Published November 1990
This study presents designs and economics for the production of terephthalic acid (TPA) and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) from processes that are of current industry importance. No new processes have been commercialized since our last report was issued in 1976; however, the processes presented here are updated from those presented in previous reports to reflect current technology.
Most of the TPA currently produced is made by oxidation of p-xylene in a process similar to the one presented, while the bulk of the DMT produced commercially is made by a process using successive oxidations and esterifications such as the one we have evaluated.
In addition, the report includes the present status of the TPA and DMT industries, with a list of estimated plant capacities, and a discussion of the chemistry entailed in the various manufacturing processes. Patents issued on TPD and DMT since our 1976 update (PEP Report 9C) on the subject are also discussed.
Other PEP Related Reports: