Abstract: A reaction with distillation column is provided with a plurality of discrete catalytic reaction containers. The containers contain a plurality of solid catalyst particles which form a catalytic reaction zone. The containers also comprise a liquid collection tray cover which defines a liquid accumulation zone immediately overlying the catalytic reaction zone. Overflow weirs are provided on the tray cover to allow for overflow of liquid on the tray cover. A member may be provided within the containers to create an open area within the catalytic reaction zone to facilitate entry of the liquid into the catalytic reaction zone. The containers can be individually positioned within the reactor to suit particular process requirements.

Abstract: The aging rate of the catalyst in a process for the concurrent alkylation of aromatic with olefin and distillation of reaction components (reactants and products) in a distillation column reactor in a catalyst bed wherein the catalyst also serves as the distillation structure, is retarded by limiting the conversion of olefin in the catalyst bed to about 90 percent. A portion up to and including the entire unreacted aromatic and olefin in the overhead from the distillation column reactor are condensed and fed to a fixed bed alkylation reactor to substantially finish the conversion with a portion of the effluent from the fixed bed reactor recycled thereto to control the olefin content in the fixed bed reactor inlet to less than one volume percent, preferably less than 0.50 volume percent and thereby reduce the aging in that catalyst. A fixed bed transalkylation reactor is used to convert the polysubstituted alkylated aromatic products to mono-substituted alkylated aromatic products.

Abstract: A continuous process for splitting an aromatic polycarbonate resin is disclosed. Accordingly there are reacted in a distillation column and in the presence of a catalyst(i) a polycarbonate resin in solution with(ii) methanolto produce a dihydroxy compound and dimethyl carbonate. The solution which contains polycarbonate and monohydroxy compound solvent exclusive of methanol is fed into the upper section of said column and the methanol is fed into the lower section of the column. The methanol is fed in the form of a mixture containing methanol and about 1-50 weight percent of dimethyl carbonate. The dimethyl carbonate thus produced is removed from an upper section of the column and the dihydroxy compound is removed from a lower section of the column.

Abstract: In the absorption of acetylene from a crude gas mixture containing mostly C.sub.2 hydrocarbons, a substantially acetylene-free liquid C.sub.2 stream is introduced into a mixing chamber located in the column between the feed points for the crude gas mixture and the absorption agent. The C.sub.2 stream is distributed into fine droplets as it enters into accumulated absorption agent in the mixing chamber, so that foam is not formed in the absorption column. The mixing chamber can be formed of a mixing tank integrated with a plate.

Abstract: A bale shaped catalytic distillation structure formed by placing multiple link or continuous tube shaped structures on top of a wire mesh screen, such as demister wire, arrayed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the bale, such that when the wire mesh screen is rolled up, the rolled structure provides a catalytic distillation structure. The tube comprises flexible, semi-rigid open mesh tubular element filled with a particulate catalytic material, the tube shaped structure having a fastener every 1-12 inches in length to form a multiple link.

Abstract: A multi-purpose distillation column reactor is disclosed which may be used for the production of tertiary amyl methyl ether from the reaction of the isoamylenes contained in a light naphtha with methanol. Two reaction distillation zones are disposed above a stripping section. The stripping, in addition to removing the TAME product, also removes the C.sub.6 and heavier components. The first reaction distillation zone contains a hydrotreating catalyst for removing diolefins and mercaptans. The second distillation reaction zone contains an acid cation exchange resin for the etherification reaction and the entire column serves to fractionate the multiple component reaction system (reacts, inerts, products and contaminants) concurrently with the multiple reactions.

Abstract: Porous metallosilicate catalyst (e.g. Zeolite Beta) is active at low temperature for converting lower alkanol (e.g. methanol) and C.sub.4 -C.sub.7 tertiary alkenes to high octane ether product. Such catalytic reaction is especially useful in multizone catalytic reactor systems employing catstill rectification.

Abstract: Ethers suitable for use as high octane oxygenate additives for motor fuels or other compounds such as alcohols or alkylates are produced in a catalytic distillation process wherein a C.sub.4 -plus isoolefin(s) and an alcohol present in the catalytic distillation zone overhead stream are charged to a packed liquid-phase reaction zone containing an etherification catalyst before being recycled to the overall catalytic distillation zone. The effluent of the liquid-phase reactor is returned to the catalytic distillation zone at a point above the catalyst in this zone. The feed(s) to the process passes directly into the catalytic distillation zone, without passage through a prereactor, at a point located below a majority of catalyst bed in the catalytic distillation zone.

