Abstract: Provided is a novel on-site system and method for providing ultra-high-purity nitric acid to a point of use. The system includes a source of nitric acid at a concentration greater than 68 wt %; a reflux distillation column having an inlet in communication with the nitric acid source for introducing nitric acid into the column, a reboiler, and a condensate outlet to provide a flow of nitric acid condensate from the column; a reservoir in communication with the condensate outlet for receiving the flow of nitric acid condensate; and piping for delivering nitric acid from the reservoir to a point of use. The system and method can be used as an on-site subsystem, in a semiconductor device fabrication facility for supplying the nitric acid condensate to points of use in the semiconductor device fabrication facility.

Abstract: A fractionator has a fractionation vessel, a reactor effluent vapors inlet, a vapor feed contacting zone, a baffled contacting section above the vapor feed contacting zone, a tops section above the baffled contacting section, a heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section below the vapor feed contacting zone, a bottoms outlet, a bottoms recycle system with a heat exchanger. Recycled, cooled bottoms is fed back to the fractionation vessel at the heavy bottoms liquid hold-up pool section and above the vapor feed contacting zone. The improvements involve providing a separation tray and downpipe for separating cooler bottoms liquid from hotter product vapors within the fractionation vessel: to avoid condensation and absorption of product vapors by the liquid pool; to have more rapid and uniform quenching of hot liquid entering the pool; and substantially reduce costly onstream maintenance to clean fouled bottoms recycle exchangers.

Abstract: A process for producing an amide and/or acid from a nitrile comprises introducing a nitrile, as a first reactant, and a hydration compound, as a second reactant which is capable of reacting with the nitrile to convert it to its corresponding amide thus hydrating the nitrile and/or to convert it to its corresponding acid, into a treatment zone. The nitrile is subjected to catalytic distillation in the treatment zone in the presence of the hydration compound, to hydrate at least some of the nitrile to the corresponding amide and/or to form its corresponding acid. The amide and/or acid is withdrawn from the treatment zone.

Abstract: A process for deodorizing and subsequently cooling dispersions or liquids comprisinga) passing steam through the dispersion or liquid to be cooled and held in a vessel (1), said dispersion or liquid being caused to foam up as a result,b) discharging the foam from the top section of the vessel via a nozzle (5) into an evacuated separation vessel (4), the foam being broken in the process,c) condensing the water vapor formed from the foam in a heat exchanger (8) and removing volatile organic components at the same time, andd) returning the broken foam to the vessel (1),in which the steps a) to d) are performed until the dispersion or liquid has been deodorized to the desired extent, wherein, after completion of the deodorization (in accordance with steps a) to d)), the hot dispersion or liquid is discharged from the bottom section of the vessel (1) through the nozzle (5) into the evacuated separation vessel (4), so that the dispersion or the liquid is cooled, the nozzle (5) and the evacuated separation vessel (4

Abstract: In an atmospheric pipestill stripping process where steam is utilized as the stripping gas to strip bottoms and side stream products, the improvement comprising utilizing methanol or a methanol and steam mixture as said stripping gas. In a refinery atmospheric pipestill stripping process utilizing a stripping gas, said process comprising utilizing a gas selected from the group consisting of methanol and a mixture of methanol and steam as said stripping gas.

Abstract: A process for purification treatment of an impure liquid, such as a contaminated condensate, obtained when producing paper or paper pulp. The liquid is introduced intro a stripper device at an admission point (C) and the stripper device is also supplied with an acidifier preferably at a point (D) that is located above the admission point (C) and malodorous gases are driven off from the stripper device.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid wherein the improvement resides in dehydrating and recovering solvent from a feed stream having from 20% to 40% by weight water via azeotropic distillation with organic phase reflux using an entrainer selected from isobutyl acetate, n-propyl acetate or an entrainer with a boiling point between isobutyl acetate and n-propyl acetate.

Abstract: Distillation system having an evaporator/condenser core with heat transfer plates welded together along their edges to form alternate boiling and condensing chambers. Feed liquid is supplied to the boiling chambers through a pair of heat exchangers which preheats the liquid and a steam stripper utilizing ceramic pieces to remove gasses from the liquid. Vapor from the boiling chambers is compressed and delivered to the condensing chambers where it is condensed and gives up its heat to the liquid in the boiling chambers. Pumps positioned between the two heat exchangers draw the condensed product and unvaporized feed liquid containing dissolved solids from the evaporator/condenser and circulate them through the heat exchangers to transfer heat to the feed liquid.

