Abstract: The invention relates to a distillation and reaction device having a reaction section and a distillation-reaction section. The distillation-reaction section has a distillation zone with at least one device for circulation of the effluent from the reaction section to the distillation zone. Effluent from the reaction section is circulated to the distillation zone. The distillation-reaction section also has at least one distillation-reaction zone having at least one catalyst bed. The distillation-reaction zone is distinct from the distillation zone and provides at least partly the reflux of the distillation zone. The distillation-reaction section can also have at least one complementary reaction zone containing at least one catalyst bed. The invention further relates to a process for preparing at least one aliphatic monoalcohol, generally in excess, and at least one olefin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing high purity isobutene from a hydrocarbon cut essentially comprising olefinic hydrocarbons containing 4 carbon atoms per molecule including isobutene, also butene-1 and butene-2 compounds in a ratio which substantially corresponds to the thermodynamic equilibrium. The process comprises passing the cut into a distillation zone (3) associated with a hydroisomerisation reaction zone, the bottom product of the distillation zone comprising butene-2 compounds being passed into a skeletal isomerisation zone (2) where the linear butenes are at least partially isomerised to isobutene, at least part of the principal effluent from the skeletal isomerisation zone being recycled upstream of the reactive distillation zone (3).

Abstract: A method for operating a column having a region for reaction with distillation of fluid streams is provided with structures including catalyst-filled containers having liquid permeable upper surfaces which allow for the accumulation and flow of liquid from a liquid stream. The containers include catalyst beds positioned beneath the upper surface of the containers. A portion of the liquid on the containers is driven through the catalyst bed by the liquid head created by the accumulated liquid and is catalytically reacted. Another portion of the liquid may be directed through a downcomer which allows the accumulated liquid to leave the container without passing through the catalyst bed so that higher volumetric flow rates can be achieved.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting dicyclopentadiene to cyclopentane and/or cyclopentene, wherein dicyclopentadiene is fed to a catalytic distillation column, the dicyclopentadiene is cracked to cyclopentadiene in the catalytic distillation column, the cyclopentadiene is hydrogenated to cyclopentane in the catalytic distillation column, and the cyclopentane is recovered from the catalytic distillation column. The dicyclopentadiene is fed into and cracked to cyclopentadiene at the bottom of the catalytic distillation column. Hydrogen is then fed to the catalytic distillation column below the catalytic zone, where cyclopentadiene is hydrogenated as it is produced, thus suppressing polymerization of the cyclopentadiene. The resulting cyclopentane and/or cyclopentene vapor phase stream is condensed, thereby producing a liquid stream of cyclopentane and/or cyclopentene and a vapor stream of hydrogen and other off-gas by-products.

Abstract: A process for separating 1,3-butadiene from a crude C.sub.4 stream containing butanes, butenes, butadienes and acetylenes has been developed. The process begins with introducing hydrogen, a solvent, and the crude C.sub.4 stream to a catalytic extractive distillation unit having a reaction zone containing a catalyst capable of hydrogenating acetylenes. Butanes and butenes, being less soluble in the solvent, are distilled in an overhead stream from the catalytic extractive distillation unit. Butadienes and acetylenes, being more soluble in the solvent, are carried with the solvent to the reaction zone located within the catalytic extractive distillation unit. In the reaction zone the acetylenes are converted to hydrogenation products. The hydrogenation products other than butadiene are separated from the butadienes by the extractive distillation occurring in the unit. The solvent and butadiene mixture is removed from the catalytic extractive distillation unit in a distillate stream.