Abstract: Solutions of hydrazine hydrate are vaporized, without any concomitant decomposition thereof, by heating such solutions, in the liquid phase, under conditions as to effect the decompression or volatilization thereof; this process is particularly applicable for the vaporization of that hydrazine hydrate solution contained in the reboiler of a column wherein the hydrolysis of an azine R.sub.1 R.sub.2 C.dbd.N-N.dbd.CR.sub.1 R.sub.2 is carried out, with recovery of hydrazine hydrate at the base of the column and of a ketone, R.sub.1 R.sub.2 C.dbd.O, at the column head.

Abstract: Improved catalyst assemblies for vapor/liquid contact towers. Bundles of catalyst media used to promote chemical reactions are disposed substantially in the vapor phase of the tower, such as beneath trays therein for improving mass transfer efficiency. Unlike previous assemblies, wherein distillation in conjunction with chemical reaction occurs in the liquid phase or in a mixed phase, the present invention substantially confines the reaction step to the vapor phase. In this manner, the reaction is less obstructive to fluid flow within the tower, promoting better mixing and diffusion of the feed components in the vapor phase. In addition, less turbulence is created and the handling of vapors generated from an exothermic reaction is facilitated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for isolating pure diketene with recovery of materials of value by continuous, two-stage distillation of crude diketene at reduced pressure and with continuous reaction of the resulting distillation residue with acetic acid, pure diketene and acetic anhydride being separated off by means of the two-stage distillation. In the stabilization of the distillation residue with acetic acid, reutilizable acetic acid, which contains acetone with or without acetic anhydride, is recovered.

Abstract: A reactive distillation process which makes it possible, in the same enclosure, to carry out a catalytic reaction and isolate by distillation the sought product, in which the liquid phase containing the reagents passes from bottom to top through at least one catalyst bed, without the vapor phase of the distillation traversing said catalyst beds. These operating characteristics occur in a reactive distillation zone (C) including an alternation of distillation cells (D) having one or more trays (5) and reaction cells (R) containing the catalyst beds and designed in such a way that the liquid phase flowing from a distillation tray (5) flows above an overflow ( 7) through a downpipe (6) and approaches the base of the catalyst bed (8), traverses the latter in a downward flow and is then allowed to flow over a distillation tray (5) of the following distillation cell (D), so that the distillation vapor circulating from bottom to top through the distillation trays (5) does not traverse said reaction cells (R).

Abstract: Ethers suitable for use as high octane oxygenate additives for motor fuels are produced by a catalytic distillation process wherein a mixture of C.sub.4 -plus isoolefin(s) and an alcohol are recovered from a catalytic distillation zone as an overhead stream and charged to a packed liquid-phase reaction zone containing an etherification catalyst before being recycled to one or more portions of the overall catalytic distillation zone. The process is useful in the coprocessing of a mixture of isobutylene and isoamylene and in other hydrocarbon conversion processes such as hydration and alkylation.

Abstract: Di-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl) carbonates can be prepared by catalysed counter-current reesterification of ethylene glycol carbonate or propylene glycol carbonate with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alcohol in a column, ethylene glycol carbonate or propylene glycol carbonate being introduced into the upper part of the column and a dialkyl carbonate-containing C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alcohol being introduced into the central or lower part of the column and pure alcohol being additionally introduced below the introduction of the dialkyl carbonate-containing alcohol.

Abstract: In an etherification process that uses an FCC effluent as a source of isoolefins, the buildup of nitriles in an alcohol-containing stream that is recycled to the etherification zone is prevented by dragging at least a portion of the methanol-containing stream to the FCC reaction zone. As a result, the etherification catalyst deactivation rate is reduced.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation structure comprises a plurality of corrugated vertically disposed catalyst containing elements separated by inert spacing elements. The catalyst containing elements each comprise two layers of gas permeable material, such as wire mesh, joined together at regularly spaced intervals to form a single sheet having pockets disposed on the surface. A particulate catalyst is disposed within the pockets. The catalyst within the pockets provides a reaction zone where catalytic reactions may occur and the gas permeable sheets provide mass transfer surfaces to effect a fractional distillation. The spacing elements allow for a variation of the catalyst density and loading.

