Process for the energy-efficient production of alkali metal alkoxides

US11661388B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Evonik Functional Solutions GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Dirk Roettger · Recklinghausen, DE
• Sebastian Reimann · Wesseling, DE
• Armin Matthias Rix · Marl, DE
• Niklas Paul · Marl, DE
• Moritz Schröder · Kohlenbissen, DE
• Philip Zitzewitz · Haltern am See, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 13, 2022
• Grant date: May 30, 2023
• Expiry date: Apr 13, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/10
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process produces sodium and/or potassium alkoxides in countercurrent by reactive rectification. Alcohol is reacted in countercurrent with the respective alkali metal hydroxide. The vapours containing alcohol and water are separated into at least two serially arranged rectification columns. The energy of the vapour obtained in the first rectification is utilized for operating the second rectification. This specific energy integration coupled with establishing a certain pressure difference in the two rectification stages makes it possible to cover a particularly large proportion of the energy required for the rectification through electricity and to save heating steam.