Abstract: A fluidized bed reactor includes at least one granulation compartment with one or more air inlets, and at least one scrubber for cleaning air from the granulator, such as a wet scrubber and/or a dry scrubber. The reactor comprises a return line for recycling cleaned air leaving the scrubber to the air inlets of the granulation compartment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for liquid-phase oxidation of an aromatic feedstock containing at least one oxidizable aromatic compound may incorporate an oxidation reactor, a separation apparatus in fluidic communication with the oxidation reactor, a solids treatment unit, and a product recovery unit in fluidic communication with the separation apparatus. The oxidation reactor may conduct liquid-phase oxidation of the oxidizable aromatic compound in the aromatic feedstock in the presence of a manganate salt to form a slurry containing liquid product and solid manganese dioxide. The separation apparatus may accept the slurry from the oxidation reactor and separate the liquid component from the solid component. The solids treatment unit accepts the solid component from the separation apparatus, treats the solid component with a basic liquid to oxidize the manganese dioxide in the solid component and form a regenerated manganate salt, which may be recycled back to the oxidation reactor.

Abstract: Provided is a method of separating off reaction product water and recovering a carboxylic acid used as a solvent in a reactor from a reactor discharge during oxidation of an aromatic compound, and more particularly, a method of separating off reaction product water and recovering a carboxylic acid used as a solvent in a reactor from a reactor discharge during oxidation of an aromatic compound, wherein during the oxidation of the aromatic compound, the reactor discharge is led into two or more dehydration towers having different operating pressures such that a condenser of one dehydration tower operates as a reboiler of another dehydration tower, thereby remarkably reducing energy consumption.

Abstract: A multi-phase reactor system for performing multi-phase reactions is disclosed. The reactor system includes a reaction vessel having a slinger device (100) mounted on a centrally positioned agitator shaft (102) proximal to an operative top of the reaction vessel. The slinger device (100) comprises a holding means defined by a vertical circumferential plate (108) and a cover plate (107) for at least partially encasing the agitator shaft (102) to define a space for collecting a liquid. The holding means comprise at least one spraying means including spray pipes (106) for distributing the liquid on an inner wall of the reaction vessel by a projectile trajectory path on rotation of the agitator shaft. A concave blade (104) may be positioned over the cover plate (107) for preventing overflow of the liquid from the holding means and forming an umbrella of the flowing liquid to effect scrubbing of the vapors and off-gas.

Abstract: Methods of purifying crude or contaminated terephthalic acid using ionic liquids are described. Crude or contaminated terephthalic acid is contacted with a solvent in the absence of an oxidizing agent to form a purified product having at least 30 wt % less 4-carboxybenzaldehyde compared to the crude or contaminated terephthalic acid. The solvent consists essentially of an ionic liquid, optionally an ionic solid or a material capable of forming an ionic salt, and optionally an aqueous solvent. The ionic liquid is formed in situ from at least one ionic liquid precursor.

Abstract: A process and a mixture for oxidizing an alkyl-aromatic compound comprises forming a mixture comprising the alkyl-aromatic compound, a solvent, a bromine source, a catalyst, and ammonium acetate; and contacting the mixture with an oxidizing agent at oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidation product comprising at least one of an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic ketone, and an aromatic carboxylic acid. The solvent comprises a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms; and the catalyst comprises at least one of cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, tin, cerium, and zirconium.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing terephthalic acid and for purifying the mother liquor resulting from said process. Useful compounds can be extracted from the mother liquor and the purified mother liquor can be returned for use in the process. Advantageously, certain parameters of the mother liquor purification method are selected such that the purification provides an economic benefit as compared with other purification methods.

