Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction for producing polyolefin, comprising the steps of: thermally contacting said polymerization reaction with a cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid removes heat from said reaction, thermally contacting at least part of said cooling fluid with at least one absorption cycle thereby transferring heat from the cooling fluid to said absorption cycle, using said absorption cycle to produce steam from a condensate, wherein the cooling fluid is used as a hot source for heating at least one evaporator and at least one generator comprised in said at least one absorption cycle. The present invention also relates to a process for cooling a polymerization reaction using a process as described herein. Said invention also relates to a polyolefin producing unit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a plant for the continuous solution polymerization of a feed comprising one or more olefin monomers in a solvent, e.g., hydrocarbon solvent, in which the plant comprises means for separating solvent from the polymer including a flash tank and a vacuum devolatilizer. The plant also includes in a first aspect stabilizer addition means for adding a stabilizer to the concentrated polymer fines at a location downstream of the flash and upstream of the vacuum devolatilizer. In another aspect the plant comprises means to add a molten stabilizer to the polymer at a location downstream of the reactors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing starting materials, combustible substances and fuels from organic substances. Said claimed device comprises a reactor (10) that comprises an introduction device (11) for the organic substances, an evacuation device (12) for the reaction products and a device (13) for feeding reaction energy for the transformation of organic substances into reaction products. The invention is characterized in that the introduction device (11) comprises pneumatic means (24) for the supply of solid material.

Abstract: A method for preparing contaminated plastics ground into flakes, such as RPET or such polymers, having at least decontamination and SSP treatment steps, with at least one reactor, with heating to the process temperature taking place essentially outside the reactor. Also, a device for carrying out the method, and having at least one decontamination reactor and at least one SSP reactor, a device for heating plastic flakes to the process temperature being arranged upstream of the decontamination reactor. Also an SSP reactor having at least two individual reactors, and preferably between 3 and 7 individual reactors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing catalyst, such as chromium catalysts, are provided. The valence of at least a portion of the catalyst sent to an activator is changed from Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The catalyst is prepared or activated continuously using a fluidization bed catalyst activator.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a system and method for separation within a polymer production process. Specifically, a flashline heater configured according to present embodiments may provide more time than is required for complete vaporization of liquid hydrocarbons that are not entrained within a polymer fluff produced within a polymerization reactor. Such extra time may allow for liquid hydrocarbons that are entrained within the polymer fluff to be vaporized.

Abstract: A method of processing polymer materials, highly filled or otherwise to recover cyclic structures or monomers. The method involves providing a vessel having a heated side wall, an agitator, and at least one of an additional heated structure, other than the heated side wall, within the vessel and means for forming a thin coat of material processed in the vessel on said heated side wall. A polymer material is fed into the vessel and heated to a sufficient temperature to cause depolymerization of the polymer material into cyclic structures or monomers. The cyclic structures or monomers are removed from the vessel and collected. The method does not require the use of a solvent.

Abstract: A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The method comprises the step of maintaining a reaction mixture in a PCR reaction chamber alternatively at a first temperature and a second temperature using a device comprising a first heater for heating a temperature-control substance to a first temperature, a second heater for heating said temperature-control substance to a second temperature, a pump located in between and connected in series with the first heater and the second heater; and a bladder unit connected to the first and second heaters via different ports. The pump introduces the temperature-control substance into the bladder unit at the first temperature and the second temperature alternatively with a regular interval to enable the PCR.

