Method of separating phosgene and hydrogen chloride

Abstract

A process of separating phosgene and hydrogen chloride, comprises: conveying a mixed stream containing hydrogen chloride and phosgene into a distillation column; withdrawing from the distillation column a bottom stream containing phosgene; withdrawing a top stream containing hydrogen chloride; compressing at least a portion of the top stream and at least partially condensing the compressed top stream to form a liquid stream, decompressing at least a portion of the liquid stream to form a cooled liquid stream and a cooled gas stream; and recycling the cooled liquid stream to the top of the distillation column as a reflux; the process additionally comprising temporarily introducing an absorbing solvent into the distillation column, in particular during starting-up and/or shutting-down of the process. The process allows for safe operation even when hydrogen chloride production only gradually begins or decreases, without the necessity of storing hydrogen chloride.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.