Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removal of volatile components from an olefin polymer, the process carried out in an extruder comprising at least one vacuum degassing zone, said process comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a stream of an olefin polymer into the extruder; (b) extruding the olefin polymer in the extruder at a temperature which is higher than the melting temperature of the olefin polymer but lower than the decomposition temperature of the olefin polymer, thereby producing an olefin polymer melt having reduced amount of volatile components, wherein the process in the extruder has a residence time distribution broadness (?2) in the range of 800 to 4000 as define by equation (1) wherein: ?2 is the residence time distribution broadness, T is the mean residence time, t is the interval of residence time a fluid element of the olefin polymer spends in the extruder, E(t) is the residence time distribution function, and wherein the process optionally comprises a step (c) where the melt of the

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for solution polymerization comprising a reactor system that is operative to receive a monomer and to react the monomer to form a polymer; a plurality of devolatilization vessels located downstream of the reactor system, where each devolatilization vessel operates at a lower pressure than the preceding devolatilization vessel; and a heat exchanger disposed between two devolatilization vessels and in fluid communication with them, where the heat exchanger has an inlet port temperature of 100° C. to 230° C., an outlet port temperature of 200° C. to 300° C., an inlet port pressure of 35 to 250 kgf/cm2 and an outlet port pressure of 20 to 200 kgf/cm2; and wherein the polymer solution remains in a single phase during its residence in the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for polymerization of a monomer, and in particular whereby polymer particles are transferred from an upstream polymerization reactor, which process comprises: (a) discharging a mixture comprising polymer particles and reactive gases, which reactive gases comprise hydrogen, from the upstream reactor, (b) transferring the polymer particles and reactive gases into a first chamber which is in open communication with a second chamber during the transfer such that the polymer particles pass through the first chamber into the second chamber, (c) keeping the first and second chamber in open communication for a time period, t, after completing transfer of the polymer particles to the second chamber, and (d) subsequently isolating the second chamber from the first chamber and transferring the polymer particles from the second chamber into a downstream vessel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting useful by-products and natural rubber from non-Hevea rubber bearing plants are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for removing hydrocarbons comprising the steps of: (A) passing a stream of a solution into a separator wherein a liquid phase comprising polymer and a vapour phase coexist; (B) withdrawing a vapour stream and a concentrated solution stream from the separator; (C) passing at least a part of the vapour stream into a first fractionator; (D) withdrawing a first overhead stream and a first bottom stream from the first fractionator; (E) passing the first overhead stream to a second fractionator; (F) withdrawing a second overhead stream and a second bottom stream from the second fractionator; (G) passing the second overhead stream to a third fractionator; (H) withdrawing a third overhead stream and a third bottom stream from the third fractionator; characterised in that at least a part of the third bottom stream is withdrawn as a purge stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting useful by-products and natural rubber from non-Hevea rubber bearing plants are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing a vinyl chloride-based polymer composite, which comprises dispersing a vinyl chloride-based monomer in water (Step 1); polymerizing the dispersed vinyl chloride-based monomer with an initiator to prepare a polymer slurry by (Step 2); and adding a phosphite to the polymer while drying the polymer slurry, to prepare a vinyl chloride-based polymer composite (Step 3), and a vinyl chloride-based polymer composite prepared by the method and a vinyl chloride-based polymer composite composition.

Abstract: Polymers and copolymers, and systems and methods for processing the same. Advantageously, the polymers and copolymers of the present invention have undergone processing in a falling strand devolatilizer and rotary disk finisher such that a low-cost, low-energy, and high-production-rate product is produced.

