Title of Invention	A CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CARBOXYLIC ACID ESTERS
Abstract	This invention provides a method and apparatus for the production of carboxylic acid esters. Esterification is carried Out in a column reactor Jon which there is a plurality of esterification trays each having a predetermined liquid hold-up and containing a charge of a solid esterification catalyst thereon, e.g. an ion exchange resin containing -SO3H and/or -COOH groups. A liquid phase containing the carboxylic acid component, e.g. a fatty acid mixture, flows down the column reactor from one esterification tray to the next downward on against an upflowing alcoholvapou stream, e.g. methanol vapour. Relatively dry alcohol vapour is injected into the bottom of the column reactor. Water of esterification is removed from the top of the column reactor in the vapour stream, whilst ester product is recovered from the sump of the reactor. As the liquid flows down the trays it encounters progressively drier alcohol and the esterification equilibrium reaction is driven further and further towards 100% ester formation. A polishing reactor operated under liquid phase conditions may follow the column reactor, the ester-containing product from which it is mixed with further alcohol before admission to the polishing reactor.

Title of Invention

A CONTINUOUS PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CARBOXYLIC ACID ESTERS

Abstract

This invention provides a method and apparatus for the production of carboxylic acid esters. Esterification is carried Out in a column reactor Jon which there is a plurality of esterification trays each having a predetermined liquid hold-up and containing a charge of a solid esterification catalyst thereon, e.g. an ion exchange resin containing -SO3H and/or -COOH groups. A liquid phase containing the carboxylic acid component, e.g. a fatty acid mixture, flows down the column reactor from one esterification tray to the next downward on against an upflowing alcoholvapou stream, e.g. methanol vapour. Relatively dry alcohol vapour is injected into the bottom of the column reactor. Water of esterification is removed from the top of the column reactor in the vapour stream, whilst ester product is recovered from the sump of the reactor. As the liquid flows down the trays it encounters progressively drier alcohol and the esterification equilibrium reaction is driven further and further towards 100% ester formation. A polishing reactor operated under liquid phase conditions may follow the column reactor, the ester-containing product from which it is mixed with further alcohol before admission to the polishing reactor.

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Patent Number

175664

Indian Patent Application Number

50/MAS/1990

PG Journal Number

30/2009

Publication Date

24-Jul-2009

Grant Date

24-Apr-1996

Date of Filing

17-Jan-1990

Name of Patentee

M/S. DAVY MCKEE (LONDON) LIMITED

Applicant Address

DAVY HOUSE, 68 HAMMERSMITH ROAD, LONDON, W14 8YW

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	GEORGE EDWIN HARRISON	15 WEST PARK ACENUE, BILLERICAY, ESSEX CM12 9EE
2	JOHN SCARLETT	2 CLEVELAND VIEW, KIRK MERRINGTON, SPENNYMOOR, COUNTRY DURHAM.
3	MICHAEL ANTHONY WOOD	2 WATCHGATE, NUNTHORPE, MIDDLESBROUGH, CLEVELAND TS7 OQS
4	DONALD HUGH MCKINLEY	55 GOODYERS AVENUE, REDLETT, HERTFORDSHIRE WD7 8AZ

PCT International Classification Number

C07C 67/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	8928541.5	1989-12-18	U.K.
2	8900996.3	1989-01-17	U.K.