Abstract: A purification process for methyl methacrylate (MMA) and a recovery process for methanol are disclosed. A mixture, which contains water, methanol and methyl methacrylate (MMA) as principal components along with at least one of methyl acrylate, methyl propionate and methacrylic acid, is azeotropically distilled together with hexane to obtain MMA in a form substantially free of water, methanol methyl acrylate, methyl propionate and hexane and a low boiling-point fraction. The low boiling-point fraction is cooled and separated into a water phase and an oil phase. Methanol can be recovered from the water phase by adding an alkaline substance to it and then distilling the resultant mixture. A preparation process of MMA is also disclosed. MMA can be prepared by esterifying methacrylic acid or methacrylamide with methanol and then applying the above purification process.

Abstract: A method is provided for the separation by extractive distillation of oxygenated impurities from a monoepoxide while avoiding epoxide loss, wherein lower glycol is used as extractive solvent in amounts so as to provide only up to about 0.3 mol % solvent in the vapor in the extractive distillation zone.

Abstract: Glycerine cannot be easily separated from triethylene glycol and 1,2,4-butanetriol by atmospheric or reduced pressure distillation because of the closeness of their boiling points. Glycerine can be readily separated from triethylene glycol and 1,2,4-butanetriol by azeotropic distillation. Typical effective agents are m-xylene, dipentene and 2-methoxyethyl ether.

Abstract: An extractive distillation process for separating at least one cycloalkane or aromatic hydrocarbon from at least one close-boiling alkane employs as solvent at least one N-mercaptoalkyl-2-pyrrolidone, preferably N-(.beta.-mercaptoethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, either alone or in admixture with about 0.1-10 weight-% water.A liquid-liquid extraction process for separating at least one cycloalkane or aromatic hydrocarbon from at least one alkane employs as solvent at least one N-mercaptoalkyl-2-pyrrolidone, preferably N-(.beta.-mercaptoethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, either alone or in admixture with about 0.1-10 weight-% water.

Abstract: A process for separation of components of a mixture of more than one organic substance or of a mixture of at least one organic substance and water by extraction using a supercritical fluid as an extractant. During the extraction an extraction aid having a higher affinity with an unextractable component of the mixture than with an extractable component of the mixture is present. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out this process.

Abstract: A mixture of (a) at least one N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (preferably N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) and (b) at least one sulfolane (preferably unsubstituted sulfolane) is used as solvent in the extractive distillation of feed mixture of cycloalkane(s) (in particular cyclohexane) and close-boiling alkane(s).

Abstract: A mixture of (a) at least one N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone (preferably N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) and (b) at least one glycol compound (preferably ethylene glycol or tetraethylene glycol) is used as solvent in the extractive distillation of a feed mixture of cycloalkane(s) (in particular cyclohexane) and close-boiling alkane(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining trioxane from aqueous solutions by high-pressure extraction using an extracting agent which is in the form either of a gas in the supercritical state or of a liquid gas. An intermediate separation is advantageous, especially in the former case.The trioxane can be obtained in high concentration and with a saving of energy by the process according to the invention.

Abstract: Water-insoluble crystallizable epoxy alcohols such as phenyl glycidol are recovered from epoxidation reaction mixtures by washing the mixture with water, concentrating the mixture by distillation under vacuum to remove unreacted hydroperoxide and alcohol co-product, and crystallizing the epoxy alcohol from solution. Minimal decomposition of the epoxy alcohol is observed.

Abstract: An extractive distillation process for separating at least one cycloalkane from at least one close-boiling alkane employs as solvent a mixture of (a) at least one saturated C5-C9 alcohol (preferably cyclohexanol) and (b) at least one glycol compound (preferably tetraethylene glycol).

Abstract: Distillation residues from the purification of caprolactam are worked up by heating in the presence of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide and in the presence of a high-boiling hydrocarbon at from 250.degree. to 500.degree. C. and continuously removing the caprolactam.

