Abstract: Hydrogen fluoride is effectively removed from a mixture of hydrogen fluoride, dichloromethane, chlorofluoromethane and/or difluoromethane by distilling the mixture so that two-component azeotropic mixtures of hydrogen fluoride and dichloromethane, hydrogen fluoride and chlorofluoromethane and hydrogen fluoride and difluoromethane are removed, or by liquid-separating the mixture into an upper liquid phase rich in hydrogen fluoride and a lower liquid phase not rich in hydrogen fluoride before each liquid phase is distilled as described above.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Illustrated by the purification of diphenyl carbonate (DPC), diaryl carbonates are purified and freed of contaminants such as inorganic and organic chlorides, metal ions, iron components and color bodies. The process is a two-stage procedure starting with a water wash of the molten carbonate followed by distillation. Crude DPC is charged to the wash tank and is washed in the molten state three times. Fresh steam condensate is used for each wash which consists of a period of agitation followed by decantation then water removal. After the third wash, the molten DPC is transferred to a still for distillation. The rag layer which is formed at the water/DPC interface during washing is purged and not allowed to pass through to the still. A flash distillation is carried out under constant vacuum. Three overhead cuts are taken--lights, intermediate and product DPC depending on the temperature of the overhead vapor.

Abstract: A method of separating a liquid mixture wherein the liquid mixture is heated; the heated liquid mixture is supplied to a pervaporation membrane module to separate a permeable component of the liquid; a portion of non-permeated liquid is circulated through a circulation pipe into a liquid mixture feeding pipe before a heater, and the remaining portion of the non-permeated liquid is extracted to the outside of the system, and wherein the temperature of the liquid in the liquid mixture feeding pipe in which the non-permeated liquid has been mixed with the liquid mixture or in the circulation pipe for the non-permeated liquid, is measured, and when the measured temperature is out of a predetermined range, new supply of the liquid mixture and/or extraction of the non-permeated liquid is stopped.

Abstract: A system for removing hydrocarbons from solid materials. Contaminated solids are combined with a solvent (preferably terpene based) to produce a mixture. The mixture is washed with water to generate a purified solid product (which is removed from the system) and a drainage product. The drainage product is separated into a first fraction (consisting mostly of contaminated solvent) and a second fraction (containing solids and water). The first fraction is separated into a third fraction (consisting mostly of contaminated solvent) and a fourth fraction (containing residual solids and water). The fourth fraction is combined with the second fraction to produce a sludge which is separated into a fifth fraction (containing water which is ultimately reused) and a sixth fraction (containing solids). The third fraction is then separated into a seventh fraction (consisting of recovered solvent which is ultimately reused) and an eighth fraction (containing hydrocarbon waste).

Abstract: Apparatus for breaking or separating a liquid mixture or emulsion having two or more components. The apparatus includes a closed vessel having one or more sequentially connected filtering compartments holding a filtering element such as a membrane assembly capable of achieving a multi-stage pervaporation to separate out a vaporous component of the solution. The apparatus further includes a bypass facility which interconnects adjacent filtering compartments. To compensate for the loss of heat energy during the vaporization segments, the residual liquid solution is bypassed into a second vaporization phase, the bypass facility including heating means for maintaining the residual solution of a predetermined liquid temperature prior to its entering the second or subsequent filtering phase.

Abstract: This invention involves a distillation process for operating a distillation purifying system. The system includes a section which creates a vacuum pressure that is transmitted throughout the system, a distillation/purification zone in which fluids to be distilled/purified are treated, and a collection zone in which the distilled/purified liquids are transferred. The distillation purifying process and system are effective for certain liquids, solutions, and the like and can be used for water treatment, petroleum processes, and bodily fluid treatment.

