Abstract: A process for treating waste water streams containing at least hydrocarbons and salts to yield a clean water product, a concentrated brine product and a hydrocarbon-rich product, which process includes the steps of: (a) feeding the waste water feed into a first distillation column at a stage in the range of from 0.05 to 0.15 from the top, wherein n represents the total number of theoretical stages of the first distillation column and has a value in the range of from 20 to 40; (b) drawing off a vapor stream at a stage in the range of from 0.55 to 0.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the purification, by distillation, of trimethylolpropane originating from the hydrogenation of 2,2-dimethylolbutanal, said process comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A process for separating water from methanol in an aqueous methanol initial mixture, including subjecting said mixture to azeotropic distillation in the presence of sufficient added methyl acrylate to form an azeotrope with most of the methanol in said initial mixture such that a substantial proportion of methanol in the initial mixture is removed as an azeotrope of methanol and methyl acrylate in the overhead vapors resulting from said distillation and a major proportion of water in said initial mixture is removed in the liquid residue of said distillation.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for reclaiming deicer from produced water of an oil or gas well includes a fractionation tower having a top condenser section, a bottom heat exchanger section and an intermediate packing section. A deicer outlet is positioned in the condenser section, for removal of condensed deicer. An inlet is provided to receive produced water contaminated by deicer. The inlet is coupled to the condenser section such that produced water must pass through the condenser to enter the inlet. A water outlet is provided in the heat exchanger section. Operation of the water outlet is controlled to maintain a predetermined level of accumulated water in the heat exchanger section. The heat exchanger is adapted to be coupled with a source of hot fluids produced by an external heat source. The circulation of hot fluids through the heat exchanger heats accumulated water in the heat exchanger section.

Abstract: Cyclic esters of hydroxy organic acids can be produced and recovered via azeotropic distillation. In certain embodiments cyclic esters, such as glycolide and lactide, can be produced from a fermentation broth or other feed stream that comprises a hydroxy organic acid, an ammonium salt of a hydroxy organic acid, an amide of a hydroxy organic acid, or an ester of a hydroxy organic acid using azeotropic distillation. The hydroxy organic acid of the feed stream or the hydroxy organic acid derived from the feed stream by decomposition is reacted to produce the cyclic ester. In other embodiments a crude composition of a cyclic ester of an organic ester can be purified using azeotropic distillation.

Abstract: A method of removing water from wet organoborane by dissolving the wet organoborane in an organic solvent in which water is incompletely soluble, decanting any insoluble water, and distilling the organic phase to remove water which may be contained therein.

Abstract: A process for recovering N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone is provided which allows to recover N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone efficiently and steadily and in high purity by continuous distillation from a mixed liquid containing N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-pyrrolidone, compounds having a higher boiling point than N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone and water. The process includes continuously distilling the mixed liquid using a distilling column, controlling the temperature of the bottom liquid of the distilling column at 180° C. or less.

Abstract: Process for the removal of trioxane from a liquid mixture comprising trioxane, formaldehyde, alcohol, hemiformals formed from the form-aldehyde and the alcohol, usual secondary components arising in the preparation of trioxane, and, in addition or as an alternative to the alcohol and the hemiformals, water, in which the trioxane is transferred into the gas phase by vaporization or evaporation and subsequently converted into a liquid state by condensation and obtained as condensate or converted into a solid state by desublimation and obtained as desublimate. Through the process, an increase in the concentration of the trioxane by 2.5 times or more is achieved.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of 1,3-dichloropropane by reacting bis(3-hydroxypropyl)ether with hydrogen chloride, optionally in the presence of tertiary basic nitrogen compounds or other tertiary aliphatic bases as catalysts, distilling off the 1,3-dichloropropane and the water of reaction and working up the two phases.

Abstract: Phenol is separated from a mixture containing hydroxyacetone, cumene, water and phenol, by fractionating the mixture in a process with a fractional distillation step and a phase separation step to provide a single phenol fraction containing less than 300 ppm of hydroxyacetone. In the work-up by distillation of cleavage product mixtures, the hydroxyacetone can be removed from the cleavage product mixture together with a phenol fraction from which the hydroxyacetone has to be removed. A process can be used for purifying cleavage product mixtures obtained in the cleavage of alkylaryl hydroperoxides such as cumene hydroperoxide. The process allows separation of phenol and acetone from mixtures obtained in the cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide.