Abstract: An improved process for separating high purity alkyl glyoxylate from complex mixtures containing alkyl glyoxylate, alkyl glycolate, water, alcohol and miscellaneous impurities by an azeotropic distillation operation using an azeotroping agent selected from the group consisting of methylene dichloride, 1,1,1--trichloroethane, and benzene.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing an alpha-, beta-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid compound which comprises the aldol-type condensation of a saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid compound under vapor phase conditions in the presence of a hydrocarbon of 6 to 12 carbon atoms and a solid catalyst.

Abstract: A process for extracting pure components from a multi-component system, said system comprising a mixture of at least two solids or liquids in a supercritical fluid at constant pressure, which involves making use of the cross-over pressure points of the components which comprise the system.

Abstract: The separation of homozeotropic mixtures of a paraffin or paraffins of 6-14 carbon atoms and an alcohol or alcohols of 4-8 carbon atoms is conducted in two rectification steps. In a first step, rectification is carried out in the presence of water as the azeotropic agent, and the resultant distillate, after condensation, is separated into two liquid phases. The thus-obtained organic phase is rectified in a further step without the addition of water, and the head product consisting of an alcohol/paraffin mixture is recycled into the first step. The paraffin or paraffins and the alcohol or alcohols are obtained in the lower section of the individual rectifying step or steps. The water which may be present in the starting mixture is removed from the cycle. Low-boiling paraffins and/or low-boiling alcohols are suitable as additional azeotropic agents.

Abstract: Concentrated, stable water-in-oil emulsions of water-soluble or water-swellable polymers are prepared by polymerization of one or more water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated monomers in a water-in-oil emulsion and removal of water from the water-in-oil polymer emulsion by azeotropic distillation, by a method in which superheated vapor of an inert organic solvent which is immiscible with water is passed into the water-in-oil polymer emulsion. Using the process, it is also possible to concentrate emulsions which tend to coagulate or water-in-oil emulsions which are sensitive to shearing, without the polymers losing their effectiveness.

Abstract: Diethoxymethane (ethylal), prepared by reacting formaldehyde with ethanol, may be recovered from the product mixture in substantially pure form by first distilling off an azeotrope comprising ethanol and diethoxymethane, adding a selected solvent to the azeotrope which will form an azeotrope with the ethanol, distilling off said latter azeotrope and recovering the substantially pure diethoxymethane.

Abstract: Existing fractional distillation columns, especially those in extensive commercial use for separating the lower molecular weight hydrocarbons, are often limited in the quality of separation achievable by the heat-absorbing capacity of and/or the minimum operating temperature of their associated refrigeration equipment. The separation efficiency of such equipment can be improved by introducing an auxiliary material into the equipment to provide additional reflux volume without the need for added refrigeration capacity. The auxiliary material must be less volatile than the primary constituent(s) of the off-gas from the column, and it advantageously should also be less volatile than the majority of the bottoms stream from the column, in order to facilitate later separation.

Abstract: An improved method of stripping unreacted alkylene glycol monoalkyl ethers and unreacted monocarboxylic or halogenated monocarboxylic acids from a mixture containing the monocarboxylic acid ester prepared therefrom by acid catalyzed esterification without any significant loss of the product ester. The method involves the injection of water into the distillate during the stripping and is particularly suitable for the recovery of propylene glycol monomethyl ether and acetic acid from esterification reaction mixtures containing a predominate amount of product propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate. The process allows for removal and recovery or recycle of the ether and acid and the preparation of a higher purity product ester.

Abstract: The concentration buildup of contaminants methylacetylene and propadiene in a propylene/propane fractionation column is prevented by controlling the injection of propane from a source external from the feedstream into the inlet stream to the column in response to the measured propane content of the feedstream downstream of the point of propane injection, the measured methylacetylene content of the bottoms product from the column, or the measured methylacetylene content of a sample from a tray of the column.

Abstract: Phenol containing MBF impurity is distilled in the presence of water and an extraction solvent for MBF (preferably AMS and/or cumene) to recover a phenol bottoms having reduced impurities. The use of solvent permits a reduction in the amount of water used, which reduces the amount of phenol in the overhead, thereby lowering costs.

