Abstract: The processing of liquid chlorinated hydrocarbon residues, which may contain solids and which form viscous to solid deposits during the separation of readily boiling components, into(1) distillable organic components,(2) hydrogen chloride, and(3) solid matter with a low chlorine content,is improved by gently concentrating the residues in a first step and, in a second step, decomposing the residues at temperatures of about 200.degree.-400.degree. C., preferably 270.degree.-330.degree. C., with a continuous separation of the vapor phase components from the solid components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cushioning continuous exothermal reactions with or in the presence of liquefied gases having a reactor, a condenser connected to the reactor, an accumulator connected to the condenser and a gravity fed cooling medium supply vessel providing cooling to the condenser. A first blocking valve which responds to excess pressure is inserted in the line between the reactor and the condenser and a second blocking valve, actuated synchronously with the first valve, activates the flow of the cooling medium through the condenser.

Abstract: A continuous process for the production of acetic acid by a catalytic gas-phase oxidation of butenes in the presence of a vanadate catalyst and steam and in a solid bed or fluidized bed reactor cycle is disclosed wherein the recycled gas stream contains acetic acid produced by the reaction of the butenes and oxygen or oxygen containing gases, and the butene proportion in the gaseous mixture is at least 0.4 percent by volume. A first portion of the gas stream leaving the reactor cycle is recycled and a second portion of the gas stream leaving the reactor is cooled whereby acetic acid and water are condensed. After branching the waste gas the remaining gaseous fraction of the second portion is recycled into the reactor. The volume ratio of this remaining gaseous fraction to the first portion is about 0 to 0.2 for an air feed and about 0.1 to 0.4 for an oxygen feed. The acetic acid has a concentration in the effluent gas of the reactor of about 1.5 to 10 percent by volume.