Patent ID: 6657090
Filing Date: 2003-12-02
Classification: B01D,C07C,C10L,Y02P

Abstract:
A process, comprising:contacting at least one C4-hydrocarbon stream comprising isobutene with methanol over at least one acid catalyst and preparing methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and a substantially isobutene-free C4-hydrocarbon mixture; wherein in a first stage in one or more first reactors, said isobutene reacts with said methanol over an acid catalyst to form an equilibrium mixture comprising MTBE, remaining isobutene and methanol; said equilibrium mixture is fed to a second stage comprising a reactive distillation column; and in said reactive distillation column, said remaining isobutene reacts with methanol over an acid ion exchange resin to form MTBE; wherein said reactive distillation column is operated at a pressure ranging from 3 to 15 bar abs., a reaction zone temperature ranging from 55Â° C. to 75Â° C., and a reflux ratio of less than 1.