Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a semicrystalline polymer, said method comprising the following steps: producing a polymer melt from a crystallizable polymer; shaping particles and solidifying the polymer melt, the step of shaping the particles being carried out before or after solidification; cooling the particles; treating the particles to reduce their tendency to agglomerate; crystallizing the particles. The invention is characterized in that the treatment is carried out by shaking at a temperature T1 which is below the glass transition temperature of the polymer plus 10° C., i.e. T1<Tg+10° C.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 22, 2008
Date of Patent:
May 20, 2014
Assignee:
Bühler Thermal Processes AG
Inventors:
Brent Allan Culbert, Andreas Christel, Mauricio Rodrigues
Abstract: An apparatus for continuous pelletization and crystallization of a polymer includes a unit for forming a polymer pellet material and cooling the pellet material in a liquid cooling medium. An after-connected drying unit has an exit opening for exporting gas and a crystallizer for crystallizing the pellet material. The crystallizer communicates via a connection line with the pre-connected unit for separating the liquid cooling medium from the pellet material and drying the pellet material. The crystallizer communicates with an inert gas tank, whereby the pressure in the crystallizer can be increased relative to the pressure in the drying unit. A related process is also disclosed.
Type:
Application
Filed:
September 20, 2013
Publication date:
March 27, 2014
Applicant:
Bühler Thermal Processes AG
Inventors:
Andreas Christel, Brent Allan Culbert, Fernando Eusebio