Olefin polymerization process with continuous transfer

US9840567B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TOTAL RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY FELUY · BE

Inventors

• Louis Fouarge · Dilbeek, BE
• Annelies Horre · Temse, BE
• Geert Nauwelaerts · Zoersel, BE
• Marc Richet · Couvin, BE
• Pascal Wilderiane · Biercée, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 21, 2014
• Grant date: Dec 12, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 19, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08F2/14
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A process for the preparation of a polyolefin is disclosed. The process includes introducing one or more olefin reactants, diluents and polymerization catalyst into a first loop reactor, and while circulating the olefin reactants, diluents and polymerization catalyst in the first loop reactor. The method includes polymerizing the one or more olefin reactants to produce a polyolefin slurry comprising liquid diluent and solid olefin polymer particles. The method includes withdrawing polyolefin slurry comprising solid olefin polymer particles and diluent from the first reactor and introducing the withdrawn particles into a second loop reactor, by means of one or more settling legs provided on the first reactor, wherein each settling leg has an inlet connected to the first reactor and an outlet connected to the second reactor by means of a transfer line wherein at least one settling leg is continuously open allowing continuous transfer of solid olefin polymer particles from the first loop reactor to the second loop reactor. The process further comprises controlling the continuous transfer of solid olefin polymer particles from the first loop reactor to the second loop reactor by at lea…