Including Step Of Adding Catalyst Or Reacting Material Patents (Class 203/29)
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Patent number: 6156160Abstract: This invention concerns a process to provide high purity alkylene carbonate though use of multiple distillations wherein the unused fractions are recycled to the reactor.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical CorporationInventors: Edward T. Marquis, Mercy Mathai Varghese
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Patent number: 6137023Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing high purity isobutene from a hydrocarbon cut essentially comprising olefinic hydrocarbons containing 4 carbon atoms per molecule including isobutene, also butene-1 and butene-2 compounds in a ratio which substantially corresponds to the thermodynamic equilibrium. The process comprises passing the cut into a distillation zone (3) associated with a hydroisomerisation reaction zone, the bottom product of the distillation zone comprising butene-2 compounds being passed into a skeletal isomerisation zone (2) where the linear butenes are at least partially isomerised to isobutene, at least part of the principal effluent from the skeletal isomerisation zone being recycled upstream of the reactive distillation zone (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Michel Dorbon, Jean-Alain Chodorge, Jean Cosyns, Jean-Charles Viltard, Blaise Didillon
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Patent number: 6110326Abstract: A method for operating a column having a region for reaction with distillation of fluid streams is provided with structures including catalyst-filled containers having liquid permeable upper surfaces which allow for the accumulation and flow of liquid from a liquid stream. The containers include catalyst beds positioned beneath the upper surface of the containers. A portion of the liquid on the containers is driven through the catalyst bed by the liquid head created by the accumulated liquid and is catalytically reacted. Another portion of the liquid may be directed through a downcomer which allows the accumulated liquid to leave the container without passing through the catalyst bed so that higher volumetric flow rates can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Koch Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: David H. Koch, Neil Yeoman
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Patent number: 6099694Abstract: The invention relates to an improvement in a process in which chlorine and difluoromethane are present in a distillation column, for example, a fluorination reaction. By controlling the chlorine feed such that the concentration of chlorine relative to difluoromethane in the distillation column is maintained below about 22 weight percent (the flammability threshold for chlorine in a mixture of difluoromethane and chlorine), formation of a flammable difluoromethane/chlorine mixture may be minimized or avoided. The invention is particularly useful in a process for the preparation of difluoromethane wherein at least one distillation column separates difluoromethane from unreacted starting materials such as methylene chloride, hydrogen fluoride and monochloromonofluoromethane.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: AlliedSignal Inc.Inventors: Hang Thanh Pham, Rajiv R. Singh, Addison M. Smith, David P. Wilson, Raymond Hilton Percival Thomas, Gustavo Cerri
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Patent number: 6040489Abstract: A process for separating 1,3-butadiene from a crude C.sub.4 stream containing butanes, butenes, butadienes and acetylenes has been developed. The process begins with introducing hydrogen, a solvent, and the crude C.sub.4 stream to a catalytic extractive distillation unit having a reaction zone containing a catalyst capable of hydrogenating acetylenes. Butanes and butenes, being less soluble in the solvent, are distilled in an overhead stream from the catalytic extractive distillation unit. Butadienes and acetylenes, being more soluble in the solvent, are carried with the solvent to the reaction zone located within the catalytic extractive distillation unit. In the reaction zone the acetylenes are converted to hydrogenation products. The hydrogenation products other than butadiene are separated from the butadienes by the extractive distillation occurring in the unit. The solvent and butadiene mixture is removed from the catalytic extractive distillation unit in a distillate stream.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: UOP LLCInventor: Tamotsu Imai
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Patent number: 6036848Abstract: The catalyst inside a catalytic reaction column is replaced while running the catalytic reaction by diverting a basically monophase fluid to keep it from passing through the catalyst, evacuating from the column the catalyst that has lost at least a portion of its properties, introducing into the column a quantity of catalyst that is approximately equal to the quantity of catalyst that was evacuated from the column, and restoring the circulation of the basically monophase fluid through the catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Insitut Francais du PetroleInventors: Jean-Paul Dessapt, Pierre Marache, Alain Forestiere
