Method for recovering polyethylene terephthalate by using separated raw material

Abstract

A process for producing a first intermediate product comprising the steps of: a. Providing a feedstock comprising a first polyester; b. Separating the feedstock into at least a first feedstock quantity and a further feedstock quantity, wherein the first feedstock quantity and the further feedstock quantity comprise a first polyester; c. Conveying i. The first raw material quantity to the first reaction line and ii. The other raw material quantity to the other reaction line; wherein the reaction line comprises the following steps: I. contacting a first polyester with an additional amount of a first organic compound, preferably in a volume segment V2; iI. Reducing the weight average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V2; iII. Contacting the first polyester with a further organic compound, preferably in volume segment V3, to obtain a further initial mixture; iIII. Reducing the weight average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V3, to obtain a first intermediate mixture comprising: i. The first intermediate product, ii. A further organic compound; wherein at least one process parameter varies between the first reaction line and the further reaction line by at least 10%, more preferably by at least 25%, even more preferably by at least 50%, further preferably by at least 100%, even further preferably by at least 150%.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a first intermediate product from a first polyester, for example, a method for producing a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) oligomer from a PET flake. The present invention also relates to a first intermediate product obtained by the above method. The present invention also relates to a method for producing another intermediate product using the first intermediate product, for example, using a PET oligomer to produce a PET polymer. The present invention also relates to another intermediate product. The present invention also relates to a product comprising another intermediate product, for example, a PET yarn.

[0002] background

[0003] Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used and economically important thermoplastic polymers. PET is used, for example, in clothing fibers, food and beverage containers (such as bottles) and films.

[0004] Due to the widespread use of PET and its non-biodegradability, products containing PET have caused serious ecological problems. Therefore, methods for recycling PET are very important for reducing the amount of PET waste. One recycling method is to reduce PET to chemical components used to produce PET, and then polymerize the chemical components to obtain recycled PET. This is called chemical recycling. The disadvantages of the chemical recycling process include that the recycling process is usually very energy-saving, not environmentally friendly, and has low yields. In particular, if PET is depolymerized into monomers, a long depolymerization time is required and a large amount of degradation products that cannot be removed from the recycled PET are produced. It is also usually necessary to mix the chemically recycled PET with the original PET to obtain a recycled PET product of sufficiently high quality.

[0005] For example, chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate is described in Bartolome et al. (2012), Recent Developments in the Chemical Recycling of PET, Material Recycling–Trends and Perspectives. EP3778744A1 discloses a method for recycling PET, comprising mixing virgin PET liquid material with recycled PET (virgin PET liquid material is defined as the chemical components required to produce virgin PET, i.e. PET obtained without using a recycling method). CN109134244 A discloses a method for recycling PET, which uses ethylene glycol and methanol to depolymerize PET. CN108395373 A discloses a method for recycling PET, which uses ethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

[0006] Purpose

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages encountered in the prior art.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, which method reduces the degradation of a first polyester used to prepare the first intermediate product.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, which method reduces degradation of the first intermediate product.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, which method reduces the molecular weight variation of the first intermediate product.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the method can remove more impurities during the production of the first intermediate product. The impurity source includes a raw material (amount) (for the method for producing the first intermediate product), which contains impurities such as sand and polyvinyl chloride.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the method can remove more alkali during the production of the first intermediate product. The presence of alkali may be due to, for example, the raw material (amount) (for the method for producing the first intermediate product) having been washed with alkali.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the method can more effectively remove a binder adhering to a raw material (amount) (method for producing a first intermediate product).

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the transport rate of the raw material (amount) through the production plant is increased. Here, the raw material (amount) refers to the raw material (amount) of the method for producing the first intermediate product, and the production plant refers to the plant producing the first intermediate product.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the method reduces the occurrence of blockages, for example, in a production plant for producing the first intermediate product.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product which requires less energy.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the method has an increased yield.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the method has a reduced carbon footprint.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a first intermediate product, wherein the first intermediate product has an improved purity.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a first intermediate product that can be used in a process for producing another intermediate product.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing another intermediate product, wherein the method requires less energy.

[0022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a process for producing another intermediate product, wherein the process has a reduced carbon footprint.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing another intermediate product, wherein the method has an increased yield.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing another intermediate product, wherein the process has a reduced polymerization time.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing another intermediate product, wherein the another intermediate product has improved color quality.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a further intermediate product, wherein the further intermediate product has an improved purity.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing another intermediate product, wherein the another intermediate product is obtained by using an increased amount of a first intermediate product. For example, the another intermediate product is a PET polymer obtained by polymerizing PET oligomers and PET monomers (first intermediate product), wherein the PET oligomers and PET monomers are obtained by depolymerization of PET products; and further, the PET polymer is obtained by adding less than 1% of original PET oligomers and esters that can be used to produce PET.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide another intermediate product having improved color quality.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is to provide another intermediate product with improved purity.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the present invention

[0031] Any embodiment of the present invention helps to at least partially achieve at least one of the above objectives.

[0032] The first embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a first intermediate product, comprising the following steps:

[0033] a. providing a raw material comprising a first polyester;

[0034] b. separating the feedstock into at least a first feedstock amount and another feedstock amount, wherein the first feedstock amount and the another feedstock amount comprise the first polyester;

[0035] c.Transportation

[0036] i. The first raw material is delivered to the first reaction line,

[0037] ii. another amount of raw material to another reaction line;

[0038] The reaction line includes the following steps:

[0039] I. contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of a first organic compound, preferably in volume segment V2;

[0040] II. Reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in volume segment V2.

[0041] III. contacting the first polyester with another organic compound, preferably in volume segment V3, to obtain another initial mixture;

[0042] IIII. Reducing the weight average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in volume segment V3, to obtain a first intermediate mixture, wherein the first intermediate mixture comprises:

[0043] i. The first intermediate product,

[0044] ii. another organic compound;

[0045] in,

[0046] At least one process parameter varies between the first reaction line and the further reaction line by at least 10%, more preferably by at least 25%, even more preferably by at least 50%, further preferably by at least 100%, even further preferably by at least 150%.

[0047] In one aspect of the first embodiment, preferably, the method further comprises the following steps: combining the first intermediate mixture obtained from the first reaction line with the first intermediate mixture obtained from another reaction line to obtain a combined first intermediate mixture. Therefore, the combined first intermediate mixture should contain the first intermediate product obtained from the first reaction line and another organic compound formed as part of the first intermediate mixture, as well as the first intermediate product obtained from another reaction line and another organic compound formed as part of the first intermediate mixture. In this regard, the combined first intermediate mixture should preferably be understood as a single volume of the first intermediate mixture obtained by combination.

[0048] Examples of preferred combinations include: before the volume segment V4, within the volume segment V4, before the filter device, and in the filter device. In one aspect of the first embodiment, preferably, the change in at least one process parameter is less than 500%, more preferably less than 400%, and further preferably less than 300%. In one aspect of the first embodiment, preferably, the first polyester is transported through the volume segment V2 in the first reaction line, the other reaction line, or both in a direction at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity, more preferably completely opposite to the direction of gravity. In one aspect of the first embodiment, the volume segment V2 in the first reaction line, the other reaction line, or both is at least partially arranged vertically, more preferably vertically. The at least partially vertical arrangement should preferably be understood to mean that the longest dimension (e.g., length) of the volume segment V2 is not parallel to the ground. For example, if the volume segment V2 is arranged vertically, the length of the volume segment V2 is perpendicular to the ground.

[0049] The second embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing a first intermediate product, comprising the following steps:

[0050] a. providing a raw material comprising a first polyester;

[0051] b. separating the feedstock into at least a first feedstock amount and another feedstock amount, wherein the first feedstock amount and the another feedstock amount comprise the first polyester;

[0052] c.Transportation

[0053] i. the first raw material is delivered to the first reaction line,

[0054] ii. the other raw material amount to another reaction line;

[0055] The reaction line includes the following steps:

[0056] I. contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of a first organic compound, preferably in volume segment V2;

[0057] II. Reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in volume section V2.

[0058] d. combining the first polyester in the first reaction line and the first polyester in the other reaction line to obtain a combined first polyester;

[0059] e. contacting the combined first polyester with another organic compound, preferably in volume segment V3, to obtain another initial mixture;

[0060] f. reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V3, to obtain a first intermediate mixture, wherein the first intermediate mixture comprises:

[0061] i. The first intermediate product,

[0062] ii. said another organic compound;

[0063] in

[0064] At least one process parameter varies between the first reaction line and the further reaction line by at least 10%, more preferably by at least 25%, even more preferably by at least 50%, further preferably by at least 100%, even further preferably by at least 150%.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the combined first polyester should be understood as a single amount of the first polyester obtained by combining in step d. In one aspect of the second embodiment, preferably, the variation of at least one process parameter is less than 500%, more preferably less than 400%, and further preferably less than 300%. In one aspect of the second embodiment, preferably, the transport direction of the first polyester through the volume segment V2 in the first reaction line, the other reaction line, or both is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity, more preferably completely opposite to the direction of gravity. In one aspect of the second embodiment, preferably, the volume segment V2 in the first reaction line, the other reaction line, or both is at least partially arranged vertically, more preferably arranged vertically. At least partially arranged vertically should preferably be understood to mean that the longest dimension (e.g., length) of the volume segment V2 is not parallel to the ground. For example, if the volume segment V2 is arranged vertically, the length of the volume segment V2 is perpendicular to the ground.

[0066] Unless otherwise stated, any preferred embodiment of the "method for producing a first intermediate product" given below should be understood to cover the preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product according to the second embodiment of the present invention. In other words, the preferred embodiments below are preferred embodiments of the first and second embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] In the following description and preferred embodiments, unless otherwise stated, "raw material (amount)" should be understood to cover raw material, first raw material amount and another raw material amount. Therefore, the preferred embodiment or preferred aspect of "raw material (amount)" is the preferred embodiment or preferred aspect of raw material, first raw material amount and another raw material amount.

[0068] In the following description and preferred embodiments, unless otherwise specified, "raw material (amount)" should be understood to include the first raw material amount and another raw material amount. Therefore, the preferred embodiment or preferred aspect of "raw material (amount)" is the preferred embodiment or preferred aspect of the first raw material amount and another raw material amount.

[0069] In the following description and preferred embodiments, unless otherwise specified, "the (combined) first intermediate mixture" should be understood to cover the following: a.) the first intermediate mixture from the first reaction line, b.) the first intermediate mixture from another reaction line when the method for producing the first intermediate product is performed according to the first embodiment. c.) a combination of the first intermediate mixtures obtained from the first reaction line and another reaction line when the method for producing the first intermediate product is performed according to the first embodiment, and d.) the first intermediate mixture obtained when the method for producing the first intermediate product is performed according to the second embodiment. Therefore, the preferred embodiments or preferred aspects of the (combined) first intermediate mixture are the preferred embodiments or preferred aspects of all options a.) to d.) of the first intermediate mixture.

[0070] In the following description and preferred embodiments, unless otherwise specified, the term "first intermediate product" should be understood to include the following: a.) the first intermediate product constitutes a part of the first intermediate mixture obtained from the first reaction line of the first embodiment; b.) the first intermediate product constitutes a part of the first intermediate mixture obtained from another reaction line of the first embodiment; c.) the first intermediate product constitutes a part of the first intermediate mixture obtained after being combined in a preferred aspect of the first embodiment; d.) the first intermediate mixture obtained from the second embodiment. Therefore, the preferred embodiment or preferred aspect of the "first intermediate product" refers to the preferred embodiments or preferred aspects of all options a.) to d.) of the first intermediate product.

[0071] In the following description and preferred embodiments, unless otherwise specified, "the (combined) first polyester" should be understood to include the first polyester and the combined first polyester formed by combining the first polyester in the first reaction line with the first polyester in another reaction line in the second embodiment. Therefore, the preferred embodiments or preferred aspects of the "combined) first polyester" are the preferred embodiments or preferred aspects of the first polyester and the combined first polyester.

[0072] In the following description and preferred embodiments, unless otherwise specified, for a “volume segment” (for example, volume segment V1, volume segment V2, volume segment V3), the preferred aspects to which it belongs should be understood as a volume segment that is part of the first reaction line, a volume segment that is part of another reaction line, a volume segment that is part of the reaction line of the first reaction line and of another similar volume segment, and a volume segment that does not belong to the first reaction line or another reaction line.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the density of the first polyester in the raw material is 1.25 g / cm 3 Up to 1.55g / cm 3 In the range of 1.28 g / cm3 Up to 1.50g / cm 3 and further preferably within the range of 1.31 g / cm 3 Up to 1.47g / cm 3 This preferred embodiment is the third embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to second embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] In one aspect of the third embodiment, the first polyester is an example of a polyester having a density of 1.33 g / cm 3 Up to 1.39g / cm 3 Amorphous PET in the range of 1.455 g / cm 3 Single crystal PET.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first polyester is selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyester carbonate, polyarylate, polyester resin (preferably unsaturated polyester resin) and a combination of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to third embodiments of the present invention.

[0076] In one aspect of the fourth embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the raw material (amount) contains at least 65wt-%, more preferably at least 85wt-%, even more preferably at least 95wt-%, and further preferably at least 99wt-% of the first polyester based on the total mass of the raw material (amount). This preferred embodiment is the fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[0078] In one aspect of the fifth embodiment, the first polyester is preferably polyethylene terephthalate. In another aspect of the fifth embodiment, the feedstock (amount) preferably contains less than 1 wt-%, more preferably less than 0.1 wt-%, and further preferably less than 0.01 wt-% of polyamide, based on the total mass of the feedstock (amount).

[0079] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following applies:

[0080] a. The bulk density of the first raw material is 0.05g / cm 3 Up to 0.50g / cm 3 In the range of 0.10 g / cm 3 Up to 0.40g / cm3 In the range of 0.17 g / cm 3 Up to 0.36g / cm 3 within the scope of

[0081] b. The bulk density of the other raw material is 0.51g / cm 3 Up to 0.90g / cm 3 In the range of 0.55 g / cm 3 Up to 0.85g / cm 3 In the range of 0.61 g / cm 3 Up to 0.80g / cm 3 This preferred embodiment is the sixth embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention.

[0082] In one aspect of the sixth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations include: a; b; a+b.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the raw material further comprises at least one impurity. This preferred embodiment is the seventh embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the first to sixth embodiments of the present invention.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one impurity in the raw material (amount) is in the range of 10ppm wt to 10000ppm wt, more preferably in the range of 20ppm wt to 4000ppm wt, even more preferably in the range of 30ppm wt to 3000ppm wt, and further preferably in the range of 40ppm wt to 2500ppm wt, wherein the mass is based on the total mass of the raw material (amount). This preferred embodiment is the 8th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 7th embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] In one aspect of the eighth embodiment, the ppm value of at least one impurity is preferably measured after the raw material (amount) has been subjected to a washing step. In another aspect of the eighth embodiment, the ppm value given for at least one impurity is preferably measured when the first polyester is provided in the form of a plurality of chips.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first polyester in the raw material (amount) is in the form of a plurality of fragments. This preferred embodiment is the ninth embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the first to eighth embodiments of the present invention.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the form of the fragments is selected from flakes, wires, fibers, particles, fragments, sheets, films and combinations of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 10th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 9th embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] In one aspect of the tenth embodiment, a thin sheet is particularly preferred.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least 50 wt-%, more preferably at least 60 wt-%, even more preferably at least 70 wt-%, further preferably at least 80 wt-%, even further preferably at least 85 wt-% of the fragments have at least one or all of the following properties, based on the total mass of the plurality of fragments in the feedstock (amount):

[0090] a. The first dimension is in the range of 0.1 mm to 25.0 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.5 mm to 20.0 mm, even more preferably in the range of 1.0 mm to 15.0 mm, and further preferably in the range of 2.5 mm to 13 mm;

[0091] b. The thickness is in the range of 0.1 mm to 3.5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.2 mm to 3.0 mm, and further preferably in the range of 0.3 mm to 2.7 mm.

[0092] This preferred embodiment is the 11th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 9th to 10th embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] Examples of the first dimension in the 11th embodiment are width and length. In one aspect of the 11th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0094] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following applies:

[0095] a. In the first amount of the first polyester fragments, at least 60wt-%, more preferably at least 70wt-%, even more preferably at least 80wt-%, further preferably at least 90wt-% of the fragments have a thickness of less than 1.0 mm;

[0096] b. Among the chips of the first polyester in another raw material amount, at least 60 wt-%, more preferably at least 70 wt-%, even more preferably at least 80 wt-%, and further preferably at least 90 wt-% of the chips have a thickness greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

[0097] This preferred embodiment is the 12th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 9th to 11th embodiments of the present invention.

[0098] In one aspect of the twelfth embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations are, for example: a; b; a+b. Fragments with an average diameter less than 1.0 mm are defined as "first type fragments". Fragments with an average diameter greater than or equal to 1.0 mm are defined as "second type fragments". In one aspect of the twelfth embodiment, feature b., preferably, the weight percentage (wt-%) range is applicable to fragments with a thickness in the range of 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, more preferably, to fragments with a thickness in the range of 1.0 mm to 3.5 mm, and further preferably, to fragments with a thickness in the range of 1.0 mm to 2.7 mm. In one aspect of the twelfth embodiment, feature a. is preferably that among the fragments of the first polyester in the first raw material amount, no more than 99 wt-%, more preferably no more than 97 wt-%, and further preferably no more than 95 wt-% of the fragments have a thickness of less than 1.0 mm. In one aspect of the 12th embodiment, feature b. is preferably that no more than 99 wt-%, more preferably no more than 97 wt-%, and further preferably no more than 95 wt-% of the chips of the first polyester in the other raw material amount have a thickness greater than or equal to 1.0 mm. In one aspect of the 12th embodiment, feature a. is preferably that at least 83 wt-%, more preferably at least 85 wt-%, and further preferably at least 87 wt-% of the chips of the first polyester in the first raw material amount have a thickness less than 1.0 mm. In another aspect of the 12th embodiment, the requirement of feature b. is that at least 83 wt-%, more preferably at least 85 wt-%, and further preferably at least 87 wt-% of the chips of the first polyester in the other raw material amount have a thickness greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the raw materials are separated according to the physical properties of the fragments. This preferred embodiment is the 13th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 9th to 12th embodiments of the present invention.

[0100] In one aspect of the 13th embodiment, the feedstock is preferably separated based on at least one of the following properties of the fragments: mass, thickness, color, optical sorting based on light absorption, electrical properties, aerodynamic properties, width, length, geometry (e.g., curvature), or a combination of two or more thereof. In this regard, a more preferred physical property is the thickness of the fragments. The sorting is preferably performed prior to contacting the feedstock with the first amount of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 13th embodiment, the preferred physical property is not the density of the fragments.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the plurality of fragments are separated using at least one or all of the following:

[0102] a. sieve;

[0103] b. Gravity separator;

[0104] c. means suitable and arranged for sinking;

[0105] d. Centrifuge.

[0106] This preferred embodiment is the 14th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 13th embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] In one aspect of the 14th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to d. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; d; a+b; a+c; a+d; b+c; b+d; c+d; a+b+c; a+b+d; a+c+d; b+c+d; a+b+c+d. In one aspect of the 14th embodiment, it is preferred to use a device that does not utilize the density of the first polyester for the above separation. In one aspect of the 14th embodiment, a gravity separator is particularly preferred. In this aspect, a gravity separator that does not require a fluid for separation is more preferred. Suitable gravity separators can be obtained, for example, from Cimbria Heid GmbH (Austria).

[0108] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first organic compound has at least one or all of the following characteristics:

[0109] a. comprising at least two hydroxyl groups, for example a diol having 2 hydroxyl groups, a triol having 3 hydroxyl groups;

[0110] b. The molar mass is at least 60 g / mol;

[0111] c. A boiling point of at least 192°C, more preferably at least 195°C.

[0112] This preferred embodiment is the 15th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 14th embodiments of the present invention.

[0113] Examples of the first organic compound include (mono)ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol. In one aspect of the 15th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the 15th embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first organic compound is (mono)ethylene glycol, more preferably monoethylene glycol. In one aspect of the 15th embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first organic compound is not propylene glycol.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises the following steps: contacting the raw material (amount) with a first amount of a first organic compound, preferably in a volume segment V1, to obtain a first initial mixture, wherein the first amount of the first organic compound is in liquid form. This preferred embodiment is the 16th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 15th embodiments of the present invention.

[0115] In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, preferably, the first reaction line and / or the further reaction line comprises a volume segment V1. In this aspect, if the first reaction line and the further reaction line each comprise a volume segment V1, this should be understood to mean that two first initial mixtures are obtained: an initial mixture in the first reaction line and an initial mixture in the further reaction line. In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, preferably, before the first polyester in the feedstock (amount) is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound in the further amount, the feedstock (amount) is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, preferably, before the feedstock (amount) is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound, at least a portion of the first amount of the first organic compound is fed into the volume segment V1. In this aspect, preferably, the temperature of at least a portion of the first amount of the first organic compound fed into the volume segment V1 is in the range of 100° C. to 160° C., more preferably in the range of 115° C. to 145° C. In one aspect of the sixteenth embodiment, preferably, before the feedstock (amount) is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound, the first polyester is fed into the volume segment V1. In this aspect, it is preferred that the temperature of the first polyester introduced in the volume segment V1 is in the range of 0° C. to 60° C., more preferably in the range of 10° C. to 40° C. In one aspect of the 16th embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first amount of the first organic compound and the raw material (amount) are separately fed into the volume segment V1 before the raw material (amount) is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound. For example, the portion of the first amount of the first organic compound and the raw material (amount) are introduced into the volume segment V1 using different inlets.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply:

[0117] a. the mass ratio of the first raw material amount (more preferably the first polyester) to the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 of the first reaction line is in the range of 0.01 to 0.30, more preferably in the range of 0.03 to 0.20, and further preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.15;

[0118] b. The mass ratio of another raw material amount (more preferably the first polyester) to the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 in another reaction line is in the range of 0.10 to 0.80, more preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.50, and further preferably in the range of 0.20 to 0.40.

[0119] This preferred embodiment is the 17th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 16th embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] In one aspect of the 17th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example: a; b; a+b.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first raw material amount (more preferably the first polyester in the first raw material amount) to the first organic compound in the volume section V1 of the first reaction line to the mass ratio of the other raw material amount (more preferably the first polyester in the other raw material amount) to the first organic compound in the volume section V1 of the other reaction line is in the range of 0.15 to 0.50, more preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.40, and further preferably in the range of 0.30 to 0.35. This preferred embodiment is the 18th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 16th to 17th embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the temperature of the first initial mixture in the volume section V1 is preferably in the range of 50° C. to 90° C., more preferably in the range of 55° C. to 85° C., even more preferably in the range of 55° C. to 80° C., further preferably in the range of 60° C. to 80° C., and even further preferably in the range of 65° C. to 77° C. This preferred embodiment is the 19th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 18th embodiments of the present invention.

[0123] In one aspect of the 19th embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the temperature of the first initial mixture is lower than the glass transition temperature of the first polyester. In one aspect of the 19th embodiment, it is preferred that the temperature of the first polyester in volume segment V1 differs from the temperature of the first organic compound in volume segment V1 by less than 4%, more preferably less than 2%, and further preferably less than 1%.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester in volume segment V1 is in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 1.00 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.60 dL / g to 0.95 dL / g, even more preferably in the range of 0.70 dL / g to 0.90 dL / g, and further preferably in the range of 0.76 dL / g to 0.84 dL / g. This preferred embodiment is the 20th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 19th embodiments of the present invention.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply to the first polyester in volume section V1:

[0126] a. The intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester changes by less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%, even more preferably less than 7%, further preferably less than 5%, even further preferably less than 3%;

[0127] b. The weight average molar mass of the first polyester varies by less than 20%, more preferably less than 15%, even more preferably less than 10%, further preferably less than 7%, even further preferably less than 5%.

[0128] This preferred embodiment is the 21st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 20th embodiments of the present invention.

[0129] In one aspect of the 21st embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply:

[0131] a. before contacting with the first amount of the first organic compound, the weight average molar mass of the first polyester is in the range of 50 000Da to 73 000Da, more preferably in the range of 54 000Da to 68 000Da, and further preferably in the range of 57000Da to 65 000Da;

[0132] b. The weight average molar mass of the first polyester leaving volume segment V1 is in the range of 40 000 Da to 76 000 Da, more preferably in the range of 44 000 Da to 74 000 Da, even more preferably in the range of 48 000 Da to 72 000 Da, and further preferably in the range of 50 000 Da to 70 000 Da.

[0133] This preferred embodiment is the 22nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 21st embodiments of the present invention.

[0134] In one aspect of the 22nd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 22nd embodiment, the weight average molar mass of the first polyester leaving the volume segment V1 is preferably in the range of 51,000 Da to 55,000 Da.

[0135] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the raw material (amount) to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity at the outlet of the volume section V1 is equal to or greater than 15, more preferably equal to or greater than 20, even more preferably equal to or greater than 25, further preferably equal to or greater than 30, even further preferably equal to or greater than 35. This preferred embodiment is the 23rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 16th to 22nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0136] In one aspect of the 23rd embodiment, preferably, the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the raw material (amount) to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity at the outlet of volume segment V1 is equal to or less than 1000, more preferably equal to or less than 500, and even more preferably equal to or less than 250.

[0137] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the residence time of the first polyester in the volume section V1 is 5 minutes to 45 minutes, more preferably 8 minutes to 40 minutes, and further preferably 10 minutes to 30 minutes. This preferred embodiment is the 24th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 23rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the pressure in the volume section V1 is in the range of 75 kPa to 130 kPa, more preferably in the range of 90 kPa to 115 kPa, further preferably in the range of 95 kPa to 107 kPa, and even further preferably in the range of 98 kPa to 103 kPa. This preferred embodiment is the 25th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 24th embodiments of the present invention.

[0139] In one aspect of the 25th embodiment, the pressure in the preferred volume segment V1 is atmospheric pressure.

[0140] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of stirring the first initial mixture in the volume section V1. This preferred embodiment is the 26th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 25th embodiments of the present invention.

[0141] In one aspect of the 26th embodiment, the first initial mixture is preferably stirred using a mechanical device designed and arranged for stirring, a non-mechanical device designed and arranged for stirring, or a combination thereof. In this aspect, it is further preferred that the mechanical device, the non-mechanical device, or both are designed and arranged to suspend particles in a liquid, such as suspending multiple fragments of a raw material (amount) in a first organic compound. For example, the suspension of particles can be achieved by using a mechanical stirring device having a rotation speed per minute higher than a minimum value. In one aspect of the 26th embodiment, the first initial mixture is preferably stirred so that impurities can float on the surface of the first initial mixture. This can be achieved, for example, by using a stirring device having a rotation speed per minute lower than a maximum value.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of at least partially removing at least one impurity from the first initial mixture in the volume segment V1. This preferred embodiment is the 27th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 16th to 26th embodiments of the present invention.

[0143] In one aspect of the 27th embodiment, at least one impurity is preferably present in the feedstock. In one aspect of the 27th embodiment, at least one impurity is preferably at least partially removed using a floatable separation device. In another aspect of the 27th embodiment, at least one impurity is preferably at least partially removed using skimming, filtering, or a combination thereof.

[0144] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of transferring the first polyester preferably from volume section V1 to volume section V2. This preferred embodiment is the 28th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 27th embodiments of the present invention.

[0145] In one aspect of the 28th embodiment, the first polyester is preferably conveyed to the volume segment V2 after the feedstock (amount) has been contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound in the volume segment V1. In another aspect of the 28th embodiment, at least a portion of the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 is preferably conveyed to the volume segment V2 together with the first polyester. In another aspect of the 28th embodiment, at least a portion of the first organic compound in the volume segment V2 is preferably conveyed (e.g., flows) from the volume segment V2 to the volume segment V1. In one aspect of the 28th embodiment, the first polyester is preferably conveyed to the volume segment V2 before the first polyester is contacted with another organic compound. In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the volume segment V2 is at least partially filled with the first organic compound, wherein

[0146] i. the level of the first organic compound in volume segment V1 is at a height H1 from the floor, and

[0147] ii. the level of the first organic compound in the volume segment V2 is at a height H2 from the floor,

[0148] and

[0149] Among them H1 <H2。

[0150] This preferred embodiment is the 29th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 16th to 28th embodiments of the present invention.

[0151] In one aspect of the 29th embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first organic compound in volume segment V2 is transferred from volume segment V1. In another aspect of the 29th embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first organic compound in volume segment V2 is added through at least one inlet of volume segment V2, such as another type of inlet and yet another type of inlet. In this aspect, it is preferred that at least 50 wt-%, more preferably at least 60 wt-%, and further preferably at least 70 wt-% of the first organic compound in volume segment V2 is due to the addition of the first organic compound through at least one inlet of volume segment V2. The wt-% is based on the total mass of the first organic compound in volume segment V2. "Another amount of the first organic compound" is an example of a portion of the first organic compound added through at least one inlet. In one aspect of the 29th embodiment, it is preferred that the first polyester is transferred from volume segment V1 to volume segment V2 via a siphon.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the difference H2-H1 is at least 1 cm, more preferably at least 10 cm, further preferably at least 30 cm, and even further preferably at least 60 cm. This preferred embodiment is the 30th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 29th embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] In an aspect of the 30th embodiment, the difference H2-H1 is preferably less than 250 cm, more preferably less than 180 cm, even more preferably less than 160 cm, and further preferably less than 140 cm.

[0154] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, before entering the volume section V2, the first polyester is conveyed in a further direction, wherein the further direction is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity. This preferred embodiment is the 31st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 28th to 30th embodiments of the present invention.

[0155] In one aspect of the 31st embodiment, it is preferred that at least a portion of the first organic compound is transported in a direction opposite to the further direction. For example, the first polyester and a portion of the first organic compound are transported in opposite directions.

[0156] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the angle between the further direction and the horizontal plane is in the range of 12° to 45°, more preferably in the range of 17° to 40°, even more preferably in the range of 20° to 35°, further preferably in the range of 24° to 32°. This preferred embodiment is the 32nd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 31st embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] In one aspect of the 32nd embodiment, an example of a horizontal plane is a floor, such as a floor of a recycling plant. In one aspect of the 32nd embodiment, the horizontal plane is preferably perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

[0158] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of increasing the temperature of the first polyester, preferably in volume section V2. This preferred embodiment is the 33rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 32nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0159] In one aspect of the 33rd embodiment, the temperature is preferably increased by contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 33rd embodiment, the temperature is preferably increased before the first polyester is contacted with the additional organic compound.

[0160] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the temperature in the volume section V2 is in the range of 50° C. to 220° C., more preferably in the range of 60° C. to 210° C., more preferably in the range of 65° C. to 205° C., and further preferably in the range of 68° C. to 200° C. This preferred embodiment is the 34th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 33rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0161] In one aspect of the thirty-fourth embodiment, the temperature in the preferred volume segment V2 is the temperature of the mixture comprising the first polyester and the first organic compound.

[0162] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following applies:

[0163] In the volume section V2 of the first reaction line, the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound is in the range of 0.1 to 10.0, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 8.0, and further preferably in the range of 0.25 to 6.00;

[0164] In the volume section V2 of the other reaction line, the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound is in the range of 0.4 to 30.0, more preferably in the range of 0.6 to 25.0, further preferably in the range of 0.75 to 22.00.

[0165] This preferred embodiment is the 35th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 34th embodiments of the present invention.

[0166] In one aspect of the 35th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example: a; b; a+b.

[0167] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the volume segment V2 comprises a first region and a further region, wherein at least one or all of the following apply:

[0168] a. a relative ratio of the temperature of the first region to the temperature of the other region is in the range of 0.2 to 1.0, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 0.9, and further preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.8;

[0169] b. the temperature in the first zone is in the range of 50°C to 220°C, more preferably in the range of 50°C to 190°C, more preferably in the range of 60°C to 180°C, even more preferably in the range of 65°C to 170°C, further preferably in the range of 68°C to 160°C, even more preferably in the range of 68°C to 150°C;

[0170] c. The temperature in the other zone is in the range of 120°C to 220°C, more preferably in the range of 130°C to 210°C, even more preferably in the range of 135°C to 205°C, further preferably in the range of 138°C to 200°C.

[0171] This preferred embodiment is the 36th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 35th embodiments of the present invention.

[0172] In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations are, for example: a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, it is preferred that the temperature of the first zone increases from the first end of the first zone to the other end of the first zone. For example, the temperature increases from 70°C measured at the first end of the first zone to 145°C measured at the other end of the first zone. In this aspect, it is preferred that the first end of the first zone is located downstream of the other end of the first zone. For example, the first end of the first zone is located near the inlet of the volume segment V2, through which the first polyester enters the volume segment V2. In another aspect of the 36th embodiment, it is preferred that the temperature of the other zone increases from the first end of the other zone to the other end of the other zone. For example, the temperature increases from 140°C measured at the first end of the other zone to 200°C measured at the other end of the other zone. In this aspect, it is preferred that the first end of the other zone is located downstream of the other end of the other zone. For example, the other end of the other zone is located near the outlet of the volume segment V2, through which the first polyester leaves the volume segment V2. For example, moving from the inlet to the outlet of the volume segment V2, the ends of the regions are arranged in the following order: a first end of the first region, the other end of the first region, the first end of the other region, and the other end of the other region. In another aspect of the 36th embodiment, it is preferred that the other end of the first region forms the first end of the other region. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, in feature b., it is particularly preferred that the temperature in the first region is in the range of 50°C to 190°C, more preferably in the range of 60°C to 180°C, even more preferably in the range of 65°C to 170°C, further preferably in the range of 68°C to 160°C, and even further preferably in the range of 68°C to 150°C. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, in feature b., it is preferred that the temperature in the first region is in the range of 60°C to 210°C, more preferably in the range of 60°C to 200°C, further preferably in the range of 65°C to 197°C, and even further preferably in the range of 67°C to 196°C. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, feature b., it is particularly preferred that the temperature in the first region is in the range of 50° C. to 196° C., more preferably in the range of 55° C. to 196° C., even more preferably in the range of 60° C. to 196° C., further preferably in the range of 65° C. to 196° C., and even further preferably in the range of 68° C. to 196° C. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, feature b., it is preferred that the temperature in the first region is lower than the boiling point of the first organic compound.In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, feature c., it is preferred that the temperature of the other region is in the range of 160° C. to 220° C., more preferably in the range of 170° C. to 210° C., even more preferably in the range of 180° C. to 200° C., further preferably in the range of 185° C. to 196° C., even further preferably in the range of 190° C. to 196° C. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, feature c., it is preferred that the temperature of the other region is lower than the boiling point of the first organic compound.

[0173] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the volume section V2 of the reaction line comprises a first region and a further region, wherein at least one or all of the following apply:

[0174] a. the relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line is in the range of 0.15 to 0.50, more preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.40, further preferably in the range of 0.30 to 0.35;

[0175] b. The relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in another region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in another region of the volume segment V2 of another reaction line is in the range of 0.10 to 0.60, more preferably in the range of 0.20 to 0.40, and further preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.30.

[0176] This preferred embodiment is the 37th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 36th embodiments of the present invention.

[0177] In one aspect of the 37th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0178] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the volume section V2 of the reaction line comprises a first region and a further region, wherein at least one or all of the following apply:

[0179] a. the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line is in the range of 0.1 to 0.5, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.4, and further preferably in the range of 0.25 to 0.35;

[0180] b. the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in another region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line is in the range of 1.0 to 10.0, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 8.0, and further preferably in the range of 3.5 to 6.0;

[0181] c. the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line is in the range of 0.4 to 1.1, more preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.0, further preferably in the range of 0.75 to 0.90;

[0182] d. The mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in another region of the volume segment V2 of another reaction line is in the range of 10 to 30, more preferably in the range of 13 to 25, and further preferably in the range of 16 to 22.

[0183] This preferred embodiment is the 38th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 37th embodiments of the present invention.

[0184] In one aspect of the 38th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to d. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; d; a+b; a+c; a+d; b+c; b+d; c+d; a+b+c; a+b+d; a+c+d; b+c+d; a+b+c+d. In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply:

[0185] a. a first portion of the first organic compound in contact with the first polyester in an additional amount in the form of a gas, such as steam;

[0186] b. Another portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound contacted with the first polyester is in liquid form.

[0187] This preferred embodiment is the 39th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 38th embodiments of the present invention.

