Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing low molecular weight impurities, namely caprolactam and its oligomers, from Nylon-6 pre-polymer during the preparation of Nylon-6 polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing low molecular weight impurities, namely caprolactam and its oligomers, from Nylon-6 pre-polymer during the preparation of Nylon-6 polymer.

Abstract: A valve capable of controlling fluid flow at high temperatures and high-pressures. The valve can shut off or regulate flow and combines a small compact shape with the ability to be remotely operated and the ability to process a diverse variety of fluids including polymer melts at extreme temperatures and pressures including two phase fluids. The valve includes a process diaphragm that deflects to seat against a valve seat, a control diaphragm that deflects to contact against a stop surface, and a cylindrical actuating button therebetween. The actuating button has respective end surfaces that contact against the process diaphragm and the control diaphragm. The button end surfaces on the button are spaced apart by a button length. When assembled, the distance between the valve seat and the stop surface is greater than the button length by about the sum of the deflections of the diaphragms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing materials, a process for mixing, finishing and de-volatizing polyamide to make 66 nylon and the 66 nylon made by this process. The apparatus comprises an agitator section having an outlet adjacent the bottom thereof; a transfer screw disposed adjacent the outlet of the agitator section; a spiral ribbon extending upwardly from the transfer screw; a ring disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon, at least one baffle disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon and connected to the ring and a wall-wiping spur connected to the ring. Preferably, the apparatus has two baffles--an upper one for pumping the material downwardly and a lower one for pumping the material upwardly. The diameter of each baffle is preferably about 80% of the diameter of the agitator section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing materials, a process for mixing, finishing and de-volatizing polyamide to make 66 nylon and the 66 nylon made by this process. The apparatus comprises an agitator section having an outlet adjacent the bottom thereof; a transfer screw disposed adjacent the outlet of the agitator section; a spiral ribbon extending upwardly from the transfer screw; a ring disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon, at least one baffle disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon and connected to the ring and a wall-wiping spur connected to the ring. Preferably, the apparatus has two baffles--an upper one for pumping the material downwardly and a lower one for pumping the material upwardly. The diameter of each baffle is preferably about 80% of the diameter of the agitator section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for processing materials, a process for mixing, finishing and de-volatizing polyamide to make 66 nylon and the 66 nylon made by this process. The apparatus comprises an agitator section having an outlet adjacent the bottom thereof; a transfer screw disposed adjacent the outlet of the agitator section; a spiral ribbon extending upwardly from the transfer screw; a ring disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon, at least one baffle disposed vertically above the spiral ribbon and connected to the ring and a wall-wiping spur connected to the ring. Preferably, the apparatus has two baffles--an upper one for pumping the material downwardly and a lower one for pumping the material upwardly. The diameter of each baffle is preferably about 80% of the diameter of the agitator section.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating entrained matter from a flowing fluid carrying the entrained matter includes a passage diverging at an angle of from 3 to about 20 degrees in the direction of flow of the fluid and at least one helical flight having the same twist direction throughout located with the passage and tapered to conform thereto. A straight cylindrical pipe is attached to the outlet end of the passage; the pipe contains a straight baffle interlocking to aboout 90 degrees with the helical flight. Opposed edges of the flight may be spaced from or in contact with the wall of the diverging passage.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing polyamides is improved by providing a pressurized reactor in which steam is evolved along with some diamine volatilization while providing for diamine re-absorption by contact and mixing (with a static mixer) of the vapor and liquid phases in annular flow in the reactor.