Removal and recycling of catalysts in chlorinated process streams.

摘要

This invention relates to a process for removing and recycling a catalyst present in solution and in colloidal form in a liquid process stream together with the chlorinated hydrocarbon products, unreacted reactant(s) in which the catalyst is at least partially soluble, and unreacted reactant(s) in which the catalyst is not soluble, in the production of chlorinated hydrocarbons, which process comprises: (1) removing the unreacted reactant(s) in which the catalyst is at least partially soluble to precipitate the catalyst dissolved in said unreacted reactant out of solution and on to the colloidal catalyst; (2) separating the colloidal catalyst with the precipitated catalyst from the process stream; and (3) returning the separated catalyst to the process reactor. Alternatively, the process comprises (1) separating the colloidal catalyst from the process stream and (2) returning the separated catalyst to the process reactor.