Abstract: A process for reducing the volatile organic compound content of granular plastomers having a density of equal to or lower than 883 kg/m3 and a MFR2 of 100.0 g/10 min or lower (ISO 1133 at 2.16 kg load and 190° C.), to below 65 ppm (VOC, VDA277), the process comprising the steps of providing a granular raw plastomer in a treatment vessel, the granular raw plastomer having a density of equal to or lower than 883 kg/m3, and a MFR2 of 100.0 g/10 min or lower (ISO 1133 at 2.16 kg load and 190° C.), and a volatile organic compound content (VOC, VDA277) of above 150 ppm, subjecting said granular raw plastomer to a gasflow within the range of 30 m3/(h t) to 150 m3/(h t) for an aeration time of less than 96 hours, whereby the gas has a minimum temperature of at least 26° C. measured at a gas inlet of the treatment vessel and a maximum temperature of 4° C. below the Vicat temperature (10 N, ISO 306) of the granular raw plastomer or 35° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a polymer/biological entities alloy, comprising a step of mixing a polymer and biological entities that degrade it, during a heat treatment, said heat treatment being performed at a temperature T above room temperature and said biological entities being resistant to said temperature T, characterized in that said biological entities are chosen from enzymes that degrade said polymer and microorganisms that degrade said polymer.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer composition comprising the steps (A) to (M) as recited herein, involving the polymerization, in a polymerization reactor of a first polymer, a first stream thereof being passed into a first separator wherein a first liquid phase comprising the polymer and a first vapor phase coexist; withdrawing a first vapor stream and a first concentrated solution stream comprising the polymer from the first separator, passing at least a part of the first vapor stream to a first fractionator; withdrawing a first overhead stream and a first bottom stream from the first fractionator; recovering at least a part of the first overhead stream as a first recycle stream and passing it to the polymerization reactor; passing the first concentrated solution stream from the first separator to a second separator, wherein a second liquid phase comprising the polymer and a second vapor phase coexist; passing at least a part of the second vapor stream to a second fractionator; withdrawing a second overhead

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable sheet comprising at least two polymer layers, wherein a first polymer layer comprises a mixture of at least two different biodegradable polymers selected from the group consisting of PLA, PCL, PBS and PBSA; and wherein a second polymer layer comprises a biodegradable polymer selected from the group consisting of PBS, PBSA, a mixture of PLA and PBS, and a mixture of PLA and PBSA.

Abstract: A process for withdrawing polyolefins from a reactor includes: continuously withdrawing a liquid solution stream from a solution polymerization reactor and passing the liquid solution stream into a low pressure separator; withdrawing a first vapour stream and a first liquid stream from the separator and passing the first vapour stream into a washing column; withdrawing a second vapour stream from the washing column and feeding it via a condenser line to a condenser; cooling the second vapour stream in the condenser so that part of the second vapour stream condenses, producing a condensed second vapour stream and an uncondensed second vapour stream; passing the condensed second vapour stream to an upper part of the washing column via a reflux line; withdrawing a second liquid stream from the washing column and passing at least part of the second liquid stream to the separator via a recycling line; and recovering heat.

Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting useful by-products and natural rubber from non-Hevea rubber bearing plants are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of the inner surface of a transfer line dryer, and thus controlling the temperature of a polymer product flowing through the transfer line dryer, is explained. Also provided is a transfer line dryer apparatus that is useful for implementing the disclosed method.

Abstract: A method of processing a polymerization reactor effluent stream comprising utilizing a separation system that removes greater than 99% of the fine polymer particles in the polymerization reactor effluent, wherein the separation system is a bag filter system, and wherein the bag filter is designed and operated to minimize the time required for shutdowns and equipment cleaning.

Abstract: A process for thermal separation of a solution comprised of a thermoplastic polymer and a solvent involves heating a solvent under pressure above a critical point of the solvent; decompressing the heated solvent in a first vessel, such that a polymer-rich and a low-polymer phase form; and supplying the polymer-rich phase to a second vessel. In embodiments, on entry into the second vessel, a pressure jump occurs, the pressure jump leading to a thermal flash in the second vessel such that a polymer part of the polymer-rich phase rises to at least 70%, and a resulting polymer-rich solution is provided.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a porous polymer membrane that is excellent not only in water permeability and alkali resistance but also in mechanical strength. The porous polymer membrane of the present invention includes a fluoropolymer (A) that includes a vinylidene fluoride unit and a tetrafluoroethylene unit.

Abstract: Process for polymerizing or copolymerizing ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of free-radical polymerization initiators at pressures in the range of from 110 MPa to 500 MPa and temperatures in the range of from 100° C. to 350° C. in a continuously operated polymerization apparatus, wherein the reaction gas composition is compressed to the polymerization pressure by at least two sequentially operating compressors in which a low-pressure compressor first compresses the reaction gas composition to a pressure of from 10 MPa to 50 MPa and a high-pressure compressor then further compresses the reaction gas composition to the polymerization pressure wherein the high-pressure compressor is operated with a polyalkylene glycol based synthetic lubricant and oxygen is introduced into the fresh gas feed or into the polymerization apparatus in an amount that the gas composition to be compressed in the high-pressure compressor has an oxygen content in the range of from 0.01 ppm to 0.9 ppm.

