Rhodia Fiber & Resin Intermediates

Patrick Houssier

Gerald Bocquenet

Yves Courtemanche

G&eacute;rald Bocquenet

Lactam dehydration method

The present invention relates to an improved process for distilling ammonia from a mixture, more particular from a mixture resulting from the reaction between aminonitrile and water (which reaction is also called cyclizing hydrolysis). The process for distilling the ammonia contained in an aqueous caprolactam solution, uses a column with a bottom temperature less than or equal to 160&deg; C. and at an absolute pressure less than or equal to 5 bar, the ammonia distilled at the top of the column being compressed to a pressure greater than or equal to 10 bar and then condensed at a temperature of 25&deg; C. to 60&deg; C.

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Pierre-Bénite, France

Patrick Houssier