Abstract: A process for separating the product gas mixture from the catalytic synthesis of methyl mercaptan. Because of improved separation of the product gas mixture into its components, less hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan are lost in discharging the inert gases than in the known process. The inert gases can be burned without after-treatment of the exhaust gas. Likewise, the process water that is discharged is less contaminated with polysulfides.

Abstract: A solution of an organic compound containing at least a polymer is treated by adding an amount of water to said solution, distilling the organic compound to recover the organic compound, and incinerating the remained aqueous solution containing the polymer.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of free hydroxylamine is prepared by a process in which the solution obtained by treating a hydroxylammonium salt with a base is separated into an aqueous hydroxylamine solution and a salt fraction by treatment with water or steam at .ltoreq.80.degree.0 C. The novel process can be carried out in a simple and gentle manner and on a large industrial scale. Owing to the low thermal load, the low concentration of hydroxylamine and the short residence time in the process, the risk of decomposition is minimized.

Abstract: Organic contaminants are removed from RPET flakes by a process that includes steam-stripping the contaminants out from the matrix of the RPET flakes. In an alternative embodiment, the RPET flakes are first comminuted to prepare RPET particles, and the RPET particles are thereafter steam-stripped.

Abstract: A method for removing residual vinyl chloride monomers from an aqueous slurry is disclosed. The method preferably utilizes a tower having a plurality of vertically spaced plates, which define a plurality of chambers, each chamber defined between adjacent plates. The tower features a plate in one of the chambers having a diameter of 1.05 to 5 times larger than the diameter of the plates in chambers above and below the chamber having the large plate. The method is based upon introducing the slurry to a particular location in the tower depending upon the porosity of the polyvinyl chloride in the slurry.

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: 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: An improved process for separating oil and water from an emulsion containing toxic light ends by flashing the heated and pressurized emulsion, condensing and separating the vaporized water and light ends, recovering the light ends, and recycling the condensed water. The resulting liquid water product has a reduced content of toxic light ends, such as benzene.

Abstract: A method for recovering methanol from sulfur-based wood pulping process vapors, which contain at least methanol and dimethyl disulfide. The method involves three steps. The first step consists of introducing the vapors into a first distillation tower at a vapor introduction point. The second step consists of introducing water into the first tower at a point above the vapor introduction point. The third step consists of heating liquid which is in the first tower below the vapor introduction point so that a liquid stream flows from the bottom of the first tower and a gas stream flows from the top of the first tower. The liquid stream contains most of the methanol originally in the vapors. The gas stream contains most of the dimethyl disulfide originally in the vapors. The liquid stream can then be distilled in a second distillation tower by conventional distillation to produce dry methanol. The first and third steps can be combined by introducing sufficiently heated vapors.

Abstract: A process for preparing a substantially pure aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is described. An impure hydrogen peroxide solution is vaporized in a vaporizer to form a vapor containing hydrogen peroxide and a concentrated hydrogen peroxide solution in equilibrium therewith. The solution also contains impurities. A substantially pure hydrogen peroxide solution is obtained by a partially condensing the vapor containing hydrogen peroxide. In addition to the solution, a residual vapor, in equilibrium with the solution and having a lower hydrogen peroxide concentration, can be condensed in a separate condenser. The concentration of the hydrogen peroxide solution obtained by the process can be regulated, for example, by regulating the condensation efficiency of the partial condensation.

Abstract: A process for preparing a high purity H.sub.2 O.sub.2 aqueous solution, which comprises the steps of: (a) feeding a crude H.sub.2 O.sub.2 aqueous solution containing H.sub.2 O.sub.2, organic carbon impurities and inorganic impurities into a distillation column having an inner wall at least the surface of which is made of a fluorine resin and internals and packings at least the surface of which are made of a fluorine resin being provided internally of the distillation column, from a bottom portion of the distillation column; (b) subjecting the crude hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution to distillation under reduced pressure and under heating the bottom portion; (c) taking out a distillate containing an extremely low concentration of H.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A process for the removal of aldehydes and acetals from industrially prepared acetic acid, wherein the contaminated acetic acid is reacted in the presence of a Bronstedt acid and 0.05 to 1% by weight of water and, if required, of 3 to 10 equivalents, calculated on aldehyde and acetal, of a high boiling polyhydric alcohol, and isolating the purified acetic acid by fractional distillation.