Abstract: A process for component separation in a polymer production system, comprising separating a polymerization product stream into a gas stream and a polymer stream, wherein the gas stream comprises ethane and unreacted ethylene, distilling the gas stream into a light hydrocarbon stream, wherein the light hydrocarbon stream comprises ethane and unreacted ethylene, contacting the light hydrocarbon stream with an absorption solvent system, wherein at least a portion of the unreacted ethylene from the light hydrocarbon stream is absorbed by the absorption solvent system, and recovering a waste gas stream from the absorption solvent system, wherein the waste gas stream comprises ethane, hydrogen, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fluoropolymer including a vinylidene fluoride unit, a tetrafluoroethylene unit, and a unit represented by the following formula (1): —CHX1—CX2(OR)—??(1) wherein one of X1 and X2 is a hydrogen atom, and the other is a fluorine atom; and R is a hydrogen atom or a C1-C8 alkyl group.

Abstract: A system and method of use of same for cooling process vessels, particularly those having reactor beds inside such as hydrotreaters, hydrocrackers, and catalytic reformers as part of processing units, during unit turnarounds. While the process vessel is in normal operation or in a preliminary cool down phase, quench gas flow is routed through a bypass flow path while a recirculating gas cooling system is installed in the primary flow path, requiring no unit downtime. During a turnaround, the process vessel temperature is lowered to a desired temperature, permitting entry and replacement of catalyst inventory, using the existing hydrogen recirculating (recycle gas) compressor to circulate a recirculating gas stream through the recirculating gas cooling system, the process vessel, and back through the compressor and recirculating gas cooling system. The cooling system removes heat from the circulating flowstream, thus lowering the process vessel temperature, faster than cold nitrogen injection methods.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an extruder (10), particularly for extruding a synthetic rubber product, which comprises a barrel (24), one or several extruder elements (12, 14), particularly one or several extruder screws and/or a kneader elements (14), arranged inside the barrel (24) for conveying the product, optionally an inlet port for feeding a stripping agent into the barrel (24) and an outlet port for removing volatile compounds from the product and, where applicable, the stripping agent. According to the invention a perforated die plate (26) is fixed to the barrel (24) in flow direction before the outlet port. Since the die plate (26) is not fixed to the extruder elements (12, 14) but to the barrel (24) a circumferential clearance between the die plate (26) and the barrel (24) is prevented so that no extruded material is passing the die plate (26) radially outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of oxymethylene polymers, the oxymethylene polymers obtained therefrom as well as their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to water and solvent-free polymers, in particular water and solvent-free synthetic rubber products like styrene butadiene rubber products and butadiene rubber products as well as a process for the production thereof. The invention further relates to a device suitable to accomplish said process.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic epoxy resin including the steps of: (I) reacting a mixture of (a) an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, (b) an epihalohydrin, (c) a basic acting substance, (d) a non-Lewis acid catalyst, and (e) optionally, a solvent, forming an epoxy resin composition; (II) subjecting the epoxy resin composition produced in step (I) to a separation process to remove (A) “light” components such as, for example, solvent used in the epoxidation reaction, if any, unreacted epihalohydrin, and co-products such as di(epoxypropyl)ether; (B) unreacted aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, if any; (C) partially epoxidized aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, such as, for example, MGE; (D) fully epoxidized aliphatic or cycloaliphatic hydroxyl containing material, such as, for example, DGE, such that the (E) aliphatic or cycloaliphatic polyfunctional epoxy resin product remaining contains no more than 50% by weight of s

