Abstract: Pure, substantially neutral, low-volatile organic compounds including reactive double bonds are advantageously isolated from a liquid feedstock which contains said compounds in combination with acidic reaction components or auxiliary materials by (i) adding to the feedstock, as neutralizing agents, finely powdered oxides, carbonates and/or hydroxides of the alkali metals and/or alkaline earth metals; (ii) adding, at the same time as the addition of the neutralizing agents or thereafter, a limited amount of water to the mixture of feedstock and neutralizing agents; (iii) mechanically mixing the liquid and solid mixture thus formed for at least a few minutes; (iv) distilling off water from the hot reaction mixture under reduced pressure; and (v) removal from the liquid product of the solid phase now present. Pure products which even without distillation exhibit low residual acid values in combination with low color values result.

Abstract: The invention relates to binary azeotropic compositions between water and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane, 1,1,1-trifluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1-difluoroethane or trifluoroethylene, to a process for the removal of water from solutions by azeotropic distillation using these compositions, as well as to a process for the production of a hydrofluoroalkane in which water is removed from the mixture of reaction products by azeotropic distillation using these compositions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating chemical production plant process condensate such that a contaminant-rich stream and a relatively pure aqueous stream is separately recoverable from the condensate, wherein the contaminants are substantially removed from the condensate by steam stripping and subsequent rectification in a relatively low pressure stripping/rectification tower. The tower overhead is then condensed with a portion of the condensed overhead being returned to the top of the rectification section of the tower as reflux and the balance being withdrawn as a concentrated stream for reuse in the plant. In a second embodiment, separate stripping and rectification towers operate in series whereby the overhead of the stripping tower is delivered to the lower section of the rectification tower and the rectification bottoms are returned to the top of the stripping tower.

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: A distillation method for the purification of crude propylene oxide containing contaminating quantities of water and methanol by partially purifying the crude propylene oxide in a plural stage distillation zone to provide a vaporized overhead distillate propylene oxide fraction containing a minor contaminating amount of vaporized water, andpassing the propylene oxide vapor fraction through a drying chamber containing a porous hygroscopic solid absorbent to selectively absorb water vapor onto the absorbent,and liquefying and recovering the thus-dehydrated purified propylene oxide.

Abstract: A process to separate in a fractionation zone an admixture comprising phenol, alpha-methylstyrene and water to produce an alpha-methylstyrene stream containing a minimum of phenol. The pH of the overhead aqueous phase is adjusted with a base to greater than about 6.

Abstract: Propylene oxide adducts of oxyethylene glycols are used as extractive distillation agents in an extractive distillation column in the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water, acetone and methanol to obtain an overhead propylene oxide distillate fraction contaminated with reduced quantities of water, acetone and methanol, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the extractive distillation agent, and acetone and some of the methanol and water introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: A process for the purification of caprolactam from crude caprolactam by distilling the crude caprolactam in the presence of an anorganic or organic acid.

Abstract: A method of dehydrating a solvent originating from a hydrocarbon dewaxing operation, wherein a moist composite organic solvent, for example a moist MEK/toluene mixture is dehydrated in a first distillation zone, the resulting first distillate is contacted with water to form two phases one of which, rich in organic solvent, is returned as a reflux to the first distillation zone whereas the other phase rich in water is distilled in a second distillation zone, and the head product and one portion of the bottom product of the second distillation zone are returned to the zone of contact between the first distillate and water, the invention being applicable to the dewaxing of lubricating oils.

Abstract: Process equipment is provided for separating ether, alcohol and hydrocarbon components from various etherifications of C.sub.4 or C.sub.5 isoolefins with an alcohol such as methanol or ethanol, and wherein identical process vessels are utilized for recovery of MTBE, ETBE, TAME, or TAEE. In use the process vessels are serially arranged in three zones. The first zone includes a first water wash vessel followed by a first fractionator and provides the ether product, the second zone includes a second wash vessel followed by a hydrocarbon stripper and recovers a stabilized hydrocarbon stream, the third zone includes a second fractionator which recovers an alcohol suitable for recycling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purifying fatty acid amides, which contains the following process steps:neutralization of the fatty acid by addition of an aqueous alkaline solution andsubsequent distillation of the neutralized mixture.

