Abstract: Provided herein are improved methods for producing methacrylic acid and methacrylate esters using combined or “integrated” processing steps including integrated hydrolysis, integrated cracking systems, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, other aspects of an methacrylic acid and methacrylate ester production trains are integrated. Also provided are methods to purify crude methacrylic acid streams to form glacial methacrylic acid that is at least 95% pure.

Abstract: A process is provided herein for the high yield production of high purity glacial methacrylic acid (“HPMAA”) that is substantially pure, specifically 99% pure or greater, with water content of 0.05% or less and low levels of other impurities, including HIBA, acrylic acid, MOMPA, methacrolein and others. This improved process comprises providing a crude MAA stream and purifying the crude methacrylic acid stream in a series of successive distillation steps involving two distillation columns. The inventive process is capable producing high purity methacrylic acid product that is especially suitable for the production of specialty MAA polymers.

Abstract: A sulfur-bearing residue treatment system is provided for the recovery of valuable organic components and the reduction of capital costs and operating costs. The treatment system involves the use of a stripping vessel in conjunction with a heating apparatus. All elements of the treatment system may be coupled together to form one integral piece of equipment.