Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for controlling the polymerization temperature in a polymerization apparatus equipped with a cooling system in which steam, which has occurred in the presence of a volatile liquid medium in a reaction system, is condensed in a reflux condenser and the resulting noncondensable gas and condensate are then returned to the reaction system, thereby removing the polymerization heat. A portion of the noncondensable gas is recirculated to the cooling system. The flow rate of the noncondensable gas to be recirculated and the flow rate of a cooling medium to be introduced into the reflux condenser are controlled in accordance with the temperature of the reaction system.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and an apparatus for controlling a polymerization reaction. The temperature difference between a target temperature, calculated from the degradation rate of a polymerization initiator, which varies as a function of temperature, and a polymerization reactor temperature is calculated. The difference in polymerization rate between a target polymerization rate previously set and a polymerization rate calculated from a measured heat release value at a certain time in the polymerization process is calculated. The temperature inside the reactor is finely adjusted on the basis of the temperature difference and the difference in polymerization rate.

Abstract: The temperature regulating apparatus for a laboratory reaction vessel arrangement, comprises a reaction vessel and a thermal chamber for a fluid heat exchange medium which at least partially surrounds the reaction vessel. A jacketing vessel is provided with at least one inlet aperture for said fluid heat exchange medium and at least partially surrounds the thermal chamber. The at least one inlet aperture is arranged to extend through the jacketing vessel and into the thermal chamber, and a nozzle is arranged in a region of the at least one inlet aperture. This nozzle has an outlet orifice and is arranged in the region of the at least one inlet aperture such that the fluid heat exchange medium flows through the nozzle and out of the outlet orifice and such that the fluid heat exchange medium flowing out of the outlet orifice subsequently flows into said thermal chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for automatically constructing a polypeptide of high purity, up to 50 amino acids in length, using only single couplings. The apparatus includes an activation system for receiving protected amino acids, one kind at a time, having a common vessel (an activator vessel) in which to activate each of the amino acids. Also included is a reaction vessel for containing a resin used in solid-phase peptide synthesis for attaching a peptide chain thereto. A transfer system is also provided, which operates under control of a computer, to transfer the activated species from the activation system to the reaction vessel and to transfer amino acids, reagents, gases, and solvents from one part of the apparatus to another.

Abstract: An improved process for continuously producing ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing 20 to 50 mole % of ethylene is provided. An aliphatic alcohol solvent is employed in the polymerization vessel. Ethylene vapor discharged from the polymerization vessel is introduced into the tubes of the lower part of a multi-tubular heat exchanger. Vinyl acetate is introduced into the upper part of the heat exchanger and caused to flow through said tubes, thereby effecting absorption and solubilization of ethylene into the vinyl acetate. The solubilized ethylene and vinyl acetate is passed to the polymerization vessel. The process of this invention permits the stable production of the copolymer over a long period of time.

Abstract: The method is particularly adapted for controlling the molecular weight of a product output from a polybutene reactor. The method includes the steps of: deriving from the operating parameter of a polybutene reactor system a formula which correlates molecular weight as determined by product viscosity or other parameters of the product output with operating variables such as temperature of the reactor and concentration of isobutylene in the reactor, which concentration can be controlled by the amount of catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: Fibrides of synthetic heterochain polymers are produced by a non-equilibrium polycondensation of an aqueous alkaline solution of bifunctional compounds supplied into the reaction zone as a continuous stream oriented in the horizontal plane of the reaction zone to be acylated with diacyl chlorides of dicarboxylic acids in the state of a superheated vapor with a carrier supplied into the reaction zone in the vertical plane, contacting the reagents being effected in a cross-current stream under shear stress conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of spherical polymer beads in a restricted size range. Monomer droplets are produced in said size range by subjecting a fine monomer dispersion containing a controlled amount of a surface protective agent to controlled coalescence during passage through a tube (11) under laminar flow conditions. The monomer droplets are delivered from the tube (11) to the top of a polymerizing column (12) of variable cross-section wherein they undergo suspension polymerization in a laminar liquid stream descending through the column. Further polymerization in a separate reactor (30a, 30b) provides the desired polymer beads.

Abstract: A solidified radioactive waste manufacturing apparatus comprises a first system for producing radioactive waste powder from liquid radioactive waste and a second system connected to the first system for mixing the radioactive waste powder with a thermosetting resin and additives. The first system includes a liquid radioactive waste storage tank, a dryer for drying the liquid waste into powder, and a metering device for supplying a predetermined amount of the radioactive waste powder to the second system and the second system includes a mixer connected to the metering device for mixing the waste powder with the thermosetting resin and additives, a thermosetting resin storage tank, additive storage tanks, a cooler for cooling the mixer, and a container for receiving sludged mixture from the mixer. The additive storage tanks contain a polymerization initiator, a polymerization promotor, and a polymerization retarder, respectively.

