Abstract: A scalable technology for purifying ethanol, wherein the vaporization of ethanol is coupled with a chromatographic rectification process comprising feeding a vaporized ethanol/water mix onto a plurality of molecular sieve beds to produce dehydrated ethanol vapor, which can then be condensed to recover purified dehydrated ethanol liquid. The scalable technology process is suitable for farm-scale production of fuel-grade ethanol, having the added benefit of allowing wet distillers grains to be used on-site as live-stock feed. By reducing energy requirements, costs and pollution, the output can be scaled to produce fuel-grade ethanol at quantities of anywhere from about 1000 gallons per year to upwards of hundreds of millions of gallons per year. Particularly beneficial versions utilize a plurality of smaller molecular sieve beds in series and use heat generated during desorption and regeneration of the molecular sieve beds as an energy source to aid in the vaporization step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high purity argon by combined cryogenic distillation and adsorption technologies is disclosed. Crude argon from a distillation column or a so-called argon column is passed to a system of adsorption vessels for further purification. Depressurization gas from adsorption is introduced back, in a controlled manner, to the distillation column and/or a compressor or other means for increasing pressure. Particulate filtration and getter purification may optionally be used.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for obtaining a high purity disilicon hexachloride by removing a silanol with good efficiency from a disilicon hexachloride material containing the silanol as an impurity. The purification method for disilicon hexachloride of the present invention comprises a process for contacting a disilicon hexachloride material containing disilicon hexachloride and a silanol as an impurity with an adsorbent material such as activated carbon to remove the silanol. The method may further comprise a distillation process. The above processes are preferably performed in an atmosphere of an inert gas.

Abstract: A system and process that are a hybrid of distillation and membrane separations offers a highly efficient means of separating a fluid feed mixture into organic, solid, and aqueous components. The distillation section is followed by two membrane separation sections operated in parallel, with the distillation section separating the feed mixture into an organics-rich fraction and an organics-depleted and solids-rich fraction. One membrane section operates on the organics-rich fraction and separates it into a more organics-rich sub-fraction and a water-rich, organics-depleted sub-fraction, while the other membrane section operates on the organics-depleted, solids-rich fraction from the distillation section and separates it into a solids-rich sub-fraction and a solids-depleted, water-rich sub-fraction.

Abstract: A device for delivering purified water from a reservoir of salt water including a vapor tube supported concentrically inside a barrier tube The vapor tube has apertures that provide a passage of purified condensate from interior of the purified waste to the space between the space between the outside of the vapor tube and the inside of the barrier tube. A pump between the reservoir of salt water and the interior of the vapor tube generates a pressure differential that forces water vapor from the surface of salt water to the inside of the vapor tube. Condensate inside the vapor tube flows as fresh water to outside the vapor tube.

Abstract: A method for separating a mixture of hydrocarbons into fractions enriched in linear, mono-branched, or multi-branched hydrocarbons is disclosed. In particular, mono-branched alkanes are separated from a mixture of alkanes containing multi-branched, mono-branched and linear alkanes, by selectively adsorbing the mono-branched alkanes on a zeolitic adsorbent. The zeolitic adsorbent MCM-22 is particularly suitable for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Process for the work-up of a mixture comprising ionic liquids and a further substance, wherein the substance present is separated off by means of adsorptive separation processes.

Abstract: A method for the purification of pharmaceutical grade 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) and polymer grade chlorodifluoromethane (HCFC-22) by contacting a mixture containing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or chlorodifluoromethane and methyl chloride with a zeolite such as a molecular sieve, and recovering from said contacted mixture substantially purified 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or chlorodifluoromethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing an exhaust stream containing a recyclable component mixed with other components and impurities to produce a high purity product that contains all of the recyclable component. One or more waste streams containing none of the recyclable component are also produced. The present invention particularly relates to the recovery of valuable recyclable components used in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processes to recover acetonitrile from a diluted aqueous low grade acetonitrile feedstock.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation installation comprising a system of columns (1, 3) and means for conveying a flow (7, 9) that is to be separated into one column (1) in said system. According to the invention, at least one segment (A, D) of one column contains structured packings comprising packs having a non-modified interface if, in the operating segment, the rate ratio is below a rate ratio threshold, said rate ratio being the ratio between the real reflux rate and the minimum reflux rate of the segment, and/or the charge ratio is above a charge ratio threshold, said charge ratio being the ratio between a falling flow of liquid and the section of the segment. Moreover, at least one segment (C, G) of a column, which is designed to operate with a rate ratio above the rate ratio threshold and/or with a charge ratio below the charge ratio threshold, contains structured packings comprising packs having at least one modified interface.