Abstract: In an isoolefin-diolefin rubber production process (e.g. a butyl rubber production process), the cold rubber slurry produced in the reaction vessel is transported from the reaction vessel to the flash tank during which time the cold slurry may be expressed to separate at least part of the cold liquid reaction medium from the isoolefin-diolefin rubber. The separated cold liquid reaction medium is transported off stream, for example by a mechanical filter, where it can be recycled back into the reaction vessel and/or where it can be used to cool a feed stream or streams of the reaction components. The isoolefin-diolefin rubber and the residual liquid reaction medium are transported to a flash tank for further processing. The ability to separate and recycle cold liquid reaction medium makes the process more economical.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for producing a polymer dispersion based on polychloroprene, comprising steps of polymerizing chloroprene to polychloroprene, adding the polycholoprene dispersion to a stripper column, and removing chloroprene from the polychloroprene dispersion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reactor (10) and a process for continuous polymerization, where the reactor (10) has an essentially tubular reactor housing (16). The reactor housing (16) has a drive (38) which runs along the geometric central axis (12) in the flow direction (22) and is configured as a central shaft. A rotatably arranged scraper or wiper (36) is provided within the reactor housing (16); the scraper or wiper (36) has at least one scraper or wiper blade (42) to run along an interior side (44) of the reactor housing (16). The rotational movement of the scraper or wiper (36) results in radial mixing of a stream within the reactor housing (16) which dominates gravity effects and, by virtue of shaping of the scrapers or wipers, optionally makes plug flow or backflow within the reactor (10) possible.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for curing a thermosetting polymer. The method comprises the steps of irradiating the thermosetting polymer with microwaves at a first power level so as to heat up the thermosetting polymer by dielectric heating, and when the thermosetting polymer reaches a first predetermined temperature, irradiating the thermosetting polymer with microwaves at a second power level, substantially higher than the first power level, to further heat up the thermosetting polymer by dielectric heating. The device comprises an enclosure for receiving the thermosetting polymer, a microwave emitter for emitting microwave radiation into the enclosure, and a control unit for controlling a microwave emission power of the microwave emitter according to the abovementioned method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a deodorizing yarn where a cellulose-based yarn is treated with a deodorizing solution by a graft polymerization reaction using steam heat in a reactor that is used in a conventional dyeing apparatus. The method for manufacturing the deodorizing yarn comprises the steps of: mixing a polymerization initiator, a deodorizing monomer and water to prepare a deodorizing solution; allowing the deodorizing solution to penetrate into bobbins, wound with a cellulose-based yarn, in a reactor; discharging the deodorizing solution from a reactor and dewatering the deodorizing solution that penetrated into the bobbins; supplying steam to the inside of the reactor so as to subject the cellulose-based yarn to thermal graft polymerization; water-washing the cellulose-based yarn that was subjected to the thermal graft polymerization; and drying the washed cellulose-based yarn at high temperature.

Abstract: Process for removing heat from at least two reactors forming at least part of a polymerization reactor system for a multimodal polymerization in which the reactors are linked in series and all produce at least one component of the same polymer. The process includes cooling a stream of fluid in one or more heat exchangers and passing part of it to the cooling system of a first reactor and part of it to the cooling system of a second reactor, so as to remove the heat from said reactors, and passing back through the heat exchangers a return flow having a portion of the combined exit flows of the cooling fluids used to remove the heat from each of the reactors. The heat exchangers provide at least 90% of the cooling requirement for the reactors, and a portion of the combined exit flows from the reactors bypasses at least one of the heat exchangers and is passed directly to the cooling system of one or more of the reactors. The cooling circuit is powered by no more than one pump at any one time.

Abstract: The present systems and methods utilize a polyamic acid solution as a precursor to form a polyimide bead having desired properties. The polyamic acid solution may be formed into a polyamic acid droplet. The polyamic acid droplet is then processed to form a polyamic acid bead, such as by extraction of solvent to concentrate the polyamic acid or by partial chemical imidization of the polyamic acid. The polyamic acid bead is then better able to retain its shape during subsequent processing steps, such as drying and pressurizing, before final thermal imidization.

Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.

Abstract: Catalyst feed systems and processes utilizing such systems are described herein. Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a process for improving the flowability of catalyst in a catalyst feed system, including providing a catalyst feed vessel with at least one heat exchange system for maintaining the catalyst system temperature below a critical flow temperature. Also disclosed is a catalyst feed system for the polymerization of olefins including a catalyst feed vessel; and a heat exchange system for maintaining a temperature of a catalyst within the catalyst feed vessel. Additionally disclosed is a process for polymerization of olefins including maintaining a supported catalyst in a catalyst feed vessel below a critical flow temperature of the catalyst; feeding the catalyst to a polymerization reactor; and contacting the catalyst with an olefin to form a polyolefin.

