Abstract: A method and equipment for heat-of-vaporization transfer in a heat exchanger, using steam bubbles. To achieve higher transfers at slight overheating, and with a very simple design, steam bubbles are introduced into evaporation chambers formed between heat exchanger walls, said bubbles then being deformed by said walls and rising in-between them. As they rise, the steam bubbles form a thin liquid film between themselves and the heat exchanger walls, with constrained convection inside the film. As a result excellent local conditions for heat conduction are achieved. Moreover the liquid is well mixed and by evaporation into the bubble it is cooled as far as the immediate vicinity of the heat exchanger walls.

Abstract: In a distillation column for separating a liquid mixture into a plurality of pure fractions, the distillation column being divided into 2 parts, a feed part and a take-off part, in its middle region by a separation effective in the longitudinal direction, the separation consists of two walls with a gas space in between, the distance between the two walls being from 1 to 50 mm, preferably from 3 to 10 mm.

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: Volatile components are eliminated from polyacrylate melts by distilling off the volatile components by a process in which the volatile components are distilled off under reduced pressure, entraining agents are added to the melts at above 100.degree. C. and the melts are simultaneously circulated.

Abstract: A process including a first stage wherein a feed gas stream containing acrolein originating, for example from the gas-phase oxidation of propylene to acrolein, is fractionated into a gaseous effluent and a liquid stream in a cooling column operating such that the temperature of the liquid stream at the bottom of the column is lower than or equal to the condensation temperature of the feed gas stream, the difference in temperature not exceeding 20.degree. C. and, a second stage, wherein the gaseous effluent is condensed at a temperature that is lower than 20.degree. C., to give a liquid fraction and a purified gaseous fraction, is disclosed. An apparatus for carrying on the purification process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of an acid in its anhydrous form from an aqueous solution containing the acid in its hydrated form. Adding to the solution a weak base in the form of a soluble salt of the acid and concentrating the solution containing the acid hydrate and the salt of the acid to a substantially water-free, acid-salt mixture. The acid is distilled off in its anhydrous form from the acid salt mixture.

Abstract: Method for bringing a gas and a liquid into contact with one another, the liquid being passed in the form of a film over an evaporator surface (1) provided with small openings and the gas being fed through the openings in the evaporator surface, which gas mixes with the liquid on the surface and absorbs vapor from the liquid, a liquid subsequently being passed in the form of a film over a condenser surface (11) provided with small openings and the gas which has absorbed vapors from the liquid film on the evaporator surface being fed through the openings in the condenser surface, at least some of the absorbed vapor condensing and being carried along with the liquid film on the condenser surface and removed.

Abstract: A process for the dehydration of a vaporous mixture. The basic process involves directing a predominantly condensable water vapor-containing vaporous mixture against the feed side of a membrane while maintaining the feed near saturation without condensing it, directing a condensable vapor sweep stream past the permeate side of the membrane in a countercurrent flow, thereby transporting water vapor in the vaporous mixture from the feed side to the permeate side of the membrane to form a noncondensed combined permeate side mixture of condensable vapor and transported water vapor.

Abstract: A method of drying a gas making use of the distillation of a liquid desiccant, the method comprising the introduction of a stream of make-up liquid containing water and of an organic solvent miscible with water, the solvent being a more volatile solvent than water under the conditions of the method and forming no azeotropes with water, in an intermediate zone of an elongated vertical contact and fractional distillation zone.

Abstract: The sea water to be desalted is fine-sprayed through nozzles (3) against an underside (1b) of a plate-shaped element (1). The element (1) may, for example, be an aluminum plate forming a heat transfer medium and is exposed to solar radiation through glass cover plates (15). The water sprayed on the underside (1b) is distributed over the surface of the element (1) and is evaporated by the heat stored in this element. The water vapor passes through an outlet (27) to a condenser (10) in which it is condensed and finally through an outlet (12) in the form of fresh water which then is available, for example, for irrigating green spaces. The sea water to be desalted is preferably sprayed against the underside of the element (1) for only a few seconds at predetermined intervals. To clean the element (1), sea-water may be sprayed every hour for, for example, 1 to 1.5 minutes against the underside of the element (1) in order thus to rinse away deposited salt and impurities.