Abstract: Integral apparatus is disclosed for fluidized bed reaction systems wherein one or more of the following system component elements are positioned in a unitary reactor body: cooler means, compressor means and fluid recycle conduit means. Such cooler means also serve as gas distributor means acting to support the fluidized bed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous mass polymerization of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers.

Abstract: A reaction vessel including a generally cylindrical center part and two plates or discs which are secured to and close the ends of the center part. The reactant is fed into the interior of the vessel where the polymerization or other chemical reaction takes place. A heat transfer or heat exchanger system is formed by a smooth liner that is mounted coaxially with and within the interior of the center part. The liner is spaced from the center part and it is secured to the center part by a plurality of support portions. The support portions serve both to brace the liner so that it can withstand the pressure of the reactant, and as partitions which form flow paths for a coolant, between the liner and the center part.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous mass polymerization of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers. The process comprises the steps of continuously introducing a feed comprising a predetermined ratio of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers into a reaction vessel to produce a reaction mixture; subjecting the reaction mixture to conditions of temperature and pressure under which said monomers copolymerize to produce a styrenic/alkenylnitrile copolymer; subjecting the reaction mixture to sufficient agitation; continuously withdrawing styrenic/alkenylnitrile copolymer from the reaction vessel; and devolatilizing the styrenic/alkenylnitrile withdrawn from the reaction vessel by a two-stage procedure including first adjusting the ratio of styrenic to alkenylnitrile monomer therein followed by heating to volatilize the volatile components and then separation of volatile components.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous mass polymerization of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers. The process comprises the steps of continuously introducing a feed comprising a predetermined ratio of styrenic and alkenylnitrile monomers into a reaction vessel to produce a reaction mixture; subjecting the reaction mixture to conditions of temperature and pressure under which said monomers copolymerize to produce a styrenic/alkenylnitrile copolymer; subjecting the reaction mixture to agitation; continuously withdrawing styrenic/alkenylnitrile copolymer from the reaction vessel; and by withdrawing vapor phase from the reaction vessel in a controlled amount by varying the amount of cooled surface available for condensing the vapors, condensing the vapors by contact with the cooled surface and returning the condensate to the reaction vessel. The process and apparatus also include a novel means for devolatilizing the product copolymer.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing star-block copolymer of a monovinyl aromatic monomer and a conjugated diene by continuously forming a vinyl aromatic polymer having a low weight average molecular weight to number average molecular weight ratio in a first reactor by anionic initiation in a solution of inert solvent; discharging a solution of polymer from the first reactor and passing the solution to a second sealed, cylindrical, pressurized, vertical reactor having a bottom zone, top zone and a plurality of intermediate zones separated by separation plates, each having a central aperture and mixing shaft passing therethrough, with the mixture passing to successive zones through an annular space formed between the shaft and each separation plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for polymerizing in an aqueous phase using heterogeneous catalysis and to a spherical reactor for carrying out said process. At least one monomer which is gaseous under the reaction conditions is just in contact with a solid catalyst in an agitated polymerization zone. The polymerization zone is defined by a spherical wall and the agitation is effected by means of a turbine unit having blades driven in rotation. The blades extend alongside the wall on 10 to 60% of its surface. The particles of the catalyst and the growing polymer powder are driven by centrifugal force onto at least a part of the spherical wall and fall back into the central part of the spherical zone, thereby ensuring a thorough and uniform mixing without any dead zone. The invention is useful for prepolymerizing or polymerizing olefins.

Abstract: A batch suspension of vinyl chloride is processed in a reaction zone with external cooling zone wherein the volume ratio of total monomer charge to water is more than 0.8 and dispersing agent is 0.03 to 0.1% based on monomers. Circulation of reaction mixture to cooling zone is initiated after conversion of monomer is at least 20%.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the continuous polymerization of monovinyl aromatic monomers, such as styrene, to produce a substantially monodisperse polymer, wherein a solution of monomer in an inert solvent and a hydrocarbyllithium initiator are fed to the bottom zone of a sealed, cylindrical, pressurized, vertical reactor having a plurality of zones, with separation plates separating the reactor into a bottom, a plurality of intermediate, and top zones, the separation plates each having a central aperture, and a mixing means for each zone has a shaft extending through the apertures to provide an annular space for flow of fluid through the zones, the annular space between each separation plate and the shaft of the mixing means being of a size to provide a pressure differential between adjacent zones of less than about one pound per square inch, a substantially monodisperse polymer in solution discharged from the top zone of the reactor.