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Patent number: 5976324Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Andreas Groschl, Adolf Winkler, Josef Bremen
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Patent number: 5948948Abstract: The invention concerns a process for isomerising a feed containing essentially hydrocarbons, preferably paraffins preferably containing 5 and/or 6 carbon atoms per molecule, in which said feed is treated in a distillation zone comprising an exhausting zone and a rectification zone associated with an isomerisation reaction zone, in the presence of an isomerisation catalyst and a gas stream containing hydrogen, characterized in that the reaction zone is at least partially internal to the distillation zone, and wherein the hydrogen-containing gas is fed by a dedicated gas distributor to the bottom of at least one catalytic bed within the isomerization reaction zone.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Etienne Lebas, Sophie Jullian, Christine Travers, Pierre Capron, Jean-Fran.cedilla.ois Joly, Michel Thery
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Patent number: 5948212Abstract: A process for the separation of a mixture of a titanium tetrahalide, a reaction diluent of an intermediate boiling point and at least one of a titanium alkoxide, ester or complex thereof without the aid of a distinct separation solvent by subjecting the mixture to a first distillation step to separate the titanium tetrahalide as the lights component and subjecting the heavies product to a second distillation step to recover a portion of the reaction diluent as the lights component.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1996Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology CorporationInventors: Peter Anthony Kilty, Michael Philip Zum-Mallen, Michael Wayne Potter
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Patent number: 5925799Abstract: In an olefins plant for the production and recovery of ethylene and propylene, the hydrogenation of the C.sub.2 acetylenes, the C.sub.3 acetylenes and dienes and the C.sub.4 and heavier acetylenes, dienes and olefins and the selective separation of the resulting products is carried out by the use of various arrangements of one or more reaction distillation columns. These columns contain a hydrogenation catalyst in enriching and stripping sections and concurrently perform a catalytic hydrogenation reaction and a distillation function.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: ABB Lummus Global Inc.Inventors: Stephen J. Stanley, Charles Sumner
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Patent number: 5908964Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a tertiary alkyl ether product. The process comprises reacting the isoolefins of an olefinic hydrocarbon feedstock in a reaction zone (1-3) with an alkanol to form a reaction mixture, which is subjected to distillation in a first distillation zone (4). The bottoms product of the first distillation contains the ether(s), whereas the overhead stream contains unreacted alkanol and a mixture of light hydrocarbons. The overhead stream is subjected to a second distillation in a second distillation zone (15). The overhead product of the second distillation mainly contains the lightest hydrocarbons and a small amount of alkanol, and the bottoms product contains an essentially oxygenate-free hydrocarbon stream which can be used as such for alkylation. In order to increase the conversion of the process, a side drawoff is withdrawn from the second distillation zone (15) and recirculated to the reaction zone (1-3).Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Neste OyInventors: Matti Koskinen, Petri Lindqvist, Harri Jarvelin, Juhani Aittamaa
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Process for concurrent selective hydrogenation of acetylenes and 1,2 butadine in hydrocarbon streams
Patent number: 5877363Abstract: A process for the removal of vinylacetylene, ethylacetylene and 1,2-butadiene from C.sub.4 aliphatic hydrocarbon streams comprising, concurrently: (1) feeding hydrogen and a hydrocarbon stream comprising C.sub.4 hydrocarbons including butanes, butenes, butadienes and vinylacetylene to a distillation column reactor containing a bed comprising a hydrogenation catalyst of the type characterized by platinum, palladium or rhodium which is prepared as a distillation structure to selectively hydrogenate a portion of the vinylacetylene and the 1,2-butadiene and (2) fractionally distilling the reaction mixture to remove a heavier fraction and removing a fraction overhead comprising substantially all of the C.sub.4.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1996Date of Patent: March 2, 1999Assignee: Catalytic Distillation TechnologiesInventors: Gary R. Gildert, Hugh M. Putman, Dennis Hearn -
Patent number: 5855741Abstract: A column having a region for reaction with distillation of fluid streams is provided with structures including catalyst-filled containers having liquid permeable upper surfaces which allow for the accumulation and flow of liquid from a liquid stream. The containers include catalyst beds positioned beneath the upper surface of the containers. A portion of the liquid on the containers is driven through the catalyst bed by the liquid head created by the accumulated liquid and is catalytically reacted. Another portion of the liquid may be directed through a downcomer which allows the accumulated liquid to leave the container without passing through the catalyst bed so that higher volumetric flow rates can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1995Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Koch Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: David H. Koch, Neil Yeoman