Abstract: A method for evaporating solvent in a manner that lessens the chance of cross-contamination between samples. The method involves the use of a filter material press fit into solvent-containing sample tubes. The material allows the flow through of evaporation while substantially preventing the flow through or loss of analyte. The method is particularly suitable for use in evaporative procedures involving vacuum, blow-down, and/or centrifugal processes.

Abstract: A method of recycling and purifying cleaning chemicals used in the production of semiconductor circuits and containing hydrofluoric acid and or hydrochloric acid. Recycling of such chemicals is accomplished using separation and reconstitution steps Hydrofluoric acid and hydrochloric acid cannot be distilled directly from a chemical solution as they form azeotropes with water. A low vapor pressure substance such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid is used to break the azeotrope while increasing the purity of the recovered chemicals and decreasing disposal problems. The method is useable at the point of use of the chemicals.

Abstract: A method for decontaminating a liquid of a contaminant having a vapor pressure which is higher than the vapor pressure of the liquid. A contaminated liquid is directed through an inclined conduit. A gas is directed into the inclined conduit, whereby the gas contacts the liquid and transports the contaminant, which has volatilized in the inclined conduit, out of the inclined conduit, thereby decontaminating the liquid. The liquid is discharged from the inclined conduit.

Abstract: A method of evaporating liquid from a liquid and solid solution in a container within a chamber involves moving the container in an orbital motion such that the solution forms a vortex configuration within the container and also involves directing gas into the container. The gas is directed into the container from a point source above the liquid in the container to decrease the partial pressure on the solution thereby increasing the evaporation rate of the liquid from the solution. To further increase evaporation of the liquid, heat may be applied to the container. The temperature within the chamber may be regulated by sensing the temperature within the chamber and controlling the application of heat to the container in response to the temperature sensed within the chamber.

Abstract: A process for drying water-containing materials in a closed-circuit system using a vertical drying tower having inlets located at a lower portion of the tower, the inlets circulating superheated steam in countercurrent to the water-containing materials descending through the vertical drying tower thereby drying the water-containing materials, the improvement being:(a) providing an auxiliary fluid having a temperature below that of the superheated steam entering into the vertical drying tower;(b) providing a double jacket having a permeable inner wall wherein the double jacket surrounds the lower portion of the vertical drying tower below the inlets; and(c) introducing the auxiliary fluid through the permeable inner wall of the double jacket and into the vertical drying tower in a tangential or radial direction relative to the permeable inner wall.

Abstract: An arrangement for discharging and collecting the distillate of rotary vacuum evaporators includes a rotating flask and a line for conducting the distillate from the rotating flask to a cooler for liquefying the distillate. The liquified distillate flows from the cooler into a collector and from the collector into a storage container. A safety check valve constructed as a pressure control valve is provided between the collector and the storage container. An excess pressure producer for increasing the pressure of the distillate is provided between the collector and the pressure control valve, wherein the pressure control valve and the excess pressure producer are constructed so as to interact in such a way that the pressure control valve opens when a sufficient excess pressure of the distillate has been reached.

Abstract: System and method for treating toxic washwater from ink, paint, pesticides and the like. The wash water is heated to a temperature on the order of 100.degree. F. in a sump positioned beneath a bed of horse manure media containing aerobic fungi and bacteria. Washwater is foam lifted from the sump to a level above the media and allowed to filter down through the media. Hot dry air is blown into the media from the side to maintain the media at a temperature on the order of 100.degree. F. and thereby promote microbiological activity and evaporation of the water in the media. Warm moist air from the media is cooled to condense the moisture, and the condensed moisture is collected as distilled water. A prefilter removes excessive amounts of solids from the washwater before it is introduced into the sump, and a Carnot cycle system provides the necessary heating and cooling for the water, media and air.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of an acid in its anhydrous form from an aqueous solution containing the acid in its hydrated form. The process includes adding to the solution a weak base in the form of a soluble salt of the acid, and concentrating the solution containing the acid hydrate and the salt of the acid to a substantially water-free, acid-salt mixture. The acid is distilled off in its anhydrous form from the acid-salt mixture.

