inlet and the feed. The device is characterized in that at least one means is provided between the quenching agent inlet and a packet provided between the quenching agent inlet and the feed, said means ensuring the formation of a liquid layer with a height of at least 1 cm.