PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ACETIC ACID

摘要

Process for producing acetic acid is disclosed in which the reaction medium is separated into a liquid recycle and a vapor product stream including acetic acid, methyl iodide, methyl acetate and water in a flash vessel. The vapor product stream is condensed into a liquid stream that is enriched in acetic acid and this liquid stream is further sent to the distillation columns to recover acetic acid. The process advantageously improves the capacity of the acetic acid production while reducing the amount of acetic acid that is recycled.

主权项

1. A process for producing acetic acid comprising:
carbonylating at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl acetate, and mixtures thereof, in the presence of 0.1 to 14 wt. % water, a metal catalyst, methyl iodide and iodide salt to form a reaction medium in a reactor; separating the reaction medium into a liquid recycle and a vapor product stream including acetic acid, methyl iodide, methyl acetate and water; condensing a first portion of the vapor product stream to form a liquid stream; feeding a second portion of the vapor product stream to a first column; feeding at least a portion of the liquid stream to the first column; and withdrawing a side stream from the first column comprising an acetic acid product.