Abstract: A urea production process combining lower pressure urea concentration and carbamate recovery steps into a single non-vacuum operation. Following high pressure stripping wherein a bulk of unreacted carbamate is recovered from the reaction effluent, remaining carbamate is stripped by heated air at atmospheric pressure wherein urea is concurrently concentrated without the use of vacuum evaporators. Weak carbamate solution subsequently formed is stripped of water (and residual urea is hydrolyzed) using air and steam at a medium pressure single tower hydrolyzer/stripper to obtain a concentrated carbamate stream suitable for recycle to the reactor. The process employs heat integration for enhanced energy efficiency and produces a good quality aqueous condensate suitable for direct use as boiler feed water. Thus the aqueous condensate produced requires no additional cooling and ammonia treatment. The process employs simplified and reduced process unit operation to eliminate equipment for cost reduction.

Abstract: Tetranitromethane and other polynitrated methanes can be effectively removed from otherwise substantially organic-free nitric acid streams through the addition of substantially organic-free concentrated sulfuric acid and by, optionally, performing secondary operations such as sparging the mixed acid stream with a gas such as nitric oxide or with an oil.

Abstract: A method for separating boric acid from a liquid, especially liquid waste obtained from a nuclear power plant. In the method, the waste solution containing the boric acid is contacted with steam in a reactor so that the boric acid evaporates from the liquid and passes into the steam vapor phase. Consequently, the radioactive wastes which are not evaporated with the steam remain in the waste water while the boric acid is removed from the waste water when it passes into the vapor or steam phase. The boric acid can then be separated and recovered from the steam by means of a distillation and fractionating column or a wash column. By removing the boric acid from the liquid waste, it is possible to obtain concentrated radioactive waste having a reduced volume due to the absence of boric acid in the waste.

Abstract: A method for the separation and purification in a single pass of a heat or oxygen-sensitive liquid feed, such as a plant derived liquid feed mixture of fatty acids, tocopherol compounds and sterols, into a low boiling point purified fraction of Vitamin E tocopherol compounds and a high boiling point concentrate fraction of triglycerides, which method can be maintained in the presence of an inert gas to provide reduced degradation and increased purity of the Vitamin E fraction.

Abstract: A retrofit system for biological treatment sanitation vaults wherein evaporation of the liquid waste is accelerated by locating a conduit within the waste receptacle into which only liquid may flow and evaporate within the conduit in the air flowing therethrough. A double conduit system substantially connected in parallel may be used to evaporate liquids accumulating in vaults receiving heavy use for short durations as a float operated air control system permits the most effective utilization of the air movement through the conduit circuit as automatically controlled by the liquid level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for decontaminating a liquid surfactant of a dioxane having a vapor pressure which is higher than the surfactant. A contaminated liquid surfactant is directed through an inclined conduit. A gas is directed into the inclined conduit, whereby the gas contacts the surfactant and transports the dioxane contaminant, which has volatilized in the inclined conduit, out of the inclined conduit, thereby decontaminating the surfactant. The liquid surfactant is discharged from the inclined conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for continuously extracting a solute from a carrier medium (102) is provided. The apparatus is formed from a vessel (12) including a convergent baffle (22) separating the vessel into a lower distillation chamber (24) and an upper extraction chamber (26). The convergent baffle is configured as an inverted funnel such that it defines a conduit riser (28) projecting upwardly into the extraction chamber and terminating in a vaporized solvent port (30) placing the distillation chamber in fluid-flow direct communication with the extraction chamber. A vapor rotating spheres-condenser (34) is mounted on the upper end of the vessel and opens into the extraction chamber. Solvent is placed in the distillation chamber while the carrier medium containing the solute is placed in the extraction chamber. Solvent is vaporized in the distillation chamber, rises upwardly through the conduit riser, and passes through the carrier medium, thereby extracting solute in a continuous linear-toroidal motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing water from a solution of water and glycol solution. The apparatus finds application in recycling of glycol wherein a water and glycol solution having as much as a 95% water content when introduced to the apparatus leaves the apparatus with a water content in the order of 40% to 60%. The glycol concentrator has a packing medium made from glass shards that provide a labyrinth through which air is circulated in one direction and thin streams of glycol are circulated in generally the opposite direction. It is believed that mixing of the thin streams of solution and air flow steams in the labyrinth results in a thin film evaporation process. The glycol concentrator apparatus has reduced energy requirements when compared with a distilling process.

