Patent ID: 7329774
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: B01D,B01J,C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for the manufacture of carboxylic acid ester comprising the steps of supplying alcohol and carboxylic acid to a catalytic reaction zone of a first column for esterification therein at a pressure not greater than ambient pressure to obtain a first vaporous head product at an upper end of the first column and a first liquid sump product at a lower end of the first column; supplying heat to the tower end of the first column to effect said esterificatlon; directing the first liquid sum product into a second column having material exchange means therein; distilling the first liquid sump product in a reaction zone of the second column at a pressure greater than 1.5 bar to obtain a second vaporous head product containing carboxylic acid at an upper end of the second column and a second liquid sump product containing carboxyllc acid ester at a lower end of the second column; supplying heat to the second liquid sump product at said pressure greater than 1.5 bar; and removing the second liquid sump product with an a carboxylic acid content of less than 100 ppm by weight.