Abstract: A horizontal agitation bed type vapor phase polymerization apparatus for olefins provided on its lower curved surface with plural cells each having an opening facing on the polymerization reaction system and further having small holes formed in its side wall portion for feeding a starting olefin gas.

Abstract: In a reactor for continuous polymerization in which an olefinic monomer is polymerized by contacting the olefinic monomer under suitable reaction conditions with an initiator, the formation of residue in the reactor is reduced by introducing the olefinic monomer and initiator into opposite sides of a turbulent zone produced by an agitator in the reactor. This improves mixing of the olefinic monomer and the initiator and prevents the initiator from contacting high concentrations of the olefinic monomer which results in reduced residue formation in the reactor.

Abstract: A heat exchange assembly is provided which employs concentric flat plate heaters, the heat exchange assembly having a common fixed tube sheet and floating tube sheet; the floating tube sheet comprising two concentric portions having frustoconical interface thereby, the frustoconical interface when projected has its apex in a plane containing the adjacent face of the fixed tube sheet in the axis of generation of the flat plate heater. Thermal stress on the floating tube sheet is thereby relieved. The heat exchanger is useful as a reactor particularly where the temperature profile of the material flowing therethrough is controlled or varied.

Abstract: A heat exchange assembly is provided which employs concentric flat plate heaters. The heat exchanger is useful as a reactor particularly where the temperature profile of the material flowing therethrough is controlled or varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing biological liquids comprises a measuring block including measuring means for measuring characteristics of said liquids. The measuring block is mounted within a thermal shield or housing by means of a base member interconnecting a minor part of the inner wall of the housing and the measuring block so as to define a space between the inner walls of the housing and the measuring block, said space being filled with air or another medium having a poor thermal conductivity.The thermal shield or housing and the base member are made of a material with good thermal conductivity, and heating and/or cooling means are arranged in heat conductive contact with the said shield. The function of the heating and/or cooling means is controlled by a temperature sensor arranged in heat conductive contact with the measuring block, so as to maintain the temperature of said block at a substantially constant predetermined value.

Abstract: In polymerizing an olefin, for example, in a polymerization reactor with a reflux condenser, a gas mixture withdrawn from the polymerization reactor is first washed before it reaches the heat transfer surface of the reflux condenser to remove active catalyst particles and polymer particles entrained therein and then condensed to obtain a condensed liquid, and the condensed liquid is returned to the polymerization reactor whereby the heat generated in the polymerization reactor is efficiently removed without causing any clogging of pipes, etc.

Abstract: A continuous throughput endless loop reactor for polymerizing monomers formed by a material conveying conduit connected in an endless loop having spaced apart raw material inlet means and polymer output means in which the output volume can be controlled by a pressure sensitive element and in which a coolant line passes internally through the conduit preferably becoming near the output means. Reaction speed as well as thermal control is augmented by helical vanes of alternately pitch sections joining the coolant line and the interior walls of the conduit.

Abstract: This relates to the increasing of the intrinsic viscosity of resins, particularly PET, by effecting a solid state polymerization of the resin. More particularly, the solid stating is effected in conjunction with an injection or extrusion unit wherein after having the IV of the resin increased, the heated resin may be fed dry into an injection unit thereby utilizing the heat of the heated resin to reduce heating cost. The solid state polymerization is effected by heating the resin in the presence of either a vacuum or an inert gas such as nitrogen.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously producing water-soluble hydroxyalkyl cellulose and related ethers comprising, in combination, the following elements connected in series: a stirred kettle for alkalizing cellulose at atmospheric pressure, at least one stirred autoclave for partially etherifying the alkalized cellulose, individual homogenizing pumps at the outlet of the stirred kettle and at the outlet of each stirred autoclave, individual bypass lines leading from the bottom of the stirred kettle to the upper end thereof and from the bottom of each stirred autoclave to the upper end of the same autoclave for circulating slurry from each vessel in a loop, a tubular reactor comprising a plurality of serially-connected, horizontal tubes for completing the etherification of the cellulose slurry, the first tube of the tubular reactor being provided with a non-conveying, homogenizing agitator, and each subsequent tube being provided with a conveying agitator such as an impeller, means such as a jacket for each section of

Abstract: High molecular weight polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is obtained by solid state polycondensation of low molecular weight polymer granulate or chips. The present invention relates to a moving bed reactor wherein the crystallized, low molecular weight polymer granulate or chips move by gravity flow from the top to the bottom of a cylindrical, vertical reactor. By means of an automatic sampling system, samples of the polymer chips are taken from different points in the moving bed and analyzed to continuously establish the intrinsic viscosity, i.e. molecular weight, of the chips. A countercurrent flow of cold and/or heated gas and the chip residence time are then adjusted in response to the viscosity profile in the reactor in order to control and achieve a desired chip quality.