Abstract: A method for evaporating a starting solution to produce an end solution by spraying the starting solution into a gaseous medium under the conditions that the heat content of the starting solution in contact with the gaseous medium is smaller than the heat content of the gaseous medium; the duration of contact is such that most of the evaporation of solution takes place under conditions of constant enthalpy; and the vapor pressure of the gaseous medium is less than the vapor pressure of the liquid/gas interface of the end solution including the step of spraying the starting solution supplied by delivering devices using a pump through spray heads, each spray head includes a member having a plurality of holes the radii of which are not less than 0.025 mm and the distance between them is at least 0.3 mm for producing a shower of starting solution droplets of substantially constant radius substantially independent of spray head operating pressure. An apparatus for evaporating a starting solution is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-step process for producing HAN that is free of ammonium nitrate. The process comprises the steps of: (a) stripping ammonia from an ammonia-containing, aqueous hydroxylamine solution having a hydroxylamine concentration of at least 10% by weight based upon the weight of the hydroxylamine solution, by contacting the ammonia-containing hydroxylamine solution with a stripping agent selected from the group consisting of inert gases and steam to provide an ammonia-free, aqueous hydroxylamine solution, and (b) reacting the ammonia-free, aqueous hydroxylamine solution with aqueous nitric acid having an acid concentration of at least about 0.1%, preferably at least about 20%, based upon the weight of the aqueous nitric acid, to produce ammonium nitrate-free HAN. In another process embodiment of the invention, the above-described ammonia stripping step is not required, and the hydroxylamine concentration is at least about 0.

Abstract: A high efficiency batch sulfuric acid reprocessor system that is capable of producing high purity acid through distillation. Methods of use are also provided. The distillation is monitored and controlled in accordance with temperatures of the system, in particular, the temperature of the column and the temperature of the vapor in a condensing chamber. A stream splitter enables the invention to selectively collect high purity product as well as remove waste or recycle condensate as reflux.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a fluid distillation system wherein each embodiment uses a primary container or chamber for water or fluid to be distilled and a secondary water container or chamber. The two chambers are adjacent to each other, and the secondary chamber cooperates with the primary chamber to direct water vapor generated in the system to travel to a reservoir for collection. The primary chamber has a heater therewithin near the upper surface of the water carried thereby. The heater is provided for generating water vapor from aerated water, whereby the water vapor when heated will pass out of water at the upper surface of the water and into fluid passages for flow to the reservoir. The secondary container or chamber has no heater but carries aerated water before the water moves out of the secondary container or chamber and into and downwardly along a passage which lead eventually to the reservoir.

Abstract: A process for separating phthalimido-peroxycaproic acid (PAP) from solutions in organic solvents, wherein the organic solvents have a solubility in water equal to or lower to 10% by weight, is provided. The process employs the following steps:(a) dispersing the solution in an aqueous medium to form a suspension;(b) bubbling an inert gas into the resulting suspension; and(c) recovering PAP from the suspension.

Abstract: Process for preparing ultra-pure nitrogen containing less than 100 ppb (parts per billion) impurities, characterized in that at least the impurities consisting of carbon monoxide (CO) and/or hydrogen (H.sub.2) are removed by passing the gas from which at least one of these two components has to be removed, over a bed of particles including a metallic element namely copper (Cu) and/or ruthenium (Ru) and/or rhodium (Rh) and/or palladium (Pd) and/or osmium (Os) and/or iridium (Ir) and/or platinum (Pt) supported on a particulate support, by the technique of ion exchange and/or by the technique of impregnation. This technique enables to produce ultra-pure nitrogen by using it either with nitrogen obtained by distillation, or air to be distilled as an additional step for the removal of CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O. A device for carrying out the process constitutes another object of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing volatile liquids comprises a packed column, a gas inlet port (for introducing a hot entrainer gas), a feed tube (for introducing a volatile liquid), a feed distributor comprising a base plate equipped with orifices (through which the liquid flows downward into the packed column) and risers (through which the formed gaseous mixture of entrainer gas and vaporized liquid flows upward), and a gas outlet port. This apparatus can be used to vaporize volatile liquids, preferably volatile tin compounds, optionally in admixture with volatile silicon compounds, wherein steam is used as the entrainer gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for separating boric acid from a liquid, especially liquid waste obtained from a nuclear power plant. In the process, the waste solution containing the boric acid is contacted with steam in a reactor so that the boric acid evaporates from the liquid and passes into the steam vapor phase. Consequently, the radioactive wastes which are not evaporated with the steam remain in the waste water while the boric acid is removed from the waste water when it passes into the vapor or steam phase. The boric acid can then be separated and recovered from the steam by means of a distillation and fractionating column or a wash column. By removing the boric acid from the liquid waste, it is possible to obtain concentrated radioactive waste having a reduced volume due to the absence of boric acid in the waste.

