FIELD: production of acetic acid by carbonylation of methanol or methyl acetate or dimethyl ether or mixture thereof. SUBSTANCE: carbonylation is carried out at elevated temperature with catalyst selected from 8th group metal and methyl rodide additive. Reaction products are separated by separation and rectification to isolate volatile phase containing acetic acid which is then distilled. Catalyst, unreacted products and impurities become less volatile phase. Acetic acid is taken in the first column in the form of side-cut distillate and the overhead distillate of the first column is separated in the second column to give highly volatile components. After condensation some components are used for spraying purposes with reflux ratio of 0.5-5, and the remaining components are returned to carbonylation reactor. The stillage residue of the second column is stratified to form organic layer and aqueous layer. The latter layer is recycled to reactor. In this case, the stillage residue is diluted with water from acetic acid purification and drying stage. EFFECT: more efficient preparation process. 4 cl, 2 dwg, 4 tbl
