摘要 |
A process for producing acetic acid is disclosed, in which the methyl iodide concentration is maintained in the vapor product stream formed in a flashing step. The process includes introducing a lithium compound into the reactor and maintaining a concentration of lithium acetate in the reaction medium is in an amount from 0.3 to 0.7 wt. %. The reaction medium is fed forward to the flashing step. The methyl iodide concentration in the vapor product stream ranges from 24 to less than 36 wt. %, based on the weight of the vapor product stream. The vapor product stream is distilled in a first column to obtain an acetic acid product stream comprising acetic acid and hydrogen iodide in an amount of less than or equal to 300 wppm and/or methyl iodide in an amount from 0.1 to 6 wt. %. |