Terephthalic acid continuous esterification process - from solid terephthalic acid, methanol and recycled mixture, and no catalyst in first reactor

摘要

Continuous esterification of terephthalic acid comprises: heating solid terephthalic acid, ethanol vapour and part of the esterified prod in the first reactor which is used as a pre-heater and mixer and contains no catslyst, passing the vapours through a series of heat exchangers to reach the esterification temp; and then passing through a fixed bed catalyst. Process prevents blockaging or channelling resulting from solid terephthalic acid and catalyst particles being carried forward to the fixed bed catalyst.