Abstract: A process for completely separating tri(phosphonitrile chloride) from tetra(phosphonitrile chloride) and/or phosphonitrile chloride oligomer which includes vacuum distillation of the phosphonitrile chloride mixture together with an inert mixture of hydrocarbons as solvent.

Abstract: In purifying methyl methacrylate by feeding a feed mixture containing methanol, methyl methacrylate and 0.

Abstract: The invention pertains to improvements in a fluid handling system in which a working fluid passes through a rotor while undergoing a pressure change. A shaft extends longitudinally from and rotates with the rotor. A first seal surrounds the shaft in axially spaced relation to the rotor, and a lubricant having a minimum boiling point is injected into the first seal adjacent the shaft at a pressure sufficient to cause the lubricant to flow axially toward the rotor. A housing surrounds the rotor and shaft and defines a contact zone between the rotor and the first seal for receiving both lubricant and a contact fluid such as the working fluid or a seal buffer gas used to isolate the working fluid from the lubricant. The contact fluid has a maximum boiling point substantially less than the minimum boiling point of the lubricant.

Abstract: This is a partial oxidation process in which heavy hydrocarbonaceous fractions from a petroleum refinery and light liquid paraffinic hydrocarbon extractants are used in the production of synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas i.e. gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 and CO. In the process, substantially all of the particulate carbon and soot that are simultaneously produced are recovered and recycled to the reaction zone.

Abstract: Methanol is reacted with branched monoolefins such as isobutylene, or mixtures of hydrocarbons such as mixed C-4's from or in a refinery, in the presence of methanesulfonic acid. A column (10) operation is described wherein methanesulfonic acid (11) and methanol (12) are fed in countercurrent fashion to hydrocarbons (13). Crude product ether is removed as a liquid sidestream (25) above the feed of methanesulfonic acid (11), while hydrocarbons depleted of the reactive branched monoolefins (24) are removed overhead. The methanesulfonic acid suppresses the vapor pressure of methanol relative to product ether.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a process for separating acetone from reaction mixtures originating from the reaction of methyl acetate and/or dimethylether with carbon monoxide and optionally hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of carbonyl complexes of noble metals of group VIII of the Periodic System of the elements, acetic acid, an organophosphorus or organonitrogen compound, methyl iodide and optionally carbonyl-yielding compounds of common metals.

Abstract: The fractionation of the methanol- or ethanol-containing methyl-(or ethyl)-tertiary-butyl ether reactor effluent is improved by employing 2-methylpentane to azeotrope methanol or ethanol overhead, or by using 1,1,3-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane (F113) to azeotrope methanol overhead, leaving a substantially pure MTBE or ETBE bottoms.

Abstract: Ethylene oxide is extracted from aqueous solutions by carbon dioxide under (near) super-critical conditions and thereafter recovered by distillation at sub-critical conditions. Improved distillation is obtained by adding to the carbon dixoide a gas (or gases) which adjust the critical temperature of the gas mixture of the top of the distillation column within the range of about 32.degree. C. to about 75.degree. C. Preferred gases are the saturated hydrocarbons, particularly propane, n-butane, isobutane and pentane.

Abstract: Ethylene oxide is recovered from aqueous solutions by extracting with carbon dioxide in the near-critical or super-critical state, thereby selectively removing the ethylene oxide from water, and thereafter recovering ethylene oxide from the carbon dioxide by distillation or other suitable means.

Abstract: An improved distillation method and apparatus are provided for recovering anhydrous ethanol from fermentation or synthetic feedstocks. The system includes at least one stripper-rectifier tower, a dehydrating tower, and an azeotropic agent stripping tower. Substantial energy savings are realized by operating the dehydrating tower, and preferably also the azeotropic agent stripping tower, at a higher pressure than the stripper-rectifier tower and by condensing the overhead vapors from the dehydrating tower (or dehydrating tower and azeotropic agent stripping tower) to provide the heat required in the stripper-rectifier tower. In a preferred embodiment, two stripper-rectifier towers are used, one operating at a higher pressure than the other, in which case the higher pressure tower is heated as just described and the overhead vapors from the higher pressure tower are condensed to supply the heat required in the lower pressure tower.

