Abstract: A method of removing dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) from a vapor stream. The vapor stream includes dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), methylhydroxyethyl terephthalate (MHET), glycols and methanol. A distillation column is held under an elevated pressure of 100 to 500 kPag and at a temperature of at least 85.degree. C. It has (i) a plurality of distillation trays; (ii) methanol liquid sprays between the trays; (iii) a main spray zone below the trays and (iv) a liquid pool of methanol in the bottom of the column. The vapor stream is directed into the distillation column, above the liquid pool and below the main spray zone, thereby forming a stream of liquid and vapor. The stream of liquid is directed away from the distillation column walls and into the liquid pool at the bottom of the column.

Abstract: There is described a process and optimal conditions for depolymerizing polyester into its components and separating the components using apparatus comprising:a dissolver for receiving polyester,a reactor for depolymerizing polyester into components, anda rectifier for separating polyester components; the process comprising the steps of:a) adding polyester to the dissolver and combining it with melt from the reactor and liquid from the rectifier to reduce the chain length of the polyester,b) transferring reduced chain length polyester from the dissolver to the reactor,c) passing super-heated methanol through the reactor to depolymerize polyester into its constituent monomers;d) transferring depolymerization products from the reactor to the rectifier; ande) separating the depolymerization products in the rectifier into a vapor phase containing component monomers and a liquid phase containing higher molecular weight materials.