Abstract: An improved catalytic hydration process that includes a catalytic hydration reaction section containing adiabatic reactors with ion exchange resin catalyst and which maintains low resin swelling and excellent selectivity while also reducing process complexity and increasing versatility.

Abstract: An improved catalytic hydration process that includes a catalytic hydration reaction section containing adiabatic reactors with ion exchange resin catalyst and which maintains low resin swelling and excellent selectivity while also reducing process complexity and increasing versatility.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a method for the highly selective production of dipropylene glycol containing 1,1?-oxybis-2-propanol in a proportion of 0.10 to 0.70 and/or tripropylene glycol containing 1,1?-[(1-methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis-2-propanol in a proportion of 0.10 to 0.70. The present invention is a method for producing dipropylene glycol containing 1,1?-oxybis-2-propanol in a proportion of 0.10 to 0.70 and/or tripropylene glycol containing 1,1?-[(1-methyl-1,2-ethanediyl)bis(oxy)]bis-2-propanol in a proportion of 0.10 to 0.70, the method comprising a reaction step of making a reactant comprising propylene oxide and water react in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalyst comprises at least one element selected from the group consisting of vanadium, niobium, and tantalum, and the Hammett acidity function (H) of the catalyst satisfies H?9.3.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethylene glycol comprising: (i) supplying ethylene and oxygen and an organic chloride moderator to an EO reactor, thereby producing a reactor product stream; (ii) supplying the reactor product stream to an EO absorber, thereby producing a fat absorbent stream; (iii) supplying the fat absorbent stream to an EO stripper, thereby producing a concentrated ethylene oxide stream and a lean absorbent stream; (iv) recirculating the lean absorbent stream to the EO absorber; and (v) supplying the ethylene oxide stream and/or the ethylene carbonate stream to hydrolysis reactors with an alkali metal salt hydrolysis catalyst to form an ethylene glycol stream; wherein the process additionally comprises: (vi) removing a glycol bleed stream from the ethylene oxide stripper; and (vii) adding a base to the ethylene oxide stripper such that the pH in the bottom section of the stripper is maintained from 9.5 to 12.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing polyether polyols by base-catalyzed addition of alkylene oxides (epoxides) onto starter compounds which are solid at room temperature and have Zerevitinov-active hydrogen atoms, a particular feature of which is that visually clear and/or homogeneous products are obtained even in the absence of solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for solvent-free preparation of polyether polyols with blockwise polyether chain structure, based on starter compounds solid at room temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of ethylene oxide, comprising the steps of producing ethylene resulting in a stream comprising ethylene and ethane; producing ethylene oxide by subjecting ethylene and ethane from the stream comprising ethylene and ethane to oxidation conditions resulting in a stream comprising ethylene oxide, unconverted ethylene and ethane; and recovering ethylene oxide from the stream comprising ethylene oxide, unconverted ethylene and ethane.

Abstract: A carrier having at least three lobes, a first end, a second end, a wall between the ends and a non-uniform radius of transition at the intersection of an end and the wall is disclosed. A catalyst comprising the carrier, silver and promoters deposited on the carrier and useful for the epoxidation of olefins is also disclosed. A method for making the carrier, a method for making the catalyst and a process for epoxidation of an olefin with the catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for efficiently producing high-purity 1,5-pentanediol by reacting tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol with hydrogen. This manufacturing method for producing high-purity 1,5-pentanediol comprises: step (I): a step of obtaining a crude reaction product by a hydrogenolysis reaction of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol with hydrogen carried out in the presence of a copper-containing catalyst with reaction temperature of 200 to 350° C. and reaction pressure of 1 to 40 MPa until conversion rate of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol reaches 80% or less; step (II): a step of separating tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol and crude 1,5-pentanediol (A) from the crude reaction product obtained in the step (I), and then, supplying recovered tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol as a raw material for the step (I); and step (III): a step of obtaining the high-purity 1,5-pentanediol by distillation of the crude 1,5-pentanediol (A) obtained in the step (II).

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing epoxidation catalysts. The present methods are able to produce catalysts having the desired loading levels of catalytic species at a lower vacuum level (having a higher minimum residual pressure) than previously appreciated by the art, thereby providing equipment cost and time savings.

