Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing purified methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) comprising subjecting a feed stream containing MIBK and impurities to a first distillation procedure from which acetone is recovered and a bottom product containing MIBK and impurities is withdrawn. This bottom product is fed to a second distillation column, where a vapor overhead product is withdrawn, condensed and fed to an overhead liquid-liquid separator. Part of an organic phase from the overhead liquid-liquid separator is fed to the second distillation column and part is fed to a third distillation column. A vapor overhead product is withdrawn from the third column which is condensed in the same said condenser. The condensed product is fed to the same said overhead liquid-liquid separator, and purified MIBK is withdrawn from the third distillation column. This invention also relates to an apparatus used in such a method.

Abstract: A process (10) for at least partially removing hydrogen cyanide from synthesis gas includes feeding a synthesis gas (30) containing hydrogen cyanide to a gas-liquid contacting stage (18) and, in the gas-liquid contacting stage (18), contacting the synthesis gas with an aqueous washing solution (36) comprising at least one dissolved metal salt, with metal cations of the metal salt being capable of forming metal cyanide complexes and/or metal cyanide precipitates, and weak acid anions of the metal salt serving to buffer the pH of the washing solution in a range between 6 and 10. Hydrogen cyanide is washed from the synthesis gas by the washing solution to form a treated synthesis gas (38) and a spent washing solution (40). From time to time or continuously, at least a portion of the spent washing solution is withdrawn from the gas-liquid contacting stage. The treated synthesis gas (38) is also withdrawn from the gas-liquid contacting stage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing purified methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) comprising subjecting a feed stream containing MIBK and impurities to a first distillation procedure from which acetone is recovered and a bottom product containing MIBK and impurities is withdrawn. This bottom product is fed to a second distillation column, where a vapour overhead product is withdrawn, condensed and fed to an overhead liquid-liquid separator. Part of an organic phase from the overhead liquid-liquid separator is fed to the second distillation column and part is fed to a third distillation column. A vapour overhead product is withdrawn from the third column which is condensed in the same said condensor. The condensed product is fed to the same said overhead liquid-liquid separator, and purified MIBK is withdrawn from the third distillation column. This invention also relates to an apparatus used in such a method.

Abstract: A process (10) for at least partially removing hydrogen cyanide from synthesis gas includes feeding a synthesis gas (30) containing hydrogen cyanide to a gas-liquid contacting stage (18) and, in the gas-liquid contacting stage (18), contacting the synthesis gas with an aqueous washing solution (36) comprising at least one dissolved metal salt, with metal cations of the metal salt being capable of forming metal cyanide complexes and/or metal cyanide precipitates, and weak acid anions of the metal salt serving to buffer the pH of the washing solution in a range between 6 and 10. Hydrogen cyanide is washed from the synthesis gas by the washing solution to form a treated synthesis gas (38) and a spent washing solution (40). From time to time or continuously, at least a portion of the spent washing solution is withdrawn from the gas-liquid contacting stage. The treated synthesis gas (38) is also withdrawn from the gas-liquid contacting stage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing purified methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) comprising subjecting a feed stream containing MIBK and impurities to a first distillation procedure from which acetone is recovered. The bottom product of the first distillation procedure is fed to a liquid-liquid separator and an organic phase from the said liquid-liquid separator is fed to the top region of a second distillation column to produce an overhead product. The said overhead product is condensed and fed to the said liquid-liquid separator. A bottom product containing MIBK is withdrawn from the second distillation column. This bottom product is fed to a third distillation column, high boiling impurities are withdrawn as a bottom product, and purified MIBK is also withdrawn. The invention also relates to an apparatus used in such a method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing purified methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) comprising subjecting a feed stream containing MIBK and impurities to a first distillation procedure from which acetone is recovered. The bottom product of the first distillation procedure is fed to a liquid-liquid separator and an organic phase from the said liquid-liquid separator is fed to the top region of a second distillation column to produce an overhead product. The said overhead product is condensed and fed to the said liquid-liquid separator. A bottom product containing MIBK is withdrawn from the second distillation column. This bottom product is fed to a third distillation column, high boiling impurities are withdrawn as a bottom product, and purified MIBK is also withdrawn. The invention also relates to an apparatus used in such a method.

Abstract: A method of separating aromatic hydrocarbons and non-aromatic hydrocarbons, and aromatic hydrocarbons and naphtenes involves distilling a mixture of the components by an extractive distillation process in the presence of an extractive distillation solvent. The extractive distillation solvent may be an ester of a dibasic acid, an acetonyl acetone or morpholine.

Abstract: A method of separating methanol and acetone, and methanol and methyl acetate involves distilling a mixture of the components by an extractive distillation process in the presence of an extractive distillation solvent. The extractive distillation solvent may be an amine, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, a brominated hydrocarbon, a paraffin, and an alkylated thiopene.

Abstract: A method of separating ethanol and ethyl acetate, and ethanol and water involves distilling a mixture of the components by an extractive distillation process in the presence of an extractive distillation solvent. The extractive distillation solvent may be an amine, an alkylated thiopene, and paraffins.