High surface intermeshing profile reactor

US5814282A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Hans Lohe · Wilthen, DE
• Hartmut Hey · Nierstein, DE
• Gordon Shaw · Charlotte, US
• W. Jeffrey Stikeleather · Charlotte, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 15, 1997
• Grant date: Sep 29, 1998
• Expiry date: Jan 15, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01J2219/182
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A polycondensation reactor for polyesters, polyamides or polyarylates, for example, in which a low viscosity material is introduced into the reactor and a relative high viscosity polymer exits the reactor. The reactor has at least two longitudinally intersecting cylindrical interior chambers, each with a rotating shaft through its length. Each shaft has a plurality of stirrers and spacers designed to wipe all interior surfaces of the reactor. The stirrers can be shaped as a cycloid or involute profile, for example. Generally the stirrers on each shaft are indexed from one another preferably by 90.degree. and intermesh with stirrers on the adjacent shaft. Stirring the low viscosity material by rotating the stirrers (on the shafts) spreads the material into a plurality of thin films. At the temperature and vacuum conditions of the reactor, a volatile component is removed, thus causing the material to polymerize, by condensation, forming a relatively high viscosity polymer.