Abstract: A process for the purification of terephthalic acid in which a dispersion of the terephthalic acid in a liquid dispersant such as acetic acid is continuously pumped repeatedly through a cycle. Fresh dispersion is fed continuously into the cycle while simultaneously a corresponding amount of treated dispersion is removed. The cycle comprises a heater and a cooler and the cooler serves as a crystallizer. The dispersion prior to entering the heater is subjected to a highly effective particle comminution and is exposed upstream of or in the heater to an oxygen containing gas such as air. The acetic acid dispersant is removed from the treated dispersion and recycled to the cycle.

Abstract: Dimethyl terephthalate is prepared by the continuous esterification of terephthalic acid in the gas phase by evaporating solid terephthalic acid in a pre-reactor by means of a hot methanol vapor stream, conducting the gas mixture through a solid bed catalyst in a follow-up reactor, and recirculating a portion of the reaction product to the pre-reactor. After the pre-reactor the terephthalic acid dispersed in the methanol gas phase is heated and vaporized in one or more consecutive heat exchangers followed by one or more dwell period lengths and immediately heated to the esterification temperature prior to entry into the follow-up reactor.

Abstract: Dimethyl terephthalate is prepared by the continuous esterification of terephthalic acid in the gas phase by evaporating solid terephthalic acid in a pre-reactor by means of a hot methanol vapor stream, conducting the gas mixture through a solid bed catalyst in a follow-up reactor, and recirculating a portion of the reaction product to the pre-reactor. After the pre-reactor the terephthalic acid dispersed in the methanol gas phase is heated and vaporized in one or more consecutive heat exchangers followed by one or more dwell period lengths and immediately heated to the esterification temperature prior to entry into the follow-up reactor.