Abstract: Improved HETP is obtained in the operation of a distillation column containing trays with a packing of a porous container containing a particulate material intimately associated with a resilient component having at least 50 volume % open space, preferably at least 70 volume % positioned on the trays compared to the trays without the packing. The packing may contain a catalytic particulate material and the distillation may involve reaction and distillation of the reaction products. The particulate material may also be inert and the distillation of the conventional type to separate components in the distillation mixture without reaction.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for removing carbonyl-containing impurities from impure extractive distillation solvent such as a glycol, comprising: contacting the impure extractive distillation solvent with an acidic ion exchange resin. The purified extractive distillation solvent can be recycled for use as a solvent in an extractive distillation process that removes impurities from alkylene oxide. The extractive distillation solvent can be ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) used to purify propylene oxide.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a method and an apparatus for preparing a highly purified gas from a crude liquid comprising the gas and one or more of a metal, particulates, water vapor, or a volatile impurity. The method comprises: (a) vaporizing the crude liquid, to yield (i) a first vapor stream comprising the gas and (ii) a first liquid stream comprising the gas; (b) removing water vapor, particulates, or both from the first vapor stream, to yield a second vapor stream comprising the gas; (c) condensing the second vapor stream, to yield a second liquid stream comprising the gas; and (d) sparging the second liquid stream with an inert gas, to yield (i) a third vapor stream comprising the gas and (ii) a third liquid stream comprising the highly purified gas. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an adsorbent to effectively remove water vapor from the gas, as well as an adsorbent so prepared.

Abstract: A multi-phase separation system utilized to remove contaminants from fluids includes a pre-filtering module for filtering a contaminated fluid to provide a filtered contaminated fluid. A condenser module receives the filtered contaminated fluid and a contaminated gas phase for condensing the contaminated gas phase to a contaminated liquid. A phase reaction chamber converts the filtered contaminated fluid to a contaminated mist wherein the mist is subjected to a low energy, high vacuum environment for providing a first change of phase by separating into a contaminated gas phase and a liquid mist phase. The contaminated gas phase is carried out of the phase reaction chamber by a carrier air. A vacuum pump provides the low energy, high vacuum environment in the phase reaction chamber and delivers the contaminated gas phase to the condenser module for condensation providing a second change of phase.

Abstract: A process for reducing the level(s) of water and/or other impurities from cyclosiloxanes by either azeotropic distillation, or by contacting the cyclosiloxane compositions with an adsorbent bed material. The purified cyclosiloxane material is useful for forming low-dielectric constant thin films having dielectric constants of less than 3.0, more preferably 2.8 to 2.0.

Abstract: A process for purifying alicyclic alcohols by distillation, wherein the alicyclic alcohols are distilled in the presence of from 1 to 550 ppm of acidic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding a drying gas to a mixing granulator comprising a mixing chamber and a rotating agitator (3), on which mixer blades (4) are arranged in a radial position with respect to a drive shaft (5). The feeder line (6) for the drying gas is disposed inside the drive shaft (5) of the agitator (3). An exit line (7) is respectively connected in the region of each mixer blade (4), said line terminating in at least one outlet (8) arranged underneath and, in the direction of rotation, behind the mixer blades (s). The outlet (8) extends advantageously in at least partial manner along the mixer blades (4), embodied in the form of a slit or in a flat manner in the form of a porous element.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing pharmaceutical water by means of distillation and sanitizing the equipment used in said manufacturing. The method comprises the removal of suspended solids from chlorine-containing water by means of a multimedia filter, followed by a water-softening step and a dechlorination step. Ammonia is then removed from the dechlorinated water before subjecting the water to distillation in a mechanical vapor compression distillation unit. A portion of the generated low-pressure-steam is used to sanitize the manufacturing equipment at certain prescribed locations, and the distilled water, exhibiting United States Pharmacopoeia purified water quality, is withdrawn from the still and stored as pharmaceutical water product. No reverse osmosis operation is required. A system for carrying out the process is also provided. Sanitization is carried out while the system is in a standby mode.

