Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous production of polymers and copolymers of water-soluble monomers particularly acrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, optionally with additional comonomers, by the polymerization of an aqueous monomer solution that is introduced into the trough that is formed by an endless conveyor belt. The trough-like shape of the conveyor belt changes continuously into an extended flat profile during the polymerization process; starting from the side edges and working towards the center of the trough formed by the conveyor belt, the resulting polymer gel strand is released continuously during the transition of the curved trough-like shape of the conveyor belt into the extended, flat form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and an apparatus for the continuous production of polymers and copolymers of water-soluble monomers particularly arcylic acid and/or methacrylic acid, optionally with additional comonomers, by the polymerization of an aqueous monomer solution that is introduced into the trough that is formed by an endless conveyor belt. The trough-like shape of the conveyor belt changes continuously into an extended flat profile during the polymerization process; starting from the side edges and working towards the center of the trough formed by the conveyor belt, the resulting polymer gel strand is released continuously during the transition of the curved trough-like shape of the conveyor belt into the extended, flat form.