Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of catalytic hydrogenation and, more particularly, to the use of Ru complexes with tetradentate ligands having at least one amino or imino coordinating group and at least one phosphino coordinating group in hydrogenation processes for the reduction of esters or lactones into the corresponding alcohol or diol respectively.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and by reacting a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams containing ethyl acetate obtained therefrom in the presence of hydrogen, via hydrogenolysis. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate that are reacted via hydrogenolysis to form additional ethanol that may be directly or indirectly fed to the separation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing ethanol. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating an acetic acid feed stream in a first reactor to form a crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product may comprise, among other components, ethanol, acetaldehyde, and residual acetic acid. The process further comprises the step of recovering acetaldehyde from the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the steps of feeding a first portion of the recovered acetaldehyde to the first reactor and reacting the first portion of the recovered acetaldehyde in the first reactor to form additional ethanol. In addition, the inventive process may comprise the steps of feeding a second portion of the recovered acetaldehyde to a second reactor and reacting the second portion of the recovered acetaldehyde in the second reactor to faun an additional product.

Abstract: A method for producing an alcohol compound, wherein a carboxylic acid ester compound is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a ruthenium complex which is obtained by reacting a pyridine compound having at least one optionally substituted amino group with a ruthenium compound.

Abstract: A process for the co-production of a stream of a fatty alcohol having first carbon chain lengths and a stream of a fatty alcohol having a second carbon chain lengths, said second carbon chain lengths being longer than said first carbon chain lengths, said process comprising the steps of: (a) supplying a stream comprising lower alkyl esters of fatty acids having chain lengths comprising the first and second chain lengths to a first vaporisation zone and contacting said stream with an amount of hydrogen recycled from step (i) which is sufficient to vaporise the lower alkyl esters of the fatty acids having the first carbon chain lengths into the hydrogen; (b) supplying the hydrogen and the vaporised lower alkyl esters of fatty acids having the first carbon chain lengths to a first reaction zone comprising catalyst and operating under reaction conditions to allow hydrogenation to the desired alcohol having first carbon chain lengths; (c) recovering from the first reaction zone an alcohol product stream having fir

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using various combinations of membranes and/or distillation columns.

Abstract: Monitoring and recycling gases from acetic acid hydrogenation reaction to maintain a constant pressure in the hydrogenation reaction system. Purging of the vapor stream comprising hydrogen may be limited or reduced. Further purging of the by-product may be from the dissolved by-product gases.

Abstract: A process for purifying ethanol by using a finishing reactor to remove impurities, such as ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and diethyl acetal, present in ethanol after distilling a crude product from a hydrogenation reactor. The finishing reactor may reduce the impurities in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst or may hydrolyze the impurities.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and recovery of unreacted acetic acid from a weak acid stream. The unreacted acetic acid may be recovered as a dry acetic acid composition and may be directly or indirectly fed to the hydrogenation reactor.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and by reacting a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams containing ethyl acetate obtained therefrom in the presence of hydrogen, via hydrogenolysis. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate that are reacted in via hydrogenolysis form additional ethanol that may be directly or indirectly fed to the separation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.

Abstract: Purification and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of a crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In particular, the process involves one or more sidedraws to regulate C3+ alcohols concentration in the recovered ethanol.

Abstract: Ethanol production process for recovering ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Ethanol recovery is improved by esterifying a vapor crude ethanol product to reduce unreacted acetic acid concentration.

Abstract: A method of removing impurities, such as halogens, sulfurs, and corrosion metal impurities, in an ethanol production process. Ion exchange resins may be used to remove these impurities from acetic acid feed streams and recycle streams that comprise unreacted acetic acid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.

Abstract: A process for converting methanol to ethanol which comprises reacting methanol and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst to produce a product comprising at least 25 mole % methyl acetate and, in some instances, acetic acid. The acetic acid then is reacted with at least one alcohol to produce at least one acetate selected from methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and butyl acetate. The at least one acetate (if produced) and the methyl acetate produced as a result of reacting methanol and carbon monoxide then are hydrogenated to produce ethanol. Syngas may be produced from biomass to produce all or a portion of the methanol, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide requirements for the process.

Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over either cobalt and palladium supported on graphite or cobalt and platinum supported on silica selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of alcohol(s) from alkyl ester(s) wherein hydrogen, carbon monoxide and at least one alkyl ester are brought into contact with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising copper and manganese in a reaction zone to produce at least one alcohol, wherein the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide in the reaction zone is in the range of from 100:1 to 1:10.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a preparation method for alcohol by reacting carboxylic acid, alcohol, and hydrogen using hydrogenation catalysts. More specifically, the invention relates to a method for preparing alcohol by performing esterification and hydrocracking in a one-step process using hydrogenation catalysts instead of a two-step process. According to the invention, alcohol is prepared from carboxylic acid through esterification and hydrogenation in a one-step process using hydrogenation catalysts. Therefore, production costs and by-product treatment costs can be reduced in comparison to a two-step process. In addition, the invention is effective and economical since it can produce alcohol at relatively high yield by a simple process. Further, the invention allows high yield at relatively lower pressure when compared to alcohol production from carboxylic acid through hydrogenation without esterification and solves the problems of leaching by catalysts.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a platinum and tin supported on silica, graphite, calcium silicate or silica-alumina selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.

Abstract: Catalysts and processes for forming catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. The catalyst comprises palladium and chromium on a support.

Abstract: A process for the selective and direct formation of ethanol from acetic acid comprising contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen in vapor form at an elevated temperature with a hydrogenation catalyst comprising cobalt and one or more metals selected from the group consisting of palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, rhenium, iridium, chromium, copper, tin, molybdenum, tungsten, vanadium, zinc and iron on a catalyst support.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid by hydrolyzing a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams obtained therefrom. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate and the hydrolyzed stream is directly or indirectly fed to the distillation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol product are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves separating the crude ethanol product using an extractive distillation column that employs an extraction agent, such as a recycled stream comprising water.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove acetal impurities.

Abstract: Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In particular, light ends are separated in an acetaldehyde removal column operating at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to recover acetaldehyde that may be returned to the reactor and reduce acetaldehyde concentrations in an ethyl acetate stream.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a platinum and tin supported on silica, graphite, calcium silicate or silica-alumina selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.

Abstract: Catalysts and processes for forming copper catalysts for use in hydrogenating acetic acid to form ethanol. The catalyst may also comprise a second metal selected from the group consisting of chromium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, silver, tungsten, vanadium, and zinc.

Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid includes contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid and hydrogen at an elevated temperature with catalyst comprising platinum and tin on a high surface area silica promoted with calcium metasilicate. Selectivities to ethanol of over 85% are achieved at 280° C. with catalyst life in the hundreds of hours.

Abstract: Vaporizing acetic acid in the presence of hydrogen to provide a vapor feed stream for a hydrogenation process that produces ethanol. The vaporizer forms a vapor feed stream and a blowdown stream having a weight ratio of the vapor feed stream to the blowdown stream of at least 2:1. The acetic acid may vaporized at a temperature below acetic acid's boiling point at the operating pressure of the reactor. The hydrogenation process produces a crude ethanol product and ethanol is separated from the crude product. In addition, at least one recycle stream comprising acetic acid and less than 1.0 wt. % compounds having a boiling point higher than acetic acid, may also be separated. The recycle streams may be introduced to the vaporizer along with acetic acid to form the vapor feed stream.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a first metal, a silicaceous support, and at least one metasilicate support modifier, wherein at least 1 wt. % of the at least one metasilicate support modifier is crystalline in phase, as determined by x-ray diffraction. The invention also relates to processes for forming such catalysts, to supports used therein, and to processes for hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of such catalysts.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over either cobalt and palladium supported on graphite or cobalt and platinum supported on silica selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing methanol and ethanol, wherein the methanol is produced from synthesis gas and the ethanol is produced via the hydrogenation of an ethanoic acid feed; characterised in that the hydrogenation of the ethanoic acid feed is carried out within the same alcohol synthesis unit and in the presence of the same catalyst(s) that is used to produce the methanol from the synthesis gas and wherein the feed introduced to the alcohol synthesis unit comprises synthesis gas and ethanoic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester, which enables to produce an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester under relatively mild conditions with high yield and high catalytic efficiency. This method also enables to produce an optically active alcohol from an optically active lactone or an optically active carboxylic acid ester. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol by hydrogen reducing a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester in the presence of a catalyst containing ruthenium and a phosphine compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 represents a spacer; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; and R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 independently represent an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for forming an ethanol mixture by hydrogenating an acetaldehyde feed stream in the presence of a catalyst. The acetaldehyde feed stream comprises acetaldehyde and at least one of acetic acid and ethanol. Preferably the acetaldehyde feed stream is a by-product stream from a vinyl acetate synthesis process.

