Patent ID: 8329606
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: B01J,C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for the in-situ regeneration of a zeolite catalyst in a carbonylation process for the production of at least one of methyl acetate and acetic acid which process comprises the steps of: (a) contacting a carbonylatable reactant selected from methanol, dimethyl ether and dimethyl carbonate and carbon monoxide in a reactor with a zeolite catalyst and recovering a product stream comprising at least one of methyl acetate and acetic acid from said reactor; (b) ceasing contact of the catalyst with the carbonylatable reactant; (c) regenerating the catalyst with a regenerating gas selected from hydrogen or a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide at a temperature in the range 250 to 600° C.; (d) terminating the hydrogen regenerating step and resuming contact of the catalyst with the carbonylatable reactant and carbon monoxide.