Abstract: A process for reducing the alcohol content of alcohol-containing beverages, in particular of beer or wine, wherein the alcohol is partially or completely removed by way of pervaporation.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a partially miscible solvent from a contaminated water stream. The apparatus includes a fully enclosed containment vessel having an internal volume bounded by a plurality of walls which define the width, length and height of the internal volume. Devices for feeding the contaminated water, for discharging a solvent rich vapor stream, and for discharging a purified water stream are provided. A dam separates the internal volume into a phase separation zone and a falling film stripping zone with the dam located proximate one end of the internal volume. The dam includes a wall sealably disposed across the entire width of the internal volume and extended upward to a terminal location a distance from the bottom of the internal volume over a portion of the height of the internal volume. In use, the dam determines and maintains a maximum liquid level in the phase separation zone.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus includes a distillation unit for distilling feed water. The distillation unit includes an evaporation part, a condensation part and a hydrophobic porous membrane interposed between the evaporation part and the condensation part, which are integrated with one another. A heating unit for heating the feed water and a cooling portion for cooling distillate produced by distillation of the feed water are provided apart from the distillation unit. One or both of the heating unit and the cooling unit are provided with a heat pump. With this construction, an additional heater does not need to be provided, and the distillation unit and both of the heating unit and the cooling unit can be changed in size and performance independently of each other, so that the overall size of the distillation apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A method of continuously distilling off the components of a mixture containing phenols, water and methanol using a single distillation column, wherein methanol is recovered from the top of the column, water containing phenols is dragged as a side stream from a recovery section of the column, and phenols are recovered as a bottom product. The method permits efficient separation by the single distillation column of the three components with high purity and low utility energy.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing crystalline hydroxyacetaldehyde precipitated from a complex mixture of products provided by the pyrolysis of a carbohydrate-containing feedstock. The method includes distilling a first condensate under reduced pressure to give a second condensate which is enriched in hydroxyacetaldehyde; combining the second condensate with a solvent to give a homogeneous solution; precipitating hydroxyacetaldehyde from the solution; and separating the precipitated hydroxyacetaldehyde from the solution.Aqueous solutions of hydroxyacetaldehyde are useful for browning foodstuffs and for producing flavors by contacting the hydroxyacetaldehyde with ammonia or amines.In addition, hydroxyacetaldehyde may be used to make an artificial tanning product containing a suitable topical vehicle and an amount of hydroxyacetaldehyde suitable to impart a brown color to skin.

Abstract: The separation of ethyl tertiobutyl ether from mixtures with ethanol is based on heteroazeotropic distillation with water as the entrainer using two distillation columns, coupled with an overhead decanter. Purified ethanol is collected from the bottom of the first column and purified ETBE from the bottom of the second column. The separation method may be incorporated into an ETBE production unit in which isobutene (contained in a C.sub.4 -cut from steam cracking, catalytic cracking, or dehydrogenation of isobutane) is etherified by ethanol. Ethanol separated from the ETBE is then recycled to the etherification zone.

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 distillation system has a degassing tank, a distiller for generating vapor of raw water taken from the degassing tank, a heater for heating the vapor from the distiller to convert the vapor into a high temperature and pressure vapor, a hydrophobic porous membrane through which the vapor from the heater flows, and a heat transfer unit provided in the distiller for effecting heat exchange between the vapor from the membrane member and the raw water from the degassing tank. The structural elements such as the heat exchange unit, piping, etc., with which the vapor from the membrane or the condensate thereof is brought into contact are made of titanium or titanium alloy.

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: This column, of the type having a cross-undulating lining, includes means for returning liquid to the vicinity of the edges of the lining and liquid and gas distribution means which contribute to decrease substantially the height of the column. Application to plants for separating gases from air.

Abstract: A seawater deaerator has a large reservoir through which seawater slowly flows. Gas is injected into the bottom of the reservoir through porous aeration stones forming bubble nuclei. The seed bubbles move upward through the seawater in the reservoir expanding but not coalescing, and withdrawing dissolved gas from the seawater. The deaerated seawater flows out of the reservoir and subsequently flows through spouts into a flash evaporator. Gas is withdrawn from a low pressure gas chamber at the top of the reservoir by a vacuum pump. The exhaust of the vacuum pump supplies gas to the air injectors.

