Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of grade AA methanol by distilling raw methanol in several distillation stages, for separating grade AA methanol, tail gas, and fusel oil from the raw methanol and further processing the fusel oil to produce additional methanol of grade AA quality at a return ratio of 5:1 or higher.

Abstract: A process for continuous rectification of a liquid mixture containing alcohols, particularly a liquid fermate, employs a plurality of distillation columns to which the liquid mixture is fed in parallel, and which have successively reduced operating pressures and temperatures from an initial one to a final one thereof. The top vapor distillate from the higher-pressure columns supplies driving heat to the sumps of the next successively lower-pressure columns. Direct steam at 130.degree. C. to 160.degree. C. is fed to the sump of the column operated at the highest pressure. Direct steam is generated by indirect heat exchange of water with the top vapor withdrawn from the columns, and the resulting direct steam is fed to the sumps of the next-lower-pressure columns. The apparatus can also include a section for the production of absolute alcohol.

Abstract: Jet venturi apparatus for absorbing a gas by washing liquid provided with stack of packings extending across the throat.

Abstract: Water is separated by distillation from organic multiple component mixtures containing at least one component partly miscible with water. The component miscible with water is distilled azeotropically with the water contained in the mixture, the distillate is separated into water and a zeotrope forming agent and the latter is recycled to the distilling column. In the recycling process, one part of the azeotrope forming agent is conducted to the top of the column and the other part is fed into the column at the feed mixture inlet or at a location thereunder.