Abstract: A process for ring hydrogenation of a benzenepolycarboxylic acid or derivative thereof, which process comprises contacting a feed stream comprising said acid or derivative thereof with a hydrogen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst under hydrogenation conditions to produce a hydrogenated product, wherein said catalyst comprises a Group VIII metal, a support material and a halogen, and wherein the halogen is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.60% by weight, based on the total weight of the catalyst.

Abstract: Embodiments of an invention disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and processes related thereto including modifications of support members that significantly reduce the magnitude of stress at junctions between the support members and the shell walls of the apparatuses.

Abstract: A process for production of C4 to C15 esters by the esterification of a carboxylic acid or anhydride with a C4 to C15 alcohol including forming a reaction mixture of the acid or anhydride and the C4 to C15 alcohol including a stoichiometric excess of the alcohol is provided.

Abstract: In the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, the ortho-xylene loading is increased without increasing the likelihood of explosion by insulating the system to avoid cold spots to keep the ortho-xylene at a temperature above its dew point; in addition the system may be electrically interconnected and grounded to reduce the risk of spark initiated explosions or deflagrations.

Abstract: A process for production of C4 to C15 esters by the esterification of a carboxylic acid or anhydride with a C4 to C15 alcohol including forming a reaction mixture of the acid or anhydride and the C4 to C15 alcohol including a stoichiometric excess of the alcohol and bringing the mixture to reaction temperature by providing an energy supply to the reaction to cause the mixture to react wherein initially the energy supply is controlled to reduce foaming and optionally the energy supply is subsequently increased to enhance reaction time.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the production of phthalic anhydride wherein the spent catalyst is removed from the oxidation reactor tubes more effectively by vacuuming from the top and using a vacuum hose having a tip with an increased impact strength and with a maximum hardness. As a result, the new catalyst loading can be made more uniform and the process may be operated with improved stability at higher organics loadings in the reactor feed. Process stability may be further improved by varying the outlet temperature of the phthalic anhydride precondenser over time.

Abstract: In the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, the ortho-xylene loading is increased without increasing the likelihood of explosion by insulating the system to avoid cold spots to keep the ortho-xylene at a temperature above its dew point; in addition the system may be electrically interconnected and grounded to reduce the risk of spark initiated explosions or deflagrations.

Abstract: Embodiments of an invention disclosed herein relate to apparatuses and processes related thereto including modifications of support members that significantly reduce the magnitude of stress at junctions between the support members and the shell walls of the apparatuses.

Abstract: A method comprising forming a partial barrier in an outer part of a flange joint, applying a sealant to the outside of the flange joint, and supplying a safe sealing fluid to an inner part of the flange joint, prevents a process fluid from leaking out through a flange joint, advantageously without having to dismantle the flange joint.

Abstract: Processes for controlling the operation of switch condensers are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the production of phthalic anhydride wherein the spent catalyst is removed from the oxidation reactor tubes more effectively by vacuuming from the top and using a vacuum hose having a tip with an increased impact strength and with a maximum hardness. As a result, the new catalyst loading can be made more uniform and the process may be operated with improved stability at higher organics loadings in the reactor feed. Process stability may be further improved by varying the outlet temperature of the phthalic anhydride precondenser over time.

Abstract: An improved method for producing di-isotridecylphthalate (DTDP) is disclosed by esterification using a tetra-alkyl titanate catalyst made from preferably primary alcohols having at least 4 and preferably up to but not more than 10 carbon atoms. In the esterification process, compared to using tetra-isopropyl titanate catalyst, less of the alcohol from the catalyst contributes to the environmental burden associated with discarding the waste water byproduct, and more is incorporated into the prime DTDP product.

Abstract: Olefin compositions comprising C5 to C13 branched chain olefins are stabilised by the addition of 5 to less than 50 ppm by weight of antioxidant. These lower than normal amounts of antioxidant enable improved yields in a hydroformylation reaction using the olefin composition as feedstock and in esterification reactions employing the alcohol produced in the hydroformylation reaction. Consistent lower levels of antioxidant can be achieved by use of a liquid antioxidant and a pump driven dosing system.

Abstract: Esters produced by the catalyzed reaction of alcohols and acids or anhydrides are neutralized by treatment with an aqueous alkaline alkali metal salt solution in an amount that provides less than a stoichiometric amount of alkali metal salt in relation to the acidity of the crude ester and the amount of water present during the treatment is from 0.7 to 1.4 wt % of water based on the weight of crude ester. When using titanium as the esterification catalyst, the ester resulting from this process contains less than 0.01 ppm by weight of titanium residue, so that it is storage stable when stored in the presence of an antioxidant.

Abstract: Olefin compositions comprising C5 to C13 branched chain olefins are stabilised by the addition of 5 to less than 50 ppm by weight of antioxidant. These lower than normal amounts of antioxidant enable improved yields in a hydroformylation reaction using the olefin composition as feedstock and in esterification reactions employing the alcohol produced in the hydroformylation reaction. Consistent lower levels of antioxidant can be achieved by use of a liquid antioxidant and a pump driven dosing system.

Abstract: The liquid volume resistivity of plasticiser esters is improved by purifying the ester with an adsorbent having a pH in the range 6 to 11. It is preferable to use a mixture of a filtration aid and an adsorbent. A plasticiser having a desirable combination of high liquid volume resistivity, low amount of light ends and low carbonyl number is obtained.

Abstract: Treatment of sulphur bearing hydrocarbons, especially olefin feedstocks to the oxo process, with a nickel-containing catalyst, especially spent hydrogenation catalyst, which may be amine treated.

Abstract: Cobalt is recovered from the oil/water mixed reaction product of oxonation by increasing the carbon dioxide level in the reaction product and adjusting the temperature to enhance the carbon dioxide level in the oil water phase to promote the formation of cobalt carbonate which is allowed to settle and may be removed and/or recycled increasing cobalt utilization and reducing environmental problems.

Abstract: Cobalt is recovered from the oil/water mixed reaction product of an oxonation reaction by converting the cobalt in the oil/water product to carbonyls and absorption of the carbonyls in the residue obtained from the upgrading of the heavy fraction of a hydroformylation reaction.

Abstract: In the the oxo process for alcohol production the heavy component left after enriching and recycling is itself recycled to oxonation to give yield improvement.