Abstract: Bisphenol-A-bis(neopentylglycolphosphate) products of enhanced properties and processes for preparing them are described. One of the processes includes (a) mixing and reacting neopentyl glycol and bisphenol-A-bis(dichlorophosphate) in an inert polar organic solvent which (1) if mixed by itself with an equal volume of water at 25° C., will form a separate phase, (2) the solvent by itself will dissolve at least about 10 wt % of bisphenol-A-bis(neopentylglycolphosphate) at a temperature in the range of 25 to 50° C., and optionally but preferably (3) the solvent by itself can be completely vaporized at a temperature below about 180° C.; (b) washing bisphenol-A-bis(neopentylglycolphosphate) product formed in a) while dissolved in inert organic solvent having such characteristics at least once with an aqueous alkaline washing solution; and (c) optionally but preferably, recovering bisphenol-A-bis(neopentylglycolphosphate) product from organic solvent having such characteristics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a purification apparatus and method. The purification apparatus includes: a mobile phase distillation part for distilling a mobile phase; a mobile phase liquefaction part for liquefying the distilled mobile phase; and a purification part disposed between the mobile phase distillation part and the mobile phase liquefaction part, for mixing the mobile phase liquefied at the mobile liquefaction part with to-be-purified material, removing impurities from the mixture through a bonded phase, and sending the impurity-removed purified material to the mobile phase distillation part.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous process for the preparation of silane by catalytic disproportionation of trichlorosilane in a reactive/distillative reaction zone having a catalyst bed of catalytically active solid.

Abstract: This invention concerns a process for removing carbonyl-containing impurities from impure extractive distillation solvent such as a glycol, comprising: contacting the impure extractive distillation solvent with an acidic ion exchange resin. The purified extractive distillation solvent can be recycled for use as a solvent in an extractive distillation process that removes impurities from alkylene oxide. The extractive distillation solvent can be ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) used to purify propylene oxide.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of separating tocopherols by using a weakly basic polyvinyl pyridine resin. The resin has the capacity to selectively bind tocopherols, allowing other impurities typically found in a tocopherol production plant stream to separate from the tocopherols. After loading a tocopherol-containing mixture onto a separatory column packed with the resin, the loaded column is eluted with a solvent followed by an alcohol. The eluate is collected in fractions, and the tocopherol-containing fractions are combined and concentrated to yield a purified tocopherol composition. It has been found that the present invention produces highly purified tocopherol compositions (90+%), and is particularly useful for preparing highly purified tocopherol compositions, specifically enriched in &agr;-tocopherol.

Abstract: Improved HETP is obtained in the operation of a distillation column containing trays with a packing of a porous container containing a particulate material intimately associated with a resilient component having at least 50 volume % open space, preferably at least 70 volume % positioned on the trays compared to the trays without the packing. The packing may contain a catalytic particulate material and the distillation may involve reaction and distillation of the reaction products. The particulate material may also be inert and the distillation of the conventional type to separate components in the distillation mixture without reaction.

Abstract: A process is described for preventing plugging of distillation equipment when the distillable liquid comprises a mixture of different liquids containing a dissolved substance tending to precipitate from the distillate. An adjuvant is provided to the mixture to be distilled, which adjuvant forms a composition with the dissolved substance that, if isolated, melts at a lower temperature than the distillation temperature.

Abstract: A process for reducing the level(s) of water and/or other impurities from cyclosiloxanes by either azeotropic distillation, or by contacting the cyclosiloxane compositions with an adsorbent bed material. The purified cyclosiloxane material is useful for forming low-dielectric constant thin films having dielectric constants of less than 3.0, more preferably 2.8 to 2.0.

Abstract: On-spec phthalic anhydride is prepared by distillative purification of crude phthalic anhydride by a process in which crude phthalic anhydride is fed to a distillation column which is operated at reduced pressure, the low boilers are removed at the top or in the vicinity of the top of the distillation column and the on-spec phthalic anhydride is removed from the column via a side take-off.

Abstract: A distilling apparatus and method use a two step distillation and purification process for processing a waste liquid, such as an impure sulfuric acid solution, to form a highly concentrated sulfuric acid solution. First, the waste liquid is stored in a concentrating column, where it is heated. A condenser, which uses the waste liquid as a cooling medium, condenses the vapor generated by the heater. The condensed vapor is passed through a filter, which separates impurities out of the waste liquid, prior to feeding the waste liquid back into the concentrating column. Water is then removed from the waste liquid via a distilling process. The resulting concentrated liquid is then fed to a purifying column, where it is again heated, to remove residue, and condensed, resulting in a highly pure waste liquid.

Abstract: A process for preparing epoxysilanes by reacting a hydrogensilane with an allyl glycidyl ether in the presence of a catalyst and working up the crude product obtained, where the catalyst is removed from the crude product and the crude product is subsequently distilled.