Abstract: Dehydrated compositions are obtained by: combining a hydrous composition, e.g., a hydrous electrolyte salt, with inert fluorochemical liquid; heating the resulting mixture in a vessel to volatilize water and inert fluorochemical liquid therein until the water content of the mixture is reduced to a desired level; optionally treating the resulting dehydrated mixture with another chemical material, e.g., a polar organic solvent; and optionally subjecting the dehydrated mixture or the treated dehydrated mixture to further treatment, e.g., separation of the mixture. Liquid electrolytes suitable for use in battery applications can be prepared by this method.

Abstract: Process for reclaiming or concentrating waste aqueous solutions of gas treating chemicals, such as alkanolamines, used for removing acid components or water vapor from natural gas. The process involves heating the waste solution under a high vacuum to form a vapor and a liquid residue. The temperature and vacuum can be varied to form a vapor consisting mainly of water vapor or a vapor containing both water vapor and vaporized gas treating chemical. The vapor is subsequently condensed or passed through a wash column to produce a concentrated solution. The liquid residue is heated by passing it through a single-pass, generally co-current heater at a rate which avoids localized overheating of a liquid to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the gas treating chemical. The heated liquid residue is then used to heat the feed waste solution by being thoroughly mixed with it, thus avoiding overheating of the feed solution.

Abstract: A process for making a light color maple syrup from a water-containing sap. In a first step, the sap is boiled under normal pressure to evaporate part of the water contained therein in the form of steam, to form the maple syrup and to develop caramelized and sweet characteristics and give flavor and a tinted color to this maple syrup. In a second step, the sap is heated at a temperature lower than the boiling temperature of the sap and atomized through an air circulating column to evaporate another part of the water contained therein. This second step which can be carried out before the first one, permits to concentrate the sap, to increase its sugar content and to avoid further caramelization thereof. The sap which is so obtained with an increased sugar content, may be recycled as long as necessary until a desired sugar concentration corresponding to a predetermined Brix number is reached.

Abstract: The process of this invention is directed to recovering diluted aqueous latex paint collected during cleaning of latex paint manufacturing equipment. The collected aqueous diluted latex paint is subjected to vacuum evaporation at temperatures between about 120.degree. F. and 170.degree. F. at reduced pressures of at least about 25 inches of mercury vacuum to produce a distillate containing above 99% by weight water and concentrated latex paint reusable as latex paint or as blend in latex paint products.

Abstract: For separating ETBE and ethanol the following principal stages are employed:(1) Extraction of ethanol by water, the raffinate being ETBE saturated in water and the extract an ethanol/water mixture containing a small proportion of ETBE;(2) Concentration of the above mixture, the distillate being a mixture close to the ethanol/water azeotrope in composition and containing a very small proportion of ETBE;(3) Heteroazeotropic distillation of this distillate in two coupled columns with an overhead decanter, this distillation using ETBE as azeotroping agent; the residue of the first column being ethanol which is ca. 99% by mole and the residue of the second column being practically pure water, this water and the water recovered during the concentration stage being used as extraction solvent in stage (1).Stage (3) may be an ethanol dehydration unit using ETBE as dehydrating agent.

Abstract: Phenol plant waste water containing small amounts of phenol and sodium sulfate is successfully distilled through the addition of recovered sodium sulfate to enhance the volatility of the phenol relative to water; at least a portion of the sodium sulfate is recycled, while a significant portion of the phenol can be returned to the phenol plant for recovery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making lactide from aqueous lactic acid. The invention method comprises converting feed aqueous lactic acid to its vapor phase. The feed vapors then are passed through a reactor maintained at elevated temperature and in which optionally is disposed an alumina catalyst. Withdrawn from the reactor is product lactide, water, and unreacted lactic acid which are subjected to separation for recovery of the lactide product. The separated unreacted lactic acid is eligible for readmission to the process for making additional lactide. This cyclic process embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of passing make-up aqueous lactic acid feed into a vaporization zone along with unreacted aqueous lactic acid filtrate from another step of the process and therein forming aqueous lactic acid feed vapors. The thus-generated vapors that are passed through a vapor phase reaction zone held at elevated temperature for forming lactide therein.