Abstract: The catalyst inside a catalytic reaction column is replaced while running the catalytic reaction by diverting a basically monophase fluid to keep it from passing through the catalyst, evacuating from the column the catalyst that has lost at least a portion of its properties, introducing into the column a quantity of catalyst that is approximately equal to the quantity of catalyst that was evacuated from the column, and restoring the circulation of the basically monophase fluid through the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of an aromatic compound with C.sub.2 to C.sub.4 olefin alkylating agent. A process to produce ethylbenzene by reaction of ethylene in stoichiometric or excess amount with benzene in the presence of a zeolite beta catalyst. This process is especially suitable for reaction of dilute ethylene with dilute benzene in a catalytic distillation column.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of benzene contained in a mixed refinery stream is disclosed wherein the refinery stream is first subjected to hydrogenation of higher olefins prior to alkylation of the benzene with selected types and quantities of lower olefins. Streams containing sulfur compounds may be pretreated by hydrodesulfurization. All of the process steps are advantageously carried out in distillation column reactors to take advantage of that mode of operation.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing process for removing impurities from a feed comprising a hydrocarbonaceous liquid comprises at least two cocurrent, upflow hydroprocessing reaction stages and a non-catalytic, vapor-liquid contacting stage. The reaction and contacting stages may all be in the same reactor vessel. The feed and a hydrogen treat gas are passed up into a catalyst bed which comprises the first reaction stage, which produces a partially hydroprocessed liquid and vapor effluent. This first stage vapor is passed up into the contacting stage in which it contacts a hydrocarbonaceous liquid which reduces the vapor impurity content. The impurity-enriched contacting liquid passes down and mixes with the first stage liquid effluent. The combined effluents and hydrogen are passed up into the second reaction stage to form a processed product liquid and hydrogen-containing vapor effluent.

Abstract: A hydroprocessing process for removing impurities from a feed comprising a hydrocarbonaceous liquid comprises at least one cocurrent, upflow hydroprocessing reaction stage, a vapor-liquid contacting stage and a downflow hydroprocessing reaction stage. The feed and hydrogen react in the upflow stage to produce a partially hydroprocessed liquid and vapor effluent. The vapor contacts a hydrocarbonaceous liquid in the contacting stage, which transfers impurities from the vapor into the liquid. The impurity-enriched contacting liquid mixes with the upflow stage liquid effluent and the combined liquid effluents react with hydrogen in the downflow reaction stage, to form a hydroprocessed product liquid and vapor effluent. Additional product liquid is recovered by cooling and condensing either or both the contacting and downflow stage vapor effluents.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing high purity isobutene from a hydrocarbon cut essentially comprising olefinic hydrocarbons containing 4 carbon atoms per molecule including isobutene, also butene-1 and butene-2 compounds in a ratio which substantially corresponds to the thermodynamic equilibrium.

Abstract: Process technology is described making possible substantial improvements in the separation and recovery of highly pure vinyl aromatic monomers, notably styrene. A number of design, construction and operational features are made available for selection and use both for new plant facilities and for upgrading existing plant facilities. One major aspect of the invention is reduction in retention or residence times in the distillation towers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for isomerising a feed containing essentially hydrocarbons, preferably paraffins preferably containing 5 and/or 6 carbon atoms per molecule, in which said feed is treated in a distillation zone comprising an exhausting zone and a rectification zone associated with an isomerisation reaction zone, in the presence of an isomerisation catalyst and a gas stream containing hydrogen, characterized in that the reaction zone is at least partially internal to the distillation zone, and wherein the hydrogen-containing gas is fed by a dedicated gas distributor to the bottom of at least one catalytic bed within the isomerization reaction zone.

Abstract: In an olefins plant for the production and recovery of ethylene and propylene, the hydrogenation of the C.sub.2 acetylenes, the C.sub.3 acetylenes and dienes and the C.sub.4 and heavier acetylenes, dienes and olefins and the selective separation of the resulting products is carried out by the use of various arrangements of one or more reaction distillation columns. These columns contain a hydrogenation catalyst in enriching and stripping sections and concurrently perform a catalytic hydrogenation reaction and a distillation function.