[0188] In the 39th embodiment, the first part and the further part are measured in wt-%, based on the total mass of the further amount of the first organic compound contacted with the first polyester. In one aspect of the 39th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In the 39th embodiment, "part" (e.g., first part, further part) should preferably be understood as including a value of 100 wt-%. For example, in one aspect of the 39th embodiment, where only feature a. applies, the first part will be 100 wt-%. In the 39th embodiment, the first part should preferably be understood as including the first organic compound that was initially in gaseous form but condensed before contacting with the first polyester. In one aspect of the 39th embodiment, feature a., it is preferred that the temperature of the first part of the further amount of the first organic compound is above the boiling point of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 39th embodiment, feature a., it is preferred that the temperature of the first part of the further amount of the first organic compound is in the range of 200°C to 240°C, more preferably in the range of 210°C to 230°C. In one aspect of the 39th embodiment, feature b., preferably, the temperature of the other portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound is below the boiling point of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 39th embodiment, feature b., preferably, the temperature of the other portion of the additional amount of the first organic compound is in the range of 180° C. to 196° C., more preferably in the range of 190° C. to 196° C.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first part accounts for 50 wt-% to 90 wt-%, more preferably 55 wt-% to 85 wt-%, even more preferably 60 wt-% to 80 wt-%, and further preferably 65 wt-% to 75 wt-% of the first organic compound of the additional amount. The wt-% is based on the total mass of the first organic compound of the additional amount. This preferred embodiment is the 40th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 39th embodiment of the present invention.

[0190] In the 40th embodiment, the sum of the wt-% of the first part and the wt-% of the other part is 100 wt-%. For example, if the first part accounts for 55 wt-% of the other amount of the first organic compound, the other part accounts for the remaining 45 wt-% of the other amount of the first organic compound.

[0191] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first polyester enters the volume section V2 via at least one inlet of a first type, wherein at least one or all of the following apply:

[0192] a. at least a portion (e.g. the first portion) of the further amount of the first organic compound, preferably in the form of a gas, enters the volume segment V2 through at least one inlet of another type, wherein the at least one inlet of another type is adapted and arranged such that the flow direction of the further amount of the first organic compound entering through the at least one inlet of another type through the volume segment V2 is at least partially along the transport direction of the first polyester through the volume segment V2;

[0193] b. at least a portion (e.g., another portion) of an additional amount of the first organic compound, preferably in liquid form, enters the volume segment V2 through at least one further type of inlet, wherein the at least one further type of inlet is adjusted and arranged so that the flow direction of the additional amount of the first organic compound entering through the at least one further type of inlet through the volume segment V2 is at least partially opposite to the transport direction of the first polyester through the volume segment V2.

[0194] This preferred embodiment is the 41st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 40th embodiments of the present invention.

[0195] In one aspect of the 41st embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 36th embodiment, it is preferred that the conveying direction of the first polyester through the volume segment V2 is parallel to the length of the volume segment V2. In one aspect of the 41st embodiment, it is preferred that the conveying direction of the first polyester through the volume segment V2 is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity. In this aspect, it is more preferred that the conveying direction is opposite to the direction of gravity. In one aspect of the 41st embodiment, it is preferred that the portion in feature a. is a first portion of a further amount of the first organic compound. In one aspect of the 41st embodiment, it is preferred that the portion in feature b. is another portion of a further amount of the first organic compound.

[0196] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one impurity is present in volume segment V2. This preferred embodiment is the 42nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 41st embodiments of the present invention.

[0197] In the 42nd embodiment, an example of the at least one impurity is an impurity present in the raw material (amount), and the impurity is transported from the volume segment V1 to the volume segment V2.

[0198] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the volume segment V2 includes a first region and another region, wherein the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the first region to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the other region is equal to or greater than 10, more preferably equal to or greater than 15, even more preferably equal to or greater than 20, further preferably equal to or greater than 25, even further preferably equal to or greater than 30. This preferred embodiment is the 43rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 42nd embodiment of the present invention.

[0199] In one aspect of the 43rd embodiment, preferably, the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the first region to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in another region is equal to or less than 1000, more preferably equal to or less than 500, and even more preferably equal to or less than 250.

[0200] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply to volume segment V2:

[0201] a. The pressure is in the range of 80 kPa to 135 kPa, more preferably in the range of 95 kPa to 120 kPa, further preferably in the range of 100 kPa to 115 kPa, even further preferably in the range of 104 kPa to 109 kPa;

[0202] b. The overpressure range is 2kPa to 12kPa, more preferably in the range of 4kPa to 8kPa, and further preferably in the range of 5kPa to 7kPa;

[0203] c. The residence time of the first polyester in the volume section V2 is 30 to 270 min, more preferably 50 to 250 min, further preferably 80 to 220 min.

[0204] This preferred embodiment is the 44th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 43rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0205] In one aspect of the 44th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and c. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c.

[0206] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of reducing the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester, preferably in volume section V2.

[0207] This preferred embodiment is the 45th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 44th embodiments of the present invention.

[0208] In one aspect of the 45th embodiment, the reducing of the intrinsic viscosity is preferably performed prior to contacting the first polyester with another organic compound.

[0209] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply:

[0210] a. The weight-average molar mass of the first polyester is preferably reduced by at least 50% in the volume segment V2, more preferably at least 60%, even more preferably at least 70%, further preferably at least 75%, even further preferably at least 80%, particularly preferably at least 85%;

[0211] b. The intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is preferably reduced by at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, further preferably at least 70%, further preferably at least 75% in volume segment V2.

[0212] This preferred embodiment is the 46th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 45th embodiments of the present invention.

[0213] In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, it is preferred that the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is reduced by 97% or less, more preferably 95% or less, even more preferably 93% or less, and further preferably 90% or less. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, it is preferred that the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester is reduced by a value in the range of 70% to 80%. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, it is preferred that the weight average molar mass of the first polyester is reduced by 97% or less, more preferably 95% or less, and further preferably 93% or less. In one aspect of the 46th embodiment, it is preferred to reduce the weight average molar mass of the first polyester by a value in the range of 85% to 93%.

[0214] In a preferred embodiment of the process for producing a first intermediate product, after completion of the reducing step, preferably in volume section V2, the first polyester has at least one or all of the following properties:

[0215] a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.08 dL / g to 0.45 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.10 dL / g to 0.35 dL / g, even more preferably in the range of 0.12 dL / g to 0.25 dL / g, and further preferably in the range of 0.12 dL / g to 0.20 dL / g;

[0216] b. The weight average molar mass is in the range of 3000 Da to 7500 Da, more preferably in the range of 3200 Da to 7300 Da, even more preferably in the range of 3800 Da to 7100 Da, and further preferably in the range of 4000 Da to 6900 Da.

[0217] This preferred embodiment is the 47th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 46th embodiments of the present invention.

[0218] In one aspect of the 47th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. Such combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 43rd embodiment, preferred properties a. and b. are properties of the first polyester leaving volume segment V2. In one aspect of the 47th embodiment, the preferred weight average molar mass is in the range of 4000 Da to 5000 Da.

[0219] In a preferred embodiment of the process for producing a first intermediate product, the first polyester is fed:

[0220] I. / When the first polyester has a value greater than or equal to Y IV,1 When the intrinsic viscosity is , the conveyor is transported in a first direction at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity, wherein Y IV,1 0.10 dL / g, more preferably 0.15 dL / g, even more preferably 0.20 dL / g, and further preferably 0.30 dL / g; and

[0221] II. / When the (combined) first polyester has less than or equal to Y IV,2 When the intrinsic viscosity is at least partially in the direction of gravity, the transport direction Y IV,2 It is 0.09 dL / g, more preferably 0.07 dL / g, and even more preferably 0.05 dL / g.

[0222] This preferred embodiment is the 48th embodiment of the present invention, and is preferably subordinate to any one of the 1st to 47th embodiments of the present invention.

[0223] In the 48th embodiment, Y 1,IV >Y 2,IV In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, the term "delivery" is preferably understood to mean at least one or all of the following:

[0224] The (combined) first polyester is conveyed from the first volume section to another volume section (e.g., from volume section V1 to volume section V2, and from volume section V2 to volume section V3), and the (combined) first polyester is conveyed to pass through the volume sections (e.g., volume section V1, volume section V3). In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, it is preferred to first convey the first polyester to a first direction, and then convey the (combined) first polyester to another direction. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, it is preferred to convey the first polyester to the first direction after contacting the first polyester with a first amount of a first organic compound in volume section V1. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, when the intrinsic viscosity of the (combined) first polyester is at Y 2,IV To Y 1,IV In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, it is preferred that when the first polyester is transported in the first direction, at least a portion of the organic compound (preferably the first organic compound) is transported in the reverse direction of the first direction. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, it is preferred that when the (combined) first polyester is transported in the other direction, at least a portion of the organic compound (preferably the other organic compound) is transported in the other direction. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, it is preferred that Y IV,1 and Y IV,2 One of the following combinations of values ​​in features I. / and II. / : Y IV,1 is 0.10dL / g and Y IV,2 0.09dL / g; Y IV,1 0.15dL / g, Y IV,2 0.07dL / g; Y IV,1 0.20dL / g, Y IV,2 0.05dL / g; Y IV,1 0.30dL / g, Y IV,2 0.05dL / g; Y IV,1 0.10dL / g, Y IV,2 0.05 dL / g; or Y IV,1 0.30dL / g, Y IV,2 In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, the first polyester is preferably transported in the first direction including at least one or all of the following: transported from volume segment V1 to volume segment V2, transported through volume segment V2, or both. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, the first polyester is preferably transported in another direction (after the combination) including transported through volume segment V3. In one aspect of the 48th embodiment, the first polyester is preferably in the form of a plurality of fragments.

[0225] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of converting the (combined) first polyester, preferably from volume segment V2， The step of delivering to volume segment V3. This preferred embodiment is the 49th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 48th embodiments of the present invention.

[0226] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one process parameter is at least one or all of the following:

[0227] a. the mass ratio of the amount of raw material (preferably the first polyester in the amount of raw material) to the first organic compound in at least one or all of the volume segments V1 and V2;

[0228] b. the mass ratio of another organic compound to the (combined) first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V3;

[0229] c. residence time in at least one or all of volume segments V1, V2, and V3;

[0230] d. The temperature in at least one or all of volume segment V1, volume segment V2, and volume segment V3;

[0231] e. The pressure in at least one or all of the volume segments V1, V2, and V3.

[0232] This preferred embodiment is the 50th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on any one of the 1st to 49th embodiments of the present invention.

[0233] In one aspect of the 50th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to e. are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations are, for example: a; b; c; d; e; a+b; a+c; a+d; a+e; b+c; b+d; b+e; c+d; c+e; d+e; a+b+c; a+b+d; a+b+e; a+c+d; a+c+e; a+d+e; b+c+d; b+c+e;

[0234] In another aspect of the 50th embodiment, more preferred is a combination of at least one or more of features a. to c. In an aspect of the 50th embodiment, more preferred is at least one process parameter is feature a. In this aspect, further preferred is at least one process parameter is a mass ratio of the amount of feedstock (more preferably the first polyester in the amount of feedstock) to the first organic compound in volume segment V1, volume segment V2, or both. In the 50th embodiment, examples of changes in at least one process parameter include: A.) the mass ratio of the first polyester in the first raw material amount to the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 of the first reaction line is different from the mass ratio of the first polyester in another raw material amount to the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 of the other reaction line; B.) the mass ratio of the first polyester in the first raw material amount to the first organic compound in the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line is different from the mass ratio of the first polyester in another raw material amount to the first organic compound in the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line. In example B.), the mass ratio may also vary between a first region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line and a first region of the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line. In addition, or alternatively, the mass ratio in example B.) may also vary between another region in the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line and another region in the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line.

[0235] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of reducing at least one physical dimension of the fragments of the first polyester. This preferred embodiment is the 51st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 9th to 50th embodiments of the present invention.

[0236] In the 51st embodiment, the at least one physical dimension comprises at least one or all of the following: average length of the fragments, average width of the fragments, average thickness of the fragments, average surface area of ​​the fragments, or a combination of at least two thereof. In one aspect of the 51st embodiment, at least one or all of the following is preferably reduced: average length, average width. In another aspect of the 51st embodiment, preferably after the method step of contacting the raw material (amount) with the first amount of the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 to obtain the first initial mixture, more preferably after the first polyester emerges from the volume segment V1. Reduce at least one physical dimension. In another aspect of the 51st embodiment, preferably before the method step of contacting the (combined) first polyester with another organic compound to obtain another initial mixture, more preferably before entering the volume segment V3, reduce at least one physical dimension. In another aspect of the 51st embodiment, preferably after the (combined) first polyester emerges from the volume segment V2, and further preferably before entering the volume segment V3, reduce the at least one physical dimension. In another aspect of the 51st embodiment, preferably at least one or all of a roller mill, a wet mill, a dry mill, and a cutter are used to reduce at least one physical dimension. In this respect, it is particularly preferred to use a roller mill.

[0237] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the other organic compound has at least one or all of the following characteristics:

[0238] a. comprising at least two hydroxyl groups, for example a diol having 2 hydroxyl groups, a triol having 3 hydroxyl groups;

[0239] b. The molar mass is at least 60 g / mol;

[0240] c. A boiling point of at least 192°C, more preferably at least 195°C.

[0241] This preferred embodiment is the 52nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 51st embodiments of the present invention.

[0242] Examples of the other organic compound include (mono)ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and glycerol. In one aspect of the 52nd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the 52nd embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the other organic compound is (mono)ethylene glycol, more preferably monoethylene glycol. In one aspect of the 52nd embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the other organic compound is not propylene glycol.

[0243] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following conditions apply:

[0244] a. stirring another initial mixing (preferably in volume segment V3);

[0245] b. Preferably at the inlet end of the volume segment V3, the mass ratio of the combined) first polyester to another organic compound in another initial mixture is greater than 1.0;

[0246] c. another initial mixture, preferably in volume segment V3, preferably having a temperature in the range of 180°C to 220°C, more preferably in the range of 180°C to 210°C;

[0247] d. The pressure in the volume section V3 is preferably in the range of 75 kPa to 131 kPa, more preferably in the range of 90 kPa to 116 kPa, further preferably in the range of 95 kPa to 108 kPa, even further preferably in the range of 98 kPa to 104 kPa;

[0248] e. The residence time of the further initial mixture in volume section V3 is preferably in the range of 100 to 560 minutes, more preferably in the range of 140 to 440 minutes, further preferably in the range of 170 to 380 minutes.

[0249] This preferred embodiment is the 53rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 52nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0250] In one aspect of the 53rd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to e. are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations are, for example: a; b; c; d; e; a+b; a+c; a+d; a+e; b+c; b+d; b+e; c+d; c+e; d+e; a+b+c; a+b+d; a+b+e; a+c+d; a+c+e; a+d+e; b+c+d; b+c+e; b+d+e; c+d+e; a+b+c+d; a+b+c+e; a+b+d+e; a+c+d+e; b+c+d+e; a+c+d+e. In one aspect of the 53rd embodiment, it is preferred that a mechanical device designed and arranged for agitation, a non-mechanical device designed and arranged for agitation, or a combination thereof, is used for agitation. In one aspect of the 53rd embodiment, feature b., preferably, the inlet end is the location where the (combined) first polyester enters the volume segment V3. In one aspect of the 53rd embodiment, feature d., preferably, the pressure in the volume segment V3 is atmospheric pressure.

[0251] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the (combined) first intermediate mixture contains at least 70 wt-%, more preferably at least 80 wt-%, even more preferably at least 85 wt-%, further preferably at least 90 wt-%, and further preferably at least 94 wt-% of the first intermediate product. This preferred embodiment is the 54th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 53rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0252] In the 54th embodiment, the wt-% is based on the total mass of the (combined) first intermediate mixture. In an optional aspect of the 54th embodiment, the (combined) first intermediate mixture comprises a first intermediate product in the range of 70 wt-% to 99 wt-%, optionally in the range of 80 wt-% to 95 wt-%, and optionally in the range of 88 wt-% to 92 wt-%.

[0253] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least 40 wt-%, more preferably at least 50 wt-%, even more preferably at least 60 wt-%, further preferably at least 65 wt-%, even further preferably at least 70 wt-% of the first intermediate product is in the form of an oligomer having 2 to 35 repeating units, more preferably 2 to 30 repeating units, even more preferably 2 to 25 repeating units, further preferably 2 to 20 repeating units. This preferred embodiment is the 55th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 54th embodiments of the present invention.

[0254] In a 55th embodiment, the wt-% is based on the total mass of the first intermediate product in the (combined) first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 55th embodiment, it is preferred that at least 40 wt-%, more preferably at least 50 wt-%, even more preferably at least 60 wt-%, further preferably at least 65 wt-%, and even further preferably at least 70 wt-% of the first intermediate product is in the form of an oligomer having a number of repeating units in at least one of the following ranges: 3 to 30, 4 to 30, 6 to 30, 8 to 30, 3 to 20, 4 to 20, 6 to 20. In one aspect of the 55th embodiment, it is preferred that at least 70 wt-% of the oligomers have a number of repeating units in the range of 2 to 35, more preferably in the range of 2 to 30, even more preferably in the range of 2 to 25, and further preferably in the range of 2 to 20. Preferred oligomers include repeating units of ethylene terephthalate. In one aspect of the 55th embodiment, preferably at least 40 wt-%, more preferably at least 50 wt-%, even more preferably at least 60 wt-%, further preferably at least 65 wt-%, even further preferably at least 70 wt-% of the first intermediate product is in the form of an oligomer, wherein the number of repeating units of the oligomer is in the range of 2 to 15, more preferably in the range of 2 to 12, and further preferably in the range of 2 to 10.

[0255] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply:

[0256] a. The first intermediate product comprises 30 wt-% or less, more preferably 25 wt-% or less, even more preferably 20 wt-% or less, further preferably 15 wt-% or less, even further preferably 10 wt-% or less of the monomer;

[0257] b. The first intermediate product comprises at least 70 wt-%, more preferably at least 75 wt-%, even more preferably at least 80 wt-%, further preferably at least 85 wt-%, even further preferably at least 90 wt-% of oligomers.

[0258] This preferred embodiment is the 56th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 55th embodiments of the present invention.

[0259] In the 56th embodiment, the wt-% is based on the total mass of the first intermediate product in the (combined) first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 54th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. For example, the first intermediate product comprises 20 wt-% of monomer and 80 wt-% of oligomer. In the 56th embodiment, an example of a monomer is BHET. In the 56th embodiment, an example of an oligomer is a PET oligomer. In an optional aspect of the 56th embodiment, the first intermediate product comprises monomers in the range of 15 wt-% to 30 wt-%, and optionally comprises monomers in the range of 20 wt-% to 25 wt-%. In an optional aspect of the 56th embodiment, the first intermediate product comprises oligomers in the range of 70 wt-% to 85 wt-%, and optionally comprises oligomers in the range of 75 wt-% to 85 wt-%. In one aspect of the 56th embodiment, particularly preferred oligomers have 2 to 10 repeating units.

[0260] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply:

[0261] a. The first intermediate product comprises at least 20 wt-%, more preferably at least 30 wt-%, even more preferably at least 40 wt-%, further preferably at least 50 wt-%, even further preferably at least 60 wt-% of monomer;

[0262] b. The first intermediate product comprises at least 20 wt-%, preferably at least 30 wt-%, more preferably at least 40 wt-%, and further preferably at least 50 wt-% of oligomers.

