Abstract:
Process for the production of high-purity isobutene starting from a stream prevalently containing MTBE (Methyl-Tert Butyl Ether) or ETBE (Ethyl-Tert Butyl Ether) which essentially comprises the following areas in sequence: a fractionation area for obtaining a stream of high-purity MTBE or ETBE; a cracking area of said stream of MTBE or ETBE for obtaining an outgoing stream prevalently containing isobutene and the relative alcohol, methanol or ethanol; a washing area with water of the stream leaving the cracking area for the recovery of the relative alcohol, in order to obtain a stream containing isobutene, the ether fed and light compounds and a stream substantially consisting of water and relative alcohol, with a relevant fractionation section for separating the washing water to be recycled to the same washing area from the relative alcohol; a fractionation area of the stream containing isobutene, the ether fed and light compounds for separating a stream of high-purity isobutene. The process can be possibly integrated with a process for the production of MTBE or ETBE.
Abstract:
Process for the production of high-purity isobutene starting from a stream prevalently containing MTBE (Methyl-Tert Butyl Ether) or ETBE (Ethyl-Tert Butyl Ether) which essentially comprises the following areas in sequence: • a fractionation area for obtaining a stream of high-purity MTBE or ETBE; • a cracking area of said stream of MTBE or ETBE for obtaining an outgoing stream prevalently containing isobutene and the relative alcohol, methanol or ethanol; • a washing area with water of the stream leaving the cracking area for the recovery of the relative alcohol, in order to obtain a stream containing isobutene, the ether fed and light compounds and a stream substantially consisting of water and relative alcohol, with a relevant fractionation section for separating the washing water to be recycled to the same washing area from the relative alcohol; • a fractionation area of the stream containing isobutene, the ether fed and light compounds for separating a stream of high-purity isobutene. The process can be possibly integrated with a process for the production of MTBE or ETBE.