Abstract: A process for the removal of .alpha.-methyl styrene from admixtures with cumene by hydrogenation in a catalytic distillation hydrogenation to selectively hydrogenate the side chains and produce cumene is disclosed. The crude cumene may be the byproduct of the cumene oxidation to produce phenol. The crude cumene also contains acetone, benzene, ethyl benzene and high and low boiling carbonyls, which are either removed simultaneously with the hydrogenation/distillation or removed first followed by the selective catalytic distillation hydrogenation.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of benzene contained in a mixed refinery stream is disclosed wherein the refinery stream is first subjected to hydrogenation of higher olefins prior to alkylation of the benzene with selected types and quantities of lower olefins. Streams containing sulfur compounds may be pretreated by hydrodesulfurization. All of the process steps are advantageously carried out in distillation column reactors to take advantage of that mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reactive distillation apparatus comprising a distillation zone, associated with a reaction zone which is at least in part internal to said distillation zone and comprises at least one catalytic bed in which the feed is transformed in the presence of a catalyst and at least one gas stream containing hydrogen, characterized in that each catalytic bed in the internal portion of said reaction zone is traversed by said gas stream and liquid in ascending co-current mode.

Abstract: A process for the removal of vinylacetylene, ethylacetylene and 1,2-butadiene from C.sub.4 aliphatic hydrocarbon streams comprising, concurrently: (1) feeding hydrogen and a hydrocarbon stream comprising C.sub.4 hydrocarbons including butanes, butenes, butadienes and vinylacetylene to a distillation column reactor containing a bed comprising a hydrogenation catalyst of the type characterized by platinum, palladium or rhodium which is prepared as a distillation structure to selectively hydrogenate a portion of the vinylacetylene and the 1,2-butadiene and (2) fractionally distilling the reaction mixture to remove a heavier fraction and removing a fraction overhead comprising substantially all of the C.sub.4.

Abstract: A column having a region for reaction with distillation of fluid streams is provided with structures including catalyst-filled containers having liquid permeable upper surfaces which allow for the accumulation and flow of liquid from a liquid stream. The containers include catalyst beds positioned beneath the upper surface of the containers. A portion of the liquid on the containers is driven through the catalyst bed by the liquid head created by the accumulated liquid and is catalytically reacted. Another portion of the liquid may be directed through a downcomer which allows the accumulated liquid to leave the container without passing through the catalyst bed so that higher volumetric flow rates can be achieved.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of a selected aromatic, such as benzene contained in a naphtha stream to cyclohexane wherein the distillation column reactor is operated such that the portion of the naphtha containing the benzene is maintained in the catalyst bed such that essentially only benzene is hydrogenated. The reactor is operated at a pressure wherein the reaction mixture is boiling under low hydrogen partial pressure in the range of about 0.1 psi to less than 70 psia at 0 to 350 psig. The catalyst is provided as a catalytic distillation structure such that the reaction is concurrently occurring with a distillation. A portion of the overheads is returned as reflux to provide cooling within the catalyst bed and concurrent condensation of some of the gaseous material within the bed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the acid-catalyzed cracking of tertiary butyl alcohol in a reaction distillation column. The advantage of the process of the present invention compared with conventional processes is that the two-phase, liquid-liquid region of the tertiary system TBA/water/isobutene is avoided and a high space-time yield is achieved. This is achieved by the arrangement of the catalyst pack above the liquid phase zone (bottom) and by the use of a dephlegmator thus achieving the isolation of isobutene of high purity.

Abstract: A process for selectively treating the components in a multi-component stream in a distillation column reactor. Additional catalytic distillation structures are placed as a secondary bed in the distillation column, either above or below the primary bed, and the selected component withdrawn after reaction in the primary bed to prevent its entry into the secondary bed.

Abstract: A process for treating a light cracked naphtha to be used as an etherification or alkylation feedstock in which the mercaptans and diolefins reacted in a single pass fixed bed reactor and are removed in a distillation column reactor which hydrogenate the unreacted diolefins. The mercaptans are reacted with the diolefins to form sulfides which are higher boiling than that portion of the naphtha which is used as feed to the etherification or alkylation unit. The higher boiling sulfides are removed as bottoms along with any C.sub.6 and heavier materials. Any diolefins not converted to sulfides are selectively hydrogenated to mono-olefins for use in the etherification process. Certain C.sub.5 olefins, for example pentene-1 and 3-methyl butene-1 are isomerized during the process to more beneficial isomers.