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Patent number: 5853550Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the separation of tar and non-volatile reagents from a reaction mixture formed when chlorinated carbon compounds are allowed to react with anhydrous hydrogen fluoride in a liquid phase to form fluorinated carbon compounds. The disclosed process leaves tar essentially free of HF and in a form allowing for safe, easy, and economical transfer and disposal.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Robert Brent Landers, Vijay Kumar Gupta, Vinci Martinez Felix
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Patent number: 5852201Abstract: A process for preparing crude dimethyl terephthalate, comprises oxidizing a mixture comprising para-xylene and methyl para-toluate, esterifying the oxidized mixture with methanol, separating the resulting crude ester into fractions. By separating the crude ester with a distillation column containing structured packing and using a lower bottom temperature, product yield is increased, and the process is made more economical.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Huels AktiengesellschaftInventors: Udo Lenz, Ulrich Neutzler, Anton Schoengen, Reinhard Sigg
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Patent number: 5849160Abstract: Pentafluoroethane (HFC-125) is more effectively and more simply separated from a reaction mixture in a process of producing HFC-125.A gas mixture containing perchloroethylene (PCE), HFC-125, hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) is passed through the first condensation stage to obtain the first vapor phase, which is passed through the second condensation stage to obtain the second vapor phase mainly containing HFC-125 and HCl and the second liquid phase, which is passed to a distillation stage to obtain a top fraction mainly containing HFC-125 and HCl and a bottom fraction containing the rest of the second liquid phase which bottom fraction is substantially free from HFC-125 and HCl, and HCl is separated out of the second vapor phase portion and the top fraction to obtain HFC-125, a concentration of PCE in the second liquid phase being such that it does not separate into immiscible liquid phases.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Homoto, Takashi Shibanuma, Masanobu Nishitsuji
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Patent number: 5849971Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the acid-catalyzed cracking of tertiary butyl alcohol in a reaction distillation column. The advantage of the process of the present invention compared with conventional processes is that the two-phase, liquid-liquid region of the tertiary system TBA/water/isobutene is avoided and a high space-time yield is achieved. This is achieved by the arrangement of the catalyst pack above the liquid phase zone (bottom) and by the use of a dephlegmator thus achieving the isolation of isobutene of high purity.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Huels AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Sakuth, Udo Peters
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Patent number: 5847249Abstract: A process for selectively treating the components in a multi-component stream in a distillation column reactor. Additional catalytic distillation structures are placed as a secondary bed in the distillation column, either above or below the primary bed, and the selected component withdrawn after reaction in the primary bed to prevent its entry into the secondary bed.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: Catalytic Distillation TechnologiesInventor: Mario J. Maraschino
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Patent number: 5817906Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of light olefins comprising olefins having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms per molecule from a crude oxygenate feedstock. The crude oxygenate feedstock comprises an alcohol, and water. The process comprises passing the crude oxygenate feedstock to catalyst to a distillation with reaction zone to convert the alcohol to an ether and produce an ether product having a reduced water relative to the crude oxygenate feedstock and a first water stream. The ether product is passed to an oxygenate conversion zone containing a metal aluminosilicate catalyst to produce a light olefin stream.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1995Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Terry L. Marker, Christopher David Gosling