Abstract: Process for providing a flow of particulate matter to a reactor, by intermittently adding the particulate matter and a diluent to a mixing tank, and continuously withdrawing a slurry of particulate matter in diluent from the mixing tank for introduction into the reactor. Prior to each addition of particulate matter and diluent to the mixing tank, the concentration of particulate matter in the diluent already in the mixing tank is measured or calculated, and the amount of particulate matter and diluent subsequently added is measured so as to achieve the same concentration at the end of the addition as that measured or calculated prior to the addition.

Abstract: A polyester production system employing a vertically elongated esterification reactor. The esterification reactor of the present invention is an improvement over conventional CSTR esterification reactors because, for example, in one embodiment, the reactor requires little or no mechanical agitation. Further, in one embodiment, the positioning of the inlets and outlets of the reactor provides improved operational performance and flexibility over CSTRs of the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for cooling a polymerization reaction for producing polyolefin comprising the steps of: (a) thermally contacting said polymerization reaction with a cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid removes thermal energy from said reaction, (b) thermally contacting said cooling fluid with a working fluid thereby recovering said thermal energy from said cooling fluid in said working fluid, and (c) thermally contacting the cooling fluid obtained in step (b) with the polymerization reaction thereby cooling said reaction, wherein the working fluid is phase converted thereby providing energy in the form of heat and/or electricity and/or mechanical power back to the polyolefin production process. Said invention also relates to a polymerization process for producing olefin polymers in a reactor, and also relates to a process for energy optimization of energy consumption in a polymerization process and to a polymerization unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction. In particular, the present invention relates to a process for producing steam using heat recovered from a polymerization reaction for producing polyolefin, comprising the steps of: thermally contacting said polymerization reaction with a cooling fluid such that the cooling fluid removes heat from said reaction, thermally contacting at least part of said cooling fluid with at least one absorption cycle thereby transferring heat from the cooling fluid to said absorption cycle, using said absorption cycle to produce steam from a condensate, wherein the cooling fluid is used as a hot source for heating at least one evaporator and at least one generator comprised in said at least one absorption cycle. The present invention also relates to a process for cooling a polymerization reaction using a process as described herein. Said invention also relates to a polyolefin producing unit.

Abstract: A modular device for the continuous degas sing of reaction products, such as of a carboxylic acid or a polycarboxylic acid with a multi-functional alcohol suitable for application in the production of precondensates (or also prepolymers), has a heated enclosure in which a plurality of modules are stacked one above the other, each said module having a base. There is a vapor inlet to the uppermost module and a discharge port at the lower most module with at least one module intermediate the uppermost and lowest modules to provide space for expansion of the vapor. The base of each module preferably is concave and there are conduits that provide flow communication between the modules.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing catalyst, such as chromium catalysts, are provided. The valence of at least a portion of the catalyst sent to an activator is changed from Cr(III) to Cr(VI). The catalyst is prepared or activated continuously using a fluidization bed catalyst activator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of high-molecular polyesters by esterification of dicarboxylic acids and/or transesterification of dicarboxylic acid esters with diols and/or mixtures thereof in the presence of catalysts with formation of a prepolymer in a tower reactor and polycondensation thereof to form a high-molecular polyester in a polycondensation reactor, a prepolymer with >40 to 70 repeat units (DP) being produced in the tower reactor and this prepolymer being polycondensed in only one further reactor to form a polyester with >150 to 205 DP.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor for creating drag-reducing polymer having a reservoir and at least one heat exchanger plate in fluid communication with a coolant source, wherein each heat exchanger plate may be disposed on a lid. The heat exchanger plates are treated and/or covered to provide that the exchanger plates can be readily disengaged from the drag-reducing polymer. The polymerization reactors of the present invention permit large amounts of polymer to be formed in each reactor batch. Preferably, polymers are formed in the polymerization reactor by bulk polymerization. Methods for forming drag-reducing polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treating a polymer compound has the steps of: mixing and agitating the polymer compound and a chemical agent in an extruder while controlling the inside of the extruder to be kept at a high temperature and a high pressure to have a reaction mixture containing a polymer treated product; supplying the reaction mixture continuously into a high-pressure container disposed following the extruder and retaining the reaction mixture at the high temperature and high pressure for a predetermined time; then supplying the reaction mixture continuously to a chemical agent separator to separate the polymer treated product; and supplying the separated polymer treated product continuously to a molding means to form it into a molded material.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the recovery of ethylene glycol in a polyethylene terephthalate(PET) production process water accumulating in the esterification reaction is mixed with a process fluid containing 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane (MDO). The mixing is carried out in a tank upstream of a rectification column. Through the increase in the water content in the fluid, a shift in the reaction equilibrium takes place and consequently a cleavage of the 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane present into ethylene glycol and acetaldehyde takes place. Following the cleavage reaction, the mixture is fed from the tank into a rectification column, whereby the ethylene glycol produced from the cleavage reaction is returned to the PET production process.