Abstract: A process for separating and recovering an organic phase (e.g., fluorocarbons such as chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons) from a feed stream of a mixture of fluorocarbons and hydrogen fluoride, wherein the mixture is characterized as forming at least one azeotrope or azeotrope-like composition involving at least one fluorocarbon and hydrogen fluoride, by passing the fluorocarbon/HF mixture feed stream through the feed side of a semipermeable membrane unit and then further separating a fluorocarbon-depleted hydrogen fluoride permeate stream and a fluorocarbon enriched residual stream exiting the membrane unit by conventional distillation. An essentially pure fluorocarbon phase and hydrogen fluoride phase are recovered from the distillation with the azeotrope or azeotrope-like distillate being recycled to the inlet of the semipermeable membrane unit.

Abstract: Micro-distillation apparatus is provided for analyzing acidic anions in which the acidic anion sample is placed in a lower elongated member in water containing an acidifying material, upon heating the acidic anion leaves the lower member as a gas, passing through a permeable membrane into an upper elongated member containing a material which converts the acidic anion to a salt and the salt is recovered for analysis. The micro-distillation apparatus is sized so that a number of samples can be heated in a small heating member, such as a hot block heater.

Abstract: A seawater deaerator has a large reservoir through which seawater slowly flows. Gas is injected into the bottom of the reservoir through porous aeration stones forming bubble nuclei. The seed bubbles move upward through the seawater in the reservoir expanding but not coalescing, and withdrawing dissolved gas from the seawater. The deaerated seawater flows out of the reservoir and subsequently flows through spouts into a flash evaporator. Gas is withdrawn from a low pressure gas chamber at the top of the reservoir by a vacuum pump. The exhaust of the vacuum pump supplies gas to the air injectors.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a substantially dry alcohol from a mixture comprising alcohol and water in a non-azeotropic amount by utilizing at least a portion of the alcohol in the mixture as the stripping medium.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovering clean water and solids from aqueous solids are disclosed. Aqueous solids are mixed with a low viscosity, relatively volatile, water-immiscible light fluidizing oil to obtain a mixture which will remain fluid and pumpable after removal of essentially its entire water content. The mixture of solids, water and fluidizing oil is subjected to a dehydration step by means of a plurality of mechanical vapor recompression evaporators operating in staged array whereby substantially all of the water and at least part of the light oil are evaporated and subsequently recovered. The light fluidizing oil is then largely separated from the solids. Residual fluidizing oil may be removed from the solids by direct contact with a hot blowing gas such as blowing steam. The invention is characterized by the conservation of energy through the use of heat exchangers whereby condensate gives up its heat to the feed.

Abstract: The column for distillation of charge products which form a heavier liquid phase and a lighter liquid phase and connected sump circulating boiler are provided with a liquid impermeable collecting bottom plate located in a lower part of the column. The bottom plate has a discharge passage and the column is provided with a liquid withdrawal outlet arranged closely underneath the collecting bottom plate but above the lower end of the discharge passage so that the heavier phase can be prevented from reaching the liquid withdrawal outlet by gravity. One pipe connects the sump circulating boiler with the liquid withdrawal outlet to provide a free flow of liquid from the column to the sump circulating boiler for heating and another pipe connects the column with the sump circulating boiler above the collecting bottom plate so that the reheated liquid can flow from the sump circulating boiler to the column without a circulating pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process to recover esters of mercapto acids from solutions containing water by mixing an extraction mixture comprising cycloalkane, arene, and an aqueous inorganic salt solution with an ester of mercapto acid and water solution followed by separating and distilling the resultant organic phase to recover the ester of mercapto acid.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating volatile contaminants from a liquid to be continuously distilled. A continuous still comprises evaporator (1) having a heating coil (2), and condensor coil (6), and distillate collector (5). An entrainment device (11) removes distillate (13) from collector (5) via line (10) and reduces pressure in evaporator (1). Feed liquid (21) containing volatile contaminants is charged batchwise to a pre-chamber (20) at sub-atmospheric pressure which is then sealed (valve 22) from feed supply (21). Volatile contaminants are extracted from the charge in prechamber (20) via line (26) and entrainment device (32). Pre-chamber (20) is subsequently placed in communication (via valve 25) with evaporator (1) whereby to equilibrate pressure between evaporator (1) and pre-chamber (20).