Abstract: A process for the separation of a dissolved solid from an aqueous solution containing it, comprising the steps of (a) adding thereto an organic liquid which is a poor solvent for the dissolved solid and which forms an azeotrope with water, (b) subjecting the mixture to azeotropic distillation to separate at least a major portion of the water, (c) cooling the mixture thereby causing substantially complete separation of the dissolved solids, and (d) separating same from the mother liquor.

Abstract: The energy requirements of a solution rubber process are significantly improved by employing solvent which has been removed in subsequent process steps.The invention concerns the separation treatment of the solvents and the polymer solutions produced by solution polymerization. In one embodiment a polymer solution is flashed to remove solvent vapor overhead and a concentrated polymer solution is removed as bottoms. The flashed solvent vapor is divided into at least two streams. A first stream is used as a stripping vapor medium in a zone for stripping a wet solvent to recover a wet solvent vapor overhead from the stripping zone and a dry solvent liquid as bottoms; the second flashed solvent vapor stream is used to preheat the wet solvent feed to the stripping zone by indirect contact heat exchange; a third portion of said solvent vapor can be combined with the second portion downstream of the heat exchange step, and the combined stream can be condensed.

Abstract: An improved method for the separation of close-boiling chlorosilanes is described. The method consists of the extractive distillation of the close-boiling chlorosilanes using sulfolane as the extractive solvent and thereafter separating the higher-boiling chlorosilane and sulfolane by distilling the higher-boiling chlorosilane from the higher-boiling chlorosilane and sulfolane mixture to which is added a hydrocarbon solvent. Preferred hydrocarbon solvents include normal-heptane, normal-nonane, and 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. The sulfolane obtained from the higher-boiling chlorosilane and sulfolane mixture is suitable for recycling to the extractive distillation process as the sulfolane contains only limited amounts of dissolved chlorosilane.

Abstract: A process for purifying 1,2-butylene oxide which comprises extractive distillation of crude butylene oxide with an added solvent comprising an acyclic, paraffinic hydrocarbon having from 7 to 9 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process for separating off organic iodine compounds from acetaldehyde-free carbonylation products of methanol, methyl acetate and dimethyl ether by removing the iodine compounds by azeotropic distillation with a hydrocarbon having a boiling point, under atmospheric pressure, of 25-55.degree. C.

Abstract: The distillation of 2,2'bis(4-aminocyclohexyl)propane to yield high purity product is effectively carried out using high boiling organic solvents.

Abstract: A process for separating off organic iodine compounds from acetaldehyde by subjecting the acetaldehyde to azeotropic distillation with a hydrocarbon boiling at from 25.degree. to 55.degree. C. under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A process for producing gasoline-ethanol blends comprises purifying dilute ethanol by extractive distillation and concentrating the ethanol by distillation followed by one or both of the following steps: (a) liquid extraction of ethanol into heated gasoline or (b) azeotropic distillation of ethanol with an entrainer followed by blending with gasoline.

Abstract: A process for removing water from butylene oxides which comprises liquid extraction of crude butylene oxides with a solvent comprising acyclic, paraffinic hydrocarbons having from 7 to 9 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: Butenes are added to the methanol-containing methyl-tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) reactor effluent fractionation to effect recovery of substantially methanol-free MTBE bottoms product. Methanol analysis taken below the fractionator feed locus manipulates control of butenes addition. In an embodiment, the methanol-butenes-containing overhead stream from the fractionation is treated over activated alumina to adsorb methanol, yielding a methanol-free butenes feed for HF alkylation of isobutane. The used adsorbent can be regenerated using hot butenes product and/or MTBE reactor feed vapor with the recovered methanol being recycled to the MTBE reaction.