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Patent number: 5811597Abstract: Methyl tertiary butyl ether is prepared from contaminated TBA by reactively distilling the contaminated TBA in a reactive distillation column to provide a lower boiling isobutylene fraction and a higher boiling aqueous TBA fraction, by distilling the higher boiling aqueous TBA fraction to provide a lower boiling TBA fraction, by charging the lower boiling isobutylene fraction, the lower boiling tertiary butyl alcohol fraction and methanol to an etherification reactor to form an etherification reaction product, by distilling the etherification reaction product to provide a lower boiling fraction containing isobutylene, methanol and methyl tertiary butyl ether by charging the lower boiling fraction to a finishing reactor to react the isobutylene and methanol contained therein to from additional MTBE and by recovering MTBE from the etherification reaction product and the isobutylene conversion product.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Huntsman Specialty Chemicals Corp.Inventors: Rei-Yu Judy Hwan, Mark Elliott Taylor, John Frederick Knifton, Melvin Ernest Stockton, John Ronald Sanderson
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Patent number: 5776320Abstract: The invention concerns a reactive distillation process carried out in a reactive distillation zone which includes at least one catalytic zone flanked by two distillation zones, the vapor from the distillation circulating from bottom to top so as to be in practically no contact with the catalyst, and the liquid circulating from the upper distillation zone (5) to a substantially central zone at the bottom of the catalytic zone without contacting the catalyst, then circulating radially below the catalytic zone via at least one means (20) so as to be introduced into a liquid distribution zone (23), then circulating through the catalytic bed (8) in the catalytic zone, following which the liquid is recovered via at least one liquid overflow means (19) in a lower distillation zone (14).The invention also concerns an apparatus for reactive distillation.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Institut Francais Du PetroleInventors: Marie-Claire Marion, Jean-Charles Viltard, Philippe Travers, Isabelle Harter, Alain Forestiere
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Patent number: 5763714Abstract: A mixed aromatic stream is hydrotreated to remove olefins and fractionated to separate C.sub.9 + heavies in a distillation column reactor and the C.sub.8 and lighter material is fed to a selective adsorption unit where the para-xylene is removed. The para-xylene depleted raffinate therefrom may be subjected to isomerization to form additional para-xylene. The effluent from the isomerization can be fed to the distillation column reactor for hydrogenation of any olefins formed during the isomerization or directly to the adsorption unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Catalytic Distillation TechnologiesInventors: Thomas P. Hickey, Dennis Hearn, Hugh M. Putman
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Patent number: 5759357Abstract: A process for the recovery of an acid in its anhydrous form from an aqueous solution containing the acid in its hydrated form. Adding to the solution a weak base in the form of a soluble salt of the acid and concentrating the solution containing the acid hydrate and the salt of the acid to a substantially water-free, acid-salt mixture. The acid is distilled off in its anhydrous form from the acid salt mixture.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventor: Sven Ivar Hommeltoft
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Patent number: 5750007Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1995Date of Patent: May 12, 1998Assignee: BP Chemicals LimitedInventors: Kirsten Everald Clode, Derrick John Watson, Carl Josef Elsa Vercauteren
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Patent number: 5693191Abstract: A process is provided for the recovery of hydrogen chloride in anhydrous form from a dry (containing less than about 500 parts per million by weight of water) mixture of hydrogen chloride with one or more non-condensable gases and which may also contain components heavier than hydrogen chloride, which process comprises distilling the mixture to produce an overheads stream containing the non-condensable gases and about 95 percent or more by weight of the hydrogen chloride in the mixture and a bottoms stream containing about 95 percent or greater by weight of all components heavier than hydrogen chloride, and compressing and refrigerating the overheads stream whereby a selected proportion of the hydrogen chloride in the overheads stream is produced in a liquid anhydrous form containing less than about 50 parts per million by weight of water.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1994Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventors: Katherine A. Pividal, Tom C. Tsai
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Patent number: 5683555Abstract: Reaction mixtures obtained in addition reactions of OH-- or NH-- carrying compounds with acetylene or propyne in the presence of alkali metal alcoholates or alkali metal amides are worked up by distilling off the vaporizable components from the reaction mixture in a thin-film evaporator. Before removal of the vaporizable components from the reaction mixture, a particularly defined polyether is added thereto.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Marc Heider, Michael Karcher, Martin Schmidt-Radde, Albrecht Dams
