Patent ID: 7160524
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for producing butylacetate by esterification of acetic acid with butanol in the presence of a solid acidic catalyst comprising a column including a reaction zone based in a middle part of the column and containing a solid acidic catalyst, a lower separation zone and an upper separation zone each containing inert structural packing, tower packing or distillation trays, a butanol feed pipe connected to a butanol source, an acetic acid feed pipe connected to an acetic acid source and a pipe connection connecting the feed pipes and provided with a first closing and control valve, the acetic acid feed pipe connected to a first feed line, the first feed line entering the column at the reaction zone or above the reaction zone, the butanol feed pipe connected to a second feed line with a second closing and control valve, the second feed line entering the column at or below the reaction zone, a lower part of the column ending in a bottom, being furnished with a reboiler, and including a butylacetate withdrawal line extending from the reboiler or the bottom, a column head at an upper part of the column connected with a condenser by a vapor pipe, and a condensate line leading from the condenser to a separator, a water phase pipe being conducted from a lower part of the separator, and a reflux pipe and a withdrawal pipe for nonrefluxed organic phase being conducted from an upper part of the separator.