Abstract: Plant and process for separation of sulfur-containing components, H2S, COS and mercaptans from methanol which is used as absorbent within the Rectisol process by hot regeneration of the methanol laden in the absorption and an additional step for separation of the mercaptans from the methanol by stripping.

Abstract: An improved system for separating gas from a process stream by providing a stripping unit at the overhead stream of a fractionation column to selectively and effectively remove the gas using a stripping fluid without providing a dedicated light-ends separations unit. The stripper unit may be connected to the reflux drum at the overhead stream. The system for separating gas further achieves greater thermodynamic efficiency by means of a split column design using mechanical vapor recompression with the reboiler and condenser integrated in a falling-film evaporator- or thermosiphon-type vapo-condenser.

Abstract: A process and system for removing ammonia from ammonia-containing purge gas of a urea plant, the process comprising: contacting said ammonia-containing purge gas with carbon dioxide at a low temperature, reaction of ammonia to form crystals of ammonium salts in a multiphase stream, and removal of the solid ammonium salts from the multiphase stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method of controlling the formation of biuret in urea production. This is accomplished by reducing or preventing the formation of biuret in a concentration section, particularly in one or more concentrators or evaporators. The method comprises controlling the residence time of a urea aqueous stream treated in such concentration section in a manner independently of the volume flow per time interval of said stream into said concentration section. The residence time can be controlled, e.g., by providing the concentration section with an adjustable volume or by adding a gas to the urea stream to be treated. A combination of such measures can also be applied.

Abstract: A vacuum distillation apparatus for producing treated water from a supply of seed water, the apparatus including: an evaporation chamber for receiving and evaporating the seed water; a heat source for supplying heat to the evaporation chamber; a condensation chamber in fluid communication with the evaporation chamber for receiving and condensing the evaporated seed water; a pressure reducer in communication with the evaporation chamber for promoting evaporation of the seed water; and at least one cooling member disposed within the condensation chamber on which the evaporated seed water can condense, the cooling member being arranged to transfer condensed vapour for collection at a treated water outlet.

Abstract: A device is provided having a fermentation chamber having one or more inlets to receive a mixed stream to be fermented and an outlet to release fermented product; a distillation vessel surrounding the fermentation chamber having communication with the fermentation chamber outlet to receive fermented product to be distilled and a turbine located within the outlet of the fermentation chamber, the turbine having a rotor rotatable by force of flow of fermented product from the fermentation chamber to the distillation vessel, to generate electricity. A sidewall common to both the fermentation chamber and distillation vessel allows for heat transfer of heat generated from fermentation to the distillation vessel to heat the product to be distilled. A method of fermenting and distilling a product is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing vinyl acetate, said method being characterized in that a) the gaseous product mixture leaving the reactor is cooled to a temperature of 100° C. to 120° C. using one or more heat exchangers, b) the thus obtained product mixture is supplied to a distillation column which is equipped with filling elements (pre-dehydration column), c) the pre-dehydration column head product which substantially contains wafer, vinyl acetate, and ethylene is cooled, and the condensate (head product condensate) produced in the process is separated into a water phase and an organic phase (vinyl acetate phase), which substantially comprises vinyl acetate, in a phase separator, d) at least 99 wt. % of the acetic acid contained in the product mixture is separated via the bottom of the pre-dehydration column, and the head product of the pre-dehydration column contains <0.1 wt.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a contaminated solvent used to treat a gas stream, for example a contaminated glycol or a contaminated amine stream, by vacuum evaporation using a mechanically-maintained horizontally-orientated thin film evaporator, where the contaminant material is recovered from the thin film in solvent-free form, as either a heavy organic material or as free flowing salts.

Abstract: Process for the co-production of acetic acid and dimethyl ether by dehydration-hydrolysis of a feed mixture of methanol and methyl acetate in the presence of at least one catalyst to generate a crude reaction product comprising acetic acid and dimethyl ether. The feed to the co-production process contains methanol and methyl acetate and also contains dimethyl ether in a total amount of 25 mol % or less based on the total feed.