Abstract: An improved method for dehydration and concentration of an aqueous solution containing an organic compound is disclosed. The solution is evaporated to produce a gaseous mixture comprising an organic compound vapor and a water vapor. The water vapor is selectively removed from the gaseous mixture by permeation through an aromatic polyimide gas separation membrane while the gaseous mixture being kept in contact with a surface on one side of the gas separation membrane at a temperature of 70.degree. C. or higher to obtain a gaseous mixture comprising the organic compound vapor and a reduced amount of a water vapor.

Abstract: 1,1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane and hydrogen fluoride are separated from their liquid mixtures, such as liquid mixtures resulting from the hydrofluorination, of 1,1,1-trichloroethane or vinylidene chloride. 1,1-Dichloro-1-fluoroethane and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane are first separated by distillation into their respective mixtures with hydrogen fluoride, which are thereafter subjected to parallel phase separations resulting in two hydrogen fluoride-enriched liquid phases, a 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane-enriched liquid phase and a 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane-enriched liquid phase. 1-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethane and 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane are purified from the respective halohydrocarbon-enriched liquid phases by distillation. The hydrogen fluoride-enriched stream generated from the phase separation of the hydrogen fluoride/1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane mixture is recycled to the hydrofluorination reaction mixture.

Abstract: A volatile solvent conservation modular unit and method for effecting solvent conservation is provided. The cooling coil modular unit is arranged to be disposed in the freeboard zone of a cleaning or degreasing apparatus that uses a volatile solvent. The freeboard zone chiller positioned above the vapor zone and the primary condenser to recover solvent from the relatively less dense solvent/air mixture escaping above the primary condenser and is formed so as to be disposed along one side of the degreaser vessel rather than on all four sides to minimize the obstruction of access into the vapor zone. This one-sided single freeboard chiller positioned on but one side produces a vapor suppression blanket that is effective and is readily retrofitted on existing apparatus without the need for dismantling of the existing unit.

Abstract: A dry cleaning solvent recovery and filtering system includes a dry cleaning solvent tank containing solvent for use in a dry cleaning machine. A filtration path from the tank includes a centrifugal separator for removing coarse debris and a filter element for removing fine debris from the solvent fluid. The filter element includes a perforated metal cylinder, having an open mouth, with a Teflon.RTM. coated screen forming the interior debris collection surface. A rinsing spray nozzle situated at the mouth of the filter element directs a fluid spray under pressure against the collection surface in the same direction that debris contaminated solvent fluid flows therethrough. The pressure of the fluid spray is sufficient to dislodge fine debris adhered to the collection surface without forcing the debris into the perforations of the filter element.

Abstract: An energy saving process for purification of methyl tertbutyl ether by fractional distillation of a mixture containing dissolved water and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons characterized by phase separation of water and methyl tertiary butyl ether within the distillation column and withdrawal of the separated water phase from the column at a point below the point at which the mixture is supplied to the column.

Abstract: A vertically extending distillation cylinder has a closed top and an open bottom having an electric heating element disposed therein to form a closure. Adjacent to the top of the distillation cylinder is connected a condensing tube. The condensing tube extends down through a condenser having a cooling water inlet at the bottom and a water discharge at the top. A throttle valve regulates the flow of cooling water. From the water discharge, a trough carries the water to impinge on the distillation cylinder causing pollutants to vaporize. The water collects below in a basin surrounding the distillation cylinder. A feed tube carries water from the basin to the bottom of the distillation cylinder. A discharge tube also connected to the bottom of the distillation cylinder carries water up to where it makes a U-turn. This regulates water height in the distillation cylinder. The discharge tube and an over flow tube from the basin discharge into a funnel from which water is conveyed to a sewer.

Abstract: Process for the separation of HF, 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (FC-123) and/or 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (FC-124) mixture by subjecting the mixture to a temperature from about -80.degree. C. to about 40.degree. C. and a pressure from about 0.10 MPa to about 3.55 MPa in a separation zone, whereby an organic phase having less than 15 mole percent of HF is formed as the bottom layer in the separation zone and an acid phase having at least 93 mole percent of HF is formed at the top in the separation zone.