Abstract: A distillation-reaction apparatus comprises at least one distillation-reaction zone (G,H) having, on a perforated support (5) permitting the passage of fluids at least one element of type J--container (3b) of volume Vt containing a volume Va of solid catalytic particles--and at least one element of type K--(4) of type K1 and/or (3a) of type K2--the element of type K2 being a container not containing solid catalytic particles, the elements having adequate mechanical characteristics to withstand the loading of the elements in the zone and the perforations of the support being sufficiently small to retain the said elements. The apparatus can be used for performing chemical reactions and the fractionation of the reaction mixture, e.g., for the synthesis of ethers from olefins and alcohols.

Abstract: A distillation column reactor is provided having special trays arranged within the column to provide better mixing and thus achieve better mass and energy transfer between the liquid, vapor and catalyst. The trays comprise a slotted support plate for the catalyst with openings to allow vapor passage through the catalyst from the tray below. A draft chimney or riser is provided directly above the slotted openings to increase the vapor velocity and carry the liquid and catalyst upward on the tray. A hood is included at the upper end of the chimney to direct the liquid-vapor-catalyst flow back down onto the tray. The liquid from the tray above is distributed onto the tray about the chimney by distributors which preferably extend below the static catalyst level on the tray.

Abstract: A process is provided to remove oxygenates from a C.sub.4 raffinate stream from an MTBE plant. A back-cracking catalyst is placed into the bottom of an oxygenate removal column which will convert any MTBE or TBA contained therein back to their original components of isobutene and methanol or water. The raffinate stream is first subjected to a water wash to remove the gross amounts of methanol and DME.

Abstract: 2-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1122) is removed from 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) by contacting the R-134a in the vapor phase with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light providing an exposure of at least about 2 watts-hour/kg.

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: Aromatic compounds are alkylated in a catalytic distillation, wherein the catalyst structure also serves as a distillation component by contacting the aromatic compound with a C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 olefin in the catalyst bed under 0.25 to 50 atmospheres of pressure and at temperatures in the range of 80.degree. C. to 500.degree. C., using as the catalyst a mole sieve characterized as acidic or an acidic cation exchange resin. For example, ethyl benzene is produced by feeding ethylene below the catalyst bed while benzene is conveniently added through the reflux in molar excess to that required to react with ethylene, thereby reacting substantially all of the ethylene and recovering benzene as the principal overhead and ethyl benzene in the bottoms.

Abstract: Process for the purification of crude 1,1-dichloro -1-fluoroethane by treatment with chlorine in the presence of an organic free radical initiator and then distillation.

Abstract: In the absorption of acetylene from a crude gas mixture containing mostly C.sub.2 hydrocarbons by scrubbing with an absorbing agent, an externally produced mixture of about 10-70% by weight acetylene-free C.sub.2 hydrocarbons and about 30-90% by weight absorption agent is introduced in the absorption column, in order to prevent the formation of foam. The mixture is produced in a static mixer outside the absorption column, and is supplied from outside the column to a mixing tank installed between two plates within the column.

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: A process for recovering a distillate of tolylene diisocyanate and an isocyanate-group-containing sump product containing less than 200 ppm (by weight) tolylene diisocyanate from A) distillation residues obtained in the production of tolylene diisocyanate by mixing of the distillation residues A) with B) optionally urethane- and/or allophanate-modified polyisocyanates or polyisocyanate mixtures of the diphenyl methane series, heating of the mixture to 190.degree. to 250.degree. C. and simultaneously or subsequently working up by distillation.

Abstract: A device for use in a fractional distillation column or a column used to perform catalytic distillation. One or more of the downcomers of a multiple downcomer type fractionation tray is employed as a liquid collection device to remove liquid from the column. Optionally this downcomer may contain an enclosed bed of catalyst, which may be replaced while the column is being used by catalyst addition and withdrawal lines extending outside of the column.

Abstract: Equipment for mixed phase reaction distillation, particularly equipment for mixed phase reaction distillation to produce MTBE. The equipment comprises a rectifying section I at the upper part, a reaction section II at the middle part, and a stripping section III at the lower part. The reaction section II comprises a plurality of superposed catalyst beds which are connected by at least one catalyst flow pipe disposed between each pair of adjacent catalyst beds, and a sealed cover at the top above the uppermost catalyst bed of the plurality of catalyst beds. The reaction section II further comprises at least one vapor passageway disposed at one side of the reaction section II, and at least one liquid passageway disposed at the other side of the reaction section II.