Abstract: A process for removing acetaldehyde from a mixture of methyl acetate, dimethyl ether and acetaldehyde comprising distilling mixtures derived from carbonylating dimethyl ether in the presence of a zeolite catalyst to generate an overhead stream depleted in acetaldehyde as compared to the feed mixture, a base stream depleted in acetaldehyde as compared to the feed mixture and a sidedraw stream enriched in acetaldehyde as compared to the feed mixture and withdrawing from the column the sidedraw stream enriched in acetaldehyde at a point above the feed point of the feed mixture to the column. Purified mixtures may be utilized as feedstock to processes for the co-production of acetic acid and dimethyl ether.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for efficient and economical production and recovery of ethanol or other volatile organic compounds. One embodiment comprises contacting a solid component of a biomass material with a solution adapted to facilitate saccharification. The solid component is generated by a method comprising: introducing a biomass material to a compartment of a solventless recovery system, wherein the biomass material contains one or more volatile organic compounds; contacting the biomass material with a superheated vapor stream in the compartment to vaporize at least a portion of an initial liquid content in the biomass material; separating a vapor component and a solid component from the heated biomass material; and retaining at least a portion of the gas component for use as part of the superheated vapor stream. In one embodiment, the solid component contacted with the solution is further subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis and/or fermentation.

Abstract: A process for preparing acrylic acid from methanol and acetic acid, comprising (i) contacting a gaseous stream S0 comprising methanol, oxygen and inert gas with an oxidation catalyst to obtain a gaseous stream S1 comprising formaldehyde and inert gas; (ii) removing at least a portion of the inert gas present in S1 from at least a portion of the formaldehyde present in S1 by absorbing this formaldehyde in an absorbent to obtain a gaseous stream S2 comprising the portion of the inert gas removed, and to obtain a stream S3 comprising absorbent and absorbate comprising formaldehyde; (iii) optionally removing a portion or the entirety of the absorbent present in stream S3, such that a stream S3a remains from stream S3, and producing a stream S4 from at least stream S3 or stream S3a and a stream S5 comprising acetic acid; and (iv) contacting stream S4 in gaseous form with an aldol condensation catalyst to obtain a gaseous stream S6 comprising acrylic acid.

Abstract: A two stage scrubber process for ethanol fermentation has a first stage using fusel oil to remove the hazardous air pollutants and recover the majority of the ethanol. A second stage uses water as the scrubbing solvent to recover any residual ethanol that is stripped from the first stage.

Abstract: Process to generate synthesis gas and/or liquid raw materials and/or energy materials from waste and/or biomass by performing the following steps: a) solvolysis of the organic components of waste and/or biomass in an alkaline solution or hydrate smelter at a temperature range of 150° to 250° C. and pressure between 3 and 12 bar, whereby the organic components are converted into at least one liquid phase and the inorganic components are sedimented; b) elimination of the inorganic components from the liquid phase by physical separation methods; c) transfer of the vapors generated during the solvolysis into a rectification column, where the organic components are separated from water; and d) further separation of the organic components by rectification, extraction and sorption and/or conversion by thermal gasification into synthesis gas or burnable gas.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing high purity sulfuric acid is provided. A mixed solution subsequently undergoes a first preheating step, a second preheating step, a distilling step and an evaporating step to remove peroxide, water, oxygen and insoluble impurities, so as to obtain the first gas containing sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid and hydrogen oxide. And then, the sulfur trioxide is absorbed by a sulfuric acid solution, thereby forming the high purity sulfuric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes to remove butanol and other product alcohols from a fermentation broth employing vacuum vaporization.

Abstract: A system is configured to remove volatile organic compounds from a container. The system includes an enclosed contactor vessel having a first inlet to receive vapor containing volatile organic compounds from the container and a second inlet. The second inlet receives a vapor capture medium from a source. A contactor facilitates entrainment of the volatile organic compounds with the vapor capture medium while a first outlet recirculates treated vapor back to the container to effect a closed loop.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for separating monochloro-trifluoropropenes such as HCFC-1233 from azeotrope or azeotrope like combinations with HF. The process employs a cold, liquid phase separations and multiple azeotropic distillation trains.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovering product from catalytically converted product streams. An integrated debutanizer column provides an LPG stream, a light naphtha stream and a heavy naphtha stream. The integrated debutanizer column may comprise a dividing wall column. The light naphtha stream may be used as an absorbent for a primary absorber column which provides advantageous operation.

Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.