Abstract: In isolating fullerenes from fullerene-containing soot the soot is heated by using microwaves to from 300.degree. to 800.degree. C. and the evaporating fullerenes are condensed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a volatile component from a liquid. The volatile component is destroyed by exothermic reaction with an active component in the gas phase, typically over a catalyst. Heat generated by the reaction of the volatile and active components is transferred to a fluid contact zone in which the organic component is stripped from the liquid stream by a stripping gas. Transfer of heat to the fluid contact zone increases the equilibrium partial pressure of the volatile component in the gas phase and thus increases the driving force for mass transfer in the stripping operation. Preferably, the volatile component is reacted with the active component in a regenerative heat transfer reaction system.

Abstract: Recovery of caprolactam and of an alkali metal carbonate from distillation residues which are obtained in the purification of caprolactam and contain caprolactam and/or oligomers and/or polymers of caprolactam and also alkali metal hydroxides by(a) melting the distillation residues, the caprolactam and/or oligomers and/or polymers of caprolactam and alkali metal hydroxides,(b) continuously removing caprolactam from the melt,(c) after removing caprolactam, cooling the melt and obtaining a residue,(d) dissolving the residue thus obtained in water and(e) subjecting the aqueous solution thus obtained to combustion with the formation of an alkali metal carbonateis described.

Abstract: A process for making a light color maple syrup from a water-containing sap. In a first step, the sap is boiled under normal pressure to evaporate part of the water contained therein in the form of steam, to form the maple syrup and to develop caramelized and sweet characteristics and give flavor and a tinted color to this maple syrup. In a second step, the sap is heated at a temperature lower than the boiling temperature of the sap and atomized through an air circulating column to evaporate another part of the water contained therein. This second step which can be carried out before the first one, permits to concentrate the sap, to increase its sugar content and to avoid further caramelization thereof. The sap which is so obtained with an increased sugar content, may be recycled as long as necessary until a desired sugar concentration corresponding to a predetermined Brix number is reached.

Abstract: A method has been discovered for stripping aromatic hydrocarbon contaminants from wastewater and retaining the aromatic hydrocarbons on activated carbon. The wastewater is contacted countercurrently with stripping gas. The stripping gas is passed over a bed of activated carbon to regenerate the stripping gas. The entire volume of stripping gas is recycled to the stripping vessel. There is no purge of stripping gas or aromatic hydrocarbons to the atmosphere. The removed aromatic hydrocarbons are retained by the activated carbon and periodically recovered. An activated carbon particularly adapted for retaining and recovering aromatic hydrocarbons has been found.

Abstract: A silver nitrate feed solution containing nitrites and nitric acid is treated to produce a low-nitrite silver nitrate product solution. In the process, the temperature of the feed solution is established in the range of from about 80.degree. C. to about the boiling point of the feed solution. The feed solution is introduced into a vessel having a stripping zone containing a contacting element and is dispersed over the contacting element. The feed solution is flowed counter to and intimately contacted in the stripping zone with a motive gas to strip nitrites from solution and form a low-nitrite silver nitrate product solution.

Abstract: Water and organic low-boiling constituents in organic heat transfer fluids used to heat commercial processes are removed by introducing a gas such as nitrogen into a turbulent flow of the heat transfer fluid and separating gas which then contains low-boiling constituents from the heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer system. The gas containing low-boiling constituents may be sent to a condenser to return heat transfer fluid which also vaporizes into the gas, but to a lesser extent than the low-boilers, to the heat transfer system. The gas containing low-boiling constituents is then combusted.

