PROCESSES FOR CONDUCTING EQUILIBRIUM-LIMITED REACTIONS

摘要

This invention relates to processes for conducting equilibrium-limited reactions such as esterification and alcoholysis reactions, using a single reaction zone and an acid separation column containing a rectification zone and a stripping zone. The single reaction zone temperature and pressure are sufficient to crack heavies, e.g., Michael-Addition heavies, formed in or introduced into said single reaction zone and to vaporize at least a portion of the product upon production thereof. The rate of supply of withdrawn bottoms fraction from the acid separation column to the single reaction zone can be controlled and adjusted to provide stable and efficient operation of the acid separation column and single reaction zone.