Abstract: Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

Abstract: Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves returning acetaldehyde separated from the crude ethanol product to the reactor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing a water stream comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid to form a crude ethanol product and separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in at least one column of a plurality of columns into a distillate comprising ethanol and a residue comprising the water stream. The water stream preferably is essentially free of organic impurities other than acetic acid and ethanol.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention is to a process for producing a anhydrous ethanol composition comprising hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product; separating in a first column at least a portion of the crude ethanol product into a first distillate comprising ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, and a first residue comprising acetic acid; separating in a second column at least a portion of the first distillate into a second distillate comprising ethyl acetate and a second residue comprising ethanol and water; separating in a third column at least a portion of the second residue into a third distillate comprising ethanol and residual water and a third residue comprising separated water; and dehydrating at least a portion of the third distillate to form the anhydrous ethanol composition. The anhydrous ethanol composition, as formed, comprises less than 1 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the anhydrous ethanol composition.

Abstract: Ethanol production from the hydrogenation of acetic acid requires energy to drive the hydrogenation reaction and the purification of the crude ethanol product. Heat integration process to recover heat from one part of the production process to be used within the process improves efficiencies and reduces costs.

Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol and/or ethyl acetate from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a Pt/Sn catalyst or a Re/Pd catalyst. The catalyst may further comprise a support modifier to improve selectivity for the desired product.

Abstract: A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst comprises a first metal on an acidic support. The acidic support may comprise an acidic support material or may comprise an support having an acidic support modifier. The catalyst may be used alone to produced ethanol via hydrogenation or in combination with another catalyst. In addition, the crude ethanol product is separated to obtain ethanol.

Abstract: Catalysts comprising cobalt on a titania support are produced by mixing together particles of a solid titania support and an aqueous solution of cobalt ammine carbonate, and heating to an elevated temperature sufficient to effect decomposition of the cobalt ammine carbonate and precipitation of a cobalt species onto said support. The catalysts are useful in hydrogenation and Fischer-Tropsch reactions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of ethanol from a carbonaceous feedstock, wherein the carbonaceous feedstock is first converted to synthesis gas which is then converted to ethanoic acid, which is then subject to a two stage hydrogenation process by which at least a part of the ethanoic acid is converted by a primary hydrogenation process to ethyl ethanoate, which ethyl ethanoate is converted by a secondary hydrogenation process to produce ethanol.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for selectively producing ethanol from syngas. As disclosed herein, syngas derived from cellulosic biomass (or other sources) can be catalytically converted into methanol, which in turn can be catalytically converted into acetic acid or acetates. Finally, the acetic acid or acetates can be reduced to ethanol according to several variations. In some embodiments, yields of ethanol from biomass can exceed 100 gallons per dry ton of biomass.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a platinum and tin supported on silica, graphite, calcium silicate or silica-alumina selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.

Abstract: A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a platinum and tin supported on silica, graphite, calcium silicate or silica-alumina selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for producing monohydric alcohols from monocarboxylic acids or derivatives thereof using a catalyst comprising ruthenium (Ru) and tin (Sn) using zinc oxide (ZnO) as both a catalyst support and an active promoter; a catalyst prepared by adding an inorganic binder such as silica, alumina or titania in a limited range to the catalyst comprising the above components in order to impart a shaping ability to the catalyst; or, a modified catalyst reformed by adding at least one reducing component selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Rh, Pd, Re, Ir, and Pt to the catalyst in order to improve the reducing ability of the catalyst.

Abstract: Process for the conversion of hydrocarbons to ethanol and optionally acetic acid by converting hydrocarbon in a syngas reactor into a stream A comprising a mixture of carbon oxide(s) and hydrogen preferably having a H2/CO molar ratio between 1.5 and 2.5, converting at least part of stream A in the presence of a particulate catalyst in a reactor under a temperature between 150 and 400° C. and a pressure of 5 to 200 bar, into a C2-oxygenates stream B, where stream B includes water, alkanes, ethanol, acetaldehyde, ethyl acetate and acetic acid, which together represent least 80% by weight of the products obtained from the C2-oxygenates conversion reactor. The C2-oxygenates stream B is separated into a stream C comprising H2, CO, CO2 and alkanes, and a stream D including 15 to 40 wt % of acetic acid, 10 to 40 wt % of acetaldehyde and 15 to 40 wt % of ethanol.