Patent GB-682826-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in the production of isobutyl alcohol
IPC: C07C29/16
Filed: 1950-11-29
Abstract: <PICT:0682826/IV (b)/1> In the production of isobutyl alcohol by catalytic reaction of CO and H2 at elevated temperature and pressure, the gases and vapours leaving the reactor are separated in a distillation column without releasing the pressure, using as a reflux a condensate separated from the gases and vapours under pressure, a condensate which is separated from the gases and vapours leaving the column without releasing the pressure and/or the fraction not thereby condensed is wholly or partly returned to the reaction vessel, and a high-boiling fraction, mainly crude isobutyl oil, is withdrawn at the lower end of the column.  Part of this last fraction may be introduced into the lower part of the column as a reflux.  In a modification, only part of the gases and vapours from the reactor are lead to the column, and condensable constituents are separated from the remainder under pressure with the aid of heat-exchangers and condensers in the usual way, the condensate obtained, rich in methyl alcohol, being fed below the column head as additional reflux.  The temperature of the reaction mixture fed to the column is preferably adjusted so that products leaving at the bottom are below the critical temperature, e.g. at 200-240 DEG  C.  The column head is usually at about 180 DEG  C. to obtain sufficient methyl alcohol, by condensation, for the reflux and return to the reactor.  Reaction products at 250 ats. and 220 DEG  C. are fed to column 1 from below, the exit vapours being cooled in condenser 3 to 50-60 DEG  C., condensate collecting in separator 4.  Part is returned via pipe 5 and preheater 7 to the column, and part via pipe 10 to the reactor. Gas from separator 4 is recycled to the reactor via pipe 9.  Isobutyl oil is withdrawn at 8 and part may be returned to the lower part of the column.ALSO:In the production of isobutyl alcohol by catalytic reaction of CO and H2 at ele <PICT:0682826/III/1> vated temperature and pressure, the gases and vapours leaving the reactor are separated in a distillation column without releasing the pressure, using as a reflux a condensate separated from the gases and vapours under pressure, a condensate which is separated from the gases and vapours leaving the column without releasing the pressure and/or the fraction not thereby condensed is wholly or partly returned to the reaction vessel, and a high-boiling fraction, mainly crude isobutyl oil, is withdrawn at the lower end of the column.  Part of this last fraction may be introduced into the lower part of the column as a reflux.  In a modification, only part of the gases and vapours from the reactor are led to the column, and condensable constituents are separated from the remainder under pressure with the aid of heat-exchangers and condensers in the usual way, the condensate obtained, rich in methyl alcohol, being fed below the column head as additional reflux.  The temperature of the reaction mixture fed to the column is preferably adjusted so that products leaving at the bottom are below the critical temperature, e.g. at 200-240 DEG C.  The column head is usually at about 180 DEG C to obtain sufficient methyl alcohol, by condensation, for the reflux and return to the reactor.  Reaction products at 250 ats. and 220 DEG C are fed to column 1 from below, the exit vapours being cooled in condenser 3 to 50-60 DEG C, condensate collecting in separator 4.  Part is returned via pipe 5 and preheater 7 to the column, and part via pipe 10 to the reactor. Gas from separator 4 is recycled to the reactor via pipe 9.  Isobutyl oil is withdrawn at 8 and part may be returned to the lower part of the column.