Abstract: A vapour absorption system (11) adapted to receive a vapour comprising a vacuum pump (16) having an operating liquid wherein the vapour is received by an operating liquid and condensed therein to provide condensed liquid mixed with the operating liquid.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a system for recovering carbon dioxide from flue gas, in which a reboiler in a regenerator can be compactly installed, and a method therefor, in facilities where CO2 or the like contained in flue gas is recovered. [Solving Means] To include an absorber 1006 that absorbs CO2 contained in flue gas 1002, a regenerator 1008 that strips CO2 from CO2 absorbent (rich solution) 1007 to regenerate absorbent, internal shells 101 provided at a bottom of the regenerator 1008 with a predetermined interval therebetween, into which regenerated CO2 absorbent is introduced by a feeding unit 102 from a bottom side thereof so that the CO2 absorbent overflows from an upper end of the internal shell thereof toward the bottom of the regenerator, and a reboiler that is inserted into the internal shells 101 in a direction orthogonal to a vertical axis and includes a heat-transfer tube 103 that reboils absorbent.

Abstract: A fermentation liquid feed including water and a product alcohol and optionally CO2 is at least partially vaporized such that a vapor stream is produced. The vapor stream is contacted with an absorption liquid under suitable conditions wherein an amount of the product alcohol is absorbed. The portion of the vapor stream that is absorbed can include an amount of each of the water, the product alcohol and optionally the CO2. The temperature at the onset of the absorption of the vapor stream into the absorption liquid can be greater than the temperature at the onset of condensation of the vapor stream in the absence of the absorption liquid. The product alcohol can be separated from the absorption liquid whereby the absorption liquid is regenerated. The absorption liquid can include a water soluble organic molecule such as an amine.

Abstract: A fermentation liquid feed including water and a product alcohol and optionally CO2 is at least partially vaporized such that a vapor stream is produced. The vapor stream is contacted with an absorption liquid under suitable conditions wherein an amount of the product alcohol is absorbed. The portion of the vapor stream that is absorbed can include an amount of each of the water, the product alcohol and optionally the CO2. The temperature at the onset of the absorption of the vapor stream into the absorption liquid can be greater than the temperature at the onset of condensation of the vapor stream in the absence of the absorption liquid. The product alcohol can be separated from the absorption liquid whereby the absorption liquid is regenerated. The absorption liquid can include a water soluble organic molecule such as an amine.

Abstract: A process for co-manufacture of acrylonitrile and hydrogen cyanide comprises combining a stream comprising hydrogen cyanide and an acrylonitrile reactor product stream, to produce a combined product stream, having a ratio of acrylonitrile to hydrogen cyanide of about 9 to 1 or less, which can be varied; and treating the combined product stream in a recovery/purification system of acrylonitrile process wherein pH is controlled by addition of an acid to prevent HCN polymerization. The ratio of acrylonitrile to hydrogen cyanide is generally between 2 to 1 and 9 to 1. The stream comprising hydrogen cyanide is advantageously a hydrogen cyanide product stream from a hydrogen cyanide synthesis reactor.

Abstract: A fermentation liquid feed including water and a product alcohol and optionally CO2 is at least partially vaporized such that a vapor stream is produced. The vapor stream is contacted with an absorption liquid under suitable conditions wherein an amount of the product alcohol is absorbed. The portion of the vapor stream that is absorbed can include an amount of each of the water, the product alcohol and optionally the CO2. The temperature at the onset of the absorption of the vapor stream into the absorption liquid can be greater than the temperature at the onset of condensation of the vapor stream in the absence of the absorption liquid. The product alcohol can be separated from the absorption liquid whereby the absorption liquid is regenerated. The absorption liquid can include a water soluble organic molecule such as an amine.

Abstract: A method for recovering acetic acid from an aqueous feed stream containing acetic acid and, in particular, a stream generated during terephthalic acid production includes feeding a water-rich feed stream to a liquid-liquid extraction column, which includes a guard bed near the top thereof for conversion of alcohol within the feed stream by reaction with acetic acid to the corresponding ester, and removing residual water from acetic acid in an azeotropic distillation column by feeding water-poor feed streams from the extraction column to the distillation column at a height at which the mixture has a similar water concentration. The liquid-liquid extraction column produces an extract of an extraction solvent and acetic acid which is sent to the azeotropic distillation column to separate residual water and acetic acid.