Abstract: An apparatus for the purification of crude N,N′-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD) in which there is an extraction unit containing a liquid permeable container and an adsorption layer downstream of the container, a solvent evaporator downstream of the adsorption layer, a filter unit, a line for returning the filtrate to the solvent evaporator, and a condenser for returning solvent to the extraction unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for removing arsenic compounds using amino/ammonium-functionalized anion exchangers from the distillation bottoms obtained in the purification of hydrogen fluoride by distillation.

Abstract: A process for producing methylal that involves feeding a liquid containing methanol, formaldehyde and water to an uppermost reactor of at least four solid acid catalyst-filled reactors which are each externally connected to an intermediate portion of a distillation column; and forcibly circulating a liquid containing methanol, formaldehyde, water and produced methylal in a temperature range of 80° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: A process for separating ethylene glycol from its aqueous mixture with organic acids, salts and unidentified UV light absorbers, the process comprising the steps of

Abstract: A process for concentrating spent sulphuric acids particularly sulphuric acids which arise during the nitration of hydrocarbons with nitric acid in the presence of sulphuric acid, wherein single- or multi-stage concentration is effected under vacuum.

Abstract: A process for purifying anhydrous HF by contacting anhydrous HF containing phosphate impurities with an effective amount of activated carbon so that the phosphate impurities are adsorbed on the activated carbon, and anhydrous hydrogen fluoride having a reduced phosphate impurity content is obtained.

Abstract: The system for the recovery of water from urine aboard spacecraft includes a urine intake and pretreatment unit, a unit for water reclamation from urine and a condensate purification unit. The unit for water reclamation from urine is made on the basis of a rotary multistage vacuum distiller, each stage of which is formed by at least one heat-transfer plate and comprises an evaporation zone and a condensation zone. The stages of the distiller are separated from each other by separation plates, a chamber for collecting condensate and noncondensable gases being disposed downstream of the last stage and communicated with all the condensation zones of all the stages through water seals of condensate overflow and openings for the removal of noncondensable gases in disks mounted in the condensation zones.

Abstract: A method of separating heteropoly compounds from mixtures of polyethers, polyesters and/or polyether esters, a protic component and heteropoly compounds, wherein the protic component is removed from the mixture and subsequently separating off the heteropoly compound as a separate phase. The polymer phase which remains is preferably brought into further contact with a solid adsorbent that is capable of adsorbing heteropoly compounds.

Abstract: A method for the removal and purification of substantially all of the fluoride ions contained in a solution containing greater than 10 parts per million (ppm) fluoride ion, a mixture of other anions, silicon in the form of a fluorosilicic acid, silicic acid, silicates, or silicon tetrafluoride, and optionally also containing complex metal fluorides, to produce an ultrapure hydrofluoric acid, comprising the steps of (a) adjusting the pH of the solution to an alkaline pH to hydrolyze the fluorosilicic acid and any complex metal fluorides; (b) removing the fluoride ions and other anions from the solution by passing the solution through an ion exchange resin, where the ion exchange resin is adapted to adsorb substantially all of the fluoride passed over the ion exchange resin; (c) displacing the fluoride ions and other anions bound to the ion exchange resin, thereby forming a mixture of anions in an effluent emanating from resin; (d) optionally concentrating the effluent at a high pH and then lowering the pH; and

Abstract: Equipment and process for fluid purification and recovery for separating at least two matters contained in a gas or fluid including cooling a fluid to a low temperature range by use of a cooling system so that the matters in the fluid exhibit at least two phases, and filtering at least one of the matters using a filter device. The fluid may be distilled using a heating system prior to its entrance into the cooling system so as to help separate and purify the matters.

Abstract: A halohydrocarbon solvent recovery process. The process in one embodiment included heating a gross mixture including solvent, fatty-acid impurities and water in a bath to vaporize at least a portion of the solvent and the impurities. A portion of the vapor is then condensed in a reflux condenser to form a condensate mixture. After drying and impurity adsorption, a solvent product of at least 99% purity may be recovered. In one embodiment, the gross mixture is obtained from steam stripping dry-cleaner filter cartridges.