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Patent number: 5667644Abstract: A method for producing a dimerized aldehyde, which comprises subjecting a feed aldehyde to a condensation reaction and a dehydration reaction in the presence of a basic catalyst, wherein the feed aldehyde is the one having one or two hydrogen atoms at the .alpha.-position, an organic feed stream containing the feed aldehyde is supplied to a reactive distillation column, and the condensation reaction and the dehydration reaction are carried out simultaneously in the reactive distillation column.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical CorporationInventors: Tomoyuki Mori, Kouichi Fujita, Yuuji Kajita, Masaki Takai
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Patent number: 5637777Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for preparing tertiary ethers. According to the process, C.sub.4 to C.sub.6 isoolefins and possibly heavier olefins contained in the feedstock are reacted with lower aliphatic alcohols, in particular methanol or ethanol, in a catalytic distillation reactor system in order to produce the corresponding ethers. According to the invention, the reaction between the isoolefins and the alcohols is essentially carried out in at least one reactor (5-7) of the kind, which is combined with a distillation column (3) intended for product separation, by conducting at least a part of the liquid flow of the column through the reactor and returning it to a lower tray than the one from which it was taken. At least half of cation exchange resin is placed in the side reactor (5-7). In the process according to the invention, the catalyst can be rapidly changed without stopping the process.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1994Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Neste OYInventors: Juhani Aittamaa, Isto Eilos, Juha Jakkula, Petri Lindqvist
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Patent number: 5628880Abstract: A process for removing dienes from etherification uses a hydrogenation zone in the reactor distillation column above the etherification zone. MTBE is produced and the unreacted C.sub.4 stream is also subjected to selective hydrogenation of the butadiene contained in the C.sub.4 feed stream. The C.sub.4 stream is first contacted with methanol in the etherification zone where the MTBE is distilled downward. The unreacted C.sub.4 's then are subjected to selective hydrogenation in the hydrogenation zone where butadiene in the overhead raffinate is reduced by over 90%. The hydrotreated C.sub.4 's are thus suitable for cold acid alkylation or other use wherein butadiene is harmful.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Chemical Research & Licensing CompanyInventors: Dennis Hearn, Gary R. Gildert, Willibrord A. Groten
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Patent number: 5624534Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping volatiles from a feed stream and concentrating the volatiles in the overhead vapors forming a condensate product and simultaneously producing a low percent volatiles outlet stream as a concentrate product. The volatiles separator and concentrator, ("VSC"), unit has many applications in the reduction and the concentration of voiatiles in the beverage, fuel, and industrial alcohol industries, as well as in chemical applications for removing or stripping volatiles from heat sensitive feed substrates which require low temperatures and a short residence time to prevent degradation of the product. For heat sensitive applications, the VSC unit utilizes a short feed stream preheat contact time in combination with turbulent high velocity flow to separate and concentrate volatile and nonvolatile components at temperatures below 100.degree. F. utilizing flash vaporization for volatiles separation with reboil capability to adjust volatiles concentration in the residue and product.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventors: Armand R. Boucher, Philip N. Hambrick
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Patent number: 5607558Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Inventor: Olav Ellingsen
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Patent number: 5603812Abstract: A process for the recovery of an acid in its anhydrous form from an aqueous solution containing the acid in its hydrated form. The process includes adding to the solution a weak base in the form of a soluble salt of the acid, and concentrating the solution containing the acid hydrate and the salt of the acid to a substantially water-free, acid-salt mixture. The acid is distilled off in its anhydrous form from the acid-salt mixture.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 1994Date of Patent: February 18, 1997Assignee: Haldor Tops.o slashed.e A/SInventor: Sven I. Hommeltoft