Abstract: A system is configured to remove volatile organic compounds from a container. The system includes an enclosed contactor vessel having a first inlet to receive vapor containing volatile organic compounds from the container and a second inlet. The second inlet receives a vapor capture medium from a source. A contactor facilitates entrainment of the volatile organic compounds with the vapor capture medium while a first outlet recirculates treated vapor back to the container to effect a closed loop.

Abstract: A process for separating monosilane from a mixture comprising monosilane and chlorosilanes comprising: a) Introducing mixture to a condenser (3) for separating lower-boiling chlorosilanes—containing monosilane from higher-boiling chlorosilanes enriched condensates; b) Collecting said higher-boiling condensates, in a condensate buffer (19) connected to the aforesaid condenser (3) by a condensate feed pipe (8); c) Sending higher-boiling chlorosilanes enriched condensates from the aforesaid condensate buffer (19) into a subcooler (21) which is installed on a reflux feed line (7) connected to the upper portion of a chlorosilane absorber (20); d) Feeding lower-boiling chlorosilanes—containing monosilane to the aforesaid chlorosilane absorber (20) for separating monosilane; e) Extracting monosilane—rich gas from the upper portion of the aforesaid chlorosilane absorber (20).

Abstract: In some implementations, a method for separating components includes receiving off-gas from a Fischer-Tropsch hydrocarbon synthesis reaction process. The off-gas is scrubbed with a light oil at least proximate atmospheric temperature to substantially remove a mixture of C3 and C4. The C3 and C4 are separated from the mixture into two separate streams using distillation columns in a Fischer-Tropsch system.

Abstract: A fermentation liquid feed including water and a product alcohol and optionally CO2 is at least partially vaporized such that a vapor stream is produced. The vapor stream is contacted with an absorption liquid under suitable conditions wherein an amount of the product alcohol is absorbed. The portion of the vapor stream that is absorbed can include an amount of each of the water, the product alcohol and optionally the CO2. The temperature at the onset of the absorption of the vapor stream into the absorption liquid can be greater than the temperature at the onset of condensation of the vapor stream in the absence of the absorption liquid. The product alcohol can be separated from the absorption liquid whereby the absorption liquid is regenerated. The absorption liquid can include a water soluble organic molecule such as an amine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reprocessing waste acid from methods for producing nitro-aromatics, in particular for producing dinitrotoluene (DNT) or trinitrotoluene (TNT), to recover concentrated and purified sulfuric acid and nitric acid, wherein in a first stage, the waste acid is separated in a stripping column countercurrently with water vapor from the bottom of the stripping column into at least one vapor phase, which contains nitric acid and possibly nitro-organics, and a pre-concentrated sulfuric acid, and the vapor phase and the pre-concentrated sulfuric acid are condensed and/or reprocessed in downstream method stages, wherein in the first stage of the method, in addition to the stripping, according to the invention the nitric acid contained in the stripping vapor is concentrated in the presence of additional concentrated sulfuric acid so that nitric acid in a highly concentrated form suitable for feeding back into the nitriding process is obtained directly in the first stage.

Abstract: Process for devolatilization of a polymer of an aromatic alkylene, such as styrene and, in particular, an improved process using water as a stripping agent (i) in which the total amount of water to be disposed of can be reduced, (ii) which allows at least a portion of the water to be recycled as stripping agent, reducing make-up requirements for the stripping agent, and (iii) which allows at least a portion of the aromatic alkylene monomer in the water to be recycled to the polymerization process (via the devolatilization steps) rather than being disposed.

Abstract: An extracting process including adding powder into a first flask in a first cooling bath maintained at a temperature; adding solvent into the first flask and sealing the first flask so that the solvent dissolves the predetermined powder to form a homogeneous solution; removing the first flask; and connecting the first flask to a first one of second flasks, interconnecting the second flasks, and connecting a third flask to the last second flask wherein a quantity of aromatic compounds absorbent fluid is contained in each second flask which is placed in a second cooling bath maintained at the temperature, the third flask is placed in a third cooling bath maintained at another temperature, the solution evaporates to flow vaporized aromatic compounds to the second flasks for absorption by the aromatic compounds absorbent fluid, and the vaporized solvent reaches the third flask to be condensed and collected.

Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.

Abstract: A fermentation liquid feed including water and a product alcohol and optionally CO2 is at least partially vaporized such that a vapor stream is produced. The vapor stream is contacted with an absorption liquid under suitable conditions wherein an amount of the product alcohol is absorbed. The portion of the vapor stream that is absorbed can include an amount of each of the water, the product alcohol and optionally the CO2. The temperature at the onset of the absorption of the vapor stream into the absorption liquid can be greater than the temperature at the onset of condensation of the vapor stream in the absence of the absorption liquid. The product alcohol can be separated from the absorption liquid whereby the absorption liquid is regenerated. The absorption liquid can include a water soluble organic molecule such as an amine.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus separate a volatile component from a substance mixture (raw product). The substance mixture is heated, the volatile component is at least partly evaporated and then the vapor formed is condensed. To improve the separating action, the condensate, in the region of the point of condensation, is contacted with a liquid in which the condensate dissolves.

Abstract: Light hydrocarbon enrichment is accomplished using a vertically oriented distillation column having a plurality of vertically oriented, nonselective micro/mesoporous hollow fibers. Vapor having, for example, both propylene and propane is sent upward through the distillation column in between the hollow fibers. Vapor exits neat the top of the column and is condensed to form a liquid phase that is directed back downward through the lumen of the hollow fibers. As vapor continues to ascend and liquid continues to countercurrently descend, the liquid at the bottom of the column becomes enriched in a higher boiling point, light hydrocarbon (propane, for example) and the vapor at the top becomes enriched in a lower boiling point light hydrocarbon (propylene, for example). The hollow fiber becomes wetted with liquid during the process.

Abstract: A natural gas dehydration system and method includes a contactor, a flash tank, and a still interconnected by a desiccant circulation system. A continuously fired reboiler is coupled to the still and the flash tank to burn the flash gas from the flash tank and heat the desiccant.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process and a plant for recovering ammonia from a mixture including ammonia, acid gas containing H2S and/or CO2 and low-boiling water-soluble organic components. To avoid an enrichment of volatile organic compounds in the acid gas absorber, a partial stream of the liquid phase is withdrawn from an acid gas absorber and processed such that gaseous ammonia with a reduced content of volatile organic components is obtained, which is recirculated into the acid gas absorber.

Abstract: Ammonia sometimes present in geothermal steam increases the solubility of hydrogen sulfide in the steam condensate produced by the surface condenser in a steam cycle geothermal power generating unit by reacting with the hydrogen sulfide to produce nonvolatile ammonium bisulfide. The condenser vent gas also produced contains carbon dioxide. Contacting the steam condensate with the condenser vent gas at a pressure slightly greater than atmospheric causes carbon dioxide to dissolve in the condensate, decreasing pH and converting bisulfide ion back to hydrogen sulfide. Subsequently exposing the acidified condensate to condenser vacuum strips the hydrogen sulfide from the condensate, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment of the condensate to prevent air pollution. Hydrogen sulfide partitioning performance is further improved by converting the hydrogen sulfide in the vent gas to sulfur dioxide before contacting it with the condensate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for preparing liquid from solid materials such as medicinal materials. It includes liquid and materials for preparing the liquid at the beginning and the end of the process. The device uses a steam generator, an intermediate switch valve and a material chamber, which are connected sequentially with pipes, and further includes an outlet pipe, which is at the bottom of the material chamber. The method involves the steps of: distillation and absorption; immersion; and repetition. The device and method for preparing liquid alternates the distillation and immersion steps, which reduces harmful substance in the prepared liquid that would otherwise occur by conventional methods. The method not only extracts soluble effective matter, but also reduces loss of volatile effective matter. Ultimately, the method makes the steps for preparing liquid simple and clear, and it can prepare liquid quantitatively, effectively and without pasty and shrinkable characteristics.

Abstract: A system and method for preparation of meat flavorants, and flavorants, having increased flavor and aromatic intensity and which more closely resemble the natural flavor and aroma of cooked meat. Preheated edible, food grade oils and fats are exposed to temperatures between 290° C. and 475° C. under vacuum, in the presence of oxygen. The developing flavor vapors are immediately and completely removed from the heated oils and fats. The mixture of air-purge/flavor-vapor is immediately carried away from the heat transfer surface of the edible oil or fat. An evaporator, preferably a spinning disc, spinning band or thin film evaporator, without a condenser is used as process equipment. The air-purged flavor-vapors are diffused and absorbed in an absorption device into suitable food-grade liquids.