Abstract: Methods of producing terephthalic acid are described. The methods involve using a p-xylene stream enriched with p-toluic acid and optionally terephthalic acid at impurity levels. The p-xylene stream enriched with p-toluic acid, a solvent comprising an ionic liquid and optionally a carboxylic acid, a bromine source, a catalyst, and an oxidizing agent are contacted to produce a product comprising terephthalic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: A new process for the production of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) is disclosed to keep terephthalic acid (TA) in dissolved state during the process of oxidation reaction, to obtain intermediate product crude terephthalic acid (CTA) not containing the two impurities of 4-carboxyl benzaldehyde (4-CBA) and p-methyl benzoic acid (PT acid), so that it can eliminate the “purified” production process, and reduce the consumptions of raw materials, acetic acid, fuel and power, and water, thereby saving production costs.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: The invention provides improved energy content in and shaft power recovery from off-gas from xylene oxidation reactions while at the same time minimizing wastewater treatment cost. More shaft power is produced using off-gas than is required to drive the main air compressor, even with preferred, relatively low oxidation temperatures. Simultaneously, an amount of wastewater greater than byproduct water from oxidation of xylene is kept in vapor form and treated along with off-gas pollutants in a self-sustaining (self-fueling) gas-phase thermal oxidative destruction unit. Optionally, off-gas is combined from multiple xylene oxidation reactors, comprising primary and/or secondary oxidation reactors and forming TPA and/or IPA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bubble column reactor comprising a column reactor having a sparger plate dividing the column reactor into a top reaction compartment and a bottom compartment, characterized in that an inlet and outlet line for introducing and disposing a flushing medium are connected to the bottom compartment; and an operation method thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the production of high-purity trimellitic acid including subjecting a dimethylbenzaldehyde and/or an oxidized derivative of the dimethylbenzaldehyde to liquid-phase oxidation with molecular oxygen in an aqueous solvent containing a catalyst to produce trimellitic acid, in which: 3,4-dimethylbenzaldehyde and/or 3,4-dimethylbenzoic acid are/is used as a raw material; a catalyst containing 0.05 to 1 part by mass of one or more kinds of metals selected from the group consisting of cobalt, manganese, and nickel, 0.0001 to 0.0015 part by mass of metallic iron and/or iron obtained from a water-soluble iron salt, and 1 to 5 parts by mass of bromine with respect to 100 parts by mass of the aqueous solvent is used as the catalyst; and the liquid-phase oxidation is conducted at a temperature of 200 to 250° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an enriched carboxylic acid compositions produced by contacting composition comprising a carboxylic acid with an enrichment feed in an enrichment zone to form an enriched carboxylic acid composition. This invention also relates to a process and the resulting compositions for removing catalyst from a carboxylic acid composition to produce a post catalyst removal composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Trimellitic acid is produced by oxidation of pseudocumene in acetic acid at temperatures between 130 and 240° C. in the presence of a catalyst composition containing cobalt, manganese and bromine. The process comprises the stages of: (i) simultaneously feeding pseudocumene and air or an oxygen-containing gas into a solution containing acetic acid and the catalyst composition, at an addition rate resulting in an oxygen concentration in the off-gas of less than 8 vol %, and at a temperature and a pressure sufficient to result in 5 to 25 mol % of the total amount of oxygen required to oxidize the pseudocumene to trimellitic acid being consumed, and (ii) feeding air or an oxygen-containing gas into the reaction mixture obtained in stage (i) until essentially all of the pseudocumene has been consumed and a molar yield of trimellitic acid of at least 90% has been obtained. There is no supplementation of catalyst after stage (i).

Abstract: A polyester production process employing an esterification system that uses a distillation column to recover alcohol produced from an esterification zone and then recirculates the recovered alcohol back to the esterification zone without substantially cooling the recovered alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of reducing sulfur- or nitrogen-containing compounds and producing oxygenates, and in particular to a one-pot process of reducing sulfur- or nitrogen-containing compounds and also producing oxygenates in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst such as Mn+/a first solvent or M1n+/a second solvent/M2m+/a third solvent or a mixture thereof, the process herein being useful as an excellent octane booster in the reformulated gasoline and as a cetane booster for the future oxygenated diesel in a one-pot reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of reducing sulfur- or nitrogen-containing compounds and also producing oxygenates, which can be used as an excellent octane booster in the reformulated gasoline and as a cetane booster for the future oxygenated diesel in a one-pot reaction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing an enriched carboxylic acid compositions produced by contacting composition comprising a carboxylic acid with an enrichment feed in an enrichment zone to form an enriched carboxylic acid composition. This invention also relates to a process and the resulting compositions for removing catalyst from a carboxylic acid composition to produce a post catalyst removal composition.