[0263] This preferred embodiment is an alternative embodiment of the 56th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 55th embodiments of the present invention. In one aspect of the present invention, any one of the 57th to 106th embodiments of the present invention preferably depends on this alternative embodiment of the 56th embodiment of the present invention.

[0264] In an alternative 56th embodiment, the wt-% is based on the total mass of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture. In an alternative 56th embodiment, an example of a monomer is BHET. In an alternative 56th embodiment, an example of an oligomer is a PET oligomer. In one aspect of the alternative 56th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In a preferred aspect of the alternative 56th embodiment, feature a., the first intermediate product contains monomers in the range of 20 wt-% to 60 wt-%, more preferably monomers in the range of 30 wt-% to 50 wt-%, and further preferably monomers in the range of 35 wt-% to 40 wt-%. In this regard, it is preferred that the remaining wt-% of the first intermediate product consists of oligomers. In an aspect of the alternative 56th embodiment, particularly preferred oligomers have 2 to 10 repeating units.

[0265] In a preferred embodiment of the method for preparing the first intermediate product, the first intermediate product has at least one or all of the following characteristics:

[0266] a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.010 dL / g to 0.120 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.030 dL / g to 0.090 dL / g, further preferably in the range of 0.040 dL / g to 0.070 dL / g, further preferably in the range of 0.045 dL / g to 0.065 dL / g;

[0267] b. The weight average molar mass is in the range of 350Da to 800Da, more preferably in the range of 450Da to 650Da, further preferably in the range of 500Da to 600Da.

[0268] This preferred embodiment is the 57th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 56th embodiments of the present invention.

[0269] In one aspect of the 57th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0270] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply:

[0271] a. the first intermediate mixture (after combination) comprises 20 wt-% or less, more preferably 15 wt-% or less, even more preferably 12 wt-% or less, further preferably 10 wt-% or less, even further preferably 8 wt-% or less of another organic compound;

[0272] b. The (combined) first intermediate mixture comprises less than 15 wt-%, more preferably less than 10 wt-%, further preferably less than 5 wt-% of a dicarboxylic acid, such as terephthalic acid.

[0273] This preferred embodiment is the 58th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 57th embodiments of the present invention.

[0274] In one aspect of the 58th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In the 58th embodiment, the wt-% is based on the total mass of the (combined) first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 58th embodiment, the other organic compound should preferably be understood as free, i.e., not chemically bound to the first intermediate product by a covalent bond. In an optional aspect of the 58th embodiment, the (combined) first intermediate mixture contains another organic compound in the range of 5 wt-% to 20 wt-%, optionally in the range of 7 wt-% to 15 wt-%, optionally in the range of 9 wt-% to 12 wt-%.

[0275] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of conveying the (combined) first intermediate mixture, preferably from volume section V3, to volume section V4. This preferred embodiment is the 59th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 58th embodiments of the present invention.

[0276] In one aspect of the 59th embodiment, preferably, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product increases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, further preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% in the volume section V4. In another aspect of the 59th embodiment, preferably, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product decreases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, further preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% in the volume section V4. In another aspect of the 59th embodiment, preferably, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product changes (neither increases nor decreases) by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, further preferably less than 1%, and even more preferably less than 0.1% in the volume section V4.

[0277] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of adding a first particulate material to the (combined) first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume segment V4. This preferred embodiment is the 60th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 59th embodiments of the present invention.

[0278] In one aspect of the 60th embodiment, preferably, the first particulate material is designed and arranged for adsorption. In another aspect of the 60th embodiment, preferably, the first particulate material is designed and arranged for decolorization. In another aspect of the 60th embodiment, preferably, the first particulate material is porous. In one aspect of the 60th embodiment, particularly preferably, the first particulate material is designed and arranged for filtration, more preferably microfiltration. Microfiltration is the filtration of particles in the range of 0.5 μm-10 μm. In one aspect of the 60th embodiment, preferably, the first particulate material is added after the weight average molar mass of the (combined) first polyester is reduced.

[0279] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a first intermediate product, at least one or all of the following applies:

[0280] a. The median pore size of the first particulate material is in the range of 5.0 μm to 20.0 μm, preferably in the range of 10.0 μm to 20.0 μm, and further preferably in the range of 15.0 μm to 18.0 μm. b. The first particulate material has a pore size distribution, wherein at least one mode is in the range of 8000 nm to 20000 nm, more preferably in the range of 10000 nm to 18000 nm, and further preferably in the range of 10000 nm to 15000 nm;

[0281] c. The first particulate material has a pore size distribution, wherein at least one first mode is in the range of 9000nm to 15000nm, and at least one other mode is in the range of >15000nm to 20000nm, wherein the ratio of the first mode to the other mode is in the range of 0.30 to 1.00, preferably in the range of 0.40 to 0.90, and further preferably in the range of 0.45 to 0.85.

[0282] This preferred embodiment is the 61st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 60th embodiment of the present invention.

[0283] In one aspect of the 61st embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c.

[0284] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first particulate material has a pore size distribution having at least two modes in the range of 8000 nm and 20000 nm, wherein

[0285] a. at least one mode in the range of 8000nm to 15000nm, preferably in the range of 10000nm to 15000nm;

[0286] b. At least one mode is in the range of >15000nm to 20000nm, preferably in the range of 16000nm to 18000nm.

[0287] This preferred embodiment is the 62nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 60th to 61st embodiments of the present invention.

[0288] In one aspect of the 62nd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 61st embodiment, preferably, the mode in feature a. is a secondary mode. In one aspect of the 62nd embodiment, preferably, the mode in feature b. is a primary mode.

[0289] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first particulate material has at least one or all of the following characteristics:

[0290] a. For pores with diameters between 9000nm and 20000nm, the cumulative pore volume is 0.6cm 3 / g to 1.9cm 3 / g range, preferably within 0.9cm 3 / g to 1.7cm 3 / g range, more preferably within 1.1cm 3 / g to 1.5cm 3 / g range;

[0291] b. For pores with diameters between 10,000 nm and 15,000 nm, the cumulative pore volume is 0.5 cm 3 / g to 1.4cm 3 / g range, preferably within 0.6cm 3 / g to 1.2cm 3 / g range, more preferably 0.8cm 3 / g to 1.0cm 3 / g range;

[0292] c. For pores with diameters in the range of >15000nm to 20000nm, the cumulative pore volume is 0.10cm 3 / g to 0.80cm 3 / g range, preferably within 0.20cm 3 / g to 0.60cm 3 / g, more preferably within 0.25cm 3 / g to 0.40cm 3 / g range.

[0293] This preferred embodiment is the 63rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 60th to 62nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0294] In one aspect of the 63rd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c.

[0295] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the first particulate material has at least one or all of the following characteristics:

[0296] a. a permeability in the range of 0.7 Darcy to 10.0 Darcy, preferably in the range of 1.5 Darcy to 7.5 Darcy, more preferably in the range of 3.0 Darcy to 5.0 Darcy, and further preferably in the range of 3.5 Darcy to 4.5 Darcy;

[0297] b. The median particle size is in the range of 25 μm to 60 μm, preferably in the range of 35 μm to 55 μm, more preferably in the range of 40 μm to 50 μm, and further preferably in the range of 43 μm to 50 μm.

[0298] This preferred embodiment is the 64th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 60th to 63rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0299] In one aspect of the 64th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a and b are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0300] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the first particulate material is selected from activated carbon (e.g., activated carbon), activated clay, diatomaceous earth, perlite, bentonite, cellulose, and a combination of at least two thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 65th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 60th to 64th embodiments of the present invention.

[0301] In one aspect of the 65th embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the first particulate material is diatomaceous earth.

[0302] In a preferred embodiment of the method for preparing the first intermediate product, the mass ratio of the first particulate material to the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4 is between 5.0×10 -4 Up to 2.5x10 -3 range, more preferably within 1.0x10 -3 Up to 2.0x10 -3 range, and more preferably within 1.2x10 -3 Up to 1.8x10 -3This preferred embodiment is the 66th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 60th to 65th embodiments of the present invention.

[0303] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the temperature of the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4 is in the range of 160° C. to 230° C., more preferably in the range of 170° C. to 220° C., even more preferably in the range of 180° C. to 215° C., further preferably in the range of 185° C. to 209° C., even further preferably in the range of 190° C. to 205° C. This preferred embodiment is the 67th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 59th to 66th embodiments of the present invention.

[0304] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4 is stirred. This preferred embodiment is the 68th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 59th to 67th embodiments of the present invention.

[0305] In one aspect of the 68th embodiment, the (combined) first intermediate mixture is preferably agitated using a mechanical device designed and arranged for agitation.

[0306] In a preferred embodiment of the method for preparing the first intermediate product, the residence time of the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4 is 10 hours or less, more preferably 7 hours or less, and further preferably 5 hours or less. This preferred embodiment is the 69th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 59th to 68th embodiments of the present invention.

[0307] In an optional aspect of the 69th embodiment, the residence time of the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4 is at least 0.1 hours, optionally at least 1 hour, optionally at least 3.5 hours.

[0308] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of conveying the (combined) first intermediate mixture to a filtering device, preferably from volume section V4. This preferred embodiment is the 70th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 69th embodiments of the present invention.

[0309] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the filtering device is selected from a leaf filter, a sheet clarifier, a candle filter, a porous filter, a sintered filter, a wire mesh, a rotary drum filter, and a combination of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 71st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 70th embodiment of the present invention.

[0310] In one aspect of the 71st embodiment, the preferred filtering device is a leaf filter, more preferably a vertical leaf filter.

[0311] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the pressure in the filtration device is in the range of 80 kPa to 1000 kPa, more preferably in the range of 140 kPa to 800 kPa, even more preferably in the range of 170 kPa to 610 kPa, and further preferably in the range of 200 kPa to 545 kPa. This preferred embodiment is the 72nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 70th to 71st embodiments of the present invention.

[0312] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the temperature in the filtration device is in the range of 150° C. to 215° C., more preferably in the range of 160° C. to 205° C., even more preferably in the range of 165° C. to 200° C., and further preferably in the range of 170° C. to 195° C. This preferred embodiment is the 73rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 70th to 72nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0313] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of pre-coating the filter device, preferably using the first granular material. This preferred embodiment is the 74th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 70th to 73rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0314] In one aspect of the 74th embodiment, a pre-coating step is preferably performed prior to at least partially removing at least one or all of: at least one impurity, the first particulate material.

[0315] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of at least partially removing at least one impurity from the (combined) first intermediate mixture, preferably using a filtering device. This preferred embodiment is the 75th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 74th embodiments of the present invention.

[0316] In one aspect of the 75th embodiment, the first particulate material is preferably at least partially removed from the (combined) first intermediate mixture, more preferably using a filtering device. For example, at least one impurity and the first particulate material are at least partially removed. In one aspect of the 75th embodiment, the particles (e.g., at least one impurity, the first particulate material) that are preferably removed have a particle size greater than 100 nm, more preferably greater than 150 nm, and further preferably greater than 200 nm. In one aspect of the 75th embodiment, the particles (e.g., at least one impurity, the first particulate material) that are preferably removed have a particle size of 50 μm or less, more preferably 20 μm or less, even more preferably 10 μm or less, and further preferably 5 μm or less.

[0317] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of conveying the (combined) first intermediate mixture to volume section V5. This preferred embodiment is the 76th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 75th embodiments of the present invention.

[0318] In one aspect of the 76th embodiment, it is preferred to convey the (combined) first intermediate mixture from volume segment V3 to volume segment V5. However, it is more preferred that the (combined) first intermediate mixture is conveyed from volume segment V3 to volume segment V5 via at least one or all of the following: volume segment V4, filtering device. In this aspect, it is particularly preferred that the (combined) first intermediate mixture is conveyed from the filtering device to volume segment V5.

[0319] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of adjusting, preferably in volume segment V5, the b value of the Hunter Lab color coordinates of the (combined) first intermediate mixture so that b≤0, more preferably b≤-1, and further preferably b≤-2. This preferred embodiment is the 77th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 76th embodiments of the present invention.

[0320] In one aspect of the 77th embodiment, the Hunter Lab color coordinates of the (merged) first intermediate mixture are preferably adjusted, preferably in volume segment V5, so that b is in the range of -10 to -3, more preferably in the range of -9 to -4, and further preferably in the range of -8 to -6.

[0321] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of adjusting, preferably in volume segment V5, the L value of the Hunter Lab color coordinates of the first intermediate mixture so that L ≥ 65, more preferably L ≥ 70, and further preferably L ≥ 75. This preferred embodiment is the 78th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 1st to 77th embodiments of the present invention.

[0322] In one aspect of the 78th embodiment, the Hunter Lab color coordinates of the (merged) first intermediate mixture are preferably adjusted, preferably in volume segment V5, so that L is in the range of 65 to 92, more preferably in the range of 70 to 86, and further preferably in the range of 75 to 82.

[0323] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the Hunter Lab color coordinates L, b or both are adjusted by adding at least one colorant to the (combined) first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume segment V5. This preferred embodiment is the 79th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 77th to 78th embodiments of the present invention.

[0324] Suitable colorants are well known to those skilled in the art and are commercially available from Avient Corporation (USA) and Clariant AG (Switzerland).

[0325] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a first intermediate product, the amount of at least one colorant added to the (combined) first intermediate mixture is determined by at least one or all of the following:

[0326] a. adding less than 200ppm wt, more preferably less than 100ppm wt, even more preferably less than 50ppm wt, further preferably less than 20ppm wt, even further preferably less than 15ppm wt, and particularly preferably less than 10ppm wt of a red colorant;

[0327] b. adding less than 300ppm wt, more preferably less than 150ppm wt, even more preferably less than 70ppm wt, further preferably less than 30ppm wt, even further preferably less than 20ppm wt, and particularly preferably less than 15ppm wt of a blue colorant;

[0328] c. Adding a red colorant and a blue colorant, wherein the ratio of the red colorant to the blue colorant is in the range of 0.1 to 10.0, more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 6.0, even more preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3.0, further preferably in the range of 0.1 to 1.0, even further preferably in the range of 0.3 to 0.8, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.7.

[0329] This preferred embodiment is the 80th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 79th embodiment of the present invention.

[0330] In the 80th embodiment, the ppm mass value is based on the total mass of the (combined) first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 80th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the 80th embodiment, feature a., optionally at least 1 ppm wt, optionally at least 2 ppm wt, optionally at least 3 ppm wt of red colorant is added. In one aspect of the 80th embodiment, feature b., optionally at least 0.8 ppm wt, optionally at least 1.8 ppm wt, optionally at least 2.7 ppm wt of blue colorant is added. In the 80th embodiment, in feature c., the ratio of red colorant to blue colorant is calculated by dividing the ppm wt of the added red colorant by the ppm wt of the added blue colorant. In a preferred aspect of the 80th embodiment, feature c., both the red colorant and the blue colorant are added before any colorant is added, and the L value of the (combined) first intermediate mixture is preferably in the range of 80 to 90, more preferably in the range of 82 to 88. In a preferred aspect of the 80th embodiment, feature c., both the red colorant and the blue colorant are added before any colorant is added, and the b value of the (combined) first intermediate mixture is preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.0, more preferably in the range of 1 to 2.

[0331] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, at least one colorant is selected from a dye, a toner, a pigment and a combination of at least two. This preferred embodiment is the 81st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 79th to 80th embodiments of the present invention.

[0332] In one aspect of the 81st embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the at least one colorant is a pigment, a dye, or a combination thereof. In this regard, pigments are more preferred than dyes. In another aspect of the 81st embodiment, it is preferred that the at least one colorant is not an acid dye. In another aspect of the 81st embodiment, it is preferred that the at least one colorant is a pigment having a particle size of less than 20 microns, more preferably less than 10 microns, even more preferably less than 1 micron, and further preferably less than 0.5 microns.

[0333] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the conveying direction of the first polyester through the volume segment V2 is at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity. In one aspect of this embodiment, it is preferred that the conveying direction is opposite to the direction of gravity. In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the volume segment V2 is at least partially arranged vertically, more preferably arranged vertically. At least partially arranged vertically is preferably understood as the longest dimension (e.g. length) of the volume segment V2 is not parallel to the ground. For example, if the volume segment V2 is arranged vertically, the length of the volume segment V2 is perpendicular to the ground.

[0334] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product increases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, further preferably less than 1%, even further preferably less than 0.1% in the volume section V4. In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product decreases by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, further preferably less than 1%, even further preferably less than 0.1% in the volume section V4. In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing the first intermediate product, the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product changes (neither increases nor decreases) by less than 5%, more preferably less than 3%, further preferably less than 1%, even further preferably less than 0.1% in the volume section V4.

[0335] The 82nd embodiment of the present invention is a method for producing another intermediate product, comprising the following steps:

[0336] a. providing a (combined) first intermediate mixture comprising a first intermediate product, wherein the first intermediate product can be obtained by a method for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably a method according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 81 of the present invention;

[0337] b. Increasing the weight average molar mass of the first intermediate product in the (combined) first intermediate mixture, preferably in volume segment V6, to obtain a further intermediate mixture comprising a further intermediate product.

[0338] In an optional aspect of the 82nd embodiment, the (combined) first intermediate mixture comprises at least one or all of the following: a first organic compound, another organic compound. The first organic compound and / or another organic compound in the other intermediate mixture may exist due to, for example, one of the following reasons: the first organic compound and / or another organic compound are transported from another volume segment (e.g., volume segment V5) to volume segment V6; the first organic compound and / or another organic compound are bound and released during the increase in weight-average molar mass. In another optional aspect of the 82nd embodiment, the other intermediate mixture comprises at least one or all of the following: a first organic compound, another organic compound. In one aspect of the 82nd embodiment, it is preferred that at least one or all of the following: a first organic compound, another organic compound are at least partially removed in volume segment V6. In another aspect of the 82nd embodiment, it is preferred that the other intermediate mixture comprises less than 1 wt-%, more preferably less than 0.1 wt-%, and further preferably less than 0.01 wt-% of at least one or all of the following: a first organic compound, another organic compound, based on the total mass of the other intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 82nd embodiment, it is preferred to use less than 20 wt-%, more preferably less than 10 wt-%, even more preferably less than 5 wt-%, and further preferably less than 1 wt-% of the original product to obtain another intermediate product. The wt-% is based on the total mass of the (combined) first intermediate mixture. Here, the original product has the following characteristics: a.) It is a monomer, an oligomer, a polymer or a combination thereof, preferably a first polyester; b.) It is obtained by chemical synthesis, wherein the chemical synthesis does not include depolymerization and solvent decomposition. An example of the original product is a BHET monomer obtained by esterification of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol.