Abstract: A process has been developed for the purification of expoxides containing carbonyl compounds as impurities wherein the carbonyl compound content is up to 2% by weight of epoxide. Purification is effected by treatment with compounds containing at least one NH.sub.2 group.

Abstract: Control of multiple distillation columns for producing anhydrous alcohol suitable for blending with gasoline to produce gasohol. The distillation process involves production of a first-stage distillate containing a predetermined amount of water, followed by azeotropic distillation in the presence of a hydrocarbon entrainer to strip the distillate of its water content, leaving anhydrous alcohol as a bottom product. Tight controls are present during first-stage distillate production to hold its proof at an optimum value derived at through material balance calculations to minimize energy consumption for the overall system. Control over the dehydrating stage is accomplished by a combination of ratio control to regulate and maintain the proper proportion of the entrainer and temperature control to regulate within the column the actual inventory of entrainer.

Abstract: In a process for separating at least two alkyl phenols having close boiling points by azeotropic distillation of a mixture composed of the alkyl phenols with a hydrocarbon azeotroping agent, the improvement wherein said hydrocarbon azeotroping agent is selected from saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons of 9 to 13 carbon atoms having a boiling point of 150.degree. to 190.degree. C. at 760 mmHg.

Abstract: The invention involves a process for substantially separating the components of mixtures of substances at least one of which is of low volatility while the other is of low or no volatility, the process using a compressed gas under supercritical conditions and an entrainer which increases the concentration of said mixture in the gaseous phase as well as the separation factor between the components to be separated. The process operates in two distillation zones the first of which substantially separates the components of low volatility in a process similar to a rectification process while the second distillation zone separates the top product of the first distillation zone from the gas with the aid of the entrainer which is condensed partially and in this state is passed in countercurrent to the gas carrying the separated component of low volatility.

Abstract: In a process for the continuous preparation of pure organic solutions of percarboxylic acids having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, by(a) contacting aqueous hydrogen peroxide with a carboxylic acid containing 2 to 5 carbon atoms in the presence of an acid catalyst at a feed molar ratio of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 to carboxylic acid of 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for producing substantially anhydrous alcohols from aqueous solutions thereof by distilling a mixture of aqueous alcohol and an entrainer to a drying column withdrawing an azeotrope as a distillate and continuously recovering anhydrous alcohol with less than 0.1% by weight of water from the base of the drying column. The improvement resides in feeding the distillate to a condenser and introducing (a) the condensate therefrom in a substantially non-turbulent state into a decanter at a point close to the interface between the aqueous and organic phases present therein and (b) a specified amount of water, which is less than 0.25 volumes per volume of the anhydrous alcohol recovered, into the drying column at a point adjacent to that at which the organic hydrocarbon phase is returned as reflux.

Abstract: A process for separating phenol from a mixture of the same with cresol which comprises including in the mixture a component which has a dipole moment of 0 to 0.5 Debye and has a boiling point, under 1 bar, in the temperature range from 120.degree. to 220.degree. C. or which has a dipole moment of 0.5 to 2.5 Debyes and has a boiling point, under 1 bar, in the temperature range from 150.degree. to 190.degree. C. and distilling off phenol together with said component to leave behind said cresol.

Abstract: A novel nonazeotropic mixture containing R-22 and either R-124 or R-152a. This mixture has an improved efficiency in cooling and heating applications. Also provided is a method for producing refrigeration and a method for producing heating using this mixture.

Abstract: Process for producing and isolating methyl-tert-butyl ether (MTBE) comprising etherifying isobutene, contained in a C.sub.4 hydrocarbons mixture, with methanol in the presence of a recycle stream of C.sub.5 and/or C.sub.6 hydrocarbons, separating from the obtained reaction product, by fractionation, at least the major part of the unconverted C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, and discharging them, and fractionating the remaining product in two fractions, one of which contains an azeotrope of methanol with the C.sub.5 and/or C.sub.6 hydrocarbons and is recycled, the other fraction containing the purified MTBE.