Abstract: An integrated process for preparing alkylene oxides and alkylene glycols is described. For this purpose, an alkylene oxide plant and an alkylene glycol plant are combined with one another and the water originating from the alkylene oxide plant and also other constituents of the reaction mixture are introduced into the alkylene glycol plant. In this way, alkylene glycols which have been produced in the alkylene oxide plant can be recovered as materials of value and the water circulation into the alkylene glycol plant can be eliminated or drastically reduced. In addition, the energy-intensive treatment of the process water from the alkylene oxide plant can be dispensed with. The integration of the two processes leads overall to better energy efficiency and conservation of resources in the work-up of residues from the process.

Abstract: Provided by the present invention is a method for producing an alkanediol, such as 1,5-pentanediol, with a high reaction selectivity thereto by reacting a cyclic ether group-containing methanol such as tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol by using a non-chromium catalyst not containing chromium atom. More specifically, the method is to produce an alkanediol having hydroxy groups at both molecular terminals shown by the formula (2), includes reacting a cyclic ether group-containing methanol shown by the formula (1) with hydrogen in the presence of a metal catalyst which contains copper atom, at least one co-existing atom selected from the group consisting of elements of the third to the sixth periods of the II to XIV groups (excluding chromium) in the periodical table and lanthanide elements.

Abstract: A method for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising the steps of reacting a feed gas composition containing an olefin, oxygen, and a moderator having a post-conditioning step where the catalyst is exposed to reactor feed having a chlorides concentration of from about 5 ppm to about 7 ppm and at a temperature of about 215° C. to about 225° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the overall selectivity of an EO process for converting ethylene to ethylene oxide utilizing a highly selective EO silver catalyst containing a rhenium promoter wherein following normal operation a hard strip of the chloride on the surface of the catalyst is conducted in order to remove a portion of the chlorides on the surface of the catalyst. Following the hard strip, the catalyst is optionally re-optimized. Surprisingly, it has been found that the selectivity of the catalyst following the hard strip may be substantially higher than the selectivity prior to the hard strip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the overall selectivity of an EO process for converting ethylene to ethylene oxide utilizing a highly selective EO silver catalyst containing a rhenium promoter wherein following normal operation a chloride strip of the chloride on the surface of the catalyst is conducted in order to remove a portion of the chlorides on the surface of the catalyst. The chloride strip involves the addition of certain saturated hydrocarbons to the feed. Following the chloride strip, the catalyst is optionally re-optimized.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for determining the proper way to load thermocouple reactor tubes in multi-tubular ethylene oxide reactors containing a large number of reactor tubes containing silver catalysts. In these techniques, it is necessary to adjust the pressure drop so that oxygen conversion by thermocouple reactor tubes will closely match that of non-thermocouple reactor tubes.

Abstract: A method for producing epoxidation catalysts is provided. The catalyst comprises a support, a catalytic species, maganese and at least one alkali metal and/or promoter. The catalytic species may be silver. The catalyst is prepared by a method wherein at least a portion of the manganese is impregnated in a step separate from the at least one alkali metal and/or promoter. Advantageously, catalysts produced by the present method may exhibit greater efficiencies than catalysts produced by conventional methods. A method for the epoxidation of alkylenes using the catalysts so produced is provided as is a method for using the alkylene oxides for the production of 1,2-diols, 1,2-carbonates, 1,2-diol ethers, or alka-nolamines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing ethylene glycol catalyzed by an ionic liquid, characterized in that the process includes the following three steps: (a) a carbonylation step of ethylene oxide and CO2 catalyzed by an ionic liquid composite catalyst comprising a hydroxyl functionalized ionic liquid and an alkali metal salt under an aqueous condition to produce ethylene carbonate and ethylene glycol; (b) a hydrolysis step of reacting the reaction solution containing ethylene carbonate and the ionic liquid composite catalyst obtained in step (a) with water to produce ethylene glycol; (c) a purification step of dehydrating and refining ethylene glycol from the aqueous solution containing ethylene glycol and the catalyst produced in step (b). The present process has the following advantages: the catalyst has high activity, high suitability, and good stability, the reaction condition is wild, the conversion of ethylene oxide is high, the selectivity of ethylene glycol is high, and the process is simple.

Abstract: The present invention provides rhenium-promoted epoxidation catalysts based upon shaped porous bodies comprising a minimized percentage of their total pore volume being present in pores having diameters of less than one micron, and a surface area of at least about 1.0 m2/g. Processes of making the catalysts and using them in epoxidation processes are also provided.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol, said process comprising contacting an alkylene oxide with carbon dioxide and water in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising an active anion, selected from the group consisting of metalates, carbonate, bicarbonate and hydroxide, immobilized on a first solid support having one or more electropositive sites and a halide immobilized on the first or a second solid support having one or more electropositive sites.

