Abstract: The invention concerns a process and apparatus for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.This process is characterized by the steps of:introducing the reactants into a reaction-distillation zone containing at least two superposed and non-contiguous fixed beds (2a, 2b) of catalyst of the sulfonated resin type, wherein passageways are provided for a vapor phase, at least one distillation tray (4a), at least one liquid redistribution tray (5),maintaining distillation conditions in the zone so as to have a descending liquid phase and an ascending vapor phase,maintaining a continuous liquid phase in the lower part of the beds,discharging a vapor phase containing a high proportion of unconverted hydrocarbons from the top (8) of the zone, andwithdrawing a liquid phase of high MTBE content from the bottom (10) of the zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with isobutene-containing hydrocarbons in a reaction zone having alternate beds of sulfonated resin catalyst and catalyst-free distillation zones wherein the zones also contain liquid redistribution plates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with an isobutene-containing hydrocarbon mixture.This process is characterized by the steps of:introducing the reactants into a reaction-distillation zone containing at least two superposed and non-contiguous fixed beds (2a, 2b) of catalyst of the sulfonated resin type, wherein passage-ways are provided for a vapor phase, at least one distillation tray (4a), at least one liquid redistribution tray (5),maintaining distillation conditions in said zone so as to have a descending liquid phase and an ascending vapor phase,maintaining a continuous liquid phase in the lower part of said beds,discharging a vapor phase containing a high proportion of unconverted hydrocarbons from the top (8) of said zone, andwithdrawing a liquid phase of high MTBE content from the bottom (10) of said zone.

Abstract: Process for manufacturing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) by reacting methanol with isobutene-containing hydrocarbons in a reaction zone comprising alternate beds of sulfonated resin catalyst and catalyst-free distillation zones, said zones also comprising liquid redistribution plates.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for upgrading olefinic gasolines containing C.sub.5 hydrocarbons, but free of C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, by etherification. It is characterized in that the tertiary olefins of the charge are reacted (1 and 2) with methanol; the reaction effluent being then extracted (3) with water, in order to separate an aqueous phase containing the major part of the unreacted methanol from a hydrocarbon phase containing the major part of the formed ethers. The aqueous phase is then introduced in a distillation zone (4) where water is separated from methanol and recycled to the extraction zone (3), whereas methanol is recycled to the etherification zone (1 and 2).

Abstract: Process for producing a hydrocarbon cut of high octane number by etherification of an olefin-containing hydrocarbon cut.The olefinic cut, to which methanol is added, passes into an etherification reactor (1) wherefrom are separated (3) a bottom product (15) containing ethers, and a top product (14) containing residual methanol and unreacted light olefins. This top product passes into an etherification reactor (2) and then is washed with water (8).The top product is finally admixed with the bottom product.The so-obtained motor-fuel has a higher octane number than that of the initial hydrocarbon cut.

Abstract: A process for treating an aqueous phase obtained by acidic or basic washing of a hydrocarbon phase comprising a soluble aluminum compound in solution, characterized in that it is neutralized at a pH of from 6 to 8.5, treated with an additive selected from the alkaline-earth metal oxides, hydroxides and carbonates, at a temperature ranging from 90.degree. C. to the boiling point, the molar ratio of the additive to aluminum being from 1/10 to 10/1, and separated thereafter from the insoluble phase of precipitate.

Abstract: Process for producing ethers by reacting a catalytic cracking C.sub.4 olefinic cut which may contain such impurities as NaOH, an alkanolamine, an alkaline earth metal compound or an iron, copper or lead compound, with an alcohol, in the liquid phase, in the presence of an expanded bed of an etherification solid catalyst of the sulfonic resin type in acid form, in a circuit of two or more successive reaction zones wherethrough the order of passage of the reactants is periodically modified by disconnecting the first zone from the circuit, feeding the reactants to the second zone, replacing the catalyst of the first zone with fresh catalyst and thereafter connecting said first zone at the end of the circuit.

Abstract: Process for isomerizing 1-butene to 2-butene by contacting 1-butene, at a temperature from 50 to 140.degree. C, in the presence of hydrogen, with an isomerization catalyst containing a noble metal from group VIII of the periodic classification of elements, which catalyst was previously contacted with a sulfur compound at a temperature from 50 to 400.degree. C and then with hydrogen at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C.