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing polyarylene sulfide, in which the polyarylene sulfide is prepared by a polymerization reaction of reactants including a diiodo aromatic compound and a sulfur compound, the method including: further adding 0.01 to 10.0 wt. % of diphenyl disulfide with respect to the weight of the polyarylene sulfide to the reactants to form the polyarylene sulfide having a melting point of 265 to 320° C. The diphenyl disulfide included in the reactants according to the present invention costs far less than other conventional polymerization inhibitors to dramatically lower the production cost, and the polyarylene sulfide prepared using the diphenyl disulfide exhibits low iodine content and very excellence in thermal stability.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for discharging polyolefin particles from a gas-phase polymerization reactor of a pressure from 1.0 MPa to 10 MPa to a discharge vessel of a pressure from 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa wherein the discharging is carried out discontinuously through at least two discharge lines in which the polyolefin particles are transported horizontally or upwards.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a polyolefin polymer by continuously polymerizing one or more olefin monomers in suspension at temperatures of from 40° C. to 120° C. and pressures of from 0.1 to 10 MPa in the presence of a polymerization catalyst in at least one polymerization reactor, comprising a) withdrawing a suspension of solid polyolefin particles in a suspension medium from the polymerization reactor, wherein the suspension has a temperature of from 65° C. to 120° C.; b) feeding the suspension withdrawn from the polymerization reactor to a moderating vessel; c) keeping the suspension in the moderating vessel at a temperature of from 60° C. to 85° C. for a time sufficiently long that the mean residence time of the suspension in the moderating vessel is at least 5 min; d) withdrawing suspension from the moderating vessel; e) cooling the suspension withdrawn from the moderating vessel to a temperature of from 20° C. to 55° C.

Abstract: A composition that has a low volatile organic compound (VOC) content and methods for producing compositions having a low VOC content. The composition, such as a solid ink and/or toner release oil composition, may include less than about 0.15% by weight VOCs that have a sufficient vapor pressure at the operating temperature of printing device to enter the gas phase at the operating temperature of the printing device.

Abstract: A process for producing higher molecular weight polyester includes heating a polyester to form a melt, and applying and maintaining a vacuum of between about 5 mm and about 85 mm of mercury to the melt while passing bubbles of gas through the melt until molecular weight has increased. The process may involve esterification of a diacid component and a diol component at elevated temperature. After the acid functional groups have essentially reacted, a vacuum of about 5 mm of mercury or less was applied and excess diol stripped off during transesterification, thereby increasing molecular weight.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for transforming a single reactor line into a double reactor line wherein the existing single reactor line is equipped with a flash tank for separating the solid polymer product from the flash vapor and wherein the vapor is sent to a system of at least two separating columns allowing the separation of its constituents into monomer, diluent and comonomer.

Abstract: Ethanol is produced from methyl acetate by a hydrogenolysis reaction. The methyl acetate is produced as a byproduct during the conversion of a vinyl acetate polymer or copolymer to a polymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol. By integrating the two processes, a valuable product, i.e. ethanol, is produced from a methyl acetate byproduct.

Abstract: Acetic acid is converted to vinyl acetate monomer by a reaction with oxygen and ethylene. The vinyl acetate is polymerized to form a vinyl acetate polymer or copolymer, which is then reacted in a methanolysis reaction with methanol and base to form a polymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol and a methyl acetate byproduct. Ethanol is produced from methyl acetate by a hydrogenolysis reaction. The hydrogenolysis reaction also produces methanol. At least a portion of this ethanol is converted to ethylene by a dehydration reaction. At least a portion of the ethylene produced in this dehydration reaction is recycled to react with acetic acid and oxygen to form vinyl acetate. By converting a byproduct and by recycle of compositions, a polymer or copolymer of vinyl alcohol is efficiently produced with minimal waste.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: Process for the production of di- and poly(diamino diphenyl methane) comprising the steps of (a) reacting aniline and formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce a reaction mixture containing di- and polyamines; (b) neutralizing the reaction mixture containing di- and polyamines; (c) separating the neutralized reaction mixture into an organic phase containing di- and polyamines and an aqueous phase; (d) further treating the organic phase separated off in step (c) by (d1) washing with water followed by (d2) separating the washed mixture into an organic phase and an aqueous phase and (d3) further fractionation of the organic phase to produce purified di- and polyamines on the one hand and aniline/water on the other hand; (e) further treating the aqueous phase separated off in step (c) by (e1) washing with aniline followed by (e2) separating the washed mixture into an aqueous phase and an organic phase and (e3) further treatment of the aqueous phase to remove the aniline thereby leaving an efflu

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus or process for devolatilization of flowable materials (such as molten polymers with entrained or dissolved solvent or unreacted monomers or comonomers) using a plate heater having heating channels, the design or operation of which heating channels maintains the flowable material above its bubble point pressure during passage through a larger first zone and then induces flashing in, or downstream of, a smaller second zone of the heating channel. The apparatus enables a higher throughput per heating channel while achieving equivalent or better devolatilization, as compared to current devolatilization apparatus.

