Importance

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Abstract

The process and an apparatus for separating and recovering caprolactam moer from polycapronamide are described. A process comprises subjecting a molten capronamide to the action of a vacuum while it flows as a thin layer, extracting therefrom caprolactam as a vapor and condensing the caprolactam vapor by contact with a stream of molten caprolactam, substantially under the same vacuum to which the polymer has been subjected. Preferably the caprolactam vapor and the molten caprolactam flow equicurrently, the molten caprolactam being suitably subdivided. Heat exchange intensifying surfaces are present in the equicurrent flow path. The molten caprolactam is circulated in a closed circuit. The apparatus comprises thin layer evaporator, feed means, a condenser, means for creating a vacuum in the evaporator, and means in the condenser for determining the desired path and subdivision of molten and vapor caprolactam streams, a molten caprolactam circulation circuit and means for drawing off caprolactam from said circuit.

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First Claim