Abstract: A process for producing methylal that involves feeding a liquid containing methanol, formaldehyde and water to an uppermost reactor of at least four solid acid catalyst-filled reactors which are each externally connected to an intermediate portion of a distillation column; and forcibly circulating a liquid containing methanol, formaldehyde, water and produced methylal in a temperature range of 80° C. to 100° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides a distillation separation method whereby tertiary butyl acetate is separated by distillation as an overhead stream from a bottoms acetic acid stream with the proviso that water is incorporated in the system such that the bottoms acetic acid stream contains water in amount of 0.1 to 5 wt %.

Abstract: A bifurcated fan (1) which draws in atmospheric air through air/liquid contact blocks of plastic grids which are sprayed with the liquid to be treated. The blocks change position in order to be sprayed on both front surfaces alternatively and thus remain clean. The liquid evaporates in the contact blocks and the concentrate is dehydrated in a secondary laminar evaporation base. The arrangement into converging sectors provides a geometry with minimal aerodynamic losses in a liquid with organic matter. The device includes a central tank which facilitates an aerobic biopurification process aided by the oxygenation in the contact blocks. Thermal exchanges may be included at the air inlet, using residual energy, particularly from thermal engines to which it provides refrigeration and cleaning of exhaust gases.

Abstract: A process for refining difluoromethane by removing water which is contained in difluoromethane and has been believed to be difficult to be removed includes distilling difluoromethane which contains water so as to obtain difluoromethane as a distillate and a mixture as a bottom product of difluoromethane and chlorofluoromethane and/or dichloromethane which mixture contains water. The bottom product is recycled to a reaction step to be reused together with a feedstock.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of free hydroxylamine is prepared by treating a hydroxylammonium salt with ammonia by the countercurrent method in a stripping column by a process in which hydroxylamine is liberated and at the same time the solution obtained is separated by distillation into an aqueous hydroxylamine solution and a salt fraction. The novel process can be carried out in a simple and gentle manner and on a large scale. The danger of decomposition is minimized owing to the low thermal load, the low concentration of hydroxylamine and the short residence time in the process.

Abstract: A method that employs a dilute solution, such as a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution, and concentrates the dilute solution to a yield a concentrated solution. A concentrated solution prepared by the method of the invention is useful as a rocket fuel, a laser fuel and industrial and laboratory chemical reagents.

Abstract: In a process for the preparation of methylglyoxal dimethyl acetal from methylglyoxal and methanol in the presence of an acidic ion exchanger, water is introduced in an amount sufficient to form an acidic reaction mixture in which the acetal product and water form an azeotropic mixture, with or without the retention of some methanol reactant. After subjecting a single phase acidic reaction mixture to an azeotropic distillation, it will separate into two distinct liquid phases with a simple recovery of the acetal product from the aqueous phase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for producing acrylic acid which involves subjecting an acrylic acid-containing aqueous solution obtained by catalytic vapor phase oxidation of propylene and/or acrolein to evaporation whereby an acrylic acid-containing vapor is obtained; and subjecting the acrylic acid-containing vapor to azeotropic dehydration. The present invention offers a number of advantages including a reduce amount of polymer that may adhere to the surface of an azeotropic dehydration column, a low-blowing separation column or an in a high-boiling separation column in a plant for producing acrylic acid. Consequently, the production plant can be operated for a long time without stopping operations.

Abstract: A process for distilling ethylene oxide out of a mixture including ethylene oxide in a column at an absolute pressure of from 2 to 10 bar and a temperature of 20 to 180.degree. C. by withdrawing pure ethylene oxide in the liquid or gaseous state overhead or via a sidestream in the rectifying section of the column includes effecting the distillation in a column having on its inside a plurality of successive zones of structured sheet-metal packing or dumped beds of packing elements, these zones being assigned one or more extinguishing systems on the outside of the column.

Abstract: A method permits concentration of a water-miscible organic liquid in a mixture of such liquid and water, with recovery of a desired concentrate of the water-miscible organic liquid and water, and a relatively clean water containing only a very low contest of the water-miscible organic liquid which enables disposal of the water in sewage systems, the method thus enhancing the ability to satisfy environmental concerns; the method has particular application to the recovery of a reusable glycol/water mixture from diluted spent aircraft deicer fluid (ADF).

Abstract: Process and apparatus for regenerating a contaminated solvent wherein said solvent is first separated from higher-boiling contaminants in an evaporator, and then contaminants having a lower boiling point than said solvent are separated out in a condenser in which the temperature of said lower-boiling contaminants coming out of said condenser and the temperature of said solvent coming out of said condenser are separately controlled.

