Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for decontaminating a liquid surfactant of a dioxane having a vapor pressure which is higher than the surfactant. A contaminated liquid surfactant is directed through an inclined conduit. A gas is directed into the inclined conduit, whereby the gas contacts the surfactant and transports the dioxane contaminant, which has volatilized in the inclined conduit, out of the inclined conduit, thereby decontaminating the surfactant. The liquid surfactant is discharged from the inclined conduit.

Abstract: Reprocessing mixtures which contain organic solvents and constituents of low volatility and may contain water: includes introducing the mixture into a concentration apparatus of a solvent recovery system, concentrating the mixture in the concentration apparatus by evaporating off a portion of a readily volatile fraction and feeding this readily volatile fraction to a separation column. A portion of the concentrated mixture from the concentration apparatus is conducted away into a separation apparatus where the constituents of low volatility are separated off from the concentrated mixture and ejected from the solvent recovery system. The concentrated mixture is conducted away, freed from the constituents of low volatility, from the separation apparatus.

Abstract: A process for preparing diacetoxybutene, including:reacting butadiene, acetic acid and oxygen in the presence of a palladium-based catalyst;feeding continuously the resulting reaction product into a first distillation tower;feeding continuously a withdrawn bottoms withdrawn from the first distillation tower into a second distillation tower;withdrawing bottoms containing high boiling point materials from the bottom of the second distillation tower, so that the content of the high boiling point materials in the bottoms of the second distillation tower is not more than 20 wt %;feeding continuously the withdrawn bottoms into a thin-film evaporator whose internal pressure is kept lower than the bottom pressure of the second distillation tower to carry out evaporation treatment; andrecycling the evaporated materials mainly containing diacetoxybutene into the second distillation tower.

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

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an apparatus for the distillation of liquids. The apparatus has a plurality of vertically-stacked, parallel disks which are rotated. The liquid to be distilled is introduced into the center of the disk stack and migrates by centrifugal force as a thin film across side 1 of each disk. During migration, the more volatile portion evaporates from side 1 and condenses on side 2 of a neighboring disk. Energy requirements for distillation are provided by heat transfer from side 2 to side 1. The apparatus is substantially adiabatic in that vaporization and condensation occur without external supply of heating or cooling.

Abstract: A distillation apparatus by flashing and boiling of solution and condensing the resulting steam having a central rotating partitioned brine conduit with coupling to a two-disk centrifugal distributor and a wiping blade system in a chamber having at least one conically shaped wall heated by a condensing steam in a spirally formed conduit, and a surrounding annular spiral condenser. The vertical stacking of such conically shaped evaporators and annular spiral condensers with brine inflow and outflow through a central rotating partitioned tubular conduit make up the desalination tower. The solution flowing through the central tubular conduit to the centrifugal distributor is pressurized by the centrifugal force before flashing through spray nozzles. The flowing liquid film formed on the heated conical surface boils with further enhancement from thinning action due to a rotating wiping pivoting blade system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for isolating pure diketene with recovery of materials of value by continuous, two-stage distillation of crude diketene at reduced pressure and with continuous reaction of the resulting distillation residue with acetic acid, pure diketene and acetic anhydride being separated off by means of the two-stage distillation. In the stabilization of the distillation residue with acetic acid, reutilizable acetic acid, which contains acetone with or without acetic anhydride, is recovered.

Abstract: A process for simultaneously exchanging material and for exchanging heat, material change being effected between a gas phase and at least one liquid phase by contact and passage in opposite directions of the gas phase and of the at least one liquid phase and heat exchange being effected between a compartment (I) and another compartment (II). In compartment (I) a plurality of spacer plates defining material exchange passages are arranged and the material exchange is effected by causing the at least one liquid phase to flow over a substantially vertical or inclined wall of a corrugated spacer plate having perforations and by causing at least a fraction of the gas phase to traverse simultaneously said perforations in a substantially ascending direction to contact said at least one liquid phase. The heat exchange is effected by circulating a heat exchange fluid in the compartment (II) which has a common wall with the compartment (I).

Abstract: Polyether glycols, especially poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMEG) having a narrow molecular weight distribution of about 1.25 to 1.80, or dispersity of 1.05 to 1.90, are made by a process involving distilling the low molecular weight fraction in unit operations including at least one short-path distillation evaporator. Two short-path distillation evaporators, in series, are desirable if significant narrowing of the PTMEG is required. In these units, PTMEG is subjected to temperatures in the range of 270.degree.-400.degree. C. with the hold-up time varying between 10-200 seconds. The required vacuum to force the separation of the low molecular weight PTMEG varies between 0.001 mm and 1.0 mbar. PTMEG residue from the distillation unit is also characterized by its low water content and low concentration of oligomeric cyclic ethers.

