Abstract: A method of removing dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) from a vapor stream. The vapor stream includes dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), methylhydroxyethyl terephthalate (MHET), glycols and methanol. A distillation column is held under an elevated pressure of 100 to 500 kPag and at a temperature of at least 85.degree. C. It has (i) a plurality of distillation trays; (ii) methanol liquid sprays between the trays; (iii) a main spray zone below the trays and (iv) a liquid pool of methanol in the bottom of the column. The vapor stream is directed into the distillation column, above the liquid pool and below the main spray zone, thereby forming a stream of liquid and vapor. The stream of liquid is directed away from the distillation column walls and into the liquid pool at the bottom of the column.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming compacted silver nitrate bodies. A feed silver nitrate solution is introduced into an evaporative crystallizer (10). Steam is provided to a steam jacket (30) to heat the solution in the crystallizer (10) and form a slurry comprising silver nitrate crystals. The crystallizer (10) has an agitator (20) to mix the slurry and promote crystal growth. Slurry density is maintained within a desired range by controlling the rate of steam flow to the steam jacket (30) via a control valve (34). Slurry containing silver nitrate crystals is withdrawn from the crystallizer (10) and introduced to a centrifuge separator (78), for separating and drying the crystals. The separated, dried crystals are further dried by contact with an airstream and fall into a hopper (88). The crystals flow from the hopper into a translucent feed tube (96) and then into a roll compactor (100) that compacts the crystals to form the compacted silver nitrate bodies.

Abstract: Silver nitrate crystals comprising a substantially non-platelet crystal morphology are disclosed. The non-platelet silver nitrate crystals have an aspect ratio in the range of from about 1:2:3 to about 1:1:1. FIGS. 4 and 5.

Abstract: A novel leaching process for separating extractable material from a particulate solid material that comprises extractable and non-extractable portions includes the steps of introducing the particulate solid material and a liquid solvent to an extraction zone; agitating the liquid solvent to a degree sufficient to suspend the particulate solid material and effect segregation of particles thereof in relation to their propensity to settle; maintaining contact between the liquid solvent and the particulate solid material for a time sufficient to leach extractable material therefrom; and selectively withdrawing particles of the solid material from the extraction zone. In a preferred embodiment, the leaching process is a multi-stage process in which the selectively withdrawn particles from each stage are introduced to the next successive stage of the series.