Method and apparatus for making crystalline pet pellets
US9492948B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Grant date | Nov 15, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S425/23
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for underwater pelletizing and subsequent drying of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers and other high temperature crystallizing polymeric materials to crystallize the polymer pellets without subsequent heating. High velocity air or other inert gas is injected into the water and pellet slurry line to the dryer near the pelletizer exit. Air is injected into the slurry line at a velocity of at least about 200 m3/hour. Such high-speed air movement forms a vapor mist with the water and significantly increases the speed of the pellets into and out of the dryer such that the PET polymer pellets leave the dryer at a temperature sufficient to self-initiate crystallization within the pellets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.