Abstract: A process is provided for separating trace amounts of water-immiscible, volatile organic liquids dissolved in aqueous media whereby the aqueous media are subjected to vapor stripping under vacuum at about ambient temperature in conjunction with a heat pump which indirectly recovers the energy of vaporization in its cold loop and returns such energy to the vaporization of the aqueous media in its hot loop. Inasmuch as the entire process is conducted at ambient temperature, there is little loss of energy to the environment and processing energy is recovered and reused to the application of a heat pump system.

Abstract: An improved method is provided for separation of a mixture of an organic fluid and water. The method is a combination of a distillation, an H.sub.2 O-selective pervaporation and a reverse osmosis and is particularly suitable for the separation of glycol and water.

Abstract: A system for removing volatile constituents (e.g., hydrocarbons) from a liquid (e.g., water) containing the same by which there is a continuous countercurrent contact between the liquid and a forced air flow. Water collected in a reservoir is continuously pumped to the top of a stripping tower where it is dispersed downwardly over packing material. A blower forces air upwardly in the tower so as to remove the volatile constituents that exit the tower with the exit air. Since the water flow is continuous, multiple passes occur through the tower to enhance separation efficiency. Water from the base of the tower returns to the reservoir via overflow from a standpipe. A lower liquid level sensor in the reservoir initiates operation of the water pump to the tower, and an upper liquid level sensor initiates operations of another pump for pressure discharge from the base of the tower to an exterior site.

Abstract: A continuous evaporation process for drying water-wet waste solids and sludges, using a paraffin oil solvent, until the waste is dried to a near-zero wastewater product, without experiencing sticky solids. The invention involves (1) mixing the input solids or sludges with a paraffin oil solvent, (2) feeding the mixture into two or more stages of evaporation in parallel to evaporate some of the water present in the input solids or sludges and to extract some of the indigenous solvent-soluble compounds from the solids, (3) feeding the slurry from the parallel stages of evaporation to one or more final evaporation stages in series, and (4) feeding the slurry from the final stages of evaporation to a centrifuge or other device for separating most of the solvent from the solids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation method and an apparatus for the concentration and purification of water-containing liquid chemicals. The distillation is performed using constant, predetermined distillation parameters.

Abstract: A process for removing organic compounds, including nitro-hydroxy-aromatic compounds and amines, from alkaline wastewater, and in particular from wastewater generated in the production of nitrobenzene, dinitrobenzene, nitrotoluene and dinitrotoluene. The process involves distilling the alkaline wastewater steam at or near atmospheric pressure until it is concentrated five to twenty-five fold. The distillate includes water, which may be discharged to the environment, subjected to biological treatment, or recycled for use in the production process; and volatile organics, which are phase separated from the aqueous portion of the distillate and which may be recycled to the crude product stream. The concentrated residue from the distillation may be incinerated or subjected to biological treatment.

Abstract: Process for extracting polyhydroxyalkanoates from the cell material of microorganisms by adding an organic solvent for the polyhydroxyalkanoate which is immiscible with water and which has a boiling point of below 100.degree. C., and, if appropriate, by adding water; stirring the resulting extraction mixture, if appropriate with refluxing; separating off the aqueous phase which contains the cell material in undissolved form from the organic phase; and injecting the organic phase into hot water, causing the dissolved polyhydroxyalkanoate to precipitate and the organic solvent to evaporate, and also isolating the precipitated polyhydroxyalkanoate flocs.

Abstract: A process is presented for the treatment of wastewater containing non-volatile pollutants and volatile chemically oxidizable organic and inorganic pollutants. The process combines efficient evaporation to concentrate the non-volatile compounds and a catalytic oxidation reaction to convert the volatilized organic and inorganic pollutants. A condensate product may be obtained by treating wastewater according to the inventive process that is of distilled water quality and substantially free of minerals and organics.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering components of a mixture having a gap in the range of miscibility and having organic compounds and water in a pervaporization process with the aid of membranes. The mixture is first separated into an organically loaded water phase and a water-saturated organic phase. Subsequently, the organically loaded water phase and the water-saturated organic phase are separately subjected to parallel, different pervaporization processes, resulting in retentates as water on the one hand and organic liquid on the other hand. The permeates that result during the pervaporization processes are subsequently returned to the mixture that is to be separated.

