Abstract: The invention relates to a thermosiphon esterifier design comprising a riser baffle in the vapor separator. Advantageously, the thermosiphon esterifier design can provide an economic benefit as compared with traditional thermosiphon esterifier designs. Methods of using the thermosiphon esterifier design in a system for the production of polyethylene terephthalate are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to recycling steam at elevated temperature and/or pressure generated within a thermosiphon esterifier design comprising a riser baffle in the vapor separator. Advantageously, the thermosiphon esterifier design can provide steam that can be employed in various additional processes and can thus provide an overall energy savings in operating the thermosiphon esterifier. Methods of using the steam are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a high molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate (PET) via a solid state polymerization system. The method comprises using an acid catalyst to effectuate the conversion of acetaldehyde present within the system to 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, which can be readily removed. The invention also relates to PET prepared via this process, which can advantageously exhibit low levels of acetaldehyde.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a polyester comprising: (a) forming a polyester with an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.65, wherein said forming of the polyester comprises use of a catalyst; and (b) adding a phosphorous compound to the polyester after the forming of step (a), wherein said phosphorous compound comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of trialkyl phosphate, trialkyl phosphonoacetate, monoalkyl phosphate, dialkyl phosphate, trialkyl phosphite, triaryl phosphite, tris alkylaryl phosphite, and mixtures thereof. The present invention also includes compositions produced by process of the present invention and articles comprising those compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a polyester comprising: (a) forming a polyester in a melt phase having an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.65 or more, provided that said forming is not by solid state polymerization; and (b) adding an anhydride to the polyester during the melt phase. The present invention also includes articles comprising a composition produced by processes of the present invention.