Abstract: A process for the hydrodistillation of mint oils from chopped mint plant. This process selectively collects mint oil condensates according to predetermined time, pressure and temperature parameters to better control the quality and quantity of mint oil distilled during the mint oil distillation process. This improved process provides improved yields and control over the hydrodistillation process of mint oil by manipulating time, temperature and pressure elements in the hydrodistillation process while requiring little or no equipment modification.

Abstract: A regenerating system, for the removal of water and potentially harmful organic constituents from a hydration fluid used to dehydrate natural gas. The system includes a device to assure positive flow of the water and organic constituent vapor out of the regenerator, to, in turn, control back pressure associated with the regenerator during the distillation process.

Abstract: A method for producing 2-chloropyridine and 2,6-dichloropyridine by the steps of mixing vaporized chlorine and vaporized water to obtain dilute chlorine; introducing the dilute chlorine and vaporized pyridine into a reactor; and reacting the vaporized pyridine with the dilute chlorine in a gas phase under ultraviolet rays irradiation. By the method, 2-chloropyridine and 2,6-dichloropyridine can be produced in high yields. The present invention is also directed to a method for separating 2,6-dichloropyridine from a mixture containing 2,6-dichloropyridine, 2-chloropyridine and pyridine by the step of carrying out distillation of the mixture containing 2,6-dichloropyridine, 2-chloropyridine and pyridine in the presence of water while adding sulfuric acid to a distillation column. Highly purified 2,6-dichloropyridine can be separated by the method.

Abstract: In an improved process for recovering ethylene oxide from an aqueous ethylene oxide solution further containing formaldehyde is provided wherein the impure aqueous ethylene oxide solution is introduced into a distillation zone as a feed stream and undergoes distillation therein to form an ethylene oxide product sidestream and an aqueous bottoms product, water is added to the distillation zone to absorb formaldehyde vapor into a liquid phase and combines with the formaldehyde vapor to form an apparent azeotrope, and removing the apparent azeotrope from the column, the improvement is that all or part of the water is a recycled aqueous stream originating from the aqueous bottoms product and introduced to the distillation zone above the feed stream.

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: A system and method for reducing hydrocarbons in wastewater includes an oil separator and a stripper tower. The tower has a housing that includes a stripper section and a condensation section. The stripper section includes a plurality of trays and steam inlet under the trays. The condensation section includes a plurality of trays and a pan tray having provisions to allow vapors to rise from the stripper section.

Abstract: A method for recovering volatile components from reformer effluent condensate and fusel oil in a methanol plant is disclosed. The fusel oil is stripped with steam to produce an overhead vapor stream of steam and stripped organic components which is recycled to the feed to the reformer. Also disclosed are a methanol plant with a fusel oil stripper; and a unitized stripper column for treating fusel oil and process condensate wherein steam containing volatile gases stripped from the process condensate is used to strip the fusel oil. The present invention improves yield and reduces or eliminates liquid fusel oil waste by recycling volatile organic components contained in the fusel oil to the feed of the reformer.

Abstract: A plant for processing vegetal stock includes a container mounted on a twheel trailer, and provided with bubblers for live steam which are arranged under a net for accommodation of the vegetal stock, and a detachable cover communicating through a steam pipe with a cooler which communicates with a separator through a distillate admission pipe provided with a splitter for preventing plug-shaped formation of oil therein. The bubblers for live steam are arranged in two planes perpendicular to the axis of the container and mounted in the cover is an additional bubbler.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing hydrocarbons in wastewater includes an oil separator and a stripper tower. The tower has a housing that includes a stripper section and a condensation section. The stripper section includes a plurality of trays and steam inlet under the trays. The condensation section includes a plurality of trays and a pan tray having provisions to allow vapors to rise from the stripper section. The method includes having the oil separator remove the soluble oil from the wastewater stream which passes through the stripper section and has steam remove the hydrocarbons. The resulting vapors then contact cold process fluid which results in a heated process fluid stream. A portion of this heated process fluid stream is then mixed with crude so that hydrocarbons can be assimilated into the crude.