Abstract: 2-(4-Isobutylphenyl)-propionic acid is purified by subjecting it to a vacuum rectification, in which the temperature is below the decomposition temperature of the acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the recovery of a processed liquid in the form of a condensate from a liquid to be processed by evaporation and condensation, having at least one first flow region which is provided in a working space for the development of a first sheetlike flow of the liquid to be processed and at least one condensing surface, adjacent to the first flow region and cooler in temperature than the first flow, for liquid evaporated at the first flow region.The invention is characterized in that a second flow region is adjacent to the at least one first flow region in the common working space for the development of a sheetlike second flow, and in that the condensing surface is formed of the surface of the liquid of the at least one second flow region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the recovery of purified hydroxypivalyl hydroxypivalate (HPHP) from a crude, HPHP containing material containing inorganic catalyst residues and low-boiling and high-boiling (with respect to the boiling point of HPHP) impurities. The purification process employs two distillation zones, a first distillation zone wherein inorganic and high-boiling impurities are removed and a second distillation zone wherein low- and high-boiling impurities are removed.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a process for converting a pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid diester to the corresponding cyclic anhydride directly, without any recovery and purification of the pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid intermediate.An important aspect of the invention process is the utility of pure pyridine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid diester starting matter. A procedure for providing pure diester starting material is demonstrated.

Abstract: A process for removing inorganic compounds from glycol recovery still bottoms resulting from the manufacture of poly(ethylene terephthalate), the novel process using a small amount of phosphoric acid to precipitate the antimony and then removing the titanium dioxide and antimony compound by a centrifuge. The novel process for removing the inorganic compounds from the recovery polyester bottoms includes the steps of distilling ethylene glycol from the spent glycol until the remaining bottoms have a solids concentration from about 15% to about 45%; adding phosphoric acid to the bottoms to form an antimony compound and removing the antimony and titanium precipitates from the bottoms by a centrifuge.

Abstract: Evaporation of saline water in a desalinization process, or evaporation of other types of liquid such as black liquor from paper pulp processing, is accomplished utilizing a multiple effect evaporator. Each effect includes one or more (e.g. first and second) sets of horizontally elongated dimpled plate evaporator elements. Horizontally flowing heating fluid, such as steam, is introduced to the internal passage of at least the second set in all the effects, and a head of circulation liquid is provided to cause liquid being evaporated to flow downwardly from the head over the external surfaces of the sets of dimpled plates in a thin film. The vapor evaporated is drawn through a demistor and is used as the heating fluid for the next effect. Recirculating liquid that has not evaporated and liquid separated by the demisting process are recirculated to the head associated with each effect. Clean condensate--such as distilled water--is withdrawn from the last effect.

Abstract: A process for treating naphthenic fractions with a caustic blend of sodium and potassium hydroxide, preflashing the naphthenic fraction to remove water and then flashing the dewatered fraction to remove the neutral oils and the materials that were not formed into the acid salts. The naphthenic salt mixture is then quenched and acidified so as to recover the naphthenic acids. Naphthenic acids recovered from the process of the present invention have acid numbers which are generally higher than the naphthenic acids heretofore produced from the corresponding feed streams. The process provides for the flashing of the water which otherwise would cause foaming and not permit the recovery of the acid salt for the enhanced separation of the naphthenic acids.

Abstract: A method and device for removing, from liquid such as water, dissolved volatile substances and gases when water is being distilled or evaporated. Feed water of a distilling apparatus or evaporator is heated to a sufficiently high temperature, whereby part of the feed water changes into vapor, and is then conducted to a purifying device. The feed water is discharged in the purifying device in the form of a thin film. The gaseous substances present in the feed water or liquid are separated by a separator device provided in the purifying device, and then conducted away through a connector provided on the purifying device.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved process for the manufacture of glyoxylic acid obtained by oxidation of glycolic acid. For processing purposes alkyl esters of these acids are employed. Increased efficiency is obtained by recovering glycolate rich streams from one or more distillation operations and after treatment to remove acetic acid by-product the streams are recycled to the oxidation reaction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for using water to remove amine from an oil-amine component. The oil-amine component is typically produced in prior art processes using an amine having an inverse critical solution temperature with water to break emulsions and sludges. The steps of the present invention include adding water to the oil-amine component in an amount sufficient to form a water-amine azeotrope with substantially all the amine in the oil-amine component followed by heating to remove the azeotrope. The method of the present invention may be used to remove amine from an oil-amine component even where the amine is present in an amount as low as 10% or less by weight.