Abstract: A system and process for purifying a 1,3-butadiene feedstock containing 1,3-butadiene and various impurities by first introducing the 1,3-butadiene feedstock stream to a separation column to produce an intermediate product stream containing 1,3-butadiene and residual impurities and then introducing the produced intermediate product stream through a condenser to a suitable dryer for removing residual impurities from the intermediate product stream and thereby forming a purified 1,3-butadiene stream. The separation column separates an overhead stream, containing 1,3-butadiene and impurities such as propadiene, water and oxygen, and a bottoms stream, containing impurities such as polymerization inhibitor, ethyl acetylene, 1,3-butadiene dimer, pentane and 1,2-butadiene, from the intermediate product stream which leaves the separation column in the form of a vapor side draw stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the simultaneous co-production of ethyl acetate and n-butyl acetate. The process involves reacting a reaction mixture of ethanol, n-butanol and acetic acid in the liquid phase, in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The process is carried out in a series of reactor and distillation columns. The process is capable of using relatively impure reactants and provides for removing some of the aldehyde type impurities by the use of resin guard beds.

Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polyester is extracted from biomass by dissolving the PHA in a non-halogenated solvent which comprises a PHA-good solvent or a mixture thereof. Suitable PHA-good solvents can be selected from the disclosed alcohols, esters, amides and ketones. The PHA can be recovered, for example, by cooling, by solvent evaporation, or by addition of a PHA-poor solvent, wherein the PHA-poor solvent preferably dissolves less than about 1% (w/v) of the PHA at a temperature below the solvent boiling point. Preferred PHA types for use in the invention are poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate), and polymers/copolymers of hydroxyterminated polyhydroxybutyrate.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating a crude oil containing water. An inlet introduces a flow of the crude oil into the apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the water is a vapor. A first separator disrupts the crude oil flow in order to separate at least a portion of the vapor from the crude oil to produce a treated oil. A heater heats the treated oil to produce a heated treated oil. Means for recycling a first amount of the heated treated oil from the heater to the inlet are provided. The first amount is at least sufficient to heat the crude oil to a temperature such that at least a portion of the water forms the vapor. At least one oil outlet removes the treated oil and at least one vapor outlet removes the vapor. Finally, means are provided for producing the flow of the crude oil. The process is preferably conducted using the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for purifying glyoxylates includes (1) a coarse distillation process in which a crude glyoxylate in which water coexists is, in a film form, continuously subjected to coarse distillation, and (2) an azeotropic dehydration process in which the crude glyoxylate purified through the coarse distillation process is subjected to azeotropic dehydration in the presence of an azeotropic agent such as propyl acetate. By this method, high-purity glyoxylates can be efficiently and easily obtained at lower costs.

Abstract: A heavy oil emulsified fuel combustion apparatus is provided in which steam bubbles generated in the pressure reduction operation for dewatering a heavy oil emulsified fuel before combustion are prevented from mixing into a dewatered heavy oil side resulting in lowering of a dewatering efficiency.In a heavy oil emulsified fuel combustion boiler, a heavy oil emulsified fuel 101 is heated by a heater 110 and dewatered by a flusher 120 and then introduced into a boiler 10 for combustion, and water 152 obtained by the dewatering is sent to a water utilizing system of the boiler. The heavy oil emulsified fuel 102 is heated in a high pressure and then introduced into a pressure reducing device 200 to be applied by a pressure reduction by multi-stage orifices 201 for dewatering. The pressure reduction is done with a pressure reduction per stage of 1 to 3 ata.

Abstract: Acetals are produced from the reaction of aldehydes and alcohols, e.g. methylal by the reaction of methanol and formaldehyde, by the reaction in a reaction distillation column of the alcohol and aldehyde in the presence of a catalyst and the concurrent fractional distillation of the reaction mixture to separate the reaction products, water and acetal.