Abstract: A recirculating coil polymerizer is provided which uses evaporative cooling to maintain polymer temperature.

Abstract: A bulk polymerization reactor takes the form of a vertical, cylindrical vat of a jacket construction defining a reaction chamber which a rotary drive shaft having an off-center longitudinal section with perforated discs and shearing blades extends vertically through. Successful preclusion of abnormal stagnation of the liquid phase in the reaction chamber during polymerization avoids undesirable coloring in the product while assuring stable polymerization and high yield.

Abstract: Pressure vessels are disclosed for containing a foamable mixture of liquid and a blowing agent for incrementally or continuously dispensing a foam of constant foam-volume ratio. Liquid compositions having coating or polymeric solids are capable of being foamed and dispensed with the apparatus. The method and apparatus are especially advantageous in dispensing foamed coatings, paints or adhesives with superior control.

Abstract: A polymerization autoclave for the suspension polymerization of vinyl compounds in the aqueous phase having a volume of from 50 to 200 m.sup.3, an impeller agitator driven from below at the bottom of the autoclave and two cylindrical displacement bodies acting as flow interrupters, secured downwardly from the autoclave dome, where the autoclave has a height-to-diameter ratio of from 2.4 to 3 with a critically dimensioned agitator and critically dimensioned flow interrupter fittings. By the use of this invention in the case large-scale autoclaves, the heat of polymerization can be removed merely by wall-cooling. The autoclave according to the invention are very economical, as shown by, for example, a spatial capacity of 0.3 to 0.4 metric tons of polyvinyl chloride per m.sup.3 autoclave volume.

Abstract: In a method of recovering energy in the manufacture of high-pressure polyethylene from ethylene gas, the ethylene gas is compressed and partially converted into polyethylene in a reactor by polymerization. For the purpose of energy recovery, the polymer-gas mixture being discharged from the reactor is accelerated and decompressed in a nozzle system of an energy exchange unit, mixed and compressed with an almost polymer-free working stream. The polymer-free gas is then separated in a separation. The working stream flows through a decompression turbine, and is subsequently conveyed together with the polymer-gas mixture from the reactor into the nozzle system of the energy exchange unit and is continuously re-compressed in the energy exchange unit by the gas stream from the decompression turbine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solid state polymerization apparatus comprising a vertically oriented tube through which particulate resin flows downwardly in a plug flow fashion to the cone-shaped bottom portion of the reactor. The apparatus contains as an improvement a resin distribution means in the top portion thereof to distribute added resin in an orderly fashion to maintain a uniform level of polymer and also a double cone perforated gas distribution means in the bottom thereof to prevent backmixing and assure that a uniform plug flow condition is maintained as the polymer descends down the apparatus to a discharge valve at the bottom thereof.

Abstract: Styrene-containing polymers are produced by one- or multi-stage prepolymerization and subsequent continuous, one- or multi-stage main polymerization with final working up. In the main polymerization stage(s) the mixture is subjected simultaneously to a heat exchange and a static mixing procedure.

Abstract: In a plasma chemical reaction carried out with at least one gas, the plasma constants in the progress of reaction such as electron temperature, electron density and electron energy distribution function can be measured by use of a probe heated to a high temperature which is made of a metal having a small thermionic electron emission at a high temperature. The plasma chemical reaction can be performed in the steady state with satisfactory reproduction of composition, structure, yield and performance of the product by controlling the pressure, input power and gas flow rate in the plasma reactor so that the measured plasma constants always coincide with the predetermined plasma constants necessary for effecting the intended chemical reaction which have been obtained through a preliminary experiment.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of high molecular weight linear polyesters which are derived from dicarboxylic acids or their ester-forming derivatives and from diols, by condensing polyester precondensates, having a relative viscosity of at least 1.05, at from 270.degree. to 340.degree. C. under reduced pressure, the condensation being started at from 290.degree. to 340.degree. C. and the temperature being lowered as the condensation progresses, the final temperature being at least 10.degree. C. above the melting point of the particular polyester produced, and an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Ethylene is polymerized in a dual reactor system in which two reactors are connected in series with a heat exchanger, or intercooler, disposed therebetween. The reaction stream from the first reactor at elevated pressure and temperature is passed through the heat exchanger to effect cooling of the stream. Following passage through the heat exchanger, the pressure of the cooled reaction stream is reduced through a pressure let-down valve and the stream is thereafter introduced into the second reactor wherein further polymerization takes place. The reactors can both be of the autoclave type although one of the reactors can be of the tubular variety.

