Abstract: A process for preparing high molecular weight water-soluble polymer gels having relatively narrow molecular weight distributions is disclosed. An aqueous reaction mixture comprising a solution of a water-soluble vinyl monomer and a suitable catalyst system is polymerized in a reactor comprising a channel reactor with sealed removable lid in the substantial absence of oxygen. The sealed removable lid is preferably flexible and sealed with a flexible zipper. The polymer gels are formed into particles or pellets and coated. The coating allows the gel to flow or be pumped and metered. Gel particles or pellets may also be dried to granular product.

Abstract: A process for preparing high molecular weight water-soluble polymer gels having relatively narrow molecular weight distributions is disclosed. An aqueous reaction mixture comprising a solution of a water-soluble vinyl monomer and a suitable catalyst system is polymerized in a reactor comprising a channel reactor with sealed removable lid in the substantial absence of oxygen. The sealed removable lid is preferably flexible and sealed with a flexible zipper. The polymer gels are particulated to particles or pellets and coated. The coating allows the gel to flow or be pumped and metered.

Abstract: In the prevention of the spread of fires and for directly fighting fires, a cross-linked, water-swellable additive polymer in a vegetable oil dispersion is added to firefighting water. The additive has the properties of absorbing large quantities of water, high viscosity for adherence to vertical and horizontal surfaces, and retention of sufficient fluidity to be educted in standard firefighting equipment. The method of adding this additive to the firefighting water by eduction, pumping, or batch addition to the source water is also disclosed.