Abstract: A method for removing the volatile constituents from gasoline and volatile organic chemicals from contaminated potable water when a fluid including gasoline-water mixture and when contaminated potable water is introduced into a vertical tower includes the steps of flowing the gasoline-water fluid and the water downward in a tower over and in contact with media trays stacked in courses in the tower. The media trays, either circular or square, fit closely within the tower inner wall, such trays are aluminum or molded plastic frames one inch by one inch angles one-eighth inch thick, with a plurality of one and one-half inch wide slats one-quarter of an inch thick on the top of the frame; the slats being spaced apart not less than one-half inch nor more than three-quarters of an inch.

Abstract: Practically anhydrous crude sec-butyl alcohol produced by catalytic direct hydration of n-butenes is freed by means of water from the azeotropically boiling and low-boiling by-products by continuous azeotropic distillation in a separation column, the prepurified anhydrous sec-butyl alcohol obtained is withdrawn and the high-boiling by-products are subsequently separated in a separate column.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of alcoholates from alkali metal hydroxides and aliphatic alcohol which in their molecule contain 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The alcoholates are produced in that alkali metal hydroxide is mixed with an alcohol and is reacted with said alcohol at a temperature from 80.degree. to 110.degree. C., preferably from 80.degree. to 100.degree. C., and under a pressure from 0.3 to 1.2 bars, the alcohol water mixture which evaporates during the reaction is separated into its components by at least one membrane, the alcohol vapor and the water vapor are condensed and the condensed alcohol is recycled to the reaction.

Abstract: A closed circuit solvent stripping and reclaiming apparatus for recovering solvent from filters used in dry cleaning machines comprising a steam cabinet (2), and condenser (3), a water solvent separator (4), a recirculating tank (5), a blower (6) and a carbon bed adsorber (7). Dry cleaning filters are disassembled and their constituents separated and placed in foraminous trays (9) inside the steam cabinet (2). The filter material is agitated with a shaker and alternately subjected to dry heat, vaporized recycled solvent saturated water, and live steam. Steam and solvent vapors derived from the filters are conducted to a condenser (3) for liquification followed by separation in the water solvent separator (4). Solvent is thereby reclaimed and solvent saturated water is collected and stored in the recycling tank for reintroduction into the steam cabinet for subsequent stripping cycle.

Abstract: This is a process for removing phosphorus oxychloride from a complex of zirconium or hafnium chloride and phosphorus oxychloride utilizing a lithium-potassium chloride molten salt absorber vessel displacing phosphorous oxychloride from the complex, with a condenser which has the complex of zirconium or hafnium chloride and phosphorus oxychloride as the condensing fluid to scrub zirconium or hafnium chloride from the phosphorus oxychloride vapor released from the complex. The process uses at least one separate vessel to strip the zirconium or hafnium chloride from the lithium-potassium chloride molten salt.

Abstract: This is a method for molten salt systems related to distillation for zirconium-hafnium separation and prevents buildup of iron chloride by electrochemically reducing iron from the molten salt to give very low levels of iron chloride in the distillation column, to reduce corrosion, improve the product and, in some cases, to allow the molten salt system to be run continuously. The improvement comprises electrochemical purification of molten salt containing zirconium-hafnium chloride either, prior to introduction of the zirconium-hafnium chloride into a distillation column, or after introduction, or both, to substantially eliminate iron chloride from the zirconium-hafnium chloride. The molten salt during the electrochemical purification consists essentially of a mixture of chlorides of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zirconium, hafnium, aluminum, manganese, and/or zinc.

Abstract: This is a zirconium-hafnium separation process utilizing a complex of zirconium-hafnium chlorides and phosphorus oxychloride. The complex is introduced into a distillation column and a hafnium chloride enriched stream is taken from the top of the column and a zirconium chloride enriched stream is taken from the bottom of the column. In particular, the invention utilizes prepurification of the zirconium-hafnium chlorides prior to introduction of the complex into the distillation column to substantially eliminate iron chloride; thus, the buildup of iron chloride in the distillation column is substantially eliminated and the column can be operated in a continuous stable, and efficient manner.

