Process for production of acrylic acid

Abstract

Provided are integrated processes for the conversion of beta propiolactone to acrylic acid. Systems for the production of acrylic acid are also provided.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . A method for producing acrylic acid, comprising:
 (a) providing a feedstock stream comprising beta propiolactone;   (b) directing the feedstock stream to a first reaction zone;   (c) contacting the feedstock stream with a polymerization catalyst;   (d) polymerizing at least a portion of the beta propiolactone to a poly(propiolactone) product stream, wherein the first reaction zone is maintained at a temperature to promote formation of poly(propiolactone);   (e) directing the poly(propiolactone) product stream to a second reaction zone, wherein the second reaction zone is maintained at a temperature at or above the pyrolysis temperature of poly(propiolactone) such that the thermal decomposition of poly(propiolactone) produces acrylic acid; and   (f) withdrawing an acrylic acid product stream from the second reaction zone.   
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the first reaction zone and second reaction zone are in an extruder reactor. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the extruder reactor provides a temperature gradient between the first reaction zone and second reaction zone. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the extruder reactor has a terminal temperature at or above the pyrolysis temperature of poly(propiolactone). 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising capturing heat generated from the first reaction zone, and directing the heat to other processes. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the heat is directed to the second reaction zone. 
     
     
         10 - 21 . (canceled).