Abstract: Processes for producing aromatic dicarboxylic acids are disclosed, the processes including a step of combining in a reaction medium a dialkyl aromatic, a solvent comprising water and a saturated organic acid having from 2-4 carbon atoms, and an oxygen-containing gas, at a temperature from about 125° C. to about 155° C., in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising cobalt, manganese, zirconium, and bromine, wherein the weight ratio of cobalt to manganese in the reaction mixture is from about 10 to about 400. The processes provide improved conversion, while reducing the formation of carbon oxides and other by-products.

Abstract: A process for producing pyromellitic acid which comprises step A for oxidizing durene, thereby obtaining a reaction mixture comprising trimethyl benzoic acid, trimethyl benzyl alcohol and trimethyl benzaldehyde, step B for separating trimethyl benzoic acid, trimethyl benzaldehyde and trimethyl benzyl alcohol from the reaction mixture obtained in step A, and step C for oxidizing trimethyl benzoic acid and/or trimethyl benzaldehyde separated in step B, thereby obtaining pyromellitic acid.

Abstract: A method of this invention produces an aromatic carboxylic acid, by oxidizing an aromatic compound B with oxygen in the presence of a catalytic nitrogen-containing cyclic compound A to thereby yield a corresponding aromatic carboxylic acid, the aromatic compound B having one or more hydrocarbon groups alone as substituents on its aromatic ring, and the catalytic nitrogen-containing cyclic compound A having a skeleton represented by following Formula (i): wherein X represents oxygen atom or an —OR group, and wherein R represents hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl-protecting group, as a constitutive member of its ring. The method includes the step of carrying out a reaction at a concentration of the aromatic compound B in the reaction system of 3.0 percent by weight or less, while continuously feeding the catalytic nitrogen-containing cyclic compound A, the aromatic compound B, a reaction solvent, and oxygen to a reactor and continuously extracting a reaction mixture from the reactor.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized system for more efficiently and economically producing terephthalic acid. The system minimizes or eliminates the need for liquor exchange upstream of oxidative digestion and/or upstream of substantial cooling of the TPA-containing slurry.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: A process for oxidation with oxygen of at least one aromatic hydrocarbon having oxidizable, substituents that maximizes the utilization of oxygen without reduction in the quality of the carboxylic acid products produced by means of a stagewise countercurrent oxidation system is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing at least one high purity aromatic carboxylic acid by oxidizing an aromatic feedstock with oxygen in a reaction medium comprising the aromatic feedstock, a promoter, a heavy metal catalyst, and a solvent which comprises benzoic acid and water to produce a reactor effluent wherein substantially all of the aromatic carboxylic acid produced remains in solution; and then hydrogenating the reactor effluent in the presence of a catalyst and hydrogen. This process efficiently and effectively produces high purity aromatic carboxylic acids by utilizing a common solvent for both oxidation and purification and eliminating the need for intermediate process steps and equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized system for more efficiently and economically producing terephthalic acid. The system includes an oxidative digestion reactor/zone configured to provide optimized residence time distribution for the solid and liquid phases of the reaction medium processed therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized process and apparatus for more efficiently and economically carrying out the liquid-phase oxidation of an oxidizable compound. Such liquid-phase oxidation is carried out in a bubble column reactor that provides for a highly efficient reaction at relatively low temperatures. When the oxidized compound is para-xylene and the product from the oxidation reaction is crude terephthalic acid (CTA), such CTA product can be purified and separated by more economical techniques than could be employed if the CTA were formed by a conventional high-temperature oxidation process.