Abstract: A composite injector is provided for handling the introduction to a thick-walled, high pressure polymerization autoclave of both monomer and catalyst streams. Said injector comprises an inner, separately enclosed, high pressure catalyst conduit of relatively small cross-section terminating in a fine orifice at its downstream end which substantially coincides with the inner wall boundary of said autoclave, and, surrounding the upstream portion of said catalyst conduit at least, a pressure-tight outer housing of much larger inner cross-section having an upstream monomer supply connection and a downstream fitting for sealing engagement with a matched opening through said thick-walled autoclave. By introducing the catalyst and the monomer through their respective separate passageways of this composite injector, the resultant catalyst stream is released into the monomer stream just as said streams are both emerging into the open space beyond the inner wall boundary of said autoclave.

Abstract: For photopolymerization, glass cylinders through which a mechanically stirred stream of ethylinically unsaturated monomeric material continually flows are irradiated from the exterior with light which initiates polymerization.

Abstract: A turbine mixer for a polyethylene reactor of the stirred autoclave type in which a turbine rotor is mounted on a rotating stirrer shaft extending along the longitudinal axis of the reactor and a turbine stator is mounted adjacent to and upstream of the rotor. The turbine mixer is positioned in the final stage of a three-stage, stirred autoclave reactor, and a baffle plate is positioned so as to extend across the reactor at the inlet to the final zone. The mixer produces intense stirring of the reactor materials within the final stage, but does not cause significant backmixing into the reactor zone immediately upstream thereof. The turbine mixer may also be utilized in other zones of the reactor wherein intense axial mixing of the reactor materials is required, in which case the baffle plate would be omitted so as to produce intensive axial mixing of the reactor materials within that zone.

Abstract: A volatile cross-linking agent such as liquid peroxide is introduced, at ambient temperature and under atmospheric pressure directly into the input of an extruder at the same pressure as a polyolefin compound to be cross-linked. The resulting compounds are put under pressure within the extruder as the temperature increases so that the mixture reaches its definitive shape at the extruder output and may be fed directly into a hot cross-linking enclosure which is maintained under pressure. The peroxide is thus incorporated in a single operation permitting complete control of the ingredients mixed and allowing perfect homogenization of the mixture while defusion and consequent loss of the highly volatile peroxide are avoided. The system for introducing the highly volatile cross-linking agent includes a peroxide storage tank, a filling pump, a feed vessel, an incremental feed pump with a pressure meter, a flow meter and numerous safety features.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a reactor of the tubular type, with a high heat exchange, for the catalytic production under high pressure of alpha-olefine polymers and copolymers, in particular polymers and copolymers of ethylene.

Abstract: Monomeric matter is removed from an aqueous dispersion of a polymer containing at least 50 weight % of polymerized vinyl chloride. To this end, the dispersion is introduced into the upper portion of a column provided with sieve plates and contacted therein for 10 seconds up to 20 minutes, under 600 up to 1200 mm Hg, with hot steam at 100.degree. up to 150.degree. C. flowing countercurrently with respect to the dispersion. The polymer dispersion so treated is removed from the column base portion; and a vaporous matter mixture issuing at the head of the column is condensed stagewise so as to recover an aqueous phase and the monomeric matter.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing, reacting and/or evaporating components in a multi-phase flow tube, comprising a helically wound tube having an inlet pipe in the closed tube periphery and a separation vessel at the end of the tube. The coiled tube is surrounded by a tempering jacket divided into sections.

Abstract: A method for producing a hydrocarbon material having a reduced nitrogen content involves contacting a nitrogen-containing hydrocarbon feedstock, e.g., crude shale oil, shale oil derived gas oil, mixtures thereof and the like, in at least one reaction zone with a catalyst to polymerize at least a portion of the contained nitrogen compounds, e.g., refractory high boiling nitrogen-containing compounds, and, thereafter, separating, e.g., flashing, the resulting reactor effluent to produce a hydrocarbon material having a reduced nitrogen content relative to the feedstock and effluent. This hydrocarbon material may be advantageously used in hydrocarbon hydrotreating.

Abstract: Object of the invention is a process for polymerizing chloroprene in aqueous emulsion in a certain apparatus which prevents formation of deposits and so-called "popcorn" polymers.