摘要 |
<p>Process for the continuous purification of alcohol consists of passing the alcohol through a treatment space into which fall particles of a molecular sieve or zeolite. The particles absorb the impurities, e.g. water, and then move to a heated space, where they are freed from impurities. On emerging, they pass through a space where they are colled and then fall into the treatment space again. The appts. for carrying out the process consists of a cylindrical outer vessel, with its axis horizontal, in which is an inner vessel substantially cylindrical coaxial with the outer vessel forming an annular reaction space. The whole undergoes alternating rotation about the horizontal axis with different accelerations in the two senses, brought about by a cam and a return spring. This irregular alternating rotation causes the particles to move forward. There are openings for feeding and discharging alcohol and purge gas, a heated section and a cooled section. Process is suitable for use on an ind. scale. Alcohol recovered by the process contains less than 0.5% impurities and the loss of alcohol is small.</p> |