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Patent number: 5597454Abstract: A urea production process combining lower pressure urea concentration and carbamate recovery steps into a single non-vacuum operation. Following high pressure stripping wherein a bulk of unreacted carbamate is recovered from the reaction effluent, remaining carbamate is stripped by heated air at atmospheric pressure wherein urea is concurrently concentrated without the use of vacuum evaporators. Weak carbamate solution subsequently formed is stripped of water (and residual urea is hydrolyzed) using air and steam at a medium pressure single tower hydrolyzer/stripper to obtain a concentrated carbamate stream suitable for recycle to the reactor. The process employs heat integration for enhanced energy efficiency and produces a good quality aqueous condensate suitable for direct use as boiler feed water. Thus the aqueous condensate produced requires no additional cooling and ammonia treatment. The process employs simplified and reduced process unit operation to eliminate equipment for cost reduction.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Inventor: Jing M. Lee
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Patent number: 5595634Abstract: A process for treating C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 petroleum fractions, such as a light cracked naphtha to be used as an etherification feed stock in which H.sub.2 S is removed by distillation of at least the C.sub.3 fraction and mercaptans and diolefins are removed simultaneously in a distillation column reactor using a dual catalyst bed. The mercaptans and H.sub.2 S are reacted with the diolefins in the presence of a reduced nickel catalyst to form sulfides which are higher boiling than the portion of the feed which is fractionated to an upper hydrogenation catalyst bed of palladium for hydrogenating diolefins and acetylenes. The higher boiling sulfides are removed as bottoms along with heavier materials. Any diolefins not converted to sulfides and acetylenes are selectively hydrogenated to mono-olefins in the presence of a palladium oxide catalyst in an upper bed, producing overheads, substantially free of sulfur compounds, diolefins and acetylenes.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: Chemical Research & Licensing CompanyInventors: Dennis Hearn, Gary R. Gildert, Hugh M. Putman
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Patent number: 5593548Abstract: A column having a region for reaction with distillation of fluid streams is provided with structures which include distillation trays that allow for the accumulation of liquid from a liquid stream and the passage of a vapor stream through the liquid for interaction therewith. The structures include catalyst beds which extend downwardly from the trays and are housed within at least partially perforate containers. A portion of the liquid on the tray is catalytically reacted as it is driven through the catalyst bed by the liquid head created by the accumulated liquid. Another portion of the liquid may be directed through a bypass which also extends downwardly from the tray and allows the liquid to bypass the catalyst bed so that higher volumetric flow rates can be achieved. A still further portion of the liquid can be directed to a zone between adjacent catalyst beds or within a catalyst bed for developing a liquid head to force the liquid laterally through the catalyst bed.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1994Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Assignee: Koch Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Neil Yeoman, Ronald Pinaire, Michael A. Ulowetz, Timothy P. Nace, David A. Furse
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Patent number: 5587056Abstract: At least a fraction of at least one branched, saturated aliphatic diacid having 6 carbon atoms, for example 2-methylglutaric acid and/or 2-ethylsuccinic acid and/or dimethylsuccinic acid, is separated from admixtures thereof with adipic acid, by at least partially converting such at least one aliphatic diacid into the corresponding anhydride thereof, and removing the corresponding anhydride or the adipic acid from the medium of conversion/anhydridization, for example by contemporaneous or subsequent distillation, or by crystallization.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc ChimieInventors: Philippe Denis, Carl Patois, Robert Perron
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Patent number: 5507919Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the defluorination of a liquid hydrocarbon mixture, containing organic fluorides, produced during the conversion of hydrocarbons using a fluorine-containing catalyst. In one embodiment, both a thermal means and a contacting material are used to effectuate a more complete defluorination. The liquid hydrocarbon mixture is extracted from a distillation column and heated sufficiently in the thermal means to decompose at least some of the organic fluorides. The effluent from the thermal means is separated into a vaporous and a liquid effluent. The liquid effluent is passed to the bottom of the distillation column where it undergoes further defluorination through contact with the contacting material.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1994Date of Patent: April 16, 1996Assignee: Phillips Petroleum CompanyInventors: Scott D. Love, Stone P. Washer
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Patent number: 5502249Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the removal of iodine, including I.sub.2, I.sup.- and iodine-containing organic compounds, from acetic acid or anhydride wherein an acetyl product stream comprising (i) acetic acid or acetic anhydride and (ii) iodine, one or more iodine-containing compounds or a mixture thereof is subjected to distillation in the presence of a packing material comprising iron, nickel, copper, or an alloy thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Carl F. Fillers, Jerry A. Barron, Eric D. Middlemas
