Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, new processes for separating and purifying C4 fractions from a crude C4 stream. Compared to prior methods, the processes of the present invention simplify the C4 separation processes, afford more possible configurations for separation and purification, and are more cost effective. The processes and systems provided herein can be used as part of a cost-effective and efficient method for synthesizing methyl tertiary-butyl ether.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for purifying an acid, wherein the method comprises: a) producing a crude product mixture by a partial oxidation reaction, wherein the crude product mixture comprises acrylic acid and acetic acid; b) purifying the crude product mixture by distillation using a high-boiling solvent to purify the acrylic acid; and c) purifying the crude product mixture by distillation using a low-boiling solvent to purify the acetic acid.

Abstract: A reactor and process for removing unsaturated alkynes and diolefinic impurities from olefins and oxygenates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for purifying an acid, wherein the method comprises: a) producing a crude product mixture by a partial oxidation reaction, wherein the crude product mixture comprises acrylic acid and acetic acid; b) purifying the crude product mixture by distillation using a high-boiling solvent to purify the acrylic acid; and c) purifying the crude product mixture by distillation using a low-boiling solvent to purify the acetic acid.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods and systems for alkane dehydrogenation. In a particular non-limiting embodiment, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a system for the dehydrogenation of alkanes that includes two or more reactors configured to perform a dehydrogenation reaction of an alkane in the presence of a catalyst to produce an olefin and a catalyst regenerator, coupled to each of the two or more reactors through at least one transfer line to a regenerator, for the regeneration of spent catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides, among other things, new processes for separating and purifying C4 fractions from a crude C4 stream. Compared to prior methods, the processes of the present invention simplify the C4 separation processes, afford more possible configurations for separation and purification, and are more cost effective. The processes and systems provided herein can be used as part of a cost-effective and efficient method for synthesizing methyl tertiary-butyl ether.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for producing methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting an isobutene-containing stream with methanol in an MTBE production unit. In accordance with the method described herein, at least a portion of the isobutene-containing stream is obtained from a mixed C4 stream from a steam cracking unit and is not produced by passing the dehydrogenation of isobutane. Furthermore, an alkane-containing stream from the MTBE production unit is used as a feed stream for the steam cracking unit.

Abstract: A reactor and process for removing unsaturated alkynes and diolefinic impurities from olefins and oxygenates is described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for dehydrogenation of alkanes to olefins by co-injecting the alkane feed with hydrogen. The present methods provide the improved feed conversion, desired product selectivity, total olefins in product stream, and lower catalyst deactivation rate.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for purifying an acid, wherein the method comprises: a) producing a crude product mixture by a partial oxidation reaction, wherein the crude product mixture comprises acrylic acid and acetic acid; b) purifying the crude product mixture by distillation using a high-boiling solvent to purify the acrylic acid; and c) purifying the crude product mixture by distillation using a low-boiling solvent to purify the acetic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for dehydrogenation of a paraffin comprising: providing a dehydrogenation reactor comprising an integrated fluidized bed reactor and a regenerator reactor, wherein the integrated fluidized bed reactor has a first longitudinal axis and comprises an inner surface defining an interior space, wherein the regenerator reactor has a second longitudinal axis and is positioned at least partially within the interior space; activating a deactivated catalyst present in the regenerator reactor by performing a exothermic catalyst regeneration reaction to produce an activated catalyst and heat; transferring the heat to the integrated fluidized bed reactor; and dehydrogenating a paraffm present in the integrated fluidized bed reactor by performing an endothermic reaction with a catalyst, the paraffm, and at least a portion of the transferred heat to forma dehydrogenation product.

Abstract: Mixed alcohols are produced from syngas. The syngas is provided to a catalyst in a reactor at selected temperatures and pressures. Reactive products, including mixed alcohols, are removed from the reactor. Non-reactive components are removed from the mixed alcohols of their reaction products. At least part of the non-reactive components are reintroduced in the reactor along with syngas. The non-reactive components are a solvent or a supercritical fluid. The nonreactive components can be reintroduced into the reactor with reactive components such as methanol or CO2.

Abstract: Mixed alcohols are produced from syngas. The syngas is provided to a catalyst in a reactor at selected temperatures and pressures. Reactive products, including mixed alcohols, are removed from the reactor. Non-reactive components are removed from the mixed alcohols of their reaction products. At least part of the non-reactive components are reintroduced in the reactor along with syngas. The non-reactive components are a solvent or a super critical fluid. The non-reactive components can be reintroduced into the reactor with reactive components such as methanol or CO2.