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: Process for obtaining purified hydrogen peroxide solutions, consisting in evaporating the crude aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution containing the impurities and feeding by means of the vapour phase produced the foot of a distillation column provided in its lower part with a zone for washing the vapour phase with a small flow of liquid which refluxes in the bottom of the column and which has the same composition as the purified aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution forming the product leaving the column, in drawing off this purified product at a column height such that the draw-off is carried out above the vapour phase washing zone and in collecting at the bottom of the column a residue consisting of the small flow of washing liquid which contains most of the impurities. The washing zone has a diameter which is greater than that of the remainder of the column.Distillation column for carrying out the process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to separate each component from a mixed solution of organic solvents obtained during the production of .alpha.-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester, which is useful as a sweetener, namely, a mixed solution of acetic acid and toluene or a mixed solution of acetic acid, toluene and formic acid, recovering each component with a high recovery ratio with as small number of operations as possible. The method rationalizes the process and is highly valuable in practical use.

Abstract: A method of continuously distilling off the components of a mixture containing phenols, water and methanol using a single distillation column, wherein methanol is recovered from the top of the column, water containing phenols is dragged as a side stream from a recovery section of the column, and phenols are recovered as a bottom product. The method permits efficient separation by the single distillation column of the three components with high purity and low utility energy.

Abstract: A process for removing acetone from an acetone/methyl acetate/methyl iodide mixture utilizing extractive distillation with water being introduced to the distillation zone above the point of introduction of the mixture and acetic acid being introduced at or above the point of introduction of the mixture. In a preferred embodiment the mixture is subjected to an initial extraction with an aqueous extractant to remove most of the methyl iodide.The process is particularly applicable to removing acetone by-product in carbonylation processes for the production of acetic anhydride.

Abstract: A compact solvent reprocessing system for use in a limited physical area. Solvents to be reprocessed is contacted by deionized water in a water wash column and delivered to a distillation column where waste solvent is separated from materials that boil at a higher temperature than the waste solvent. Distilled solvent is delivered to a drying column and final filters for removal of any other foreign materials. The modular solvent reprocessing system to reclaim/recycle high purity solvents on-site at a manufacturing facility. A system includes a pumpless pressurized tank solvent transfer units, storage tanks, liquid-liquid extraction column, distillation columns, submicron filtration units, and water and acid adsorption columns arranged as necessary to produce ultra-high purity solvents from waste solvent streams. The systems are packaged in modular assemblies with secondary containment to meet U.S. EPA requirements.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the removal of acetone from a production system wherein acetic anhydride is produced by contacting a mixture comprising methyl iodide and methyl acetate and/or dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst or catalyst system. The process comprises two distillation steps wherein acetone is separated from a mixture of methyl acetate, methyl iodide and acetone.

Abstract: A two-step extraction method for the separation of vinyl acetate from a liquid mixture containing oxygenated compounds, paraffins and olefins, vinyl acetate, water, heavy oils, and other impurities, such as an anti-oxidant, is provided. The first step of the process extracts vinyl acetate and oxygenated compounds from the liquid mixture with a water wash. The paraffins, olefins, and heavy oils are insoluble in the water wash and are recovered as a waste stream from the wash. In a second step the vinyl acetate-rich water is distilled in a steam stripper column. Water is collected as the bottoms from the column and the overhead vapors are cooled by a condenser and collected in a separator tank. The separator tank liquids separate into an aqueous phase and a vinyl acetate phase. The aqueous phase is a waste stream. The vinyl acetate phase is recovered and may be used as a feedstock for polymerization or copolymerization reactions.

Abstract: A method for rectification includes steps of supplying raw materials to a rectifying column from a raw material feed pipe; returning a refluent fluid from a refluxing pipe to the column; leading a hold-up liquid from a bottom tank having a higher surface to a bottom tank having a lower surface of a liquid in a bottom portion of the column; heating the hold-up in each of bottom tanks; exchanging heat by bringing a vapor produced by heating the bottoms into counter-current contact with the reluent liquid returned to the rectifying column on plates arranged in the rectifying column, taking out a vapor from the top of the rectifying column, and taking out bottoms from the bottom tank.

Abstract: A method for the separation of methanol from MTBE contained in a reaction mixture comprising water, methanol, TBA and MTBE which comprises distilling the reaction mixture in the presence of added water in order to provide a distillate fraction containing most of the MTBE and a heavier distillation fraction containing most of the tertiary-butanol, water and methanol charged to the distillation column.

Abstract: Black acid or the sulfuric acid residue obtained in the manufacture of ethyl acrylate by reaction of ethylene and acrylic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid is heated and distilled in the presence of a solvent for recovery of acrylic acid and ethyl acrylate.