Abstract: A process for recovering processing liquids such as gas-treating liquids wherein a feed mixture containing the processing liquid and components or impurities that are more volatile and less volatile than the processing liquid is initially heated in a first heating zone to a temperature sufficient to volatilize at least one of the more volatile components and a portion of the processing liquid, the temperature being maintained below the decomposition temperature of the processing liquid to produce a vapor stream containing the less volatile component and the vaporized portion of the processing liquid and a residuum containing the processing liquid, a reduced concentration of the more volatile components and the less volatile components, the vapor stream being separated from the residuum in a first separation zone, a portion of the residuum being passed through a second heating zone at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the processing liquid to produce a first heated recycle stream, the heated

Abstract: Butanol and dibutyl ether are separated from a mixture containing water, dibutyl ether and n-butanol, 2-butanol and/or isobutanol by a process in whicha) the mixture is introduced into a first distillation column, essentially butanol is separated off at the bottom of this distillation column and the mixture taken off at the top of the distillation columnb) is introduced into a second distillation column and essentially dibutyl ether is separated off at the bottom of this second distillation column and the mixture formed at the top of the second distillation column is removed,c) the second distillation column being operated at a higher pressure than the first distillation column and at least one of the two mixtures taken off via the top of the distillation columns being subjected to phase separation, only the organic phase separated off being fed to the second distillation column in the case of phase separation downstream of the first distillation column, and separation into an aqueous and an organic phase als

Abstract: A process as been found for the removal of water from reaction mixtures of acids or acid anhydrides or of aqueous alkali metal hydroxide solutions with alcohols using vapor permeation/pervaporation at the boiling point of the reaction mixture, which includes initially introducing the lowest-boiling educt in less than the stoichiometric amount, based on the other particular educt, together with this other educt, heating the reaction mixture to the boiling point and freeing the vapor mixture, which is formed from the boiling reaction mixture and includes chiefly water and the lowest-boiling component, from water on a membrane, recycling the vapor mixture which has been freed from water into the reaction mixture and topping up the reaction mixture with the lowest-boiling educt in the course of the reaction.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water, acetone, acetaldehyde and methanol and consisting essentially of ethylene glycol monomethyl ether is fed to an extractive distillation column within about 2 to about 15 stages from the top of the tower to obtain an overhead distillate fraction consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide contaminated with reduced quantities of acetone, acetaldehyde and methanol, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, water and acetone and some of the methanol introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: A method of separating water from an aqueous emulsion using a minimum of energy includes heating the aqueous emulsion in a sump, conveying concentrated emulsion from the sump to a heat exchanger so as to pass therethrough back to the sump, circulating water vapor and non-condensable gases from the sump through a compressor to raise its temperature and passing the heated water vapor and non-condensable gases through the heat exchanger to condense and heat the concentrated emulsion therein and evaporate water therefrom, a thermostat filled with water and water vapor, together with first and second pressure switches respectively communicating with the sump and the external atmosphere and the heat exchanger and the external atmosphere, maintaining a temperature differential between 0.5.degree. and 3.degree. C. between the aqueous emulsion in the sump and the temperature of the compressed water vapor and noncondensable gases.

Abstract: A process for removing water and ammonia from benzophenone imine reactor effluents resulting from the catalytic reaction of benzophenones of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, have the meaning stated in the specification and wherein ammonia is distilled off from effluents and wherein water is either distilled off from the effluents over removed non-distillatively.

Abstract: Acetone cannot be separated from a mixture of isopropanol and water because of the closeness of their boiling points. Acetone can be easily separated from isopropanol and water by extractive distillation. Effective extractive agents are 1-nitropropane, 3-carene, dimethylsulfoxide and 3-pentanone.

Abstract: A process for the separation of dimethyl ether and chloromethane in mixturesA process for the separation of dimethyl ether and chloromethane in mixtures by two distillation steps. In the first step, the mixture is subjected to an extractive distillation with water, aqueous salt solutions or organic liquids as extractant, the top product being chloromethane. In the second step, the dimethyl ether is separated from the extractant.

Abstract: Acetaldehyde may be effectively removed from a contaminated methanol stream using a distillation method wherein a solvent stream containing a relatively heavy polar compound such as water or propylene glycol is utilized as an extractive distillation solvent. Following the separation of the polar compound from the bottoms stream obtained by extractive distillation, the purified methanol may be recycled for use as a reaction solvent in an olefin epoxidation process.

Abstract: In the continuous purification of a propylene oxide feedstock contaminated with water, methanol and acetone wherein an acetone buffer is established in the column, normal distillation conditions are maintained or restored during or after an upset by continuously monitoring predetermined distillation conditions in the acetone buffer zone, and adding additional acetone to the extractive distillation column when the monitored distillation condition deviates from a predetermined value by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A process for purifying a raw natural gas stream is provided by contacting the gas stream with an absorbant to remove water and hydrocarbon impurities, separating the water and hydrocarbon impurities and absorbant from the gas stream, separating the absorbant from the water and hydrocarbon impurities to provide a liquid absorbant stream and a water vapor and hydrocarbon vapor stream, condensing the water vapor and a portion of the hydrocarbon vapor stream to provide a mixed liquid/vapor stream, passing the mixed stream through a pump capable of pumping a mixed stream, and disposing of the thus-reduced volume, higher pressure, mixed stream. One aspect of the invention provides for the reintroduction of the mixed stream to the process with the raw natural gas, thereby eliminating volatile organic compound disposal concerns.