Abstract: Process for the fractional distillation of a liquid under vacuum comprising preheating a liquid to be distilled, forming under vacuum the preheated liquid into a first series of thin sheets of falling liquid to be distilled, and a cooling liquid into a second series of thin sheets of falling cooling liquid, the thin sheets of the first series being alternately arranged with the thin sheets of the second series, in close proximity to one another. Part of the liquid to be distilled is vaporized and passed to the thin sheets of cooling liquid to form liquid distillate and separately recovering the liquid distillate with the cooling liquid and the non-vaporized part of the liquid.

Abstract: Deodorizing and/or physical refining of relatively small, varying charges of high-boiling liquids, viz. fatty acids, edible oils, fats, glycerides and other high-boilding esters, is conducted continuously in a single-stage or multi-stage falling-film column (20) through the trickle passages (23) of which stripping steam is passed in counter-current flow. In the supply conduit (15, 15', 15", 15'") leading to the falling-film column and in the discharge conduit (30, 30', 30", 30'") leading away from the bottom (26) of the falling-film column a plug-flow of the liquid is maintained. Upon a change of charge the fresh liquid to be treated is normally introduced into the supply conduit--without any blank charge--directly following the liquid of the preceding charge. Charging of the liquid onto the deflector (22) in the head (21) of the falling-film column is interrupted for a short period of time when the front of the liquid of the fresh charge has reached a check valve (16) disposed adjacent said deflector.

Abstract: Excess amounts of a pure form of acrylonitrile are reacted with other reactants in the production of various compounds such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid. Accordingly, large amounts of acrylonitrile remain unreacted and present with other contaminants. The present invention is directed toward the purification of such unreacted acrylonitrile and the purified acrylonitrile obtained from such a purification process. The purification is carried out by treating the unreacted acrylonitrile with a base and removing salts formed. The treated material is fed to a heat exchanger which heats the material preferably under vacuum to about 120.degree. F. and provides a heated fluid material. This heated fluid material is pumped to a lower area of a distillation tower which is maintained under vacuum and includes a plurality of distillation trays.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the degassing, dehydrating and lower boiling component separation during straight-run distillation of crude fatty acids. The crude fatty acids are degassed in the degassing stage at such temperatures and pressures in counter current flow with stripping steam that no appreciable dehydration or lower boiling component separation takes place at this stage, then the degassed crude fatty acid is then led to a precut column for dehydration and lower boiling component separation, whereby the falling film concentrator column operates as a partial condensation stage for the creation of the reflux of the fatty acids, which is necessary for the lower boiling component separation, and that the easily boiling component evaporates almost completely in the precut column and is led off from the precut column in vapor form, together with the water.

Abstract: Crude cumene hydroperoxide is purified by subjecting it to an evaporation step at a pressure of about 2 to 10 (preferably 3 to 7) mg Hg abs. and a temperature of about 150.degree. F. to about 210.degree. F. (pref. about 175.degree. F. to 195.degree. F.) to remove light impurities and then subjecting the residue from the first evaporation step to a second evaporation step also at a temperature of about 135.degree. F. to 210.degree. F. (pref. about 150.degree. F. to 185.degree. F.) but at a pressure of about 0.5 to about 8 (preferably 1 to 3) mm Hg abs. to obtain a distillate significantly reduced in color bodies, water, acetophenone, and dimethylbenzyl alcohol, and sodium.

Abstract: In the distillation of fresh water from sea water, the sea water is passed ownwardly in a falling film evaporator through a multiplicity of vertical tube evaporator (VTE) stages and multiple stage flash (MSF) evaporators. After the sea water passes through the first VTE stage where it forms a liquid component and a steam component, the liquid component is distributed evenly into the next VTE stage while the steam component enters an adjoining MSF stage. Condensed fresh water flows downwardly from one MSF stage to the next and experiences flash evaporation. The sea water or brine component and the fresh water distillate flow downwardly through the VTE and MSF stages so that the brine component can be removed from the final VTE stage and the fresh water distillate from the final MSF stage.