[0339] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the (combined) first intermediate mixture is provided by conveying the (combined) first intermediate mixture to volume section V6. This preferred embodiment is the 83rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on the 82nd embodiment of the present invention.

[0340] In one aspect of the 83rd embodiment, it is preferred that the (combined) first intermediate mixture is conveyed from volume segment V3 to volume segment V6. However, it is more preferred that the (combined) first intermediate mixture is conveyed from volume segment V3 to volume segment V6 via at least one or all of the following: volume segment V4, filtering device, volume segment V5. In this aspect, it is particularly preferred that the (combined) first intermediate mixture is conveyed from volume segment V5 to volume segment V6.

[0341] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, at least one or all of the following substances are added to the (combined) first intermediate mixture:

[0342] a. an amount of catalyst in the range of 20 ppm to 600 ppm, more preferably in the range of 30 ppm to 500 ppm, and further preferably in the range of 40 ppm to 400 ppm;

[0343] b. An amount of stabilizer in the range of 1 ppm to 120 ppm, more preferably in the range of 5 ppm to 100 ppm, even more preferably in the range of 10 ppm to 80 ppm, further preferably in the range of 20 ppm to 60 ppm.

[0344] This preferred embodiment is the 84th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 83rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0345] In the 84th embodiment, the ppm value is based on the total mass of the (combined) first intermediate mixture. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, the preferred catalyst is Sb2O3, tetrabutoxytitanium, PTO (K2TiO(C2H4)2*2H2O) or a combination of at least two thereof. In this respect, Sb2O3 is particularly preferred. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, at least one or all of the following is preferably applied: adding a catalyst before the (combined) first intermediate mixture enters volume segment V6; adding a catalyst to the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V6, preferably before increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, the preferred stabilizer is diphenylamine, 4-aminobenzoic acid, orthophosphoric acid or a combination of at least two thereof. In one aspect of the 84th embodiment, at least one or all of the following is preferably applied: adding a stabilizer before the (combined) first intermediate mixture enters volume segment V6; preferably, adding the stabilizer to the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V6 before increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product.

[0346] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply to volume segment V6:

[0347] a. a temperature in the range of 260°C to 295°C, more preferably in the range of 268°C to 289°C, and further preferably in the range of 272°C to 285°C;

[0348] b. The pressure is equal to or less than 3.7 kPa, more preferably equal to or less than 3.3 kPa, and further preferably equal to or less than 2.8 kPa.

[0349] This preferred embodiment is the 85th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 83rd to 84th embodiments of the present invention.

[0350] In one aspect of the 85th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 85th embodiment, the preferred pressure is in the range of 0.01 kPa to 3.70 kPa, more preferably in the range of 0.05 kPa to 3.30 kPa, and further preferably in the range of 0.10 kPa to 2.80 kPa.

[0351] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the residence time of the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V6 is less than 750 minutes, more preferably less than 500 minutes, even more preferably less than 350 minutes, and further preferably less than 200 minutes. This preferred embodiment is the 86th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 83rd to 85th embodiments of the present invention.

[0352] In one aspect of the 86th embodiment, it is preferred that the residence time of the (combined) first intermediate mixture in volume segment V6 is 40 minutes or longer, more preferably 70 minutes or longer, and further preferably 150 minutes or longer.

[0353] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the further intermediate product, preferably the further intermediate product leaving the volume segment V6, has at least one or all of the following properties:

[0354] a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.15 dL / g to 0.45 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.18 dL / g to 0.40 dL / g, and further preferably in the range of 0.20 dL / g to 0.30 dL / g;

[0355] b. The weight average molar mass is in the range of 5000 Da to 30000 Da, more preferably in the range of 9000 Da to 24000 Da, even more preferably in the range of 12000 Da to 20000 Da, and further preferably in the range of 14000 Da to 16500 Da.

[0356] This preferred embodiment is the 87th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 86th embodiments of the present invention.

[0357] In one aspect of the 87th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0358] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the method further comprises the step of conveying another intermediate mixture, preferably from volume segment V6 to volume segment V7. This preferred embodiment is the 88th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 87th embodiments of the present invention.

[0359] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of further increasing the weight average molar mass of another intermediate product in another intermediate mixture, preferably in volume segment V7. This preferred embodiment is the 89th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 88th embodiments of the present invention.

[0360] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, at least one or all of the following apply to volume segment V7:

[0361] a. a temperature in the range of 240°C to 310°C, more preferably in the range of 258°C to 298°C, and further preferably in the range of 264°C to 288°C;

[0362] b. The pressure is equal to or less than 0.4 kPa, more preferably equal to or less than 0.35 kPa, and further preferably equal to or less than 0.32 kPa.

[0363] This preferred embodiment is the 90th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 88th to 89th embodiments of the present invention.

[0364] In one aspect of the 90th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b. In one aspect of the 90th embodiment, the temperature given in the preferred embodiment is the temperature measured at the inlet of volume segment V7, more preferably the temperature measured at the inlet of another intermediate mixture into volume segment V7. In one aspect of the 90th embodiment, the preferred pressure is in the range of 0.001 kPa to 0.400 kPa, more preferably in the range of 0.005 kPa to 0.350 kPa.

[0365] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the residence time of the other intermediate mixture in volume segment V7 is less than 300 minutes, more preferably less than 200 minutes, even more preferably less than 150 minutes, and further preferably less than 100 minutes. This preferred embodiment is the 91st embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 88th to 90th embodiments of the present invention.

[0366] In an aspect of the 91st embodiment, preferably, the residence time of the another intermediate mixture in the volume segment V7 is 10 minutes or longer, more preferably 25 minutes or longer, and further preferably 40 minutes or longer.

[0367] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing a further intermediate product, the further intermediate product, preferably the further intermediate product leaving the volume segment V7, has at least one or all of the following properties:

[0368] a. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 0.80 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.57 dL / g to 0.75 dL / g, and further preferably in the range of 0.62 dL / g to 0.67 dL / g;

[0369] b. The weight average molar mass is in the range of 40000 Da to 60000 Da, more preferably in the range of 44000 Da to 54000 Da, and further preferably in the range of 46000 Da to 52000 Da.

[0370] This preferred embodiment is the 92nd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 91st embodiments of the present invention, and more preferably is based on any one of the 88th to 91st embodiments of the present invention.

[0371] In one aspect of the 92nd embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. and b. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; a+b.

[0372] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the method further comprises a step of at least partially removing at least one organic compound, preferably in volume segment V6, volume segment V7 or both. This preferred embodiment is the 93rd embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 92nd embodiments of the present invention.

[0373] In one aspect of the 93rd embodiment, it is preferred that the at least one organic compound is at least one or all of the following: a first organic compound, another organic compound. In another aspect of the 93rd embodiment, it is preferred that the at least one organic compound is at least partially removed from at least one or all of the following: the (combined) first intermediate mixture and the another intermediate mixture. In another aspect of the 93rd embodiment, it is preferred that the first organic compound is at least partially removed by flash distillation. In one aspect of the 93rd embodiment, it is preferred that the at least one organic compound is at least partially removed simultaneously with at least one or all of the following: increasing the weight average molar mass of the first intermediate product, and increasing the weight average molar mass of the another intermediate product.

[0374] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the other intermediate product is another polyester. This preferred embodiment is the 94th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 93rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0375] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the other polyester is selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactide, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyester carbonate, polyarylate, polyester resin (preferably unsaturated polyester resin) and a combination of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 95th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 94th embodiment of the present invention.

[0376] In one aspect of the 95th embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the other polyester is polyethylene terephthalate.

[0377] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the other intermediate product is in the form of a liquid (e.g., a melt or a molten polymer), a particle, or a combination thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 96th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 95th embodiments of the present invention.

[0378] In one aspect of the 96th embodiment, the particles are generally referred to as chips. In one aspect of the 96th embodiment, the particles are preferably obtained by extruding and cooling a hot melt.

[0379] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, the other intermediate product undergoes at least one processing step to obtain a product. This preferred embodiment is the 97th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 82nd to 96th embodiments of the present invention.

[0380] In one aspect of the 97th embodiment, it is preferred that the further intermediate product undergoes at least one processing step downstream of volume section V6, more preferably downstream of volume section V7.

[0381] In a preferred embodiment of the method for producing another intermediate product, at least one processing step comprises at least one or all of the following: cooling, spinning, texturing, coloring (preferably by adding at least one colorant), melting, injection molding, blow molding, coating (preferably spin coating), cutting, extrusion, or a combination of two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 98th embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 97th embodiment of the present invention.

[0382] The 99th embodiment of the present invention is a first intermediate product obtainable by the method for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably the method according to any one of the 1st to 81st embodiments of the present invention.

[0383] The 100th embodiment of the present invention is another intermediate product obtainable by a method for producing another intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably a method according to any one of the 82nd to 98th embodiments of the present invention.

[0384] In one aspect of the 100th embodiment, the other intermediate product is preferably another polyester.

[0385] In a preferred embodiment of the further intermediate product, the further intermediate product has at least one or all of the following characteristics:

[0386] a. a weight average molar mass in the range of 40000Da to 100000Da, more preferably in the range of 44000Da to 80000Da, and further preferably in the range of 48000Da to 60000Da;

[0387] b. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 0.80 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.57 dL / g to 0.75 dL / g, and further preferably in the range of 0.62 dL / g to 0.67 dL / g;

[0388] c. In Hunter Lab color coordinates, the L value is at least 48 and the b value is 6 or less.

[0389] This preferred embodiment is the 101st embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 100th embodiment of the present invention.

[0390] In one aspect of the 101st embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred aspects of this embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c. In one aspect of the 101st embodiment, feature c., it is preferred that the other intermediate product has an L value in the range of 45 to 75 in Hunter Lab color coordinates, more preferably in the range of 50 to 70, and further preferably in the range of 55 to 65. In one aspect of the 101st embodiment, feature c., it is preferred that the other intermediate product has a b value in the range of 0 to 6 in Hunter Lab color coordinates, more preferably in the range of 1 to 5, and further preferably in the range of 2 to 4.

[0391] The 102nd embodiment of the present invention is a product comprising another intermediate product according to the present invention, preferably another intermediate product according to any one of the 100th to 101st embodiments of the present invention.

[0392] In a preferred embodiment of the product, the product is selected from yarn, textile, shaped article (e.g., bottle), molding material, film, sheet, granule, composite material, foam, fiber, lubricant, adhesive, thickener, suspending agent, flocculant, resin, plastic, coating, building material, absorbent material, medicine, material for controlled release of active substance, powder and a combination of at least two or more thereof. This preferred embodiment is the 103rd embodiment of the present invention, which is preferably dependent on the 102nd embodiment of the present invention.

[0393] In one aspect of the 103rd embodiment, it is particularly preferred that the product is a yarn, more preferably a yarn for textiles. Examples of yarns include fully stretched yarns, stretched textured yarns, and partially oriented yarns.

[0394] In a preferred embodiment of the product, the product has at least one or all of the following characteristics:

[0395] a. In the Hunter Lab color coordinates, the L value is at least 62, more preferably at least 68, and further preferably at least 73;

[0396] b. In the Hunter Lab color coordinates, the b value is at least 1, more preferably at least 2, and further preferably at least 3;

[0397] c. The tensile strength is 1.5 g / Denier or more, preferably 2.0 g / Denier or more, and further preferably 2.5 g / Denier or more;

[0398] d. a weight average molar mass in the range of 40,000 to 100,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 44,000 to 80,000 Da, further preferably in the range of 48,000 to 60,000 Da;

[0399] e. an intrinsic viscosity in the range of 0.50 dL / g to 0.80 dL / g, more preferably in the range of 0.57 dL / g to 0.75 dL / g, further preferably in the range of 0.62 dL / g to 0.67 dL / g;

[0400] f. The elongation is in the range of 5% to 175%, more preferably in the range of 10% to 150%, further preferably in the range of 20% to 125%.

[0401] This preferred embodiment is the 104th embodiment of the present invention, which preferably depends on any one of the 102nd to 103rd embodiments of the present invention.

[0402] In one aspect of the 104th embodiment, all possible combinations of features a. to f. are preferred aspects of the embodiment. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; d; e; f; a+b; a+c; a+d; a+e; a+f; b+c; b+d; b+e; b+f; c+d; c+e; c+f; d+e; d+f; e+f; a+b+c; a+b+d; a+b+e; a+b+f; a+c+d; a+c+e; a+c+f; a+d+e; a+d+f; a+e+f; b+c+d; b+c+e; b+c+f; b+d+e; b+d+f; b+e+f; c+d+e; c+d+f; c+e+f; d+ e+f;a+b+c+d;a+b+c+e;a+b+c+f;a+b+d+e;a+b+d+f;a+b+e+f;a+c+d+e;a+c+d+f;a+c+e+f;a+d+e+f;b+c+d+e;b+c+d+ f; b+c+e+f; b+d+e+f; c+d+e+f; a+b+c+d+e; a+b+c+d+f; a+b+c+e+f; a+b+d+e+f; a+c+d+e+f; b+c+d+e+f; a+b+c+d+e+f. In one aspect of the 104th embodiment, feature a., if the product is a yarn, it is preferred that the product has an L value in the Hunter Lab chromaticity coordinates ranging from 62 to 95, more preferably, ranging from 68 to 90, and further preferably, ranging from 73 to 87. In one aspect of the 104th embodiment, feature b., if the product is a yarn, it is preferred that the product has a b in the Hunter Lab chromaticity coordinates ranging from 1 to 7, more preferably, ranging from 2 to 6, and further preferably, ranging from 3 to 5. In the 104th embodiment, tensile strength and elongation are measured according to standard ASTM D2256 / D2256M-21.

[0403] The 105th embodiment of the present invention is the use of the first intermediate product according to the present invention (preferably the first intermediate product according to the 99th embodiment of the present invention) for producing another intermediate product (preferably another polyester).

[0404] In one aspect of the 105th embodiment, preferably, another intermediate product produced is any one of the 100th to 101st embodiments of the present invention.

[0405] The 106th embodiment of the present invention is the use of another intermediate product according to the present invention (preferably according to any one of the 100th to 101st embodiments of the present invention) for producing a product, preferably a product produced according to any one of the 102nd to 104th embodiments of the present invention.

[0406] Detailed description of the invention

[0407] Throughout the document, the disclosure of a range should preferably be understood as including both endpoints of the range. In addition, the disclosure of each range in the document should preferably be understood as also disclosing a preferred sub-range in which one endpoint is excluded or both endpoints are excluded. For example, the disclosure of a range of 60°C to 75°C should be understood as disclosing a range including both endpoints of 60°C and 75°C. In addition, it should also be understood as disclosing a range including endpoint 60°C but not including endpoint 75°C, a range excluding endpoint 60°C but including endpoint 75°C, and a range excluding both endpoints of 60°C and 75°C.

[0408] Throughout the document, preferred embodiments and preferred aspects that disclose two or more features with preferred ranges or alternatives should be understood to include all possible combinations of these features. For example, an embodiment in which "wt-%a of feature A, more preferably wt-%b of feature A, and further preferably wt-%c of feature A has a length of x, more preferably wt-%c of feature A has a length of y, and further preferably wt-%c of feature A has a length of z" discloses all embodiments having the following combinations of features: a, x; a, y; a, z; b, x; b, y; b, z; c, x; c, y; c, z.

[0409] Some preferred embodiments and preferred aspects may include different combinations of features. If various combinations are listed, the combinations are separated by semicolons (";"). For example, the list "a; a+b; a+c+d" should be understood to disclose an embodiment including feature "a", an embodiment including features "a" and "b", and an embodiment including features "a", "c", and "d".

[0410] The following abbreviations are used in the description: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene glycol (EG), monoethylene glycol (MEG), bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET).

[0411] Reaction line

[0412] The "first reaction line" and the "other reaction line" are preferably understood to mean that the first raw material amount and the other raw material amount respectively undergo at least one step in the method for producing the first intermediate product. That is, the at least one step is performed twice: once for the first raw material amount and once for the other raw material amount.

[0413] For example, the first raw material amount is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 to obtain a first initial mixture. The other raw material amount is also contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound in the volume segment V1 to obtain a first initial mixture. Therefore, the first raw material amount and the other raw material amount are respectively contacted with two independent first amounts of the first organic compound to obtain two independent first initial mixtures.

[0414] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the at least one step can be performed in two separate but similar volume segments of the first reaction line and the other reaction line. In another preferred aspect of the present invention, at least one step can be performed in the same volume segment but at different times.

[0415] Changes in process parameters

[0416] "Change of process parameters" should preferably be understood as: the first reaction line and the other reaction line both have a specific volume segment (for example, volume segment V2). The change of process parameters means that the parameter changes between the specific volume segment of the first reaction line and the same specific volume segment of the other reaction line. For example, the temperature in the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line is different from the temperature in the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line.

[0417] Volume Segment

[0418] A "volume segment" (e.g., V1, V2) is best understood to refer to a volume designed and arranged to receive a certain amount of solid, liquid, gas, or a combination thereof. Examples of a "volume segment" include a storage tank, a storage container, a reactor (e.g., a depolymerization reactor), a pipeline, a siphon, or a combination of two or more thereof. The numbering of the volume segments is best understood as a means of identifying the volume segments. For example, if a method for producing a first intermediate product is performed in volume segments V1 and V3, this does not mean that the method is also performed in volume segment V2.

[0419] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that at least two volume segments at least partially intersect in space. For example, a first polyester is contacted with a first amount of a first organic compound in volume segment V1, while a reduction in the weight-average molar mass of the (combined) first polyester is carried out in volume segment V3. If volume segments V1 and V3 both refer to the same internal volume of the reactor, then volume segments V1 and V3 intersect in space. If two volume segments (e.g. a first volume segment and a further volume segment) intersect in space, the volume segments differ from each other in that the difference in at least one physical parameter (e.g. temperature) in the volume segments is at least 15%. For example, the average temperature of the first volume segment is 60°C, while the average temperature of the further volume segment is 120°C. If two volume segments (e.g. a first volume segment and a further volume segment) intersect in space, then, for example, the transfer of the first initial mixture from the first volume segment to the further volume segment should preferably be understood to mean that at least one physical parameter (e.g. temperature) in the volume segment changes by at least 15%.

[0420] In another more preferred aspect of the present invention, at least two, more preferably at least three, even more preferably at least four, and further preferably all volume segments spatially intersect less than 30%, more preferably less than 20%, and further preferably less than 10%. In this regard, preferably at least two volume segments are located in the same container, such as a reactor or a storage tank. However, in this regard, more preferably the volume segments are located in different containers, such as reactors or storage tanks.

