Esterification Tower

The Ethylene Glycol Recovery Distillation Column is a specialized separation tower designed for the continuous separation of water (low-boiling component) from ethylene glycol (high-boiling component) in polyester, ethyl acetate, and fine chemical production processes.

The system operates through vapor-liquid equilibrium and rectification, allowing efficient recovery of high-purity ethylene glycol (EG) from process streams. The recovered glycol can be recycled back to the reactor, reducing raw material consumption and improving overall process economics.

Designed for continuous industrial operation, the column offers reliable separation performance, low energy consumption, and long service life.

Typical Applications

Polyester Production

Recovery and purification of ethylene glycol from esterification systems.

Ethyl Acetate Production

Separation of water and glycol-containing streams.

Fine Chemical Industry

Continuous vapor-liquid separation processes.

Chemical Recycling Systems

Recovery and reuse of valuable glycol solvents.

Process Function

The primary function of the distillation column is:

1. Separation of water from ethylene glycol

2. Recovery of reusable glycol

3. Removal of volatile impurities

4. Continuous rectification operation

Process Flow

1. Feed enters the distillation column.

2. Water and light components vaporize and rise through the column.

3. Top vapor is sent to the condenser.

4. Condensed liquid enters the reflux drum.

5. Part of the condensate returns as reflux.

6. High-purity ethylene glycol is collected from the column bottom and recycled to the reactor.

Product Streams

Top Product

• Water

• Light volatile components

Bottom Product

• Ethylene Glycol (EG)

• Recycle stream to reactor

Technical Specifications

Recommended Materials of Construction

Shell & Heads

316L Stainless Steel

Benefits:

• Excellent corrosion resistance

• Suitable for glycol-water systems

• Good resistance to organic compounds

• Reliable performance at elevated temperatures

Internals

• 316L Stainless Steel

• 316Ti Stainless Steel (optional)

Packing Material

• Structured Packing (recommended)

• Random Packing

• Ceramic Packing (optional)

Gaskets

• PTFE

• Graphite

Bolting

• Stainless Steel

• Duplex Stainless Steel

Internal Configuration Options

Structured Packing (Recommended)

Ideal for:

• High separation efficiency

• Low pressure drop

• Energy-saving operation

• Near-atmospheric service

Advantages:

• Higher mass transfer efficiency

• Reduced operating costs

• Lower liquid holdup

Tray Columns

Available Types:

• Sieve Trays

• Valve Trays

Recommended when:

• Fouling potential exists

• Catalyst carryover is present

• Easier maintenance is required

Key Features

Efficient Glycol Recovery

Optimized for high-purity EG recovery while minimizing glycol losses.

Low Pressure Drop

Suitable for energy-efficient operation.

Stable Continuous Operation

Designed for long-term industrial service.

Flexible Internal Design

Can be equipped with:

• Structured packing

• Random packing

• Tray systems

Excellent Corrosion Resistance

Suitable for water, glycol, and organic chemical processing environments.

Mechanical Design Features

Nozzle Configuration

The column can be supplied with:

• Feed inlet nozzle

• Top vapor outlet

• Reflux return connection

• Bottom product outlet

• Vent connection

• Drain connection

• Instrument nozzles

Access Openings

• Full-size manways

• Internal inspection ports

Support Structure

• Skirt support

• Anchor bolt connections

Thermal Insulation

Suitable for operation at 130°C with optional:

• Mineral wool insulation

• Aluminum cladding

• Stainless steel weather protection

Instrumentation & Control

Standard instrumentation may include:

Temperature Monitoring

• Top temperature transmitter

• Bottom temperature transmitter

• Intermediate temperature indicators

Pressure Monitoring

• Top pressure transmitter

• Differential pressure monitoring

Level Control

• Bottom liquid level transmitter

• Reflux drum level transmitter

Flow Measurement

• Feed flow meter

• Reflux flow meter

• Product flow meter

Safety Systems

Pressure Relief Protection

• Pressure Safety Valve (PSV)

• Rupture Disc (Optional)

Testing & Inspection

• Hydrostatic Testing

• Weld Inspection

• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

• Dimensional Inspection

Documentation

• Nameplate

• Material Certificates

• Inspection Reports

• Pressure Test Records

Advantages

Increased Product Yield

Efficient recovery of valuable ethylene glycol.

Reduced Raw Material Consumption

Recovered glycol can be recycled back into production.

Lower Operating Costs

Reduced glycol losses and improved energy efficiency.

Reliable Long-Term Performance

Industrial-grade design for continuous operation.

Easy Maintenance

Accessible internal structure and inspection openings.

Available Customization

We provide complete custom engineering solutions based on process requirements.

Customization options include:

• Column diameter

• Tower height

• Packing or tray selection

• Material selection

• Condenser integration

• Reflux drum design

• Automation system integration

• Pressure vessel code compliance

Supporting Equipment Available

We can provide a complete glycol recovery system including:

• Distillation Columns

• Condensers

• Reflux Drums

• Reboilers

• Heat Exchangers

• Storage Tanks

• Pumps

• Instrumentation & Control Systems