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Title: Separation and concentration of lower alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions

Patent ·
OSTI ID:867890

A process for producing, from a dilute aqueous solution of a lower (C.sub.1 -C.sub.5) alcohol, a concentrated liquid solution of the alcohol in an aromatic organic solvent is disclosed. Most of the water is removed from the dilute aqueous solution of alcohol by chilling sufficiently to form ice crystals. Simultaneously, the remaining liquid is extracted at substantially the same low temperature with a liquid organic solvent that is substantially immiscible in aqueous liquids and has an affinity for the alcohol at that temperature, causing the alcohol to transfer to the organic phase. After separating the organic liquid from the ice crystals, the organic liquid can be distilled to enrich the concentration of alcohol therein. Ethanol so separated from water and concentrated in an organic solvent such as toluene is useful as an anti-knock additive for gasoline.

Research Organization:
Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, OH (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
Assignee:
Battelle Memorial Institute (Richland, WA)
Patent Number(s):
US 5028240
OSTI ID:
867890
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English