Since 1988, Olin has been developing a commercial DNT production process that does not use mixed acids for nitration. This innovative new process avoids use of sulfuric acid by using high strength nitric acid to synthesize DNT, a precursor of TDI. The overall philosophy has been to develop an economically superior process with minimized waste and environmental impact. The major advantages of the Olin process include reduced raw material consumption and significantly lower capital investment for waste treatment facilities. These advantages are derived from careful control of the reaction conditions. Unwanted cresol and phenolic by-products are minimized inside the reactor and do not have to be removed in later product washing steps. Since product purification requirements are reduced, water leaving the Olin process can be distilled to remove organic and acid content. Currently, the Olin DNT process has been developed to the pilot plant scale and has been operated around-the-clock in a continuous recycle mode.
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