Abstract: In the distillation of fresh water from sea water, the sea water is passed ownwardly in a falling film evaporator through a multiplicity of vertical tube evaporator (VTE) stages and multiple stage flash (MSF) evaporators. After the sea water passes through the first VTE stage where it forms a liquid component and a steam component, the liquid component is distributed evenly into the next VTE stage while the steam component enters an adjoining MSF stage. Condensed fresh water flows downwardly from one MSF stage to the next and experiences flash evaporation. The sea water or brine component and the fresh water distillate flow downwardly through the VTE and MSF stages so that the brine component can be removed from the final VTE stage and the fresh water distillate from the final MSF stage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distilling, especially vacuum refining and deodorizing edible oils and fats utilizing sheets of oil driven downwardly in a distiller with a vacuum source at its top. A nozzle includes pressure equalization chambers, cantilever adjustment screws, and a central drag sheet to produce longer lasting and more uniform thin oil sheets to be driven in the distiller. A continuous process deaerates, dehydrates, degums, bleaches, refines, removes tocopherol, deodorizes, and strips peroxides and hydroperoxides from raw oil in a series of isothermal stages utilizing driven sheet distillers. No stripping steam is used except in the stage which strips peroxides and hydroperoxides. The method produces valuable, pure products such as tocopherol and fractionated fatty acids. It is especially efficient in heat exchange and low in waste and pollution producing products.

Abstract: Deodorizing and/or physical refining of cocoa butter and cocoa butter substitutes is carried out in accordance with the principle of continuous counter-current falling film stripping steam distillation in at least two different zones, where different flow and current conditions prevail for the liquid film and the vapors, respectively. In the initial zone 10 the vapors pass through trickle passages having a hydraulic equivalent diameter greater than the hydraulic equivalent diameter in the final zone 22.The working pressure in the top of the falling film column 10 is maintained below 2.0 mbar, and in the bottom of the falling film column 22 it is maintained by at most 1.6 mbar in excess of that in the falling film column 10. The accumulation of any significant liquid content in the bottoms of the serially operating zones is avoided. Stripping steam is supplied in an amount of 2 to 10 kg of steam per 100 kg of charged liquid.

Abstract: The deodorization and/or physical refining of high-boiling organic edible oils, fats and esters is carried out according to the principle of continuous counter-current falling film stripping steam distillation in an internally imposed temperature field in at least two different zones having different flow conditions for the liquid film and the vapors, respectively, prevailing therein. In the initial zone 10 directly adjacent the liquid charge and ensuring at least two separation stages the vapors flow through trickle passages having a hydraulic equivalent diameter of 73 to 150 mm. If necessary, this initial zone may be subdivided, wherein in the first sub-zone the trickle passages are provided with hydraulic equivalent diameters of 120 to 150 mm and in the second sub-zone the trickle passages are provided with hydraulic equivalent diameters of 73 to 120 mm.

Abstract: A process for the nondegenerative distillation of C.sub.6 -C.sub.24 -fatty acids, of the type obtained by splitting natural fats and oils or by synthetic processes, such as for example the oxidation of paraffins, the crude product is thermally dried under reduced pressure, the dried and heated crude product is subjected to fractional evaporation in falling-film evaporators, optionally in the presence of superheated steam, and the various vapor fractions are deposited in condensers. The thermal drying process is conducted at a temperature of 60.degree.-80.degree. C. and a pressure of 90-100 mbars. The de-watered crude product is fractionated in a film-forming evaporator and, after distillation, passes to a rectification column which condenses the low boiling constituents as the main runnings.

Abstract: In a thermally driven multi-effect distillation process and apparatus liquid is introduced into a plurality of evaporating and condensing stages or chambers while heat energy is passed through the stages or chambers in a direction countercurrent to the direction of flow of the liquid which undergoes evaporation to form condensate and distilland in each stage or chamber while transferring the heat of condensation to the next downstream stage or chamber and maintaining a minimum temperature differential between stages or chambers, and separately removing condensate and distilland from each stage or chamber while rotating the stages or chambers about an axis passing through the points of introduction thereto of the liquid and heat energy. The apparatus includes a plurality of adjacent evaporation and condensation chambers and devices for introducing liquid and heat energy thereto in countercurrent directions. The walls of the chambers, formed of spaced heat conductive sheets, act to transfer heat.

