Abstract: A process is disclosed for the purification of an off-gas which originates from the oxidation of xylene with air in the Witten process for the preparation of dimethyl terephthalate by subjecting the off-gas to a partial condensation step to remove constituents such as dimethyl terephthalate and xylene; then contacting the off-gas with a solvent such as para-toluic acid or a mixture of para-toluic acid and methyl benzoate so as to remove contaminants such as para-xylene out of the off-gas; then contacting the off-gas with a solvent such as methyl benzoate to remove contaminants such as methyl para-toluate out of the off-gas; then contacting the off-gas with water so as to remove contaminants such as methanol out of the off-gas, and then combusting the off-gas.

Abstract: A multistage arrangement for countercurrent separation of suspended solids, such as crystals, by means of hydro-cyclone groups connected in series and corresponding pumps and pump wells. For operating with relatively small expenditures with respect to apparatus under high pressures and at high temperatures within a certain, limited temperature range, the hydro-cyclone groups, the pump wells with pumps projecting into the pump wells, and the essential parts or regions of the lines are placed in a common pressure-proof and heat-insulated chamber. In addition, for removing coarser crystallizations and solid particles, an upstream classifier also accommodated in the chamber may be provided. The multistage arrangement can be used in a process for the production of terephthalic acid from dimethyl-terephthalate as the intermediate product, and in a process for the hydrogenation of coal.

Abstract: A multistage arrangement for countercurrent separation of suspended solids, such as crystals, by means of hydro-cyclone groups connected in series and corresponding pumps and pump wells. For operating with relatively small expenditures with respect to apparatus under high pressures and at high temperatures within a certain, limited temperature range, the hydro-cyclone groups, the pump wells with pumps projecting into the pump wells, and the essential parts or regions of the lines are placed in a common pressure-proof and heat-insulated chamber. In addition, for removing coarser crystallizations and solid particles, an upstream classifier also accommodated in the chamber may be provided. The multistage arrangement can be used in a process for the production of terephthalic acid from dimethyl-terephthalate as the intermediate product, and in a process for the hydrogenation of coal.

Abstract: A process for the production of terephthalic acid from p-xylene and methanol by way of the dimethyl terephthalate obtained by oxidation, in the liquid phase with atmospheric oxygen in the presence of dissolved heavy metal compounds as the catalyst, of a mixture of p-xylene and a fraction containing predominantly methyl p-toluate, which fraction is recycled into the oxidation, to obtain an oxidation product containing primarily p-toluic acid and monomethyl terephthalate at a temperature of 140.degree.-170.degree. C. and under a pressure of 4-8 bar; by esterification of the oxidation product in a reactor with liquid and subsequently vaporized methanol brought to an elevated pressure, at a temperature of 220.degree.-280.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the production of dimethyl terephthalate from p-xylene and methanol by oxidation in a reactor, in the liquid phase with atmospheric oxygen in the presence of dissolved heavy metal compounds as a catalyst, of a mixture of p-xylene and a fraction containing predominantly methyl p-toluate, which fraction is recycled into the oxidation, to obtain an oxidation product containing primarily p-toluic acid and monomethyl terephthalate, at a temperature of 140.degree.-170.degree. C. and under a pressure of 4-8 bar; by esterification of the oxidation product with liquid and subsequently vaporized methanol brought to an elevated pressure, at a temperature of 220.degree.-280.degree. C.