[0421] In one aspect of the present invention, the first polyester is preferably conveyed from the volume segment V1 to the volume segment V2. In this aspect, it is preferred that at least one outlet for the first polyester to leave the volume segment V1 is arranged at a distance of less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 40 cm, and further preferably less than 35 cm from the bottom of the volume segment V1. In this aspect, it is preferred that at least one inlet (e.g., an inlet of the first type) for the first polyester to enter the volume segment V2 is arranged at a distance of less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 40 cm, and further preferably less than 30 cm from the bottom of the volume segment V2. The distance from the bottom of the volume segment to the inlet (or outlet) is measured from the bottom of the volume segment to the point of the inlet (or outlet) closest to the bottom.

[0422] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably at least one, more preferably at least two, even more preferably at least three, and further preferably all volume segments are fluidly connected. In another aspect of the present invention, preferably at least one or all of the following apply: volume segment V1 is fluidly connected to volume segment V2; volume segment V2 is fluidly connected to volume segment V3; volume segment V3 is fluidly connected to volume segment V4; volume segment V4 is fluidly connected to volume segment V5; volume segment V5 is fluidly connected to volume segment V6; volume segment V6 is fluidly connected to volume segment V7; volume segment V1 is fluidly connected to volume segment V3; volume segment V3 is fluidly connected to volume segment V5; volume segment V3 is fluidly connected to volume segment V7; volume segment V5 is fluidly connected to volume segment V7.

[0423] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably at least one, more preferably at least two, even more preferably at least three, and further preferably all volume segments are in fluid communication with at least one filter device. In one aspect of the present invention, preferably at least one or all of the following apply: volume segment V4 is in fluid communication with at least one filter device; volume segment V5 is in fluid communication with at least one filter device.

[0424] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the volume segment V2 has a first region and another region. In this aspect, it is preferred that the other region is located downstream of the first region. In this aspect, it is preferred that the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region is different from the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the other region. It is further preferred that the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region is less than the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the other region.

[0425] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the volume segment V2 has a first region and another region, wherein the first region and the another region are not adjacent to each other.

[0426] In another aspect of the present invention, the volume segment V2 preferably has a first region and a further region, wherein the first region and the first region are adjacent to each other. In this aspect, it is preferred that the first region and the further region are at least partially separated by a boundary. Preferred boundaries are physical boundaries and imaginary boundaries, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the imaginary boundary is defined as a location where a measurable physical property in the volume segment V2 changes rapidly. An example of a physical property is the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the volume segment V2. The rapid change is preferably defined as a change of at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, and further preferably at least 70% in the value of the physical property within a distance of less than 50 cm, more preferably less than 30 cm, and further preferably less than 15 cm. For example, the imaginary boundary can be defined by the liquid level of the first organic compound in the volume segment V2. An example of a physical boundary between the first region and the further region is a sieve.

[0427] In one aspect of the invention, preferably, volume segment V1 is adjusted and arranged for at least one or all of the following: removing at least one impurity from the surface of the first polyester (e.g., removing a label from a PET sheet), removing at least one impurity from the first initial mixture, and removing at least one impurity from the raw material (amount) (e.g., dust).

[0428] In one aspect of the invention, preferably the volume segment V2 is designed and arranged for at least one or all of the following: removing at least one impurity from a mixture comprising a first polyester and a first organic compound, at least partially depolymerizing the first polyester (preferably by solvolysis), and embrittlement of the first polyester. "Embellishing" is preferably understood as a process of making the first polyester more brittle. For example, if the first polyester is in the form of PET flakes, the force required to break the flakes into smaller fragments after embrittlement is less than the force required to break the PET flakes into smaller fragments before embrittlement.

[0429] In one aspect of the invention, preferably volume V3 is designed and arranged for at least partially depolymerizing the (combined) first polyester, preferably using solvolysis.

[0430] In an aspect of the invention, it is preferred that volume section V4 is adapted and arranged for at least one or all of: mixing liquid with particulate material, and heating the liquid.

[0431] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the volume segment V5 is designed and arranged to be used for at least one or all of the following: storing liquid, maintaining the temperature of the liquid, heating the liquid, or a combination of at least two thereof.

[0432] In one aspect of the invention, preferably, volume segment V6 is designed and arranged to at least partially polymerize at least one or all of the following, more preferably by polycondensation: monomers and oligomers.

[0433] In one aspect of the invention, preferably, volume segment V7 is designed and arranged to at least partially polymerize at least one or all of the following substances, more preferably by polycondensation: monomers and oligomers.

[0434] In one aspect of the invention, preferably, A1.) the first polyester is contacted with a further amount of the first organic compound in a volume section V2, and A2.) the weight average molar mass of the first polyester is reduced in the volume section V2. In this respect, preferably, steps A1.) and A2.) are carried out at least partially simultaneously.

[0435] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, B1.) (after the combination) the first polyester is contacted with another organic compound in volume section V3, and B2.) the weight average molar mass of the first polyester (after the combination) is reduced in volume section V3. In this aspect, preferably steps B1.) and B2.) are carried out at least partially simultaneously.

[0436] Fluid connections

[0437] The phrase "fluidic connection" should preferably be understood as meaning that if a first component (e.g. volume segment V1) and another component (e.g. volume segment V2) are in fluidic connection with each other, a fluid, a gas or a combination thereof can flow from the first component to the other component, or from the other component to the first component, or both. It should also preferably be understood that if components are "in fluidic connection" with each other, this does not mean that the components must be adjacent to each other. For example, a further component is arranged between the first component and the further component. The first component and the further component are "in fluidic connection" if, for example, a fluid can flow from the first component to the further component through the further component.

[0438] In one aspect of the present invention, if a first component is in fluid communication with another component, and the other component is in fluid communication with the further component, this should preferably be understood to mean that the first component and the further component are in fluid communication with each other.

[0439] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, at least one or all of the following can be transported between two components in fluid communication with each other: a solid, a mixture of a solid and a fluid, a mixture of a solid and a gas, and a mixture of a solid, a liquid, and a gas. For example, a mixture comprising PET flakes and MEG can be transported between two volume segments in fluid communication with each other using an Archimedean screw, a siphon, or a combination thereof.

[0440] (Merged) Mass ratio of the first polyester to the organic compound

[0441] The mass ratio of the (combined) first polyester to the organic compound (eg first organic compound, further organic compound) is preferably understood as the mass ratio of the (combined) first polyester to the free organic compound.

[0442] raw material

[0443] In one aspect of the present invention, a "feedstock" comprising a first polyester is provided, wherein the feedstock is separated into a first feedstock amount and another feedstock amount. In this regard, the feedstock (amount) may optionally contain one or more other components, such as at least one impurity. In various aspects and preferred aspects of the present invention, the first polyester is contacted with an organic compound (e.g., a first organic compound, another organic compound). Such contact of the first polyester with the organic compound is preferably understood to include the following two situations: a.) before contacting with the organic compound, at least one other component of the feedstock (amount) is at least partially separated from the first polyester (i.e., the initially provided feedstock (amount) no longer exists or its composition has been changed), and it is the first polyester (wherein at least one other component is at least partially removed) that is contacted with the organic compound; b.) the feedstock (amount) is contacted with the organic compound without at least partially removing at least one other component. The above, after necessary modifications, is preferably applicable to the transportation of the first polyester.

[0444] For example, a first polyester is contacted with a first organic compound in a volume segment V1. The first polyester is provided as part of a raw material (amount) that also contains impurities. Impurities are not removed before contacting. That is, the contact of the first polyester with the first organic compound is equivalent to the contact of the raw material (amount) with the first organic compound. In the volume segment V1, impurities are partially removed, and the first polyester is transported to the volume segment V2 together with some impurities that have not been removed. Here, the first polyester and the transported impurities are no longer equivalent to the raw material (amount) that was initially provided.

[0445] Multiple fragments

[0446] "Product item" is preferably understood to mean an item comprising the first polyester. Examples of product items include: items that have been used at least once, preferably by a consumer (e.g., post-consumer waste); items that have been produced but never used (e.g., items that have been rejected due to not meeting quality requirements); items that are by-products of a production process (e.g., scraps). Examples of product items include bottles and thermoformed items. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the product item is a bottle and a thermoformed item, more preferably a bottle.

[0447] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the first polyester in the raw material (amount) is in the form of a plurality of fragments. In this aspect, it is preferred that a plurality of fragments are obtained by processing the product item. Examples of processing the product item include shredding, grinding or a combination thereof. For example, a PET bottle is provided, which is first shredded to obtain PET flakes, and then the PET flakes are ground. In another example, a textile comprising PET is provided, and the textile is shredded to obtain textile fragments. In this aspect in which the raw material is in the form of a plurality of fragments, it is preferred that the product item is processed to obtain a plurality of fragments, wherein at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, and further preferably at least 70% of the fragments have at least one physical dimension, and the difference between the physical dimension and the average value of at least one physical dimension is less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, and further preferably less than 30%. An example of at least one physical dimension is the width, length and thickness of the fragments. For example, at least 70% of the fragments have a width that is less than 40% of the difference from the average width of the plurality of fragments. In another aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the product is processed before the raw material (amount) is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound.

[0448] The "fragments" of the first polyester preferably have physical dimensions (e.g., length, width, thickness) that are all below the upper limit. Preferably, the upper limit is less than 5 cm, more preferably less than 4 cm, and further preferably less than 3 cm. An example of a plurality of "fragments" is PET flakes, which are well known to those skilled in the art of recycling technology.

[0449] The "first dimension" of a fragment is preferably understood to mean the width, length or both of the fragment. The "length" of a fragment is preferably understood to mean the largest dimension of the fragment. The "width" of a fragment is preferably understood to mean the second largest dimension of the fragment. The "thickness" of a fragment is preferably understood to mean the smallest dimension of the fragment.

[0450] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the geometry of the fragments is not limited. For example, the fragments may be flat, parabolic or irregularly shaped.

[0451] In one aspect of the invention, preferably the plurality of fragments comprises a plurality of first type fragments and a plurality of other type fragments. "First type fragments" are preferably understood as fragments having a maximum thickness of less than 1.0 mm. "Other type fragments" are preferably understood as fragments having a maximum thickness of 1.0 mm or more. Examples of "first type fragments" are fragments obtained by shredding the walls of a PET beverage container. Examples of "other type fragments" are fragments obtained by shredding the bottom of a PET beverage container.

[0452] Unless otherwise specified, in the preferred embodiments and the description, if "fragments" are mentioned, it is preferably understood to be fragments constituting a plurality of fragments and / or fragments constituting a raw material (amount).

[0453] At least one impurity

[0454] In one aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the feedstock (amount) comprises at least one impurity. In this respect, it is preferred that the feedstock (amount) comprises less than 3.0 wt-%, more preferably less than 2.0 wt-%, even more preferably less than 1.0 wt-%, further preferably less than 0.5 wt-%, even further preferably less than 0.1 wt-% of at least one impurity based on the total mass of the feedstock (amount).

[0455] Examples of "at least one impurity" include adhesives, paper, sand (e.g., in the form of dust), stones (e.g., gravel), wood, food scraps, at least one metal (e.g., Sb, Fe, Ti, Al), at least one polyolefin (e.g., high-density polyethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene), polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, fuel (e.g., paraffin, gasoline, diesel), or a combination of two or more thereof. An example of at least one polyolefin impurity is a bottle cap.

[0456] In a preferred aspect of the present invention, wherein the first polyester in the feedstock (amount) is provided in the form of a plurality of fragments, examples of the at least one impurity are one or all of the following: at least one impurity adhered to the outer surface of the fragments (e.g., a label adhered to the outer surface of a PET flake), at least one impurity mixed with the plurality of fragments (e.g., gravel mixed with a PET flake), or a combination thereof.

[0457] In one aspect of the present invention, the raw material (amount) is preferably cleaned, preferably using at least one or all of the following: water, alkali washing. Preferred alkali washing includes sodium hydroxide. In this regard, preferably, the raw material (amount) is cleaned before contacting the raw material (amount) with the first amount of the first organic compound. For example, according to the present invention, the raw material (amount) used in the method for producing the first intermediate product is cleaned before contacting with the first amount of the first organic compound.

[0458] Number of particles per unit area

[0459] In one aspect of the present invention, at least one or all of the following are preferably applied:

[0460] a. The number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in volume segment V1 is at least 100,000 particles / cm 2 , more preferably at least 1,000,000 particles / cm 2 , more preferably at least 3,000,000 particles / cm 2 ;

[0461] b. The number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the first region of volume segment V2 is 3000 particles / cm 2 Up to 350,000 particles / cm2 The particle size is preferably within the range of 30,000 particles / cm 2 Up to 250,000 particles / cm 2 The particle size is preferably within the range of 100,000 particles / cm 2 Up to 200,000 particles / cm 2 within the scope;

[0462] c. In another region of volume segment V2, at least one impurity has a particle count per unit area of ​​100 particles / cm 2 Up to 12000 particles / cm 2 In the range of 500 particles / cm 2 Up to 6000 particles / cm 2 In the range of 1000 particles / cm 2 Up to 2000 particles / cm 2 within the range.

[0463] In the above aspects, all possible combinations of features a. to c. are preferred. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; a+b; a+c; b+c; a+b+c.

[0464] Entrance

[0465] "First type of inlet" is best understood as an inlet designed and arranged to allow the (combined) first polyester to enter the volume segment. For example: the volume segment is a reactor and the first type of inlet is an opening in the side of the reactor.

[0466] "Another type of inlet" is best understood to mean an inlet designed and arranged to allow an organic compound (e.g., a first organic compound) to enter the volume segment. A preferred another type of inlet is designed and arranged to allow the organic compound to enter the volume segment in the form of a gas (e.g., a steam). An example of another type of inlet is a gas nozzle, such as a high-pressure gas nozzle.

[0467] A further type of inlet is preferably understood to mean an inlet designed and arranged to allow an organic compound (e.g. a first organic compound) to enter the volume segment. A preferred further type of inlet is designed and arranged to allow an organic compound to enter the volume segment in the form of a liquid. An example of a further type of inlet is a nozzle, e.g. a nozzle designed and arranged to spray a liquid.

[0468] Molar mass

[0469] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the first polyester has a number average molar mass in the range of 12000 Da to 18500 Da, more preferably in the range of 12700 Da to 17700 Da, and further preferably in the range of 13200 Da to 17200 Da before contacting with the first amount of the first organic compound.

[0470] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the number average molar mass of the first polyester leaving the volume segment V1 is in the range of 10100 Da to 21800 Da, more preferably in the range of 10900 Da to 21100 Da, further preferably in the range of 11400 Da to 20600 Da.

[0471] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the number average molar mass of the (combined) first polyester present in volume segment V2 is in the range of 500 Da to 2500 Da, more preferably in the range of 700 Da to 2000 Da, further preferably in the range of 1000 Da to 1500 Da.

[0472] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the number average molar mass of the first intermediate product is in the range of 200 Da to 600 Da, more preferably in the range of 300 Da to 500 Da, further preferably in the range of 350 Da to 400 Da.

[0473] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the number average molar mass of the further intermediate product leaving volume segment V6 is in the range of 200 Da to 600 Da, more preferably in the range of 3000 Da to 6500 Da, and further preferably in the range of 3700 Da to 5500 Da.

[0474] In one aspect of the present invention, preferably, the number average molar mass of the further intermediate product leaving volume segment V7 is in the range of 6500Da to 10500Da, more preferably in the range of 7500Da to 10000Da, and further preferably in the range of 8000Da to 9500Da.

[0475] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the first polyester is in the form of a plurality of first type fragments and a plurality of another type fragments. In this aspect, it is preferred that at least one or all of the following apply:

[0476] A.) before contacting with the first amount of the first organic compound, the weight average molar mass of the plurality of first type fragments is in the range of 55000 Da to 72000 Da, more preferably in the range of 60000 Da to 68000 Da, and further preferably in the range of 62000 Da to 66000 Da;

[0477] B.) before contacting with the first amount of the first organic compound, the weight average molar mass of the plurality of another type of fragments is in the range of 50,000 Da to 70,000 Da, more preferably in the range of 55,000 Da to 64,000 Da, and further preferably in the range of 57,000 Da to 62,000 Da;

[0478] C.) the mass average molar mass of the plurality of first type fragments leaving the volume segment V1 is in the range of 47000 Da to 58000 Da, more preferably in the range of 49000 Da to 56500 Da, and further preferably in the range of 51000 Da to 54500 Da;

[0479] D.) the mass average molar mass of the plurality of fragments of the other type leaving the volume segment V1 is in the range of 44000 Da to 77000 Da, more preferably in the range of 48000 Da to 73000 Da, and further preferably in the range of 50000 Da to 71000 Da;

[0480] E.) the mass average molar mass of the plurality of first type fragments leaving the volume segment V2 is in the range of 3700 Da to 6000 Da, more preferably in the range of 4100 Da to 5300 Da;

[0481] F.) The mass average molar mass of the plurality of fragments of the other type leaving the volume segment V2 is in the range of 2300 Da to 7500 Da, more preferably in the range of 3200 Da to 7200 Da.

[0482] In the above aspects, all possible combinations of features A. to F. are preferred. These combinations are, for example, a; b; c; d; e; f; a+b; a+c; a+d; a+e; a+f; b+c; b+d; b+e; b+f; c+d; c+e; c+f; d+e; d+f; e+f; a+b+c; a+b+d; a+b+e; a+b+f; a+c+d; a+c+e; a+c+f; a+d+e; a+d+f; a+e+f; b+c+d; b+c+e; b+c+f; b+d+e; b+d+f; b+e+f; c+d+e; c+d+f; c+e+f; d+ e+f;a+b+c+d;a+b+c+e;a+b+c+f;a+b+d+e;a+b+d+f;a+b+e+f;a+c+d+e;a+c+d+f;a+c+e+f;a+d+e+f;b+c+d+e;b+c+d+ f; b+c+e+f; b+d+e+f; c+d+e+f; a+b+c+d+e; a+b+c+d+f; a+b+c+e+f; a+b+d+e+f; a+c+d+e+f; b+c+d+e+f; a+b+c+d+e+f.

[0483] Direction relative to gravity

[0484] If a direction (e.g., a first direction) is "at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity," it is best understood that if the direction is decomposed into three perpendicular components, the orientation of the component parallel to the direction of gravity is such that the component is opposite to the direction of gravity. If a direction (e.g., a first direction) is "at least partially along the direction of gravity," it is best understood that if the direction is decomposed into three perpendicular components, the orientation of the component parallel to the direction of gravity is such that the component is along the direction of gravity, i.e., points in the same direction as gravity.

