Processes and Apparatuses for Distillation of an Acetic Acid and Propionic Acid-Containing Stream in an Acetic Acid Production Unit

The present disclosure relates generally to processes and systems for distillation of acetic acid products. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a process for separating a feed stream comprising acetic acid and propionic acid in a distillation column. The process includes introducing a feed stream into the column through a feed inlet; withdrawing a first product stream comprising acetic acid and propionic acid from a first draw outlet disposed at a level above the level of the feed inlet; and withdrawing a second product stream comprising acetic acid and propionic acid from a second draw outlet disposed at a level between the level of the feed inlet and the level of the first draw outlet. The volume ratio of the first product stream to the second product stream is in the range of 1:9 to 19:1; and the amount of propionic acid present in the second product stream is at least 50 ppmw greater than the amount of propionic acid present in the first product stream.