Abstract: An apparatus for concentrating a dilute solution comprising a heat receiving thin plate which has a good thermal conductivity and is provided on its rear surface not facing a heat source with a liquid absorbing layer for absorbing a solution supplied thereto for concentration, and at least one condensation thin plate which has a good thermal conductivity and is provided with a liquid absorbing layer on at least one surface thereof, the heat receiving plate and the condensation plate or plates being arranged in parallel spaced relationship with each other and each of them being partly formed with at least one groove for supplying the solution to be concentrated to the liquid absorbing layers. A dilute solution supplied to and impregnated in the liquid absorbing layers through the grooves is concentrated by the heat supplied to the heat receiving plate or the latent heat of condensation released to the condensation plate.

Abstract: A novel fractional distillation process and applications thereof to the production of thermal or mechanical energy from two low level heat sources wherein a mixture of two highly non-ideal reactive solutions such, for example, as of the water/ammonia type, is separated into its water and ammonia components in an apparatus comprising a cascade of condensers and evaporators operating respectively at the temperature of the cold source and at the temperature of the hot source and at staggered pressures. The residue and distillate formed are remixed in a mixing apparatus when it is desired to recover the thermal energy of dilution of the solutions.The invention is applicable, in particular, to the heating of buildings from low level thermal energy and from the thermal energy of "cold wind".

Abstract: Block short-way evaporator with wiped-off film for vacuum and molecular distillation which is suitable for large-scale production. The evaporator is composed of one or more vacuum chambers in which parallel vertical double-sided flat evaporators with wipers for wiping evaporating areas and double-sided flat condensers are alternately located so that they form a continuous block. On the bottom of each chamber distillate collecting troughs with distillate tubes are formed alternately below double-sided flat condensers using separating partitions, and below double-sided flat evaporators residue collecting troughs with residue outlet tubes are formed, feed tubes being led through the bottom and the double-sided flat evaporators into separating troughs in the upper part of the double-sided flat evaporators.

Abstract: The purification of N-substituted aminobenzaldehydes, such as p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, is facilitated via the use of stripping agents.

Abstract: Method of adding water and a hydroxide of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal to a washing solvent such as an alkylamide and/or alkylsulfoxide when washing and removing high molecular substances stuck on the interior of a production apparatus or molding machine for an aromatic vinyl-acrylonitrile copolymer. A method for regenerating and recovering the washing solvent used for the above-mentioned washing and removal by means of an evaporator and distillation tower.

Abstract: A process is provided for recovering epsilon-caprolactam of a purity in excess of 99.9 wt. %, in a two-stage distillation operation. Each stage comprises an evaporator and a rectification column having a pressure drop across the theoretical trays thereof of less than about 2.5 MBAR.

Abstract: A thermally driven multi-effect distillation process and apparatus are disclosed in which liquid is introduced into a plurality of evaporating and condensing stages or chambers while heat energy is passed through the stages or chambers in a direction countercurrent to the direction of flow of the liquid which undergoes evaporation to form condensate and distilland in each stage or chamber while transferring the heat of condensation to the next downstream stage or chamber and maintaining a minimum temperature differential between stages or chambers, and separately removing condensate and distilland from each stage or chamber while rotating the stages or chambers about an axis passing through the points of introduction thereto of the liquid and heat energy.Generally the apparatus comprises a plurality of adjacent evaporation and condensation chambers and means for introducing liquid and heat energy thereto in countercurrent directions.

Abstract: Water is removed from methanesulfonic acid to produce an anhydrous product of high purity by spraying wet methanesulfonic acid (MSA) onto the walls of a vertical, heated tube which is maintained at reduced pressure. The water evaporates as the acid flows down the walls of the tube and dry MSA is removed at the bottom.

Abstract: Distillation apparatus in which a group of pairs of heat-transfer tubes are each driven to wobble about a vertical axis which passes through a wobbling center. A stream of fluid is directed to flow down inside each tube. The fluid stream tends to cling to the inner surface of the tube away from the wobbling center while it revolves with respect to the tube in response to the wobbling motion. The revolving flow stream wipes the inside surface of the tube to form a thin film which offers low heat resistance to facilitate the evaporation, carries away the residue by its lateral motion and carries the reflux downward with little restriction.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for distilling water in which a heat receiving plate member and a plurality of cooling plate members have a means for holding water to be treated on each reverse side thereof and are arranged in parallel spaced relationship with each other, and the water vapor produced by heating the heat receiving surface of the heat receiving plate member is condensed on the condensing surface of the adjacent cooling plate member, while giving the latent heat of the condensation to the cooling plate member and heating a water held on its back to produce the water vapor which is condensed on the condensing surface of the next cooling plate member, such evaporation by the latent heat and condensation being conducted according the number of rooms partitioned by adjacent two cooling plate members. There are apparatuses of two types, i.e.

