Polymer stream transfer

US7943727B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• INEOS MANUFACTURING BELGIUM NV · BE

Inventors

• Daniel Marissal · Braine-le-Comte, BE
• Brent R. Walworth · Sint-Niklaas, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 4, 2007
• Grant date: May 17, 2011
• Expiry date: Oct 13, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01J2219/00252
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Process for heating a polymer-containing stream being transferred from a polymerization reactor to a degassing vessel operating at a pressure between 6 bara and 12 bara. The process includes passing the stream through a heater comprising a transfer line for the stream and a device for heating the transfer line. The ratio of the stream velocity at the outlet of the heater to that at the inlet, Vo/Vi, is at least 1.1, typically between 1.2 and 4, and the total specific heat transfer area of the transfer line is at least 0.5 m2 per tonne/h of production of polymer. The pressure drop across the length of the heater is less than 0.5 bar per tonne/h of polymer, such that at least 90 mol % of the hydrocarbon fluids withdrawn from the polymerization reactor operation are vaporized before entry into the degassing vessel.