Process for producing ethanol using an extractive distillation column

US9102581B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Celanese International Corporation · US

Inventors

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

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2012
• Grant date: Aug 11, 2015
• Expiry date: Oct 4, 2032

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.