Abstract: A process for the hydrogenation of unsaturated cyclic and polycyclic compounds to saturates is provided wherein the reactor is operated at a pressure wherein the reaction mixture is boiling under low hydrogen partial pressure in the range of about 0.1 psi to less than 70 psia at 0 to 350 psig. The catalyst is provided as a catalytic distillation structure such that the reaction is concurrently occurring with a distillation. A portion of the overheads is returned as reflux to provide cooling within the catalyst bed and concurrent condensation of some of the gaseous material within the bed. Although no separation is obtained all of the advantages of concurrent reaction with distillation are achieved.

Abstract: A mixed aromatic stream is hydrotreated to remove olefins and fractionated to separate C.sub.9 + heavies in a distillation column reactor and the C.sub.8 and lighter material is fed to a selective adsorption unit where the para-xylene is removed. The para-xylene depleted raffinate therefrom may be subjected to isomerization to form additional para-xylene. The effluent from the isomerization can be fed to the distillation column reactor for hydrogenation of any olefins formed during the isomerization or directly to the adsorption unit.

Abstract: A reactive stripping process for continuously carrying out chemical reactions while separating the reactants from the reaction products is provided. The process comprises passing liquid reactants and an inert stripping gaseous stream in a reactor column (1) having a plurality of perforated trays (2) provided therein and interconnected by a plurality of downcomers (3), screens (4 and 5) provided on the trays (2) and the top openings of the downcomers (3). The trays (2) and downcomers (3) are associated with the screens (4 and 5) to form a chamber optionally provided with a solid particulate or liquid catalyst (6) therein. A reactive stripping apparatus for performing such a process is also provided. According to the invention, at least one reaction product and the reaction mixture having different boiling points can be separated in order that chemical reactions proceed continuously as desired.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and an apparatus for preparing tertiary ethers. According to the process, C.sub.4 to C.sub.6 isoolefins and possibly heavier olefins contained in the feedstock are reacted with lower aliphatic alcohols, in particular methanol or ethanol, in a catalytic distillation reactor system in order to produce the corresponding ethers. According to the invention, the reaction between the isoolefins and the alcohols is essentially carried out in at least one reactor (5-7) of the kind, which is combined with a distillation column (3) intended for product separation, by conducting at least a part of the liquid flow of the column through the reactor and returning it to a lower tray than the one from which it was taken. At least half of cation exchange resin is placed in the side reactor (5-7). In the process according to the invention, the catalyst can be rapidly changed without stopping the process.

Abstract: A process for removing dienes from etherification uses a hydrogenation zone in the reactor distillation column above the etherification zone. MTBE is produced and the unreacted C.sub.4 stream is also subjected to selective hydrogenation of the butadiene contained in the C.sub.4 feed stream. The C.sub.4 stream is first contacted with methanol in the etherification zone where the MTBE is distilled downward. The unreacted C.sub.4 's then are subjected to selective hydrogenation in the hydrogenation zone where butadiene in the overhead raffinate is reduced by over 90%. The hydrotreated C.sub.4 's are thus suitable for cold acid alkylation or other use wherein butadiene is harmful.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping volatiles from a feed stream and concentrating the volatiles in the overhead vapors forming a condensate product and simultaneously producing a low percent volatiles outlet stream as a concentrate product. The volatiles separator and concentrator, ("VSC"), unit has many applications in the reduction and the concentration of voiatiles in the beverage, fuel, and industrial alcohol industries, as well as in chemical applications for removing or stripping volatiles from heat sensitive feed substrates which require low temperatures and a short residence time to prevent degradation of the product. For heat sensitive applications, the VSC unit utilizes a short feed stream preheat contact time in combination with turbulent high velocity flow to separate and concentrate volatile and nonvolatile components at temperatures below 100.degree. F. utilizing flash vaporization for volatiles separation with reboil capability to adjust volatiles concentration in the residue and product.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for preparing aromatic carboxylic acids by the exothermic liquid-phase oxidation reaction of an aromatic feedstock compound is disclosed, wherein energy is efficiently recovered from the exothermic oxidation reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating the components of and/or decomposing a liquid material, involving the application of an artificial gravitational field to a liquid material by rotating the liquid material in a rotatable vessel. A non-rotatable mechanical member contacts the liquid material while the liquid material is exposed to the artificial gravitational field. The liquid material is thusly subjected to thermomechanical frictional heating.

