Process for producing ethanol using an extractive distillation column

US8304587B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Celanese International Corporation · US

Inventors

• R. Jay Warner · Houston, US
• Wael Amleh · Pearland, US
• Gerald Grusendorf · Rosharon, US
• Trinity Horton · Houston, US
• Radmila Jevtic · Houston, US
• Victor J. Johnston · Houston, US
• Fred Ronald Olsson · Port Aransas, US
• Nathan Kirk Powell · Waxahachie, US
• Manuel Salado · Seabrook, US
• Lincoln Sarager · Houston, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 6, 2010
• Grant date: Nov 6, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 11, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C29/149
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol product are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves separating the crude ethanol product using an extractive distillation column that employs an extraction agent, such as a recycled stream comprising water.