Abstract: A manufacturing process for producing polyolefin, having a feed system, a reactor system including at least one polymerization reactor, a diluent/monomer recovery system, a fractionation system, and an extrusion/loadout system having an extruder. The manufacturing process is configured to consume less than 325 kilowatt-hours of electricity per metric ton of polyolefin produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid sequence amplification method and apparatuses thereof that are simple in the design and easy to miniaturize and integrate into complex apparatuses, with capability of using DNA polymerases that are not thermostable. In the present invention, a plurality of heat sources are combined to supply heat to, or remove heat from specific regions of the sample such that a specific spatial temperature distribution is maintained inside the sample by locating a relatively high temperature region lower in height than a relatively low temperature region.

Abstract: A process for preparing polyether polyols by reaction of the following starting materials: a) one or more alkylene oxides and, if appropriate, carbon dioxide and also b) one or more H-functional starter substances, in the presence of a catalyst, in a reaction unit having a plurality of parallel layers A, B which are microstructured so that each layer has a multiplicity of channels which are arranged parallel to one another and form a continuous flow path from one side of the plate to the opposite side of this, wherein a distribution device for introduction of the starting materials and the catalyst is provided at one end of the channels of the layers A and a collection device for the reaction mixture is provided at the other end of these is proposed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solid-solid direct-heating reaction disc arrangement comprising a reaction disc body, clampers, a heater and a driving plate. Holding slots for receiving reaction cups are formed axially through the reaction disc body at constant intervals. The clampers are mounted to the bottom surface of the reaction disc body and each comprise an upper clamper and a lower clamper which are fastened together. The bottom surfaces of the reaction cups rest on the upper clamper. The heater is sandwiched between the upper and lower clampers for heating the reaction disc body and the reaction cups. The driving plate is mounted to a supporting plate of the reaction disc body. By arranging the reaction disc body, the clampers, the heater and the driving plate in a receiving chamber defined by a cover and an insulation casing, a closed temperature control system is formed.

Abstract: Polyesters such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polybutylene terephthalate are made from melts of precondensates of polyesters by first conducting vapors comprising precondensate components distributed in the form of an aerosol through a polycondensation reactor in which precondensate components are deposited on the reactor wall and in an outlet chamber of the reactor on a separator. Then the deposits are conducted to the unstirred discharge sump. Upper layers of the discharge sump are continuously recirculated in the stirred reactor area and thus subjected to reconversion and further polycondensation.

Abstract: A flash chamber sized to receive the effluent discharged from a polyolefin reactor during normal operation of the reactor and during a reactor dump, advantageously eliminating a reactor dump tank or alternate flash tank from the equipment outlay of a polyolefin manufacturing process. The flash chamber is sized to hold at least the polyolefin solids discharged from the reactor. A condenser fluidically coupled to an overhead portion of the flash chamber is sized to condense the flow rate of vaporized hydrocarbon (e.g., diluent, monomer, etc.) discharged overhead from the flash chamber during normal operation and during the reactor dump.