Abstract: A process for substantially removing and recovering unreacted diene monomer from ethylene propylene diene monomer resin produced in a fluidized bed reactor by purging the resin with steam in a purging zone, the resin being introduced in the purging zone at a temperature above the temperature of the steam in the purging zone.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating methoxyisopropylamine and particularly to an improvement in the process for the recovery of methoxyisopropylamine from the reaction of methoxyisopropanol with ammonia under amination conditions. In this process water is produced as a byproduct and in the separation process an azeotrope is formed which comprises about 14% water and 86% methoxyisopropylamine at atmospheric pressure. The process for enhancing separation of the azeotrope comprises contacting the azeotrope of methoxyisopropylamine and water with diisopropylamine in sufficient amount to form the azeotrope of water and diisopropylamine and separating the azeotrope from the other materials in a distillation column. The overheads in this column is charged to a decanter where water is removed as a bottoms phase and the diisopropylamine as the upper phase and returned as reflux to the distillation volumn.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of dipropylene glycol 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 consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide contaminated with reduced quantities of acetone and methanol, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the dipropylene glycol, water and acetone and some of the methanol introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of a monohydroxy alkoxyalkanol containing 5 to 8 carbon atoms is fed to an extractive distillation column used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water to obtain an overhead distillate fraction consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the monohydroxy alkoxyalkanol and water introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol 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 consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide contaminated with reduced quantities of acetone and methanol, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, water and acetone and some of the methanol introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: 2-Methoxyethanol cannot be completely separated from water by conventional distillation or rectification because of the minimum boiling azeotrope. 2-Methoxyethanol can be readily separated from water by extractive distillation. Effective agents are dimethylsulfoxide, sulfolane, dimethylformamide or 1,4-butanediol.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate or a mixture thereof is fed to an extractive distillation column used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water to obtain an overhead distillate fraction consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the extraction distillation solvent and water introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of glycerol-1,3-di-t-butylether is fed to an extractive distillation column used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water to obtain an overhead distillate fraction consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the glycerol-1,3-di-t-butylether and water introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of triethylene glycol 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 consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide contaminated with reduced quantities of acetone and methanol, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the triethylene glycol, water and acetone and some of the methanol introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: A process for the dehydration of substances, mixtures, primarily condensation reaction mixtures, (e.g. direct esterification, direct acetal formation, direct ketal formation), performed by continuous azeotropic distillation with an organic solvent forming with water an azeotropic mixture of minimal boiling point and unable to mix with water, carried out in such a way that the distillate is cooled at least to the temperature, at which the condensate with the given water content or the organic phase of the condensate is just supersaturated with respect to water, and the organic phase of lower water content obtained in this way is recycled to the distilling boiler. The organic solvents used are e.g. benzene, toluene, 1,2-dichloroethane, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of N-phenylmaleimide which comprises reacting maleic anhydride with aniline in a single step at elevated temperature in the presence of a water-immiscible organic solvent capable of forming an azeotrope with water and of p-toluenesulfonic acis as catalyst.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of sulfolane is fed to an extractive distillation column used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water to obtain an overhead distillate fraction consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the sulfolane and water introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of 2-hydroxyethyl 2-hydroxyethylcarbamate, and is fed to an extractive distillation column used for the distillation of propylene oxide contaminated with water to obtain an overhead distillate fraction consisting of essentially anhydrous propylene oxide, and a heavier bottoms distillation fraction containing substantially all of the 2-hydroxyethyl 2-hydroxyethycarbamate, and water introduced into the disillation column.

Abstract: An extractive distillation agent consisting essentially of 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone 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 consisting 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-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, water and acetone and some of the methanol introduced into the distillation column.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of heat and chemicals from spent liquor by evaporating water out from it in order to concentrate the liquor and be feeding the concentrated liquor thereby obtained and air into the soda-ash furnace. In order to increase the dry-matter content of the liquor to a level higher than usual, without at the same time increasing the viscositty of the liquor immoderately, at least the final concentrating (5, 9) of the liquor and its feeding (16) into the soda-ash furnace (4) are carried out under pressure at a temperature higher than the atmospheric boiling point of the liquor.

