Abstract: Interlock for use in a process for degassing of a polymer powder in a degassing vessel. The interlock includes the steps of 1. measuring the temperature of the polymer powder within or exiting the degassing vessel, 2. comparing the measurement value to a threshold value in order to ascertain whether it is lower than the threshold value or not, and 3. if the measured temperature is lower than the threshold value taking one or more actions to reduce the concentration of hydrocarbons in the polymer powder exiting the degassing vessel and/or to stop the polymer powder withdrawal from that degassing vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the degassing of polymer powder, and in particular to an interlock for use in a process for degassing of a polymer powder in a degassing vessel, which interlock comprises: 1. measuring the temperature of the polymer powder within or exiting the degassing vessel, 2. comparing said measurement value to a threshold value in order to ascertain whether it is lower than the threshold value or not, and 3. if the measured temperature is lower than the threshold value taking one or more actions to reduce the concentration of hydrocarbons in the polymer powder exiting the degassing vessel and/or to stop the polymer powder withdrawal from that degassing vessel.