Abstract: An emulsion polymerization process using a redox initiator comprising a reductant and an oxidant, wherein monomers are mixed into a carrier liquid, e.g. water, to make a pre-emulsion, which is then supplied to a reactor comprising one or more circulation loops, an outlet, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop, characterized in that the reductant is added to the pre-emulsion before it is mixed into the reactor charge and the oxidant is mixed into the reactor charge, e.g., via the water-phase feed.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor comprising one or more circulation loops with one or more inlets for raw material, one or more outlets, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop. A by-pass line for by-passing the circulation pump connects a point of the loop upstream of the pump with a point downstream of the pump.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor comprising a circulation loop, an inlet for raw material, an outlet, driving means for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop, and a pig station for storing, launching, and receiving cleaning pigs. The pig station comprises a lid to cover an opening enabling removal of the cleaning pig. The pig station is constructed as a box with a cylindrical bore connected at both ends to the circulation loop, the bore having a central part with a diameter which is larger than the inner diameter of the circulation loop. At a transitional part at the outer ends of the bore the bore diameter narrows down to be substantially equal to the inner tube diameter of the circulation loop. Over at least a part of the inner bore substantially half of the circular cross-section is formed in the removable lid.

Abstract: A polymerisation reactor comprising one or more circulation loops with one or more inlets for raw material, one or more outlets, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop. A by-pass line for by-passing the circulation pump connects a point of the loop upstream of the pump with a point downstream of the pump, both points being provided with a three way valve.

Abstract: A polymerisation reactor (1) comprising a circulation loop (2), an inlet for raw material (3), an outlet (5), driving means for (6) circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop (2), and a pig station (7) for storing, launching, and receiving cleaning pigs. The pig station (7) comprises a lid to cover an opening enabling removal of the cleaning pig. The pig station (7) is constructed as a box with a cylindrical bore connected at both ends to the circulation loop, the bore having a central part with a diameter which is larger than the inner diameter of the circulation loop. At a transitional part at the outer ends of the bore the bore diameter narrows down to be substantially equal to the inner tube diameter of the circulation vloop. Over at least a part of the inner bore substantially half of the circular cross-section is formed in the removable lid.

Abstract: Method of emulsion polymerization wherein a reactor comprising a closed reactor loop is continuously charged with fresh monomers and water phase at substantially the same rate as the rate of an overflow of reactor charge discharged into a secondary line section. The reactor charge is continuously recirculated within the reactor loop. The discharge rate and the circulation rate in the loop are balanced such as to result in a monomer content in the loop of less than 12 wt. %. The secondary line section has a volume of less than twice the volume of the reactor loop.

Abstract: A polymerisation reactor comprising one or more circulation loops with one or more inlets for raw material, one or more outlets, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop. A by-pass line for by-passing the circulation pump connects a point of the loop upstream of the pump with a point downstream of the pump, both points being provided with a three way valve.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerisation process using a redox initiator comprising a reductant and an oxidant, wherein monomers are mixed into a carrier liquid, e.g. water, to make a pre-emulsion, which is then supplied to a reactor comprising one or more circulation loops, an outlet, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop, characterised in that the reductant is added to the pre-emulsion before it is mixed into the reactor charge and the oxidant is mixed into the reactor charge, e.g., via the water-phase feed.

Abstract: Method of emulsion polymerisation wherein a reactor comprising a closed reactor loop is continuously charged with fresh monomers and water phase at substantially the same rate as the rate of an overflow of reactor charge discharged into a secondary line section. The reactor charge is continuously recirculated within the reactor loop. The discharge rate and the circulation rate in the loop are balanced such as to result in a monomer content in the loop of less than 12 wt. %. The secondary line section has a volume of less than twice the volume of the reactor loop.

Abstract: A closed loop continuous emulsion polymerization apparatus at least comprising a circulation pump, a reactor tube which connects the outlet of the circulation pump to its inlet, at least one feed for supplying raw materials, an outlet, and means for cooling the tube, characterized in that the reactor further comprises an additional tube for by-passing a pig around the circulation pump, a pig receiving station which is in parallel connection with the circulation pump or the reactor tube, and optionally means for directing a pig into the pig receiving station. The invention allows simple removal of the pig from the reactor, afforts great freedom in selecting the type of circulation pump and material and shape of the pig, and enables total control over the launching of the pig substantially independent of the reaction medium flow.

Abstract: An emulsion polymerization process using a reactor having one or more circulation loops with one or more inlets for raw material, one or more inlets for a carrier liquid in which the polymer to be formed is insoluble, and one or more outlets for polymer emulsion; and one or more driving means for continuously circulating the reactor charge within the circulation loop. An emulsion polymerization process includes charging the reactor with raw material, including monomers, and with the carrier liquid, including stabilizers, and optionally other additives; then continuously feeding the loop reactor with the raw material and with the carrier liquid; and continuously withdrawing part of the reactor charge from the reactor at a rate equal to the rate of total raw material and carrier liquid feeding. The carrier liquid, or water phase, consists wholly or partially of washings used for washing one or more parts of the same or a different polymerization reactor and/or associated equipment.

Abstract: A closed loop continuous emulsion polymerization apparatus at least comprising a circulation pump, a reactor tube which connects the outlet of the circulation pump to its inlet, at least one feed for supplying raw materials, an outlet, and means for cooling the tube, characterized in that the reactor further comprises an additional tube for by-passing a pig around the circulation pump, a pig receiving station which is in parallel connection with the circulation pump or the reactor tube, and optionally means for directing a pig into the pig receiving station. The invention allows simple removal of the pig from the reactor, afforts great freedom in selecting the type of circulation pump and material and shape of the pig, and enables total control over the launching of the pig substantially independent of the reaction medium flow.