Abstract: Crude phenol containing methyl benzofuran and other impurities is distilled in the presence of water to recover a phenol bottoms having a reduced quantity of impurities. The water-phenol overhead is cooled to separate a water phase essentially free of methyl benzofuran, which is recycled to the distillation. The organic phase may then be further distilled, in the presence of water, as previously described, to eventually recover a reduced quantity of phenol in which impurities are concentrated.

Abstract: Crude phenol, containing AMS by-product, and MBF impurity, is distilled in the presence of water to separate MBF impurity.

Abstract: A method for concentrating salt water. Salt water is separated from oil-water mixture which has been produced from a well. Salt water is introduced into a recirculating weir and mixed with more concentrated brine. Brine is recirculated through a thermal syphon apparatus. Recirculation includes passing brine, including some salt water, from weir into boiler vessel. Brine is heated within boiler vessel to a boiling temperature whereby brine, while boiling, generates steam which passes up out of weir. All of foregoing steps are performed at atmospheric pressure. The density of brine is sensed at a location in the lower vicinity of weir. Concentrated brine is released from lower vicinity when density at sensed temperature is at a level corresponding to a brine concentration near the precipitation of salt from solution. Salt water and brine is passed through a magnetic water treating unit. The concentrated brine, as released, is passed into a holding vessel.

Abstract: For the preparation of an ether, e.g., tertiary amyl methyl ether, an olefin-containing feed stream is catalytically etherified with an alcohol, e.g., methyl alcohol. The etherification product is fractionally distilled into an overhead fraction containing essentially unreacted, light hydrocarbons and unreacted alcohol and into a bottoms fraction containing essentially the desired ether. The overhead fraction is condensed and cooled to resultant immiscible phases, of which one contains essentially the alcohol and the other contains essentially the hydrocarbons, are removed separately from each other. Water may be added to the overhead stream to facilitate the formation of the two liquid phases.

Abstract: Photographic waste solution is treated by a method which comprises contacting the waste solution with air, in an especially designed treatment vessel, at a solution temperature of from about 120.degree. F. to about 140.degree. F. The air thus becomes supersaturated with the liquid in the waste, and the waste solution is thus concentrated to form a waste slurry which is transferred out into a waste storage vessel. The supersaturated air which is virtually free from waste is discharged to the atmosphere. The method is carried out in an especially constructed apparatus comprising a uniquely designed treatment vessel.

Abstract: A process for purifying diethoxymethane from a mixture containing ethanol and, optionally, water. The process involves the addition of an amount of water, DEM, or an appropriate mixture of any two or three of water, DEM and ethanol that is effective in moving the mixture into the two liquid phase region on an equilibrium tie-line which crosses the critical distillation boundary without the need for additional azeotrope-forming agents such as cyclohexane.

Abstract: A water distiller apparatus for purifying and degassing domestic water supplies is provided which is constructed for easy cleaning of all parts and in which inflowing water is preheated by condensing steam within a condenser which preheating allows dissolved gases to dissipate through a vent before the inlet water reaches an evaporator portion. The rate of inflowing water is controlled by a temperature responsive valve that is in thermal communication with the condenser to maximize heat transfer and minimize heat and water loss.

Abstract: An amine is separated from an aqueous solution of amine and volatile organic compounds by distillation in a column. The vapors generated during distillation are condensed. The condensed vapors are then passed into a separating device in which the volatile organic compounds are removed. The liquid remaining in the separating device is then fed to the head of the distillation column. Water is removed from the column in a sidestream and diamine is the residue. This process is particularly effective in recovering aromatic diamines from solutions which accumulate during hydrogenation of dinitro aromatic compounds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously separating and recovering an organic liquid such as a hydrocarbon solvent from immiscible water and/or other impurities mixed therewith. The apparatus and method comprise a system for treating liquids while continuously flowing therethrough, including in series a gravity separation step followed by a distillation separation step.

Abstract: Neopentyl glycol hydroxypivalate is isolated from a reaction mixture obtained from a Tishchenko reaction of hydroxypivalaldehyde in the presence of calcium hydroxide, barium hydroxide or strontium hydroxide, by adding acid, removing the salts formed by adjusting the water content in the reaction mixture to 20-60% and extracting the salts at above 50.degree. C. and working up the residual mixture by distillation.