Abstract: A process for the production of an olefin oxide, which process comprises reacting a feed comprising an olefin and oxygen in a reactor tube in the presence of a silver-containing catalyst, wherein the presence of water in the catalyst bed is controlled such that the ratio of the partial pressure of water (PPH2O) divided by the vapor pressure of water (VPH2O) is less than 0.006, preferably less than 0.004.

Abstract: A process for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising contacting a reactor feed comprising an olefin, oxygen, and carbon dioxide, with a catalyst comprising a carrier and, deposited on the carrier, silver, a rhenium promoter, a first co-promoter, and a second co-promoter; wherein the carbon dioxide is present in the reactor feed in a quantity of at most 3 mole percent based on the total epoxidation reactor feed; the first co-promoter is selected from sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and mixtures thereof; and the second co-promoter is selected from tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and mixtures thereof; a process for preparing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether, a 1,2-carbonate, or an alkanolamine.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a system for hydrating an alkylene oxide that includes a high shear device configured to form a dispersion of an alkylene oxide and water, the high shear device comprising a rotor, a stator, and a catalytic surface, wherein the dispersion comprises gas bubbles with an average gas bubble diameter of less than about 5 ?m; a pump configured for delivering a liquid stream to the high shear device; and a reactor coupled to the high shear device, and configured to receive the dispersion from the high shear device, wherein the alkylene oxide is hydrated in the reactor.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of hydrating an alkylene oxide that includes introducing an alkylene oxide into water to form a first stream; flowing the first stream through a high shear device to produce a second stream; and contacting the second stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the alkylene oxide and form an alkylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing polyether alcohols, which comprises the steps a) reaction of an unsaturated natural oil or fat with a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, b) reaction of the mixture from step a) with hydrogen, c) reaction of the product from step b) with an alkylene oxide in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkene wherein conversion of alkylene oxide to alkylene glycol occurs in an alkylene oxide absorber and optionally in further reactors, and alkylene glycol is extracted from fat absorbent by contacting the fat absorbent with a lean solvent, thereby producing fat solvent, recovering alkylene glycol from the fat solvent and recycling the lean solvent.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of hydrating an alkylene oxide that includes introducing an alkylene oxide into water to form a first stream; flowing the first stream through a high shear device to produce a second stream; and contacting the second stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the alkylene oxide and form an alkylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the epoxidation of an olefin, which process comprises reacting a feed comprising an olefin and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a carrier and silver deposited on the carrier, which carrier comprises at least 85 weight percent ?-alumina and has a surface area of at least 1.3 m2/g, a median pore diameter of more than 0.8 ?m, and a pore size distribution wherein at least 80% of the total pore volume is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 ?m and at least 80% of the pore volume contained in the pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 ?m is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.3 to 10 ?m.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 1,2-diol, a 1,2-diol ether or an alkanolamine comprising converting an olefin oxide, wherein the olefin oxide has been obtained by a process for the epoxidation of an olefin, said process comprising using a catalyst comprising a carrier and silver deposited thereon, wherein the carrier comprises at least 85 weight percent ?-alumina and has a surface area of at least 1.3 m2/g, a median pore diameter of more than 0.8 ?m, and a pore size distribution wherein at least 80% of the total pore is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 ?m, and at least 80% of the pore volume contained in the pores with diameters in the range of from 0.1 to 10 ?m is contained in pores with diameters in the range of from 0.3 to 10 ?m.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing alkylene glycols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alkylene oxides with water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time.

Abstract: A catalyst for the epoxidation of an olefin comprising a carrier and, deposited thereon, silver, a rhenium promoter, a first co-promoter, and a second co-promoter; wherein the quantity of the rhenium promoter deposited on the carrier is greater than 1 mmole/kg, relative to the weight of the catalyst; the first co-promoter is selected from sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and mixtures thereof; the second co-promoter is selected from tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, and mixtures thereof; the total quantity of the first co-promoter and the second co-promoter deposited on the carrier is at most 5.0 mmole/kg, relative to the weight of the catalyst; and wherein the carrier has a monomodal, bimodal or multimodal pore size distribution, a pore diameter of 0.01-200 ?m, a specific surface area of 0.03-10 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.2-0.7 cm3/g, wherein the median pore diameter is 0.1-100 ?m, and a water absorption of 10-80%.