Abstract: A reaction with distillation structure utilizes a plurality of distillation trays and interconnecting catalyst containers which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractionation of the reaction products on the distillation trays. The containers preferably extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Structure may also be provided within the containers to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area interiorly of the catalyst bed into which liquid on the distillation and fractionation tray is radially driven.

Abstract: A method for the acid catalyzed cyclization of an alkenylbenzene feedstock to a dimethyltetralin in a liquid phase reaction wherein the desired dimethyltetralin is removed from the reaction mixture by distillation simultaneously with the addition of the feedstock to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation structure comprising a tube of open mesh wire containing particulate catalyst and sealed on each end along seams at 15.degree. to 90.degree. relative to each other.

Abstract: A process for separating alkenes from a methylchlorosilane mixture by adding at least a stoichiometric amount of hydrogen chloride necessary for saturating the alkenes in the methylchlorosilane mixture and thereafter removing resulting chloroalkanes by distillation.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation system is provided having a first component which is a particulate catalyst useful for carrying out the desired chemical reaction and a second component which is a hollow geometric shape having openings through the outer surface to allow gas and liquid to pass therethrough. The two components are mixed to provide the desired open space and loaded into a distillation column reactor. The hollow geometric shapes provides the spacing, while the openings permit the gas and liquid to flow through, thus providing the requisite vapor liquid contact space and surfaces.

Abstract: Ethers suitable for use as high octane oxygenate additives for motor fuels are produced by a catalytic distillation process wherein a mixture of C.sub.4 -plus isoolefin(s) and an alcohol are recovered from a catalytic distillation zone as an overhead stream and charged to a packed liquid-phase reaction zone containing an etherification catalyst before being recycled to one or more portions of the overall catalytic distillation zone. The process is useful in the coprocessing of a mixture of isobutylene and isoamylene and in other hydrocarbon conversion processes such as hydration and alkylation.

Abstract: The separation of ethyl tertiobutyl ether from mixtures with ethanol is based on heteroazeotropic distillation with water as the entrainer using two distillation columns, coupled with an overhead decanter. Purified ethanol is collected from the bottom of the first column and purified ETBE from the bottom of the second column. The separation method may be incorporated into an ETBE production unit in which isobutene (contained in a C.sub.4 -cut from steam cracking, catalytic cracking, or dehydrogenation of isobutane) is etherified by ethanol. Ethanol separated from the ETBE is then recycled to the etherification zone.

Abstract: A process for refining soap-containing crude polyol fatty-acid polyester reaction product, the process including one or more high-temperature refining treatments and as the first step in the refining process, contacting the crude reaction product with an acid to substantially convert the soap into its corresponding free fatty acids, and the subsequent step of substantially removing from the crude reaction product any salts therein prior to said one or more high-temperature refining treatments.

Abstract: A reaction-distillation apparatus is provided comprising at least one reaction-distillation zone including at least one bed of solid elements disposed on a fluid-permeable perforated support having perforations small enough to retain the elements wherein the bed of solid elements includes loose solid catalytic particles and at least one receptacle, containing at least one distillation packing body, the external jacket of which is permeable to fluids and the impermeable to the solid catalytic particles and packing body. The apparatus can be used for carrying out chemical reaction and concomitant fractionation of the reaction mixture, for example, to synthesize ethers from olefins and alcohols.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the conversion of a feedstream comprising gaseous and/or liquid feed materials to a desired products by means of catalytic distillation employing a catalyst-packing material comprising a rigid, cellular monolith or a rigid, cellular monolith coated with a catalytically-active material.Preferred rigid, cellular monoliths are ceramic honeycomb monoliths.

Abstract: This column, of the type having a cross-undulating lining, includes means for returning liquid to the vicinity of the edges of the lining and liquid and gas distribution means which contribute to decrease substantially the height of the column. Application to plants for separating gases from air.

Abstract: A process for refining organic-solvent containing crude polyol fatty-acid polyester reaction product, including the steps of distilling the crude reaction product to substantially remove the organic solvent, and subsequently subjecting the distilled reaction product to a bleaching treatment. The process allows an economic use of bleaching agents while achieving good color and color stability of the refined product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a catalytic distillation process is provided which allows for maintaining a liquid level in selected portions of the catalyst bed. Three particular processes disclosed are the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether, tertiary butyl alcohol and cumene.