Abstract: A process for preparing bisphenol A which has a purity of at least 99.95 wt. % of p,p-bisphenol A (BPA). Thermally stable and colour-stable BPA purified in accordance with the invention produces improved thermal and colour stability and improved optical transparency in polymers such as e.g. polycarbonates prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of a carbonylation product from a liquid reaction composition of an iridium-catalysed carbonylation reaction of a carbonylatable reactant includes subjecting the composition to a vaporization with or without the addition of heat to produce a vapor-fraction and a liquid fraction, the vapor fraction includes carbonylation product and the liquid fraction has a water concentration of at least 0.5% by weight to stabilise the iridium catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the purification of natural cresylic acid feedstocks which are first depitched. The depitched feedstock is extractively distilled with a polyhydric alcohol, preferably triethylene glycol, to remove virtually all neutral oil species which are indigenous to the phenol and cresol boiling ranges, most of the neutral oil species in the 2,4-2,5-xylenol boiling range, and a significant portion of the neutral oil species of the high boiling xylenol fraction (including of 2,3-xylenol, 3,5-xylenol, para-ethylphenol, meta-ethylphenol, 3,4-xylenol, and numerous C.sub.9 phenols). This process is also capable of removing tar bases such as pyridine and its alkyl homologues.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recycling a water-displacement process fluid that includes an organic liquid and a surfactant, the boiling point of which exceeds that of the organic liquid, maintains a sufficient quantity of organic liquid such that water displaced into the organic liquid is evaporated at least as fast as it is introduced. If the water and the organic liquid are immiscible and exhibit different densities, the resulting condensate can be separated into constituent phases by decanting. The condensed organic liquid and unevaporated surfactant are then available for recycling.

Abstract: A process for reducing the COD of an aqueous stream containing methylhydroperoxide, cumylhydroperoxide and other organic impurities characterized in that the reduction of COD is obtained by eliminating the peroxides from the aqueous stream by column distillation.

Abstract: A single vessel with no moving parts is constructed to perform the functions of coalescing, vacuum dehydration, and thin film evaporation.

Abstract: A method for recovering carboxylic acids from a dilute aqueous solution thereof having a concentration below about ten percent (10%) by weight, which includes passing the dilute acid solution through a reverse osmosis separator, thereby producing a permeate substantially free of acid and a retentate having an acid concentration above about ten percent (10%) by weight. The retentate is contacted with a liquid extractant for acids to produce an acid-rich extractate and an acid-free raffinate. The acid is then recovered from the acid-rich extractate.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent of 1-propanol is fed to an extractive distillation column used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water, acetone and methanol to obtain an overhead distillate fraction of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide contaminated with reduced quantities of acetone and methanol, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the 1-propanol, water and acetone, some of the methanol and heavier by-products of propylene oxide formed in the distillation column.

Abstract: A process for recovery and reuse of liquids used as solvents and diluents in a chemical reaction and/or the processing of substances, the process include the introduction of a solvent, a diluent, and a substance to be reacted and/or processed into a processing plant, feeding a used mixture of solvent, diluent and residues into a recovery plant, separating the solvent, diluent and residue resulting from the chemical reaction and/or processing of substances, recycling the solvent and diluent back to the processing plant, ejecting residues, and ejecting the treated substances. The apparatus for carrying out the process is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating the components of and/or decomposing a liquid material, involving the application of an artificial gravitational field to a liquid material by rotating the liquid material in a rotatable vessel. A non-rotatable mechanical member contacts the liquid material while the liquid material is exposed to the artificial gravitational field. The liquid material is thusly subjected to thermomechanical frictional heating.

Abstract: A solution of cellulose is formed by moving a premix of a tertiary amine N-oxide, water and cellulose through a thin-film evaporator using a bladed rotor under treatment conditions which specify, inter alia, an area of heated surface (1 m.sup.2 to 125 m.sup.2), a blade speed (2.5 to 8 m/sec), a pressure (25 to 100 mb) and a temperature (90.degree. to 135.degree. C.).