Abstract: A continuous gas phase circulating bed reactor, including: a riser for contacting a catalyst and a first gas composition comprising an olefin to form a polyolefin under fast-fluidization regime or a dilute-phase pneumatic conveying regime conditions; a downer for contacting the catalyst and a second gas composition comprising an olefin to form additional polyolefin under fast fluidization regime or a dilute-phase pneumatic conveying regime conditions; and a transport section for conveying at least a portion of the catalyst, polyolefin, and additional polyolefin from the downer to the riser. Also disclosed is a polymerization process using such a circulating bed reactor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a plant for the continuous solution polymerization of a feed comprising one or more olefin monomers in a solvent, e.g., hydrocarbon solvent, in which the plant comprises means for separating solvent from the polymer including a flash tank and a vacuum devolatilizer. The plant also includes in a first aspect stabilizer addition means for adding a stabilizer to the concentrated polymer fines at a location downstream of the flash and upstream of the vacuum devolatilizer. In another aspect the plant comprises means to add a molten stabilizer to the polymer at a location downstream of the reactors.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods relating to the finishing line of a continuous solution polymerization plant. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a pelletizer having cooling liquid, e.g., water or aqueous solution, into which is added a pelletization aid. In another aspect, the apparatus comprises means to remove residual polymer particles from the pelletizer cooling liquid. In a further aspect, the apparatus comprises conduits of at least 50 m in length for carrying propellant cooling liquid from the pelletizer to a drying apparatus. The residence time of the pellets in the cooling liquid may be 10 seconds or more. In a further aspect, a drying apparatus is provided for the pellets which comprises first and second drying zones. In a further aspect, a pneumatic conveyor is provided for carrying pellets to a packaging apparatus. In a further aspect, a packaging apparatus is provided comprising a blender silo.

Abstract: In an isoolefin-diolefin rubber production process (e.g. a butyl rubber production process), the cold rubber slurry produced in the reaction vessel is transported from the reaction vessel to the flash tank during which time the cold slurry may be expressed to separate at least part of the cold liquid reaction medium from the isoolefin-diolefin rubber. The separated cold liquid reaction medium is transported off stream, for example by a mechanical filter, where it can be recycled back into the reaction vessel and/or where it can be used to cool a feed stream or streams of the reaction components. The isoolefin-diolefin rubber and the residual liquid reaction medium are transported to a flash tank for further processing. The ability to separate and recycle cold liquid reaction medium makes the process more economical.

Abstract: A resin production apparatus of the present invention includes: a reactor vessel having a vessel main body which polymerizes an ingredient to produce a thermoplastic synthetic resin which solidifies at room temperature and storing the synthetic resin in the molten state, an output mechanism disposed at a bottom part of the vessel main body, which outputs the synthetic resin in the molten state, and a temperature adjustment mechanism which adjusts temperatures of the vessel main body and the output mechanism so as to maintain the molten state of the synthetic resin; a cooling mechanism arranged below the reactor vessel, which continuously cools and solidifies the synthetic resin output from the output mechanism; and a crushing mechanism which crushes the synthetic resin fed out from the cooling mechanism.

Abstract: In an isoolefin-diolefin rubber production process (e.g. a butyl rubber production process), the cold rubber slurry produced in the reaction vessel is transported from the reaction vessel to the flash tank during which time the cold slurry may be expressed to separate at least part of the cold liquid reaction medium from the isoolefin-diolefin rubber. The separated cold liquid reaction medium is transported off stream, for example by a mechanical filter, where it can be recycled back into the reaction vessel and/or where it can be used to cool a feed stream or streams of the reaction components. The isoolefin-diolefin rubber and the residual liquid reaction medium are transported to a flash tank for further processing. The ability to separate and recycle cold liquid reaction medium makes the process more economical.

