COLUMN TRAY FOR THE REACTIVE DISTILLATION OF HETEROAZEOTROPES AND PROCESS USING THE TRAY

A column tray (3) for a reactive distillation column (1) such as that used in the production of ethers from alcohols by acid catalysed dehydration is disclosed, the tray having first and second overflow weirs (5, 7) of different heights separated by a divider (9) extending from below the level of the lower weir (5) to above the level of the higher weir (7), said divider permitting liquid flow between the two weirs at a level below the lower weir, wherein a catalytic material (23) is located in a fixed position either entirely below the level of the lower weir (5) or entirely above the level of the lower weir (5). A reactive distillation column containing a plurality of such trays is also disclosed, as is a process for the reactive distillation of azeotropes which utilises such a column.