Abstract: A process for the continuous thermal treatment of mixed substances, especially of solutions, suspensions and emulsions, wherein the continuous treatment of the mixed substances is divided into a main vaporization and a degassing stage, in which instance the main vaporization and the degassing take place in each case takes place in a separate mixer-kneader.

Abstract: A composition comprising glycerol and at least one cyclic oligomer of glycerol, a process for obtaining the composition, and its use in the manufacture of dichloropropanol and of derived products such as epichlorohydrin and epoxy resins.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for devolatilizing solvent-containing polycarbonate solutions. By employing the inventive apparatus, polycarbonates with low residual values of volatile constituents are produced from solvent-containing polymer melts, which improved optical properties, especially yellowness index, with the aid of an apparatus combination of a flash devolatilizer and a vented extruder.

Abstract: A method for separating a polymer from carbon black in devulcanized rubber, the method comprising steps of inserting devulcanized rubber into a bath of a solvent, dissolving a polymer out of the devulcanized rubber and into a solution of the solvent and the polymer, removing the solution from the bath without disturbing an un-dissolved residue comprising carbon black, and recovering the un-dissolved residue.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: An aryl composition includes aryl ether oligomers. These compositions may be prepared by reaction of one or more dihalobenzenes with one or more dihydroxybenzenes by an Ullman ether reaction. The oligomers may have two or more benzene rings and include terminal halogen, e.g., bromine (Br), or hydroxyl (OH) groups. These oligomers may be brominated to form flame retardant compositions for thermoplastic polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for producing a polymer dispersion based on polychloroprene, comprising steps of polymerizing chloroprene to polychloroprene, adding the polycholoprene dispersion to a stripper column, and removing chloroprene from the polychloroprene dispersion.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing discrete solid beads of polymeric material e.g. phenolic resin having a mesoporous structure, which process may produce resin beads on an industrial scale without aggregates of resin building up speedily and interrupting production. The process comprises the steps of: (a) combining a stream of a polymerizable liquid precursor e.g. a novolac and hexamine as cross-linking agent dissolved in a first polar organic liquid e.g. ethylene glycol with a stream of a liquid suspension medium which is a second non-polar organic liquid with which the liquid precursor is substantially or completely immiscible e.g. transformer oil containing a drying oil; (b) mixing the combined stream to disperse the polymerizable liquid precursor as droplets in the suspension medium e.g.

Abstract: Method for purifying a solution of at least one plastic in a solvent, the said solution comprising insolubles, whereby the solution is purified using a centrifugal settler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preferentially breaking cross-links in a vulcanised rubber, thereby de-vulcanising the rubber, by the use of a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide. The supercritical fluid maintained at an appropriate solubility parameter, swells the vulcanised rubber to a state of equilibrium swell. The cross links (3) become fully extended and under strain to hold the internal pressures caused by the solvent swelling affect of the supercritical gas. When equilibrium swell has been achieved, the pressure within the processing vessel is rapidly dropped to a level of not less than 60% of the level at which saturation took place, causing a degassing and expansion of the supercritical fluid that has been absorbed within the vulcanised rubber. The resulting three dimensional separation of the rubber molecules will put a further rapid strain on the cross links, causing them to break (7), thereby giving the affect of de-vulcanization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a glycerol-based product comprising at least one nitrogen-containing compound and of which the total content of nitrogen-containing compound expressed as elemental nitrogen (N) is less than or equal to 1 g of nitrogen (N)/kg of product, to a process for obtaining glycerol, and to its use in the manufacture of dichloropropanol and of derived products such as epichlorohydrin and products derived from epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preferentially breaking cross-links in a vulcanized rubber, thereby de-vulcanizing the rubber, by the use of a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide. The supercritical fluid maintained at an appropriate solubility parameter, swells the vulcanized rubber to a state of equilibrium swell. The cross links become fully extended and under strain to hold the internal pressures caused by the solvent swelling affect of the supercritical gas. When equilibrium swell has been achieved, the pressure within the processing vessel is rapidly dropped to a predetermined level causing a degassing and expansion of the supercritical fluid that has been absorbed within the vulcanized rubber. The resulting three dimensional separation of the rubber molecules will put a further rapid strain on the cross links, causing them to break, thereby giving the affect of de-vulcanization.