Abstract: A polymerisation reactor comprising one or more circulation loops with one or more inlets for raw material, one or more outlets, and a circulation pump for circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop. A by-pass line for by-passing the circulation pump connects a point of the loop upstream of the pump with a point downstream of the pump, both points being provided with a three way valve.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing chemical reactions under controlled temperatures are described. In one embodiment, the devices provided by the invention comprise a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing. The reaction chamber has thermally conductive interior and exterior surfaces defining an internal volume therein at a first temperature. The device also includes at least one thermally conductive temperature-control bladder disposed therein, which bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control substance at a second temperature into said bladder and expel said temperature-control substance from said bladder. The bladder is further configured such that upon receiving the temperature-control substance, the bladder expands to abut substantially at least a portion of said exterior surfaces of said reaction chamber to enable thermal exchange between said temperature-control substance the said internal volume of reaction chamber.

Abstract: A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the manufacture of acetylene and other higher hydrocarbons from methane feed using a reverse-flow reactor system, wherein the reactor system includes (i) a first reactor and (ii) a second reactor, the first and second reactors oriented in a series relationship with respect to each other, the process comprising supplying each of first and second reactant through separate channels in the first reactor bed of a reverse-flow reactor such that both of the first and second reactants serve to quench the first reactor bed, without the first and second reactants substantially reacting with each other until reaching the core of the reactor system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing polystyrene. The method includes the steps: using at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160) to heat a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent to provide a heated solution of polystyrene dissolved in the organic solvent, and separating the dissolved polystyrene from the organic solvent. The apparatus includes: a holding tank at least partly filled with a solution of polystyrene dissolved in an organic solvent, at least one scrapped surface heat exchanger (160), and a separator.

Abstract: An integrated microfabricated instrument for manipulation, reaction and detection of microliter to picoliter samples. The instrument is suited for biochemical reactions, particularly DNA-based reactions such as the polymerase chain reaction, that require thermal cycling since the inherently small size of the instrument facilitates rapid cycle times. The integrated nature of the instrument provides accurate, contamination-free processing. The instrument may include reagent reservoirs, agitators and mixers, heaters, pumps, and optical or electromechanical sensors. Ultrasonic Lamb-wave devices may be used as sensors, pumps and agitators.

Abstract: A polymerization reactor for creating drag-reducing polymer having a reservoir and at least one heat exchanger plate in fluid communication with a coolant source, wherein each heat exchanger plate may be disposed on a lid. The heat exchanger plates are treated and/or covered to provide that the exchanger plates can be readily disengaged from the drag-reducing polymer. The polymerization reactors of the present invention permit large amounts of polymer to be formed in each reactor batch. Preferably, polymers are formed in the polymerization reactor by bulk polymerization. Methods for forming drag-reducing polymers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymerization processor synthesizes a high quality polymer from a raw material in a molten state. Lactide sent from an apparatus for supplying lactide 1 is heated and molten in an apparatus for melting lactide 2, and a catalyst is added to the lactide in an apparatus for supplying a catalyst 3. The molten lactide is supplied through an apparatus for supplying lactide 4 to a horizontal reaction tank 5, and flows by a head difference with a polymerization reaction proceeding. A discharged reaction solution is supplied to the upper part of a vertical reaction tank 6, and flows through the vertical reaction tank 6 by gravity with the polymerization reaction proceeding. Thereafter, the reaction solution is transported to an apparatus for removing remaining lactide 7, where unreacted lactide is removed, and then the reaction solution is discharged.

Abstract: In an isoolefin-diolefin rubber production process (e.g. a butyl rubber production process), the cold rubber slurry produced in the reaction vessel is transported from the reaction vessel to the flash tank during which time the cold slurry may be expressed to separate at least part of the cold liquid reaction medium from the isoolefin-diolefin rubber. The separated cold liquid reaction medium is transported off stream, for example by a mechanical filter, where it can be recycled back into the reaction vessel and/or where it can be used to cool a feed stream or streams of the reaction components. The isoolefin-diolefin rubber and the residual liquid reaction medium are transported to a flash tank for further processing. The ability to separate and recycle cold liquid reaction medium makes the process more economical.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method of improving the efficiency of one or more heat exchangers used in cooperation with a high temperature solution polymerization process. Addition of surface active agents, such as C6 to C22 carboxylic acids, to a two phase liquid-liquid polymer solution downstream of a reactor system and upstream of a heat exchanger system can increase the efficiency of heat exchange by more than 10%.