Abstract: A process for treating C.sub.3 to C.sub.12 petroleum fractions, such as a light cracked naphtha to be used as an etherification feed stock in which H.sub.2 S is removed by distillation of at least the C.sub.3 fraction and mercaptans and diolefins are removed simultaneously in a distillation column reactor using a dual catalyst bed. The mercaptans and H.sub.2 S are reacted with the diolefins in the presence of a reduced nickel catalyst to form sulfides which are higher boiling than the portion of the feed which is fractionated to an upper hydrogenation catalyst bed of palladium for hydrogenating diolefins and acetylenes. The higher boiling sulfides are removed as bottoms along with heavier materials. Any diolefins not converted to sulfides and acetylenes are selectively hydrogenated to mono-olefins in the presence of a palladium oxide catalyst in an upper bed, producing overheads, substantially free of sulfur compounds, diolefins and acetylenes.

Abstract: A column having a region for reaction with distillation of fluid streams is provided with structures which include distillation trays that allow for the accumulation of liquid from a liquid stream and the passage of a vapor stream through the liquid for interaction therewith. The structures include catalyst beds which extend downwardly from the trays and are housed within at least partially perforate containers. A portion of the liquid on the tray is catalytically reacted as it is driven through the catalyst bed by the liquid head created by the accumulated liquid. Another portion of the liquid may be directed through a bypass which also extends downwardly from the tray and allows the liquid to bypass the catalyst bed so that higher volumetric flow rates can be achieved. A still further portion of the liquid can be directed to a zone between adjacent catalyst beds or within a catalyst bed for developing a liquid head to force the liquid laterally through the catalyst bed.

Abstract: A column for performing thermal separations and/or chemical reactions with a vertical cylindrical outer column wall surrounding an inner volume, which is subdivided by a median vertical separating wall into two volume halves, wherein mass exchange packs are arranged, whereby an overheated liquid can be introduced in the column, whereby for the separation of the overheated liquid into liquid and vapor on the separating wall a box is mounted, wherein abuts a duct traversing the outer column wall and supplying the overheated liquid, whereby the box has a mist collector in its upper region and a liquid outlet in its lower region.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for separating at least a first component from a second component of at least a first stream within a single vessel having at least one distillation zone and an adsorption zone. The invention may be applied to separates an alcohol from a mixture of the alcohol and water, such as separating isopropyl alcohol from a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. The invention may be applied to more complex systems such as separating isopropyl alcohol and separating diisopropyl ether from the effluents of each reactor of a two-stage diisopropyl ether production process. The benefit of the invention is a high purity separation process at reduced capital equipment costs.

Abstract: The present invention is a single vessel apparatus for separating at least a first component from a second component of a process stream. The apparatus has a vertically-elongated vessel which contains a plurality of vertically spaced apart distillation contactors for vapor and liquid distillation and an adsorbent-retaining volume defined at least in part by a solids-impermeable member located above the contactors for passing a fluid into the retaining volume. The apparatus also contains a mechanism for adding adsorbent above the solids-impermeable member and a mechanism for withdrawing adsorbent particles from the retaining volume to contact the fluid with adsorbent particles and to provide at least intermittent downward gravity flow of adsorbent particles through the retaining volume and to selectively adsorb a portion of the fluid.

Abstract: A distribution element is provided which may be used in packed columns to redistribute the gas and liquid flow evenly across the column. Most simply the element comprises a corrugated plate having openings only at the peaks and valleys of the corrugation. There are no openings in the sloped sides of the corrugations. The distribution element is spaced within the packing to most advantageously utilize the redistribution characteristics of the element for a given system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catalytic distillation equipment having a reaction section divided into several beds by separating plates. New catalyst is packed into the beds through a packing inlet. Used catalyst is withdrawn from a packing outlet. The invention has the advantages of permitting greater contact between reactants and catalyst which increases the reaction rate and efficiency of catalyst.

