abstract |
A process for oxidizing a dialkyl substituted benzene, such as meta-xylene, to an aromatic polycarboxylic acid, such as isophthalic acid, in the presence of a solvent, such as acetic acid, in an oxidation zone followed by an oxidation-crystallization zone, wherein a secondary dehydration tower is used to separate water from the solvent in the overhead stream from the oxidation-crystallization zone and provide a solvent-rich fluid for recycle to the oxidation zone, resulting in expanded capacity of the process coupled with a minimization of captial cost. |