Patent · US Expired

Improved process for preparing poly(ethylene terephthalate)

US4110316A · kind A · utility

80Cited by
3References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 14, 1977
Grant dateAug 29, 1978
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 14, 1997

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC08G63/78
  • WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A continuous process is disclosed for direct esterification of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol, followed by low-pressure polymerization in a continuous polymerizer and in a finisher polymerizer to produce polyester suitable for melt-spinning into yarn for textile uses. Vapors from the polymerizers are condensed in spray condensers to recover glycol liquid, which is recycled to the direct esterification reaction. Efficient operation of the spray condensers at absolute pressures of less than 60 millimeters of mercury is achieved by addition of substantially dry ethylene glycol to lower the water content of condensate used in the sprays.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.