Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides processes and apparatus for the production of materials requiring a plurality of chemical reaction steps. In the prior art the number of reaction vessels is minimized by performing two or more reactions together in the same vessel. Instead each process is separated into separate successive steps, in each of which at least two principal components are reacted together, with or without at least one catalyst. In each step the components are reacted under optimum conditions for that reaction, using motion-augmented, sub-Kolmogoroff, micro-agitation provided by a separate discrete motor-operated, micro-agitation means. Such means are much smaller in size, but are extremely flexible as to the flow rate and reaction conditions, so that they can be adjusted to suit the reaction, without compromises dictated by attempting to perform other reactions in the same vessel. Multiple micro-agitation means in parallel and/or in series can be used in each step to increase capacity without scale-up problems, and units can be serviced or capacity reduced without the need to close down the process. Motor-operated micro-agitation means performing a non-chemical action can be provided at any stage of the process. Between each two steps the resultant mixture is separated to give a principal component used in the subsequent step, while at least one new principal component is added in the next step. The materials to be produced preferably comprise organic di-carboxylic acids, and more preferably dimethyl terephthalate and terephthalic acid.

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First Claim