[0485] Stirring in the volume segment

[0486] The stirring in the volume segment is preferably carried out using a mechanical device suitable for stirring, a non-mechanical device suitable for stirring, or a combination thereof. Examples of suitable mechanical devices include stirrers, such as vertical blade stirrers, turbines, impellers, and propellers. Examples of suitable non-mechanical devices include injecting at least one fluid (e.g., in the form of a gas, a liquid, or a combination thereof) into the volume segment (preferably under pressure) and ultrasound. For example, another organic compound is injected as a liquid into the volume segment V3 through a nozzle.

[0487] Organic compounds

[0488] Preferred "organic compounds" (e.g., the first organic compound, the further organic compound) are compounds suitable for reducing the molar mass (e.g., weight average molar mass, number average molar mass) of the (combined) first polyester, preferably by solvolysis. For example, if the (combined) first polyester is PET, the weight average molar mass of the (combined) first polyester can be reduced by a solvolysis process using (mono)ethylene glycol, alcohol or methanol. Preferred "organic compounds" (e.g., the first organic compound, the further organic compound) are selected from (mono)ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, alcohol, methanol and a combination of at least two thereof, wherein (mono)ethylene glycol is more preferred, and monoethylene glycol is particularly preferred.

[0489] "Free" organic compound is preferably understood to mean an organic compound which is not chemically bound to, e.g., the (combined) first polyester, the first intermediate product, the further intermediate product, by a covalent bond. "Free" organic compound is in contrast to "bound" organic compound, which is chemically bound to, e.g., the (combined) first polyester, the first intermediate product, the further intermediate product, by a covalent bond. For example, during the solvolysis of PET using MEG, some MEG is chemically bound to PET oligomers. This bound MEG is not free MEG.

[0490] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the first organic compound and the further organic compound are the same organic compound. For example, it is preferred that the first organic compound and the further organic compound are both (mono)ethylene glycol.

[0491] Initial mixture

[0492] In one aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the first initial mixture comprises a first polyester and a first organic compound. In one aspect of the invention, it is preferred that a further initial mixture comprises a first polyester and another organic compound. In this aspect, it is further preferred that a further initial mixture also comprises a first organic compound. In one aspect of the invention, it is preferred that a further initial mixture comprises a first polyester and a first organic compound.

[0493] First granular material

[0494] First particulate materials suitable for use in the present invention are commercially available from, for example, Merck KGaA (Germany) and Donau Carbon GmbH (Germany).

[0495] The "mode" of a first particle material is a well-known measure of a statistical distribution. The mode of a first particle material will be referred to below in conjunction with Figure 8 Further description.

[0496] Further aspects and definitions

[0497] In one aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the feedstock (amount) contains less than 5 wt-%, more preferably less than 1 wt-%, and further preferably less than 0.1 wt-% of colorant. For example, the feedstock (amount) contains PET flakes obtained by crushing colorless bottles. In one aspect of the invention, it is preferred that the feedstock (amount) contains less than 5 wt-%, more preferably less than 1 wt-%, and further preferably less than 0.1 wt-% of colored fragments.

[0498] In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the process of the present invention is operated continuously, semi-continuously or batchwise. Examples of these processes are "a process for producing a first intermediate product" and "a process for producing another intermediate product".

[0499] A preferred example of the "method for producing a first intermediate product" is a method in which the first intermediate product is produced by recycling the first polyester. A preferred example of the "method for producing another intermediate product" is a method in which the another intermediate product is produced by recycling the first polyester.

[0500] The process step of "contacting" the component (e.g., the (combined) first polyester) with the organic compound preferably includes at least one or all of the following: a process step of mixing the organic compound with the component (e.g., mixing the organic compound and the component in a volume section using a stirring device); a process step of maintaining the organic compound and the component in contact with each other (e.g., the component and the organic compound form a mixture, the component is suspended in the organic compound, or the component is at least partially dissolved in the organic compound); a process step of passing the organic compound through the component (e.g., passing steam through a porous component, or the component is in the form of a plurality of fragments and passing steam between the fragments); or a combination of at least two or more thereof.

[0501] The process step of "reducing the weight-average molar mass of the (combined) first polyester" preferably includes at least one or all of the following: at least partially depolymerizing the (combined) first polyester (for example, by solvent decomposition); heating the (combined) first polyester; photodegrading the (combined) first polyester; shearing the (combined) first polyester; or a combination of at least two or more thereof.

[0502] In one aspect of the invention, it is particularly preferred to reduce the weight average molar mass of the (combined) first polyester by solvolysis. Examples of solvolysis include hydrolysis, glycolysis, alcoholysis and aminolysis. For example, if the (combined) first polyester is PET, water can be used to depolymerize PET into terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol (hydrolysis). For example, if the (combined) first polyester is PET, methanol can be used to depolymerize PET into dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol (methanolysis). For example, if the (combined) first polyester is PET, (mono)ethylene glycol can be used to depolymerize PET into BHET and other PET glycolysis products (glycolysis). In this regard, glycolysis is particularly preferred.

[0503] The process step of "increasing the weight average molar mass of the intermediate product" (e.g., the first intermediate product or another intermediate product) preferably comprises at least one or all of the following: at least partially polymerizing the intermediate product; crosslinking the intermediate product; transesterification of the intermediate product; or a combination of at least two or more thereof. In one aspect of the present invention, it is particularly preferred to increase the weight average molar mass of the intermediate product by at least partially polymerizing the intermediate product. In this regard, polycondensation is preferred.

[0504] "Intrinsic viscosity" is preferably understood to mean the average intrinsic viscosity.

[0505] The "first direction" is preferably understood as a direction at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity. The "another direction" is preferably understood as a direction at least partially along the direction of gravity.

[0506] "Ambient pressure" in a volume segment is preferably understood to mean the pressure in the head space of the volume segment. "Overpressure" in a volume segment is preferably understood to mean the pressure difference relative to the ambient pressure, for example the atmospheric pressure at the location of the volume segment.

[0507] A "repeat unit" is preferably understood as a part of a polymer, which is repeated to produce a polymer chain. For example, a polymer is formed by linking "repeat units" together. A "dimer" is preferably understood as a chain consisting of two "repeat units". A "trimer" is preferably understood as a chain consisting of three "repeat units". In one aspect of the invention, a preferred repeat unit has the form

[0508]

[0509] The "first intermediate product" is preferably understood to be a product obtained by reducing the weight average molar mass of the (combined) first polyester. Examples of the "first intermediate product" are oligomers of the (combined) first polyester, monomers of the (combined) first polyester, or a combination thereof. In one aspect of the present invention, it is preferred that the "first intermediate product" comprises at least one or all of the following: monomers of the (combined) first polyester, oligomers of the (combined) first polyester, or both.

[0510] "Oligomer" is preferably understood to mean a chain of repeating units, wherein the number of repeating units does not exceed 50.

[0511] Test Method

[0512] The following test methods are used within the scope of the present invention. Unless otherwise stated, the measurements are carried out at an ambient temperature of 25° C., an ambient pressure of 100 kPa (0.986 atm) and a relative air humidity of 65%. Unless otherwise stated, the margin of error of the measurement method is ±5%.

[0513] In the following test methods, when reference is made to PET, it is understood that the particular test method is applicable to any polyester without adapting the test method.

[0514] Changes in process parameters

[0515] The term “change in a process parameter” between a first reaction line and another reaction line should be understood as: when a method step is performed in the first reaction line, the value G of a process parameter is used. R1 (For example, temperature or the mass ratio of the raw material amount to the organic compound). When the same step is performed in another reaction line, the value G of the same process parameter is used. R2 , and G R1 Not equal to G R2 .

[0516] The process parameter variation Q between the first reaction line and the other reaction line RL-VAR The calculation method is as follows:

[0517] Q RL-VAR =|G R1 -G R2 | / G R1 ×100%.

[0518] For the change of process parameters, the value expressed in the process parameter unit in the description should be used for calculation. For example, the change of temperature should be calculated using the value in °C.

[0519] In the volume segment (e.g., volume segment V1, volume segment V2) of the first reaction line, the mass ratio of the first raw material amount to the first organic compound, G MR-R1 , and the mass ratio of the amount of another raw material to the first organic compound in the volume section of the other reaction line, G MR-R2 , the relative ratio, Q RL-RAT , is calculated as follows:

[0520] Q RL-REL =G MR-R1 / G MR-R2 .

[0521] raw material (quantity) Bulk density

[0522] When the raw material (amount) contains multiple fragments, the bulk density of the raw material (amount) p BULK，FEED Calculated according to standard ASTM D1895-17 B. The bulk density of the feedstock (amount) is measured before the feedstock (amount) is contacted with the first amount of the first organic compound. The method is described using PET flake feedstock (amount) as an example.

[0523] Bulk density of the first polyester in volume segments V1 and V2

[0524] If the first polyester is in the form of a plurality of flakes, the bulk density of the first polyester in the volume segment V1 and in the first region of the volume segment V2 is determined as follows: The method is explained using a PET flake as an example.

[0525] a. Assume that the packing density of the PET flakes leaving the volume segment V1 is the same as the packing density of the flakes in the volume segment V1 BULK,V1 Same. BULK,V1 The value of p is calculated by taking 10 samples of PET flakes at the outlet of volume segment V1 and using the same procedure as for calculating the bulk density of the raw material (amount) BULK,V1 to be sure.

[0526] b. Due to the pressure in the first region of volume segment V2, the PET sheet will be compressed, resulting in a bulk density p in the first region. BULK,V2,Z1 Increase. The bulk density is calculated as follows:

[0527] p BULK,V2,Z1 =C FACTOR ×p BULK,V1 ,

[0528] Among them, C FACTOR is the compression factor.

[0529] c. Bulk density p of PET flakes in another region of volume segment V2 BULK,V2,Z2 By taking 10 samples of PET flakes at the outlet of volume segment V2 and calculating p using the same procedure as for calculating the bulk density of the raw material (amount) BULK,V2,Z2 to be sure.

[0530] Compression coefficient C FACTOR Determine as follows:

[0531] a. Head pressure p at the bottom of volume segment V2 HEAD,V2 The calculation is as follows:

[0532] p HEAD,V2 =[H MEG,V2 ×(p PET -pMEG )+(H REACTOR,V2 –H MEG,V2 )×p BULK,V2,Z2 ]×a GRAV ,

[0533] Among them, H MEG,V2 is the height of the first organic compound (eg, MEG) in the volume segment V2 (measured from the bottom of the volume segment V2), H REACTOR,V2 is the height of volume segment V2, p PET is the density of PET (SI unit) (1380kg / m 3 ), p MEG is the density of MEG (SI unit) (1110kg / m 3 ), p BULK,V2,Z2 is the SI unit system, a GRAV is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m / s). HEAD,V2 The value is in N / m 2 As unit.

[0534] b. 500ml PET sheet (V PET,C-TEST,INITIAL ) was placed in a cylindrical container with a diameter of 50 mm. The PET flake samples were taken from the raw material (quantity) without mixing with any organic compound.

[0535] c. Use a cylindrical rod with a diameter of 12 mm to apply pressure to the PET sheet. The pressure applied by the rod is p ROD,TEST The calculation is as follows:

[0536] p ROD,TEST =p HEAD,V2 ×(A CONTAINER / A ROD ),

[0537] Among them, A CONTAINER is the diameter of the cylindrical container (1964mm 2 ), A ROD is the diameter of the rod (13mm 2 ).

[0538] d. The pressure p ROD,TEST The rod was then removed and the volume (V PET,C-TEST,AFTER ).

[0539] e. The above experiment was performed 10 times. Compression factor C FACTOR The calculation is as follows:

[0540] C FACTOR =V PET,C-TEST,INITIAL,AVG –V PET,C-TEST,AFTER,AVG ,

[0541] Among them, V PET,C-TEST,INITIAL,AVG (500 ml) is the average volume of the PET flake in 10 repeated experiments, measured before using the rod, and V PET,C-TEST,AFTER,AVG is the average volume of the PET flake in 10 replicates, measured after removing the rod.

[0542] Mass ratio of the first polyester (after combination) to the organic compound

[0543] (Merged) The mass ratio of the first polyester to the organic compound is determined as follows. (Merged) The first polyester, MEG as the first organic compound and the other organic compound are exemplified.

[0544] The mass ratio of PET to MEG in volume segment V1 is determined as follows. The collective sample used to determine the mass ratio is as follows Fig.10 By first measuring the first initial mixture M SAMPLE,TOTAL,V1 The mass ratio is determined by the mass of the collective sample. Then MEG is poured out from the collective sample, and the remaining PET flakes are placed in an oven at 250°C for 1 hour. After 1 hour, the PET flakes are taken out and weighed to obtain the PET flake M SAMPLE,PET,V1 Therefore, the collective sample M SAMPLE,MEG,V1 The MEG mass in

[0545] M SAMPLE,MEG,V1 =M SAMPLE,TOTAL,V1 -M SAMPLE,PET,V1 Given.

[0546] The mass ratio of PET to MEG in volume segment V1 is then calculated as follows:

[0547] R PET / MEG,SAMPLE,V1 =M SAMPLE,PET,V1 / M SAMPLE,MEG,V1 .

[0548] I. Mass ratio R of PET to MEG in the first region of volume segment V2 PET / MEG,V2,Z1 The calculation method is as follows:

[0549] a. Filling ratio V of the sheet F-RATIO,PET,V2 The calculation formula is as follows:

[0550] V F-RATIO,PET,V2,Z1 =p BULK,V2,Z1 / p PET ,

[0551] where p BULK,V2,Z1 is the packing density of the flakes in the first region of volume segment V2, calculated as described above, p PET is the density of PET (1380kg / m3 ).

[0552] b. Filling ratio V of MEG F-RATIO,MEG,V2,Z1 The calculation method is as follows:

[0553] V F-RATIO,MEG,V2,Z1 =1–V F-RATIO,PET,V2,Z1 .

[0554] c. Then calculate the filling ratio R F-RATIOS,V2,Z1 The ratio is as follows

[0555] R F-RATIOS,V2,Z1 =V F-RATIO,PET,V2,Z1 / V F-RATIO,MEG,V2,Z1 .

[0556] d. Calculate the mass ratio R of PET to MEG in the first region of volume segment V2 using the following formula PET / MEG,V2,Z1 :

[0557] R PET / MEG,V2,Z1 =R F-RATIOS,V2,Z1 ×(p PET / p MEG ),

[0558] Among them, p MEG is the density of MEG (1113kg / m 3 ).

[0559] II. The mass ratio R of PET to MEG in another region of the volume segment V2 PET / MEG,V2,Z2 is calculated by taking 10 PET flake samples from volume segment V2. Each sample is 100 g. The PET flakes in the sample have MEG adhered to their surfaces. Sample R SAMPLE,PET / MEG The mass ratio is calculated as follows:

[0560] a. The mass of the sample is expressed as M SAMPLE,V2,Z2 This mass is the PET sheet M SAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 The quality and adhesion to PET film M SAMPLE,MEG,V2,Z2 The sum of the masses of the MEGs on the .

[0561] b. Place the sample on a tray, then place the tray in an oven and bake at 250°C for at least 1 hour. Take out the sample every 20 minutes, weigh it with an analytical balance, and return it to the oven. Repeat this process until the mass measurement value changes by no more than 0.2% for three consecutive times. The average of the last three measurements is M. SAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 The quality of MEG is determined by

[0562] M SAMPLE,MEG,V2,Z2 =M SAMPLE,V2,Z2 –M SAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 Given.

[0563] c. Therefore, the mass ratio of PET to MEG in the sample is given by

[0564] R SAMPLE,PET / MEG,V2,Z2 =M SAMPLE,PET,V2,Z2 / M SAMPLE,MEG,V2,Z2 Given.

[0565] d. Mass ratio R PET / MEG,V2,Z2 Calculated as follows: R calculated for 10 samples SAMPLE,PET / MEG,V2,Z2 The average of the values.

[0566] Property changes

[0567] Physical properties (e.g. (Merged) The percent change in the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester) is determined as follows:

[0568] χ=100×|P2–P1| / P1,

[0569] Where x represents the percentage change, P1 is the average of the physical property measured at the first location, and P2 is the average of the physical property measured at the second location. The change can be either an increase or a decrease. Ten measurements should be taken at the first location, with a 5-minute interval between each measurement, where P1 is the average of the 10 measurements taken at the first location. Similarly, ten measurements should be taken at the second location, with a 5-minute interval between each measurement, where P2 is the average of the 10 measurements taken at the second location.

[0570] To determine the percentage change in the intrinsic viscosity and molar mass (e.g., weight-average molar mass, number-average molar mass) of the first polyester in volume segment V1, P1 should be measured at the entrance of the first polyester into volume segment V1, and P2 should be measured at the exit of the first polyester from volume segment V1.

[0571] To determine the percentage change in the intrinsic viscosity and molar mass (e.g., weight-average molar mass, number-average molar mass) of the first polyester in volume segment V2, P1 should be measured at the entrance of the first polyester into volume segment V2, while P2 should be measured at the exit of the first polyester from volume segment V2.

[0572] Changes in physical properties should be calculated using values ​​expressed in the units used for the property in the description, for example, changes in temperature should be calculated using values ​​expressed in °C.

[0573] Relative proportions of characteristics

[0574] Unless otherwise stated, the relative proportion β of a physical property (e.g., the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity) is determined as follows:

[0575] β=P1 / P2,

[0576] Where P1 is the average of the property measured at the first location and P2 is the average of the property measured at the second location. The values ​​of P1 and P2 are calculated as described in the method for determining "property change" except for the P1 value of the raw material (amount).

[0577] In order to determine the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in the feedstock (amount) to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity at the outlet of volume section V1, P1 is measured in the feedstock (amount) before it is conveyed to volume section V1, and P2 is measured at the outlet of the first polyester from volume section V1. For the feedstock (amount), P1 is measured 10 times at 10 different positions in the feedstock (amount), which are evenly distributed in the volume of the feedstock (amount).

[0578] In order to determine the relative ratio of the temperature of a first region to the temperature of another region in volume V2, P1 is measured at the inlet of the first polyester into volume V2 and P2 is measured at the outlet of the first polyester from volume V2.

[0579] In order to determine the relative ratio of the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in a first region in volume segment V2 to the number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity in another region, P1 is measured at the entrance of the first polyester into volume segment V2, and P2 is measured at the outlet of the first polyester from volume segment V2.

[0580] The relative ratio β of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region in the volume segment V2 to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in another region PET / MEG,V2,Z1 / Z2 The calculation is as follows:

[0581] β PET / MEG,V2,Z1 / Z2 =R PET / MEG,V2,Z1 / R PET / MEG,V2,Z2 ,

[0582] Among them, R PET / MEG,V2,Z1 and R PET / MEG,V2,Z2 Calculated as above.

[0583] With respect to the relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in a region of the first reaction line volume segment V2 to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the same region of the other reaction line volume segment V2, P1 is measured in the first reaction line, while P2 is measured in the other reaction line. The measurements in a specific region are performed in the manner described above.