Abstract: A multiple effect diffusion distillation system includes a plurality of parallel plates for continuous recovery of heat having opposed evaporation and condensation faces for alternately evaporating and condensing phases of a liquid fed on to the upper end of the plates in a thin film for gravity flow along the evaporator face of the plates with vapor condensing on the condensation faces and with means for collecting and recovering the condensed product from the system. Alternate embodiments including a solar heat input system and others include multiple modular systems.

Abstract: A process permitting hazard free purification by distillation of compounds which are distillable per se but which present the risk of explosive decomposition under the effect of elevated temperatures. A desensitizing substance is added to the compounds to be distilled.Aliphatic alcohols for instance are suitable additives for alkinols.Examples are provided for the distillation of butinediol-1,4 together with the additive glycerin.

Abstract: An apparatus unit for the fractional distillation and rectification of liquid mixtures includes a plurality of horizontal superimposed tubular main sections interconnected in series by a plurality of tubular connecting sections, e.g. U-shaped, to define an elongated space along which liquids and vapors flow. Intimate contact between liquids and vapors and efficient heat and mass transfer are provided by a stirrer rotating within the main section about horizontal axes and magnetically driven from the outside. Suitable inlet and outlet ports and heating and cooling devices are provided. An arrangement for joining the adjacent sections without the use of flanges or threaded portions is provided. A number of such units are preferably associated to form a modular apparatus, the individual units being operatively connected as desired to provide series, parallel or mixed flow of the fluids.

Abstract: A high melting, high boiling organic compound is easily and stably purified by continuously supplying the molten organic compound to a rectification zone under a subatmospheric pressure and continuously distilling off and recovering vapors from the top of the rectification zone, while continuously withdrawing bottoms containing higher boiling impurities and/or involatile impurities than the desired compound from a reboiling zone at the bottom of the rectification zone to the outside of rectification system by means of a barometric leg, without any pretreatment of removing lower boiling impurities therefrom before the rectification, and without disturbing a pressure balance in the rectification system.

Abstract: In a process for producing acrylic acid which comprises contacting with water an acrylic acid-containing reaction product gas which has been obtained by the catalytic vapor phase oxidation of an olefinic compound of a general formula, CH.sub.2 .dbd.CHX, wherein X represents at least one group selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for improving the recovery of byproducts associated with the isolation of C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 dicarboxylic acids contained in a waste byproduct stream, wherein the byproduct stream is derived from an adipic acid manufacturing operation involving nitric acid oxidation of a cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol feedstream.The main byproducts which are isolated are high purity dimethyl succinate, dimethyl glutarate and dimethyl adipate. Monomethyl esters of these dicarboxylic acids are recovered and recycled in the process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for separating a solvent from a bituminous material by pressure reduction and steam stripping without carry-over of entrained bituminous material. A fluid-like phase comprising bituminous material and solvent is reduced in pressure by passage through a pressure reduction valve to vaporize a portion of the solvent. The reduction in pressure also results in dispersing a mist of fine particle size bituminous material in the vaporized solvent. The stream of vaporized solvent, fine particle size bituminous material and fluid-like bituminous material then is introduced into a steam stripper through an inlet horn that imparts a centrifugal motion to the stream. The inlet horn contains a plurality of corrugated vanes which utilize the centrifugal motion to create turbulence in the stream within the inlet horn.

Abstract: Hydroformylation mediums, and a process for producing same, which are derived from a rhodium complex concentrate, as well as a hydroformylation process for producing aldehydes which employs said concentrate as a source of rhodium for the rhodium complex catalyst of said process.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and a mixture of diphenylmethane diisocyanate isomers containing a controllable amount of uretdione and hydrolizable chlorine which comprises feeding crude MDI to an evaporator, condensing a head fraction in two stages in the presence of an inert gas, feeding the first stage condensate to a distillation column, producing a mixture of diphenylmethane diisocyanate isomers as an overhead, producing 4,4'-diphenylmethane diisocyanate as a side draw, and condensing each of the overhead and side draw in two stages in the presence of an inert gas.