Abstract: This invention is a continuous process for preparing phenol having improved clarity when dispersed in water. The phenol is prepared from crude phenol being the product of decomposition of cumene hydroperoxide and having previously been distilled to remove large portions of acetone, cumene and alphamethyl styrene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for purifying alkanolamine solutions which have lost at least a portion of their acid gas sorption capacity due to degradation of the alkanolamine into heat stable salts. Particularly, it has been found that the alkanolamine solution may be rejuvenated by charging the solution to the feed zone of a distillation column reactor at temperatures above about 160.degree. C. and pressure of less than about 2000 mm Hg.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the removal of acetone from a production system wherein acetic anhydride is produced by contacting a mixture containing methyl iodide and methyl acetate and/or dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst or catalyst system. The process involves a water-methyl iodide extraction step wherein acetone is separated from a mixture of methyl acetate, methyl iodide and acetone.

Abstract: A process for the production of pure dimethylether by feeding the dehydration product from a dimethylether-synthesis reactor into a distillation column for the production of pure dimethylether at defined trays of this column and withdrawal of pure dimethylether and a fraction containing contaminations at defined trays of the same column, whereby in addition washing liquids and bases can be added.

Abstract: A continuous multistage process for separating a partially water soluble organic component from a slurry containing an insoluble solid, a partially water soluble organic component and optionally water. In this process, the slurry is continuously fed to a tower or column equipped with a suitable vapor/liquid contact device. Energy is applied at a point below the vapor/liquid contact device. Vapors containing the partially soluble organic component exit the tower or column overhead and the inorganic solid is recovered at the bottom of the tower or column. This application of distillation technology to slurries is particularly advantageous in that a more efficient separation of that solid material from the partially soluble organic component is obtained. The improved separation efficiency can be utilized to either lower separation cost and/or to affect a more complete separation in order to obtain a solid material with a lower residual amount of the organic component.

Abstract: A process for the concentration of ethylene oxide in an impure solution thereof including adding the solution and steam to a distillation column, recovering the gaseous stream therefrom containing ethylene oxide, and progressively condensing the steamed solution in at least two heat exchangers arranged in series, with the absolute pressure of the distillation column and of the exchangers being between about 1.5 and 6 bars and the temperature of the cooling fluid of the last exchanger being between about 5.degree. C. and a maximum temperature 5.degree. C. below the temperature of condensation of pure ethylene oxide at the pressure used.

Abstract: An improved process for working-up crude liquid vinyl acetate which contains vinyl acetate, acetic acid, water, and ethyl acetate, possibly together with small amounts of other impurities, by distillation is disclosed, wherein a mixture essentially containing vinyl acetate and water is obtained as the top product and essentially acetic acid is obtained as the bottom product, and a sidestream, in which ethyl acetate is concentrated is removed. According to the process the top product is condensed and, after phase separation, a portion of the vinyl acetate phase is recycled as reflux into the distillation. The improved process involves the introduction of water above the point of introduction of the crude vinyl acetate. Preferably, the water is introduced in an amount which is not greater than the amount required to achieve a maximum water content in the vapors leaving the distillation at the top.

Abstract: A process for obtaining high-purity bisphenol A by removing most part of phenol from an adduct of bisphenol A with phenol and removing continously the residual phenol by steam stripping, wherein a multi-tubular packed column is used as a stripping equipment. The residual phenol in bisphenol A can be removed constantly. In addition, the process of the present invention is economical because the residual phenol can be removed with a small amount of steam.

Abstract: A process for removing volatile acids from aqueous solutions which involves steam stripping a volatile acid from an aqueous solution and contacting the vaporized acid with a reactable cation to form a salt of the acid. A preferred embodiment of apparatus comprises an elongated distillation column having therein a plurality of zones or stages wherein the volatile acid in the aqueous feed stream is vaporized by steam and then the vaporized acid is carried by the steam into a salt formation zone or stage to react with a reactable cation to form a salt of the acid.

Abstract: N-Ethylpiperazine is isolated by distillation from a mixture consisting per 100 kg ofa=from 30 to 90 kg of N-ethylpiperazineb=from 7 to 40 kg of N,N'-diethylpiperazinec=from 3 to 20 kg of piperazined=from 0 to 30 kg of ethanole=from 0 to 40 kg of water andf=from 0 to 5 kg of concomitants,by performing the distillation in the presence of x=y+e= from 3b to 12b of water, y being the quantity of water which has to be added, if necessary, to meet this condition, and successively separating from this mixture the fractions1. water, ethanol, N,N'-diethylpiperazine and other highly volatile concomitants,2. water, if present in excess,3. piperzine and4. pure N-ethylpiperazineas overhead products.