Abstract: A two-stage, gas phase process for manufacturing alkylene glycol (e.g., ethylene glycol) from an alkene (e.g., ethylene), oxygen and water, the process comprising the steps of: (A) Contacting under gas phase, oxidation conditions gaseous alkene and oxygen over a heterogeneous oxidation catalyst to produce a gaseous oxidation product comprising alkylene oxide, water and unreacted alkene; (B) Contacting under gas phase, hydrolysis conditions the gaseous oxidation product of (A) with added water over a heterogeneous hydrolysis catalyst to produce a gaseous alkylene glycol and unreacted alkene; and (C) Recycling the unreacted alkene of (B) to (A). The hydrolysis catalyst is selected from the group consisting of hydrotalcites, metal-loaded zeolites, phosphates, and metal-loaded ion-exchanged molecular sieves.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of hydrating an alkylene oxide. In an embodiment, the method comprises (a) introducing an alkylene oxide into water to form a first stream; (b) flowing the first stream through a high shear device to produce a second stream; and (c) contacting the second stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the alkylene oxide and form an alkylene glycol. In some embodiments, alkylene oxide comprises ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, producing the second stream comprises an energy expenditure of at least about 1000 W/m3. In some embodiments, the catalyst comprises an amine, an acid catalyst, an organometallic compound, an alkali metal halide, a quaternary ammonium halide, zeolites, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the alkylene glycol comprises ethylene glycol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the selectivity of an EO process utilizing a highly selective EO catalyst. In particular, the present invention is an improvement in the initial operation of a process for manufacturing ethylene oxide by contacting ethylene, oxygen, a chloride moderator and a hydrocarbon co-moderator with a high selectivity silver-containing catalyst at a concentration of carbon dioxide of less than about 2 mole percent, wherein the initial operating temperature is determined by optimization of such initial operating temperature at a level higher than the normal low initial operating temperature that is typically selected to obtain a longer operating cycle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process to prepare an ethanol-derivate compound or compounds by reacting ethanol in the presence of molecular oxygen and a catalyst comprising a gamma-alumina carrier, metal nano-particles wherein the metal is selected from silver, copper or gold. The invention is also directed to processes to prepare such a catalyst.

Abstract: A method for the production of alkylene oxide addition products comprising (i) charging a stirred reactor with a starting compound capable of adding on or inserting alkylene oxides, introducing at least one alkylene oxide plus a different diluent gas, wherein a portion of said alkylene oxide reacts in a liquid phase with said starting compound, and the remaining alkylene oxide together with said diluent gas forms a gas phase above the liquid phase, (ii) continuously drawing off said liquid phase from the bottom of the reactor via an outlet stub, and recycling to the top of the reactor via an external circulation system, which comprises at least one heat exchanger and at least one Venturi nozzle within said external circulation system, and (iii) metering said gas phase comprising alkylene oxide into said Venturi nozzle via a vacuum line.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing alkylene glycols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alkylene oxides with water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the catalytic production of alkylene glycol from alkylene oxide, comprising: a reactor having at least one heat exchange element incorporated therein, wherein a catalyst for the hydration of alkylene oxide to alkylene glycol is coated on the outer surface of the heat exchange element. The present invention also relates to a process utilizing such an apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of ethylene oxide and, optionally, ethylene glycol. A base is added at various positions downstream of the quench section of an ethylene oxide absorber. This mitigates corrosion in the ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol plant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing alkylene glycols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alkylene oxides with water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time.

Abstract: The invention provides a reaction system for the production of an alkylene carbonate and/or an alkylene glycol comprising: an epoxidation zone containing an epoxidation catalyst located within an epoxidation reactor; a carboxylation zone containing an iodide-containing carboxylation catalyst located within an alkylene oxide absorber; and one or more purification zones containing a purification absorbent capable of reducing the quantity of iodide-containing impurities in a feed comprising a recycle gas, which purification zones are located upstream from the epoxidation zone; and a process for the production of an alkylene carbonate and/or an alkylene glycol.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of ethylene glycol from ethylene. An ethylene glycol stream comprises inorganic chloride contaminants and the process comprises steps of converting the inorganic chloride contaminants to 2-chloroethanol by reaction with ethylene oxide in one or more dehydration columns, and removing 2-chloroethanol in a waste water stream.

