| abstract |
A catalyst-recovery method for catalyst used in a continuous liquid phase oxidation process of an aromatic alkyl to an aromatic carboxylic acid product is disclosed. The aromatic carboxylic acid product is withdrawn from an oxidation reactor as an aqueous product and is thereafter subjected to crystallization to produce the aromatic carboxylic acid product and a product mother liquor stream. The product mother liquor stream is separated into a solvent-rich stream and a solids-containing catalyst-rich stream. The solids-containing catalyst-rich stream is separated into a by-product cake and a catalyst-bearing stream that is substantially free of solids. A portion of the catalyst-bearing stream is contacted with the vapor stream passing through the absorber system, and a catalyst-rich bottoms stream is thereafter withdrawn from the absorber system. A portion of the catalyst-rich bottoms stream is returned to the reactor. |