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Patent number: 5498318Abstract: A reaction-distillation method is provided in which a chemical reaction and fractionation are conducted in an apparatus having at least one reaction-distillation zone (A,B) including at least one bed of solid elements disposed on a fluid-permeable support (5) having perforations small enough to retain the elements. The bed of solid elements includes loose solid catalytic particles (2) and at least one receptacle (3), containing at least one distillation packing body (4). The external jacket of the at least one receptacle (3) is permeable to fluids and impermeable to the solid catalytic particles (2) and the packing body (4). The apparatus can be used for carrying out chemical reactions and concomitant fractionation of the reaction mixture, for example, to synthesize ethers from olefins and alcohols.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1993Date of Patent: March 12, 1996Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Jacques Alagy, Alain Forestiere, Jean-Francois Le Page, Marie-Claire Marion, Jean-Charles Viltard
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Patent number: 5496446Abstract: A reaction with distillation structure utilizes a plurality of distillation trays and catalyst containers which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractionation of the reaction products on the distillation trays. The containers may extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Alternatively, the catalyst containers may extend from one tray toward a lower tray without passing through the latter. Structure may also be provided within the containers to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area interiorly of the catalyst bed into which liquid on the distillation tray is driven.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1993Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Koch Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Neil Yeoman, Ronald Pinaire, Michael A. Ulowetz, Timothy P. Nace, David A. Furse
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Patent number: 5490907Abstract: A method for the separation and recovery of volatiles from a sludge containing about 1 to 80% by weight liquid solvents and 20 to 99% by weight solids, in which said sludge is fed with a reagent powder material in an amount effective to form a mixture having a high surface area to a distillation vessel, said mixture is heated to a temperature up to about 350.degree. C. while said mixture is advanced through the vessel for a time sufficient to distil a sufficient portion of the solvents to yield a solid residue powder, distilled solvents are condensed, and the solid residue powder recovered. The vessel preferably is a mechanical fluidized bed distillation vessel and said mixture is fluidized while being heated therein under a partial vacuum in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. The effective amount of reagent powder material includes about 5 to 70 wt % of the reagent powder material.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1993Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Agglo Inc.Inventors: Peter Weinwurm, Paul S. Weinwurm
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Patent number: 5458739Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping volatiles from a feed stream and concentrating the volatiles in the overhead vapors forming a condensate product and simultaneously producing a low percent volatiles outlet stream as a concentrate product. The volatiles separator and concentrator, ("VSC"), unit has many applications in the reduction and the concentration of volatiles in the beverage, fuel, and industrial alcohol industries, as well as in chemical applications for removing or stripping volatiles from heat sensitive feed substrates which require low temperatures and a short residence time to prevent degradation of the product.The preferred embodiment of the VSC unit utilizes a short feed stream preheat contact time in combination with turbulent high velocity flow at temperatures below 100.degree. F. to provide flash aporization for volatiles separation with reboil capability to adjust volatiles concentration in the residue and product. The application of high vacuum in the range of 27" to 28.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1994Date of Patent: October 17, 1995Assignee: Vendome Copper & Brass WorksInventors: Armand R. Boucher, Philip N. Hambrick
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Patent number: 5454913Abstract: A reaction with distillation structure utilizes a plurality of distillation trays and catalyst containers which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractionation of the reaction products on the distillation trays. The containers may extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Alternatively, the catalyst containers may extend from one tray toward a lower tray without passing through the latter. Structure may also be provided within the containers to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area interiorly of the catalyst bed into which liquid on the distillation tray is driven.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1992Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Koch Engineering Company, Inc.Inventors: Neil Yeoman, Ronald Pinaire, Michael A. Ulowetz, Timothy P. Nace, David A. Furse