Abstract: A less malodorous alkanediol composition, a process for producing the alkanediol composition efficiently, and a cosmetic containing the alkanediol composition are provided. An alkanediol composition contains 0.005 parts by mass or less of ester compound per 100 parts by mass of alkanediol compound having four or more carbon atoms. An alkanediol composition contains 0.2 parts by mass or less of dioxane compound per 100 parts by mass of alkanediol compound having four or more carbon atoms. Furthermore, an ether-containing dihydric alcohol is preferably 0.3 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of alkanediol compound.

Abstract: A process for the production of an olefin oxide, which process comprises reacting a feed comprising an olefin and oxygen in a reactor tube in the presence of a silver-containing catalyst, wherein the presence of water in the catalyst bed is controlled such that the ratio of the partial pressure of water (PPH2O) divided by the vapor pressure of water (VPH2O) is less than 0.006, preferably less than 0.004.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the efficiency of a rhenium-promoted epoxidation catalyst is provided. Advantageously, the method may be carried out in situ, i.e., within the epoxidation process, and in fact, may be carried out during production of the desired epoxide. As such, a method for the epoxidation of alkylenes incorporating the efficiency-enhancing method is also provided, as is a method for using the alkylene oxides so produced for the production of 1,2-diols, 1,2-carbonates, 1,2-diol ethers, or alkanolamines.

Abstract: A less malodorous alkanediol composition, a process for producing the alkanediol composition efficiently, and a cosmetic containing the alkanediol composition are provided. An alkanediol composition contains 0.005 parts by mass or less of ester compound per 100 parts by mass of alkanediol compound having four or more carbon atoms. An alkanediol composition contains 0.2 parts by mass or less of dioxane compound per 100 parts by mass of alkanediol compound having four or more carbon atoms. Furthermore, an ether-containing dihydric alcohol is preferably 0.3 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of alkanediol compound.

Abstract: A process for recovering monoethylene glycol from a catalyst bleed stream is disclosed. The process comprises combining the catalyst bleed stream with a heavies stream comprising at least 40 wt % diethylene glycol, to provide a combined stream and distilling the combined stream to provide a first stream comprising monoethylene glycol and a second stream comprising diethylene glycol.

Abstract: A solid (i.e., heterogeneous) catalyst useful for preparing an alkylene glycol from the corresponding alkylene oxide as well as a process for the catalytic hydration of an alkylene oxide to an alkylene glycol utilizing such a catalyst are provided. The catalyst of the present invention is based on an ion exchange resin including polystyrene crosslinked with from about 2 to about 10 weight (wt.) % divinyl benzene. The ion exchange resin further includes quaternary ammonium groups or quaternary phosphonium groups. The process includes reacting water and an alkylene oxide in at least one reactor under conditions to form an alkylene glycol, wherein the at least one reactor includes a catalyst based on an ion exchange resin that includes polystyrene crosslinked with from about 2 to about 10 weight (wt.) % divinyl benzene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for remediation of a fluid contaminated with alkylene oxide, involving contacting the contaminated fluid with an aqueous absorbent to yield a fat absorbent having absorbed fluid, conferring intimate contact of fat absorbent and alkylene oxide and conversion of alkylene oxide; and, an apparatus for remediation of the fluid which has a converter having inlet means connected to the outlet of a fluid absorber for contacting fluid and aqueous absorbent, a holding unit having a volume V for the fat absorbent, and outlet means connected to the inlet of a fluid desorber.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing 1,3-alkanediols, such as 1,3-propanediol (PDO), from 3-hydroxyaldehydes, such as 3-hydroxypropanal (HPA), comprising providing a mixture of 3-hydroxyaldehydes in an organic solvent; extracting into an aqueous liquid a major portion of the 3-hydroxyaldehydes to provide an aqueous phase comprising 3-hydroxyaldehydes in greater concentration than the concentration of 3-hydroxyaldehydes in the 3-hydroxyaldehyde mixture, and an organic phase; separating the aqueous phase from the organic phase; contacting the aqueous phase with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to provide a hydrogenation product mixture comprising 1,3-alkanediols and water; separating water from the 1,3-alkanediols using a multi-effect evaporation scheme; recycling water containing about 50 wt % or less 1,3-propanediol based upon the total amount of 1,3-propanediol and water to the extraction stage; and recovering 1,3-alkanediols.