Abstract: A method for the super-activation of emulsion polymers is provided. The method includes carrying out a one to three-step polymer activation process to form an activated polymer-diluent mixture, the steps selected from (a)-(d): (a) premixing the first polymer-diluent mixture at a predetermined pressure to form a second polymer-diluent mixture; (b) blending the first polymer-diluent mixture or the second polymer-diluent mixture with a blending device to form a blended polymer-diluent mixture; (c) (i) recycling the blended polymer-diluent mixture to be blended as in step (b) or premixed as in step (a) at a predetermined pressure; or (ii) recycling the second polymer-diluent mixture to be premixed as in step (a) at a predetermined pressure; and (d) reducing the pressure in a portion of the blended polymer-diluent mixture or the second polymer-diluent mixture to relax the polymer and form a relaxed polymer-diluent mixture.

Abstract: A method for the super-activation of emulsion polymers is provided. The method includes carrying out a one to three-step polymer activation process to form an activated polymer-diluent mixture, the steps selected from (a)-(d): (a) premixing the first polymer-diluent mixture at a predetermined pressure to form a second polymer-diluent mixture; (b) blending the first polymer-diluent mixture or the second polymer-diluent mixture with a blending device to form a blended polymer-diluent mixture; (c) (i) recycling the blended polymer-diluent mixture to be blended as in step (b) or premixed as in step (a) at a predetermined pressure; or (ii) recycling the second polymer-diluent mixture to be premixed as in step (a) at a predetermined pressure; and (d) reducing the pressure in a portion of the blended polymer-diluent mixture or the second polymer-diluent mixture to relax the polymer and form a relaxed polymer-diluent mixture.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA (alkenyl succinic anhydride) particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1? range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1? range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1? range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1&mgr; range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.

Abstract: A controller for a polymer processing system operates by emitting a controlled amplitude and frequency of coherent light (laser) energy which is scattered and absorbed by the monitored polymer dispersed throughout an instantaneous aqueous sample of a monitored material flowing continuously through a cross section of a sample chamber. The source of light energy is located an adjustable distance from one side of the sample chamber. An optical receiver (a photoresistor with a selectable filter) measures the amount of light received on the other side of the sample chamber. An output signal of the receiver may be converted into a usable process signal which is then transmitted as an input control signal to a process controller (microprocessor or microcomputer). The process controller output and display can be configured to control and read in any suitable manner. When the monitored system has feedback, the receiver output may be applied through a feedback control loop.

Abstract: The inventive method inverts and activates polymer, and delivers it to an output at a relatively high concentration of polymer in an electrolyte fluid, such as water. The inversion and activation results from four steps: (1) premixing polymer and a diluent, (2) blending the premixed polymer/diluent in a derated centrifugal pump, (3) recycling a portion of the blended mix, and (4) suddenly relaxing the pressure to relax the polymer in the blended polymer/diluent mixture. A secondary source of the fluid is applied at the output to the high concentration in order to dilute it to a desired level of concentration. A pilot controlled valving system controls the secondary source of the fluid and maintains a uniform dilution despite any fluctuation in the delivery of the fluid to the activating system. A sensor at the output feeds back a control signal to maintain a uniform level of polymer activity in the outflow from the system.