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Patent number: 5451300Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a volatile component from a liquid. The volatile component is destroyed by exothermic reaction with an active component in the gas phase, typically over a catalyst. Heat generated by the reaction of the volatile and active components is transferred to a fluid contact zone in which the organic component is stripped from the liquid stream by a stripping gas. Transfer of heat to the fluid contact zone increases the equilibrium partial pressure of the volatile component in the gas phase and thus increases the driving force for mass transfer in the stripping operation. Preferably, the volatile component is reacted with the active component in a regenerative heat transfer reaction system.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Monsanto CompanyInventors: Yurii S. Matros, David E. McCombs
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Patent number: 5368691Abstract: A reactive distillation process which makes it possible, in the same enclosure, to carry out a catalytic reaction and isolate by distillation the sought product, in which the liquid phase containing the reagents passes from bottom to top through at least one catalyst bed, without the vapor phase of the distillation traversing said catalyst beds. These operating characteristics occur in a reactive distillation zone (C) including an alternation of distillation cells (D) having one or more trays (5) and reaction cells (R) containing the catalyst beds and designed in such a way that the liquid phase flowing from a distillation tray (5) flows above an overflow ( 7) through a downpipe (6) and approaches the base of the catalyst bed (8), traverses the latter in a downward flow and is then allowed to flow over a distillation tray (5) of the following distillation cell (D), so that the distillation vapor circulating from bottom to top through the distillation trays (5) does not traverse said reaction cells (R).Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1992Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Lionel Asselineau, Paul Mikitenko, Jean Charles Viltard, Massimo Zuliani
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Patent number: 5352848Abstract: In an etherification process that uses an FCC effluent as a source of isoolefins, the buildup of nitriles in an alcohol-containing stream that is recycled to the etherification zone is prevented by dragging at least a portion of the methanol-containing stream to the FCC reaction zone. As a result, the etherification catalyst deactivation rate is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1992Date of Patent: October 4, 1994Assignee: UOPInventor: Paul R. Cottrell
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Patent number: 5346594Abstract: A process for purification of crude, 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane includes the steps of treating a mixture of crude, 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane and hydrogen fluoride with chlorine in the presence of a Lewis acid, and distilling to recover purified 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane, wherein hydrogen fluoride is present during the treatment with chlorine at a ratio of at least 5% by weight with respect to the mixture of crude, 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane and hydrogen fluoride.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)Inventors: Paul Lechaude, Gilles Darago, Philippe Krafft, Jean-Pierre Catinat
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Patent number: 5336377Abstract: 2-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethylene (R-1122) is removed from 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) by contacting the R-134a in the vapor phase with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light providing an exposure of at least about 2 watts-hour/kg.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1991Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.Inventors: Stephen F. Yates, Daniel F. Harnish, Addison M. Smith
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Patent number: 5318673Abstract: Process for the purification of crude 1,1-dichloro -1-fluoroethane by treatment with chlorine in the presence of an organic free radical initiator and then distillation.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1993Date of Patent: June 7, 1994Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)Inventors: Rene Walraevens, Francine Janssens, Jean-Pierre Catinat
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Patent number: 5312959Abstract: 2-methylglutaronitrile and adiponitrile are purified by removal of boron residues by adding an alcohol or amino alcohol and then recovering the nitrile by distillation.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1993Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: James B. Sieja, John J. Ostermaier