Patent ID: 6933416
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: B01D,C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for the continuous production of bisphenol-A in a plurality of selectable columns comprising: (a) continuously inputting phenol into an inlet of at least one column for accepting a fluid flow, each of said columns accepting phenol containing an acid catalyst resin and having at least one inlet for accepting a fluid flow and at least one outlet for discharging said flow to at least one other column or a combination of columns; each said column being selectively connected to one or more of said other columns in an up-flow or down-flow mode wherein at least two of said inlets can selectively create a parallel flow and wherein some but not all said columns are connected in series having a unidirectional flow; (b) inputting acetone into said at least one inlet of at least one said column accepting phenol; and (c) flowing said phenol with said acetone over said acid catalyst resin to form bisphenol-A and water, and continuously or essentially continuously removing said water from said reaction.