Abstract: A method for separating at least one volatile component such as an alkyl ester, an alcohol, hydroxymethylfuran, dimethylfuran, methyl tetrahydrofuran, a polyhydric alcohol, or a reduction product of a polyhydric alcohol from at least one non-volatile component such as a saccharide, a peptide, or ash in a mixture is disclosed. The method includes heating the mixture to a temperature of between 150-250° C. and contacting the mixture with a superheated distillation alcohol in a gaseous or vapor phase. The distillation alcohol pressure imparts partial vapor pressure on the at least one volatile component of the mixture and distills at least a portion of the at least one volatile component from the mixture.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for purifying a chlorine supply that includes a chlorine component, a bromine component, and nitrogen trichloride. The method includes the steps of introducing the chlorine supply into a vaporizer, heating the chlorine supply in the vaporizer to form a vapor, and introducing the vapor into a distillation system to provide purified chlorine gas, a distillate that includes liquid chlorine and the bromine component, and a bottoms component including the nitrogen trichloride. The method also includes the steps of condensing the vapor in a reflux condenser, heating the condensate in a reboiler, removing the purified chlorine gas from the distillation system, and removing the distillate from the distillation system.

Abstract: The present invention is for the production of fuel grade alcohol, specifically ethanol. A steam dryer is used to dry the solid byproduct into usable animal feed. The steam dryer typically contains less than 6% air in its exhaust stream is directed to the bottoms of one or more distillation columns to heat the distillation column and scrub the exhaust stream simultaneously. The elimination of a thermal oxidizer and the efficient use of the energy in the exhaust stream provide considerable cost savings for an alcohol production plant.

Abstract: A system is configured to remove volatile organic compounds from a container. The system includes an enclosed contactor vessel having a first inlet to receive vapor containing volatile organic compounds from the container and a second inlet. The second inlet receives a vapor capture medium from a source. A contactor facilitates entrainment of the volatile organic compounds with the vapor capture medium while a first outlet recirculates treated vapor back to the container to effect a closed loop.

Abstract: The present relates to a process for optimizing the recovery of unreacted monomers from a polymerization process, wherein said process comprises the steps of recovering a fluid stream generated by the separation of the polyolefin product from the polymerization fluid comprising unreacted monomers and optionally comonomers; contacting said fluid stream in an absorption zone with a scrub liquid comprising at least one C4-10 hydrocarbons, thereby absorbing at least a portion of the unreacted monomers in said scrub liquid; and withdrawing from said absorption zone (i) a vapor overhead comprising light gas and (ii) an absorber bottoms scrub liquid comprising said C4-10 hydrocarbons and said unreacted monomer; thereby recovering said unreacted monomer in said absorber bottoms scrub liquid comprising said C4-10 hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic materials into reactive chemical feedstock in a batch or semi continuous process by the stepwise treatment with aqueous aliphatic alcohols in the presence of sulfur dioxide or acid. Lignocellulosic material is fractionated in a fashion that cellulose is removed as pulp, or converted to esterified cellulose, cooking chemicals are reused, lignin is separated in the forms of reactive native lignin and reactive lignosulfonates and hemicelluloses are converted into fermentable sugars, while fermentation inhibitors are removed. In an integrated vapor compression stripper and evaporator system, aliphatic alcohol is removed from a liquid stream and the resulting stream is concentrated for further processing.

Abstract: Light hydrocarbon enrichment is accomplished using a vertically oriented distillation column having a plurality of vertically oriented, nonselective micro/mesoporous hollow fibers. Vapor having, for example, both propylene and propane is sent upward through the distillation column in between the hollow fibers. Vapor exits neat the top of the column and is condensed to form a liquid phase that is directed back downward through the lumen of the hollow fibers. As vapor continues to ascend and liquid continues to countercurrently descend, the liquid at the bottom of the column becomes enriched in a higher boiling point, light hydrocarbon (propane, for example) and the vapor at the top becomes enriched in a lower boiling point light hydrocarbon (propylene, for example). The hollow fiber becomes wetted with liquid during the process.