Abstract: Carrying out a chemical reaction in a reaction distillation column on an inorganic catalyst in the form of a column packing material which is maintained above the column bottom permits the use of high reaction temperatures and the easy removal or replacement of inactivated catalyst.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quenching a gas stream in the production of vinyl chloride monomer includes the use of a knock back condenser and a plurality of column fractional distillation trays disposed within the quench column, and a liquid stream of 1,2-dichloroethane, vinyl chloride, and hydrogen chloride may be removed from the bottom column fractional distillation tray.

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: Disclosed is a process for the removal of iodine, including I.sub.2, I.sup.- and iodine-containing organic compounds, from acetic acid or anhydride wherein an acetyl product stream comprising (i) acetic acid or acetic anhydride and (ii) iodine, one or more iodine-containing compounds or a mixture thereof is subjected to distillation in the presence of a packing material comprising iron, nickel, copper, or an alloy thereof.

Abstract: A reaction-distillation method is provided in which a chemical reaction and fractionation are conducted in an apparatus having at least one reaction-distillation zone (A,B) including at least one bed of solid elements disposed on a fluid-permeable support (5) having perforations small enough to retain the elements. The bed of solid elements includes loose solid catalytic particles (2) and at least one receptacle (3), containing at least one distillation packing body (4). The external jacket of the at least one receptacle (3) is permeable to fluids and impermeable to the solid catalytic particles (2) and the packing body (4). The apparatus can be used for carrying out chemical reactions and concomitant fractionation of the reaction mixture, for example, to synthesize ethers from olefins and alcohols.

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

Abstract: A reaction with distillation structure utilizes a plurality of distillation trays and catalyst containers which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractionation of the reaction products on the distillation trays. The containers may extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Alternatively, the catalyst containers may extend from one tray toward a lower tray without passing through the latter. Structure may also be provided within the containers to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area interiorly of the catalyst bed into which liquid on the distillation tray is driven.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for recovering acetic acid from an acetic acid/water waste stream which includes a dehydration column into which the stream is fed and a liquid-liquid extraction system for recovering acetic acid from the condensate of the overhead stream of the dehydration column. Optionally, low pressure and/or high pressure absorber systems are provided to process vapor and/or liquid streams associated with the recovery system and/or the plant in which the acetic acid is used to further the recovery of acetic acid and reduce atmospheric pollution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping volatiles from a feed stream and concentrating the volatiles in the overhead vapors forming a condensate product and simultaneously producing a low percent volatiles outlet stream as a concentrate product. The volatiles separator and concentrator, ("VSC"), unit has many applications in the reduction and the concentration of volatiles in the beverage, fuel, and industrial alcohol industries, as well as in chemical applications for removing or stripping volatiles from heat sensitive feed substrates which require low temperatures and a short residence time to prevent degradation of the product.The preferred embodiment of the VSC unit utilizes a short feed stream preheat contact time in combination with turbulent high velocity flow at temperatures below 100.degree. F. to provide flash aporization for volatiles separation with reboil capability to adjust volatiles concentration in the residue and product. The application of high vacuum in the range of 27" to 28.

Abstract: A reaction with distillation structure utilizes a plurality of distillation trays and catalyst containers which provide a catalytic reaction zone and a primary flow path for descending liquid streams. Catalytic reaction of the liquid streams within the catalyst reaction zone formed in the containers occurs concurrently with fractionation of the reaction products on the distillation trays. The containers may extend continuously through the reaction zone of the distillation reactor to allow for dump loading and removal of the solid particulate catalyst. Alternatively, the catalyst containers may extend from one tray toward a lower tray without passing through the latter. Structure may also be provided within the containers to influence system hydraulics through the accumulation of liquid within the catalyst bed. This is done by providing an open area interiorly of the catalyst bed into which liquid on the distillation tray is driven.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for stripping a volatile component from a liquid. The volatile component is destroyed by exothermic reaction with an active component in the gas phase, typically over a catalyst. Heat generated by the reaction of the volatile and active components is transferred to a fluid contact zone in which the organic component is stripped from the liquid stream by a stripping gas. Transfer of heat to the fluid contact zone increases the equilibrium partial pressure of the volatile component in the gas phase and thus increases the driving force for mass transfer in the stripping operation. Preferably, the volatile component is reacted with the active component in a regenerative heat transfer reaction system.

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.