Patent ID: 8927784
Filing Date: 2015-01-06
Classification: B01D,C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for producing ethanol, comprising: hydrogenating acetic acid and/or an ester thereof in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product; separating a portion of the crude ethanol product in a first distillation column to yield a first distillate comprising acetaldehyde and a first residue comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water; separating a portion of the first residue in a second distillation column to yield a second residue comprising acetic acid and water and a second distillate comprising ethanol, and ethyl acetate; and separating at least a portion of the second distillate to yield a third distillate comprising ethyl acetate and a third residue comprising ethanol.