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Abstract

The novel integrated process for production of acetic acid comprises the steps of subjecting a feed mixture consisting of (a) methane gas and (b) gaseous oxygen, air, or a mixture thereof to partial oxidation without production of synthesis gas in a reaction zone at elevated temperature and pressure to form a reaction mixture containing methanol, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor. At least a portion of the water vapor is removed from the reaction mixture, and the remaining partiai oxidation reaction mixture is fed, together with additional methanol from an external source, through a carbonylation reaction zone at elevated temperature and pressure to form a reaction product containing acetic acid and/or methyl acetate and methanol. The additional methanol is added in an amount such that the additional methanol together with the methanol produced by partial oxidation is sufficient to convert substantially all of the carbon monoxide produced by partial oxidation. Excess methane and carbon dioxide are recycled from the carbonylation reaction zone back to the partial oxidation reaction zone, and methanol in the carbonylation reaction product is recycled back to the carbonylation reaction zone and acetic acid and/or methyl acetate is recovered as product.

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First Claim