Abstract: A system for the catalytic distillation production of alkylated aromatic compounds is provided wherein the vapor pressure of the olefin may be increased while maintaining the same olefin feed rate and aromatic to olefin ratio. In one embodiment a side stream from the vapor from the second column below the catalyst and olefin feed is condensed and rerouted to the aromatic make up stream from the reflux drum. The vapor pressure of the olefin in the lower end of the first column in the catalyst bed is thus increased which increases the equilibrium concentration of the olefin in the liquid phase. In another embodiment of the invention the effective driving force for the reaction is increased by injecting the olefin at different heights within the catalyst bed. If additional olefin is injected more catalyst bed height would be required, but the additional catalyst is more that offset by the increased throughput at the same overall olefin conversion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting a catalytic distillation process is provided which allows for maintaining a liquid level in selected portions of the catalyst bed. Three particular processes disclosed are the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether, tertiary butyl alcohol and cumene.

Abstract: Ethers suitable for use as high octane oxygenate additives for motor fuels are produced in increased yields by a catalytic distillation process wherein a mixture of C.sub.5 -plus isoolefin isomers and an alcohol are charged to a catalytic distillation zone containing both etherification and double bond isomerization catalysts. Otherwise unreactive isomers are isomerized to reactive species within the zone to allow them to participate in the etherification reaction, resulting in a higher ether yield.

Abstract: Separation of an aliphatic aminonitrile or an aliphatic diamine from a mixture containing the corresponding cyclic, aliphatic, mono-unsaturated amine by adding caustic compound to the mixture and then distilling the aminonitrile or the diamine at a temperature less than 170.degree. C. and at a pressure of less than 1 atmosphere.

Abstract: A process for the production of tocopherols (T) and tocotrienols (T3) from palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD). The process includes converting free fatty acids and glycerides in PFAD into alkyl esters, then separating T and T3 from the alkyl esters and other impurities. The T and T3 are concentrated by ion-exchange and further concentrated by distilling the resulting product. Specific catalysts and optimum temperatures for the process are included. The resulting purified tocopherols and tocotrienols are useful substances, exhibiting antioxidant and physiological activities.

Abstract: A catalytic distillation structure which comprises a catalyst component having a porous container having disposed therein, solid particulate catalytic material which swells in use intimately admixed with from 5 to 60 volume % of a deformable material. The catalyst component may be in intimate association with or surrounded by a resilient component, which is comprised of at least 70 volume % open space.

Abstract: A method for recovering a liquid diluent having a low salt content from an organic/aqueous mixture which contains significant quantities of the diluent, an alkali metal salt, and water comprises an integrated process which joins extraction and ion exchange steps and a reaction for the conversion of an alkali metal hydroxide. In the initial step the diluent is extracted from the original mixture employing a suitable extractant material. The extract from the initial step containing diluent, extractant material, along with reduced quantities of water and salt, is passed to an ion exchange column for conversion of the alkali metal salt to its hydroxide. In a following fractional distillation dewatering column the diluent begins to react with the alkali metal hydroxide to form an alkali-metal salt of aminocarboxylic acid which can pass harmlessly through the dewatering column for removal in further following fractional distillation step.

Abstract: A method of purifying a crude glycidyl (meth)acrylate, by (1) subjecting a crude glycidyl (meth)acrylate containing epichlorohydrin and other chlorine compounds as impurities to a stripping treatment with a mixed gas containing oxygen gas in the presence of a quaternary ammonium salt, and then (2) distilling the treated product to obtain a purified glycidyl (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: A process for removing iodine or soluble iodide impurities from a carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid anhydride, the carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid anhydride having been by a carbonylation process. The process includes: step (a) treating impure carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid anhydride containing iodine or soluble iodide impurities with an unsupported scavenger at a temperature of between 20.degree. and 250.degree. C. and step (b) thereafter separating the treated carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid anhydride from the scavenger. The scavenger is a silver salt in the absence of a trialkyl phosphine, a triaryl phosphine and a heterocyclic aromatic nitrogen compound. The preferred scavenger for acetic acid and acetic anhydride is silver acetate.