Abstract: A continuous process for the extraction of halogenated hydrocarbons from a dilute, halogenated hydrocarbon-containing aqueous fluid, in high efficiency, while dramatically reducing the stripping medium requirement for the extraction and without substantially increasing the amount of halogenated hydrocarbons discharged to the atmosphere.

Abstract: In a distillation column with vaporous sidestream removal, the vaporous product removed is condensed in a condenser. The vapor pipe provided for the removal of product opens into a dip tank of which the upper end is connected to the condenser while its lower end is connected to a discharge pump. Inert gas present in the condensate is returned to the column above the sidestream removal through an inert gas pipe arranged at the upper end of the condenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing cobalt values from the crude product of a cobalt-catalyzed hydroformylation reaction wherein an overhead stripper-reactor reflux product is recycled to a location on the stripper-reactor which is capable of forming a stripping zone in the upper portion of the stripper-reactor and a reaction zone in the lower portion of the stripper-reactor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for decreasing the pressure drop in a column used for contacting at least one gaseous stream and at least one liquid stream, wherein a portion of the pressure drop across the column is caused by foam. The method comprises injecting a non-foamable liquid into the gaseous stream at a location, in an amount, and at a temperature which are sufficient to decrease the total pressure drop across the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fluid distillation in general, and in particular, of water, adapted for consumer or home use, but capable of being made and operated so that it is suitable for separating solvents and solutes and other industrial use. The apparatus includes a housing having divider structure to form one or more compartments for receiving water to be distilled. The divider structure also presents a fluid passage for receiving water vapor which is formed when the upper portion of the water in the housing is boiled by a heater. An aerator is provided in the housing below the heater and in a location within the water compartment. The aerator operates to direct air under a slight pressure into the water so that air bubbles can be generated in the water. The air bubbles will rise and break the surface of the water as the upper part of the water is being boiled by the heater.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for extracting sample components from complex matrices using supercritical fluid as the principal extracting solvent are disclosed. The invention takes advantage of the fact that the solvent power of a supercritical fluid is stepwise settable by the parameters of density, modifier concentration, and temperature. Accordingly, methods and apparatus for extracting a component from a sample using fluid flow system having a variable and controllable flow restriction are disclosed. The methods of the present invention comprise the steps of inserting the sample into the sample container section, inputting temperature, pressure, flow rate and extraction time set points. Flow rate is controlled and system pressure regulated by the variable flow restriction. The output stream from the extraction is then expanded through a nozzle and into a trap. In certain embodiments, the trap is filled with chemically active packing material.

Abstract: In a method for producing fresh water using solar energy, the method involving the use of an installation comprising a structure oriented toward the sun and permeable to solar radiation, forming a greenhouse including a preheating and reheating chamber and an evaporation chamber into which water containing impurities is introduced to be evaporated by the indirect influence of the solar radiation in the air trapped under the structure, the air being conveyed to a temperature exchanger such that the vapors carried thereby will be condensed and collected, the improvement comprising evaporation of the water containing impurities on mounds of capillary material scattered and distributed over the entire span of the evaporation chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating hydrocarbon gas containing carbonyl sulfide with hot aqueous absorbent at hydrolysis gas containing carbonyl sulfide hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide and formation of hydrolysis product gas, and for cooling the hydrolysis product gas with cool absorbent at cooling temperature, comprising (a) a hydrolysis section, (b) a cooling section; (c) a chimney tray positioned between the cooling section and the hydrolysis section; (d) a heater to heat the absorbent to form hot aqueous absorbent at hydrolysis reaction temperature; and, (e) a cooler to cool the absorbent withdrawn from the hydrolysis section to cool absorbent at cooling temperature.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of absolute alcohol from aqueous alcohol, whereby saving of energy to a greater extent is rendered possible in a more simple process, as compared with the prior art azeotropic distillation method using benzene or cyclohexane. That is, aqueous alcohol is subjected to extractive distillation in a first distillation column under such a condition that a liquid and gas of a solvent simultaneously coexist using low pressure propane, propylene and butane as the solvent, absolute alcohol substantially free from water is recovered from the bottom of the distillation column and subjected to stripping of hydrocarbons in a second distillation column, during which the gaseous phases of the first and second distillation columns are mixed and compressed, utilized through recompression as a heat source of a reboiler of the first distillation column, subjected to separation of water content and recycled to the upper parts of the first and second distillation columns.