Abstract: A method of separating and recovering components of a mixture having a gap in the range of miscibility and including organic compounds and water in a pervaporization process with the aid of membranes. The mixture is first separated into an organically loaded water phase and a water-saturated organic phase. Subsequently, the organically loaded water phase and the water-saturated organic phase are separately subjected to parallel, different pervaporization processes, resulting in retentates as water on the one hand and organic liquid on the other hand. The permeates that result during the pervaporization processes are subsequently returned to the mixture that is to be separated.

Abstract: Pyridine cannot be completely separated from water by conventional distillation or rectification because of the minimum boiling azeotrope. Pyridine can be readily separated from water by using azeotropic or extractive distillation. Typical examples of effective agents are: by azeotropic distillation, methyl isoamyl ketone and propylene glycol dimethyl ether; by extractive distillation, isophorone and sulfolane.

Abstract: An extractive distillation process for separating at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.4 alkene (preferably propylene) from at least one close-boiling alkane (preferably propane) employs propylene carbonate as solvent, optionally in admixture with a minor amount of water.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of methoxyisopropylamine from the reaction of methoxyisopropanol and ammonia under amination conditions. Water is produced as a byproduct and in the distillation separation an azeotrope is formed which includes about 14% water and 86% methoxyisopropylamine. The improvement for enhancing separation of the azeotrope includes initially distilling the mixture of methoxyisopropylamine, methoxyisopropanol and water under sufficient elevated pressure wherein an azeotrope of water and methoxyisopropylamine overhead and an essentially water free bottoms of methoxyisopropylamine and methoxyisopropanol are formed. The overhead from this initial distillation column is charged to a second distillation column operated at reduced pressure wherein an organic free bottoms containing primarily water is obtained.

Abstract: A method of isolating trioxane by distillative separation at atmospheric pressure without extraction steps from an aqueous trioxane solution having a trioxane concentration which does not exceed that concentration, which has an constant boiling azeotropic mixture obtained at a simple distillation of said aqueous trioxane solution at normal pressure, includes heating the aqueous trioxane solution, which may also contain formaldehyde and acid, in an evaporator to form a trioxane and water vapor-containing steam mixture substantially of the azeotrope boiling temperature (about 92.degree. C. for a solution containing only water and trioxane); feeding an inert gas stream into either the evaporator or a partial condenser connected directly to the evaporator; leading the steam mixture in a first stage together with the inert gas stream through the partial condensing means, wherein the steam mixture together with the inert gas stream is cooled to a temperature of 58.degree. to 64.degree. C.

Abstract: A preparation membrane for pervaporation which comprises a crosslinked reaction mixture of a polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl alcohol copolymer and a polystyrene sulfonic acid or polystyrene sulfonic acid copolymer. A method for separating a mixture of water and an organic compound by using the membrane is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing, from a dilute aqueous solution of a lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) alcohol, a concentrated liquid solution of the alcohol in an aromatic organic solvent is disclosed. Most of the water is removed from the dilute aqueous solution of alcohol by chilling sufficiently to form ice crystals. Simultaneously, the remaining liquid is extracted at substantially the same low temperature with a liquid organic solvent that is substantially immiscible in aqueous liquids and has an affinity for the alcohol at that temperature, causing the alcohol to transfer to the organic phase. After separating the organic liquid from the ice crystals, the organic liquid can be distilled to enrich the concentration of alcohol therein. Ethanol so separated from water and concentrated in an organic solvent such as toluene is useful as an anti-knock additive for gasoline.

Abstract: Finely divided potassium chloride is removed from mixtures with polar, aprotic solvents, such as N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone, by combining the mixture with sufficient water to dissolve a significant portion, but not all of the potassium chloride present, removing the added water by distillation, and subsequently separating the larger crystals of the salt that form by filtration or centrifugation. The amount of water employed is in the same general range as the amount of polar, aprotic solvent present.