Abstract: A method for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium. A volatile solvent is placed in a lower distillation chamber of a vessel, the vessel including a convergent baffle disposed to separate the vessel into a lower distillation chamber and an upper extraction chamber. The convergent baffle is contoured to converge to define a conduit riser projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port placing the distillation chamber in fluid flow communication with the extraction chamber. A carrier medium containing a solute to be extracted is placed in the extraction chamber. The volatile solvent in the distillation chamber is then vaporized. The vaporized solvent flows upwardly and is converged through the convergent baffle and conduit riser. The converged vapor stream passes through the vaporized solvent port into the carrier medium, flowing through the carrier medium and inducing a linear-torroidal flow in the carrier medium.

Abstract: Acidic and salt impurities are removed from a condensed phase obtained from dimethyl carbonate synthesis by obtaining the condensed phase from the effluent of a reactor in which carbon monoxide, oxygen and methanol are reacted to form dimethyl carbonate, the condensed phase containing acid and salt impurities, and partially evaporating the condensed phase in an evaporator thereby preparing an evaporated stream substantially free of impurities and a residual bottom stream.

Abstract: A water distillation apparatus and method include an improved control system for operation and maintenance, condensers with plastic to metal seals between a plastic condenser manifold and metallic cooling tubes, and a filter with steam bypass to allow for easy sterilization of the filter and remaining distillation system. The control system includes a three pronged probe assembly for monitoring conditions within an evaporation chamber. One of the three probes monitors steam conductivity and provides a steam fault signal to indicate an upper level of contaminants in the steam. A purge pump is responsive to fault signals, including the steam fault signal, to pump water from the evaporation chamber. Improved techniques are also provided for periodically dumping a portion or all of the water in the heating pan to reduce contamination of the system.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for separating at least a first component from a second component of at least a first stream within a single vessel having at least one distillation zone and an adsorption zone. The invention may be applied to separates an alcohol from a mixture of the alcohol and water, such as separating isopropyl alcohol from a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. The invention may be applied to more complex systems such as separating isopropyl alcohol and separating diisopropyl ether from the effluents of each reactor of a two-stage diisopropyl ether production process. The benefit of the invention is a high purity separation process at reduced capital equipment costs.

Abstract: The present invention is a single vessel apparatus for separating at least a first component from a second component of a process stream. The apparatus has a vertically-elongated vessel which contains a plurality of vertically spaced apart distillation contactors for vapor and liquid distillation and an adsorbent-retaining volume defined at least in part by a solids-impermeable member located above the contactors for passing a fluid into the retaining volume. The apparatus also contains a mechanism for adding adsorbent above the solids-impermeable member and a mechanism for withdrawing adsorbent particles from the retaining volume to contact the fluid with adsorbent particles and to provide at least intermittent downward gravity flow of adsorbent particles through the retaining volume and to selectively adsorb a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: A multiple-stage process for the collection and treatment of biological waste, and for rendering the biological waste biologically inactive for the safe and economical environmentally non-contaminating disposal thereof. Moreover, also disclosed is an arrangement for the collection and treatment of biological waste utilizing the inventive process, and is especially adapted for the collection and treatment of biological waste which is generated during a surgical or medical procedure implemented on a patient or during an autopsy.

Abstract: A process for treating a solid food product having water soluble and water insoluble volatiles soluble in alcohol and ether. The process includes cutting the product into pieces, placing the product pieces in a volume of water containing an anti-oxidant, and drawing a vacuum on the product pieces in the water to pull air out of the cells of the product pieces. The vacuum is released to cause water, and the anti-oxidant to enter the cells of the product pieces. The product pieces are then heated to dry the pieces and to drive off a mixture of water vapor or steam and the water soluble and water insoluble volatiles. The mixture is directed through an adsorbent to remove the water soluble and water insoluble volatiles from the mixture by an adsorption. Steam is passed through the adsorbent to remove the water soluble volatiles from the adsorbent. Ethyl alcohol is passed through the adsorbent to remove the alcohol soluble, water insoluble volatiles from the adsorbent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching a gas stream in the production of vinyl chloride monomer includes the use of a knock back condenser and a plurality of column fractional distillation trays disposed within the quench column, and a liquid stream of 1,2-dichloroethane, vinyl chloride, and hydrogen chloride may be removed from the bottom column fractional distillation tray.

Abstract: In the preparation of vinyl chloride by thermal cracking of 1,2-dichloroethane, three distillation stages are used to distill off first hydrogen chloride, then vinyl chloride and finally entrained hydrogen chloride with vinyl chloride. If, in the last stage, entrained water is not drawn off via the bottom, it is recirculated with the top product to the first stage and causes corrosion. Removal of the water at the top of the third distillation stage, advantageously by drying, prevents the corrosion.