[0584] Relative scales should be calculated using values ​​expressed in the units used for the attribute in the description, for example, relative scales for temperatures should be calculated using values ​​expressed in °C.

[0585] Density of the first polyester

[0586] The density of the first polyester is well known in the art and can be found in, for example, CA Harper, Modern Plastics Handbook: Handbook, McGraw-Hill Professional, New York, 2000 and https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Polyethylene_terephthalate Found in.

[0587] raw material (quantity) Composition

[0588] Raw material (amount) C PVC The PVC content in the raw material is determined by selecting 10 samples containing PET flakes from the raw material (amount). The selected locations of the samples should be evenly distributed in the volume of the raw material (amount). Sample C SAMPLE,PVC The PVC content of the product is determined as follows:

[0589] i.) Weigh out 250g of sample. The sample weighed is of mass W A Place sample A on the tray.

[0590] ii.) Place the tray in an oven at 200°C for 2 hours.

[0591] iii.) Remove the tray from the oven and allow Sample A to cool to room temperature (25°C or lower).

[0592] iv.) Remove any burnt or blackened parts or pieces from Sample A - the removed parts or pieces form Sample B.

[0593] v.) Weigh sample B. The mass of sample B is W B .

[0594] vi.) PVC content of the sample C SAMPLE,PVC The calculation is as follows:

[0595] C SAMPLE,PVC =W B / W A ×10 6 ,

[0596] Among them, C SAMPLE,PVC It is the PVC content in ppm.

[0597] Weigh sample A and sample B using an analytical balance. Raw material (amount) C PVC The PVC content in the sample is the C SAMPLE,PVC The average of the values.

[0598] Determine the raw material (amount) C by selecting 10 samples containing PET flakes from the raw material (amount) F The content of floating impurities in the sample. The sample selection location should be evenly distributed in the volume of the raw material (amount). Sample C SAMPLE,C The floatable impurities content is determined as follows:

[0599] i.) Pour 500 ml of distilled water into a plastic beaker.

[0600] ii.) Weigh out 250g of sample. The weighed raw material (amount) is of mass W C Sample C.

[0601] iii.) Transfer Sample C to a plastic beaker and stir the distilled water and Sample C for 10 minutes.

[0602] iv.) Allow the mixture of distilled water and Sample C to sit for 10 minutes.

[0603] v.) Remove any floating material from the surface of the distilled water and place the removed material in a petri dish. Measure the mass of the petri dish with the material removed, W D .

[0604] vi.) Place the dish in an oven and bake at 110°C for 1 hour.

[0605] vii.) Take the Petri dish out of the oven and place it in a desiccator to cool. Measure the mass of the Petri dish after cooling. E .

[0606] viii.) Floatability content C of the sample SAMPLE,F The calculation is as follows:

[0607] C SAMPLE,F =(W E –W D ) / W C ×10 6 .

[0608] Weigh sample C and the petri dish using an analytical balance. Raw material (amount) C F The floatable impurities content in the sample is determined by the C SAMPLE,F The average of the values.

[0609] Determine the raw material (amount) C by selecting 10 samples containing PET flakes from the raw material (amount) S The solid impurity content in the sample. The sample selection location should be evenly distributed in the volume of the raw material (amount). Sample C SAMPLE,S The solid impurity content of the product is determined as follows:

[0610] i.) Weigh out 250g of sample. The sample weighed is specimen F, and its mass is W.F .

[0611] ii.) Spread specimen F on the surface of a stainless steel tray and place it in the tray.

[0612] iii.) The following types of impurities were manually screened out from specimen F: labels, adhesive labels, caps and closures, colored debris (e.g., blue, green, red, yellow, and other colors), metals, stones, rubber, any other unidentified materials.

[0613] iv.) Provide a G of the petri dish.

[0614] v.) Put the impurities sorted out manually into a petri dish and weigh the petri dish. The mass of the petri dish containing impurities is W H .

[0615] ix.) Solid content C SAMPLE,S The calculation is as follows:

[0616] C SAMPLE,S =(W H –W G ) / W F ×10 6 .

[0617] Weigh sample F and the petri dish using an analytical balance. Raw material (amount) C S The solid impurity content in the sample is C SAMPLE,S The average of the values.

[0618] wt-% of PET in raw material (amount) wt-％ ) is determined as follows:

[0619] PET wt-％ =100% – (C PVC –C F –C S ) / 10 6 .

[0620] Percentage associated with multiple fragments

[0621] In many preferred embodiments and aspects of the invention, the feedstock (amount) includes a plurality of fragments. Many of these aspects and embodiments have the following features: "at least X wt-% of the fragments" or "X wt-% or less of the fragments" have certain geometric properties, such as a thickness greater than 1 mm. Geometric properties include thickness, width, and length of the fragments. Here X is a variable, which is calculated as follows

[0622] X=M ％ / M FRAGMENT,TOTAL ,

[0623] Among them, M ％ is the mass of the fragment with the specified properties, M FRAGMENT,TOTAL is the mass of a selected sample among multiple fragments.

[0624] To determine X, a sample of 10 pieces is selected from evenly distributed locations in the stock (amount), each piece weighing 250 g. Thus M FRAGMENT,TOTAL The weight of the fragment is 2.5 kg. The geometrical properties (e.g., thickness) of each fragment are measured at 5 locations evenly distributed on the fragment. The geometrical properties are measured using a caliper. The maximum value of the measurement is defined as the value of the geometrical property of the fragment. For example, if the thickness of the fragments is measured to be 1.3 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.4 mm, and 1.2 mm, the thickness of the fragment is 1.7 mm.

[0625] Particle size of the first particulate material

[0626] The median particle size of the first particulate material is measured using the following particle analyzer and apparatus: Helos / BR+Rodos+Vi-bri / L. The particle analyzer and apparatus can be purchased from Sympatec GmbH (Germany).

[0627] temperature

[0628] The temperature was measured using a resistance thermometer commercially available from WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG (Germany).

[0629] The temperature of a first region in the volume segment V2 is measured at 10 different equidistant positions in the first region. The average of the 10 measurements determines the temperature of the first region. The temperature of another region in the volume segment V2 is measured at 10 different equidistant positions in the other region. The average of the 10 measurements determines the temperature of the other region.

[0630] Molar mass

[0631] Number average molar mass M n Defined as

[0632] Weight average molar mass M w Defined as

[0633] Among them, in the above two expressions, M i is the mass of polymer i with chain length L, N i is the number of polymers with chain length L.

[0634] The molar mass (e.g., weight average molar mass, number average molar mass) of the (combined) first polyester is measured using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). This method is suitable for determining both number average molar mass and weight average molar mass. The method is performed as follows:

[0635] i.) A sample of the (combined) first polyester was mixed with an eluent to produce a solution having a (combined) first polyester concentration of 3.0 mg / ml. The eluent was 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) + 0.05 M potassium trifluoroacetate (KTFAc).

[0636] ii.) The solution was maintained at a temperature of 23°C for 12 hours.

[0637] iii.) Filter the solution using a polytetrafluoroethylene syringe filter with a nominal porosity of 1.0 μm.

[0638] iv.) 50 μL of the filtrate was injected into the detector using a PSS SECurity 1260 autosampler. The flow rate was 1.0 mL / min. The detector used was a PSS SECurity 1260RI detector. To evaluate the measurement results, the software PSS-WinGPC UniChrom Version 8.33 was used. The autosampler, detector and software can be purchased from PSS Polymer Standards Service GmbH (Germany). The column temperature was 25°C.

[0639] In order to evaluate the measurement results, the measurement results must be calibrated. The calibration method is as follows:

[0640] a.) A routine calibration is performed using a narrow distribution standard made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), which reproduces the separation behavior of a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) column. The PMMA is measured using the same eluents and parameter values ​​as described in points i.) to iv.) above.

[0641] b.) Eight broad distribution standards of the (combined) first polyester (eg PET) are then measured.

[0642] c.) M according to the known (combined) first polyester standard w The value is used to determine the calibration of the (combined) first polyester standard using PMMA calibration. This calibration is performed using mathematical calculations. This provides the absolute molar mass for the (combined) first polyester sample. Based on the (combined) first polyester calibration curve, the molar mass distribution and the molar mass mean value of the (combined) first polyester sample are calculated by the strip method. In addition, the calculation is performed using a computer.

[0643] The calibration curve used for the above calibration is shown in FIG6 . Fig. 6A The calibration curve for PMMA is shown, which corresponds to the following data:

[0644]

[0645]

[0646] Figure 6B Shown is a measured (combined) first polyester standard, where the (combined) first polyester is PET. Figure 6C The calibration curve used to determine the molar mass of the (combined) first polyester is shown. Figure 6C The curve in corresponds to the following data:

[0647] Vp / mL Mp / Da Standard No. Increase deviation% 13.71 931380 Calibration point 1 -0.33 -2.20 14.31 564864 Calibration point 2 -0.32 3.47 15.15 310414 Calibration point 3 -0.30 3.44 16.05 181563 Calibration point 4 -0.29 -4.27 17.33 77600 Calibration point 5 -0.29 -5.25 18.42 35482 Calibration point 6 -0.30 -1.03 19.45 15649 Calibration point 7 -0.31 9.11 20.41 7942 Calibration point 8 -0.33 5.20 21.35 4063 Calibration point 9 -0.36 -2.66 22.35 1872 Calibration point 10 -0.39 -10.53 23.35 609 Calibration point 11 -0.43 6.48

[0648] for Fig. 6A and 6C The following calibration parameters were used for the fit:

[0649] <![CDATA[ Fig. 6A ]]> <![CDATA[ Figure 6C ]]> parameter value value substance PPMA PET Eluent HFIP+0.05KTFAc HFIP+0.05KTFAc Fitting Polynomial 3 Polynomial 3 R 1.000 1.000 Mark-Houwink K - 1.5834mL / g Mark-Houwink alpha - -0,02914

[0650] for Figures 6A to 6C The measurements shown in , used the following columns: PSS PFG, 7 μm, precolumn, 8 mm x 50 mm; and two PSS PFG, 7 μm, linear M, 8 mm x 300 mm. These columns can be purchased from PSS Polymer Standards Service GmbH (Germany).

[0651] The above method is also used to measure the molar mass (eg, weight average molar mass, number average molar mass) of the first intermediate product (eg, PET oligomer), another intermediate product (eg, recycled PET), and the product.

[0652] (Merged) Composition of the first intermediate mixture

[0653] The amount of free MEG in the (combined) first intermediate mixture (comprising, for example, PET oligomers and free MEG) is determined as follows:

[0654] i.) Prepare periodic acid solution: Add 23 g of periodic acid into a 1000 ml volumetric flask. Dissolve the periodic acid in distilled water. The volumetric flask must be filled with distilled water so that 1000 ml of solution is obtained.

[0655] ii.) Preparation of 10% sulfuric acid: Add 25 ml of distilled water to a 100 ml volumetric flask. Add 10 g of 98% sulfuric acid to the volumetric flask. Cool the solution to 23°C. Then, fill the volumetric flask with distilled water to obtain 100 ml of solution.

[0656] iii.) Prepare 10% potassium iodide: Add 10 g of potassium iodide into a beaker. Add 90 ml of distilled water into the beaker and shake vigorously.

[0657] iv.) Standardization of 0.1N sodium arsenite solution: Add 125±0.1 mg potassium iodate to a 300 ml conical flask. Dissolve potassium iodate in 100 ml distilled water at 50°C. Add 4 g solid potassium iodide and 4 ml 10% sulfuric acid (prepared in step ii) to the flask. Place the solution in a sealed flask and protect from light for 5 minutes. Then add 12 g solid sodium bicarbonate and dilute with distilled water. Titrate the iodine formed with the arsenite solution, using starch as an indicator. Calculate the F factor:

[0658] F-factor = initial mass of KIO3 (mg) / 3.567 x consumed arsenic solution (ml).

[0659] v.) Preparation of starch indicator solution: Add 1 g starch powder into a 100 ml beaker, add 10 ml distilled water, and then add 100 ml boiling distilled water.

[0660] vi.) Take a sample of the (combined) first intermediate mixture, grind the sample finely and determine the initial mass of the sample based on the expected ethylene glycol content.

[0661]

[0662]

[0663] vii.) Accurately weigh the sample and transfer it to a 300 ml conical flask and prepare a slurry with 100 ml of distilled water. Acidify the slurry with 3 drops of 10% sulfuric acid (prepared in step ii.) and then add 25 ml of periodic acid solution (prepared in step i.) using a burette. Loosely stopper the flask and let the flask stand at 23°C for 30 minutes. Shake occasionally. Then, add 10 g of solid sodium bicarbonate and 10% potassium iodide (prepared in step iii.) to the flask. Shake vigorously and immediately titrate with 0.1N sodium arsenite solution (prepared in step iv.) until it turns light yellow. Then, add 1 ml of starch indicator solution (prepared in step v.) and continue titrating until the blue color disappears completely. The endpoint of the titration is marked by the disappearance of the blue color. The color disappearance must last for 3 minutes.

[0664] viii.) A blank was determined as described in previous step vii.), i.e. 25 ml of periodic acid solution (prepared in step i.), i.e. except for the sample addition, all added chemicals were added as described in previous step vii.).

[0665] ix.) The percentage of free MEG is determined as follows:

[0666] %MEG content=[(BW–V)x F x 0.31] / E

[0667] Wherein, BW is the 0.1 N sodium arsenite solution consumed in the blank experiment (ml), V is the 0.1 N sodium arsenite solution consumed in the sample experiment (ml), F is the factor of the 0.1 N sodium arsenite solution, and E is the initial mass of the sample (in g).

[0668] The first granular material (Merged) Mass ratio of the first intermediate mixture

[0669] The mass ratio R of the first particulate material to the (combined) first intermediate mixture PM / FIM The calculation formula is

[0670] R PM / FIM =M PM / M FIM ,

[0671] Among them, M PM is the mass of the first particle material, M FIM is the mass of the (combined) first intermediate mixture.

[0672] Intrinsic viscosity

[0673] The intrinsic viscosity IV of the (combined) first polyester is measured according to standard ASTM D4603:2018, but with the following changes: the flow time of the solution in the capillary viscometer is determined at 25° C. instead of 30° C. (as given in the standard).

[0674] The above method is also used to measure the intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product, the further intermediate product and the product.

[0675] Unless otherwise stated, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester in volume section V1 is measured at the outlet of the first polyester from volume section V1. Unless otherwise stated, the intrinsic viscosity of the first polyester in another region of volume section V2 is measured at the outlet of the first polyester from volume section V2. The intrinsic viscosity of the first intermediate product is measured at the outlet of the first intermediate product from volume section V3.

[0676] Number of particles per unit area of ​​at least one impurity

[0677] 10 pieces of the first polyester (e.g., 10 PET flakes) were selected. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image was taken for each piece, with an image area of ​​100 μm x 100 μm (see Figure 7 ). Count the number of impurities in each image to obtain the number of particles per square centimeter in each image, N. iThe subscript i here refers to the number of particles per square centimeter determined for the i-th fragment. In addition, the number of impurities is calculated on the surface of the fragment, not on the edge of the fragment. The number of particles per unit area P COUNT Determine as follows:

[0678]

[0679] Here, i = from 1 to 10. Therefore, the number of particles per unit area is determined by averaging the values ​​determined for the 10 images.

[0680] For the raw material (amount), before contacting the raw material (amount) with the first amount of the first organic compound, a fragment for determining the number of particles per unit area of ​​the raw material (amount) is selected.

[0681] If the volume segment V2 has a first region and another region: At the entry of the fragments into the volume segment V2 (i.e. the first type of entry), select fragments for determining the number of particles per unit area in the first region. Select 10 fragments every 5 minutes until all 10 fragments are selected.

[0682] At the exit of the fragments leaving the volume segment V2, the fragments for determining the number of particles per unit area in another region are selected. Similar to the fragments entering the volume segment V2, 10 fragments are selected every 5 minutes until all 10 fragments are selected.

[0683] pressure

[0684] The pressure was measured using a pressure gauge commercially available from WIKA Alexander Wiegand SE & Co. KG (Germany).

[0685] Dwell time

[0686] Residence time T RES Determined by the following formula:

[0687] T RES =V REACTOR / F PRODUCT VOLUME RATE ,

[0688] Among them, V REACTOR is the volume of the volume space, such as the reactor volume, F PRODUCT VOLUME RATE is the volume rate of the mixture (eg, the (combined) first intermediate mixture, another intermediate mixture) leaving the volume segment.

[0689] Color coordinates

[0690] The color coordinates of, for example, the (combined) first intermediate mixture and the product (eg yarn) are measured using an UltraScan VIS spectrophotometer commercially available from Hunter Lab (USA).

[0691] The color coordinates of a sample of, for example, the (combined) first intermediate mixture (eg, comprising PET oligomer and MEG) or the product are measured when the temperature of the sample is in the range of 22°C to 25°C.

[0692] Properties of the First Granular Material

[0693] The properties of the first particulate material, such as total pore surface area, total pore volume, average pore size, median pore size, mode pore size and total pore volume, were measured using mercury (Hg) porosimetry. The mercury porosimetry analysis was performed according to ISO 15901-1 (2005). A packing volume of 460.82 mm 3 / g blank was calibrated with Thermo Fisher Scientific PASCAL 140 (low pressure up to 4 bar) and PASCAL 440 (high pressure up to 4000 bar) and SOLID software version 3.0.2 (both provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.). During the measurement, the pressure was continuously increased or decreased and was automatically controlled by the instrument operating in PASCAL mode, with the invasion speed set to 3 and the extrusion speed set to 7. The evaluation was performed using the "cylinder and plate" model and the density of Hg was corrected according to the actual temperature. The surface tension value of Hg is 0.48 N / m and the contact angle is 140°. The sample size of the first granular material ranged from 0.28 g to 0.29 g.

[0694] The invention will now be illustrated by means of non-limiting examples and exemplary embodiments.In the examples and figures, the following abbreviations are used: polyethylene terephthalate (PET), monoethylene glycol (MEG), bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET).

[0695] Attached photos

[0696] List of Figures

[0697] The accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the present invention and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. In addition, the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0698] Figures 1A to 1C : Schematic diagram of a comparative apparatus and a comparative process for producing a first intermediate product and another polyester.

[0699] Figure 2A and Figure 2B: Schematic diagram of the angle between another direction and the horizontal plane.

[0700] Figure 3A : a flow chart showing the steps of an embodiment of a first method for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention,

[0701] Figure 3B : A flow chart showing the steps of an embodiment of another method for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention.

[0702] Figure 4 : A flow chart showing the steps of an example of a method for producing another intermediate product according to the present invention.

[0703] Figure 5A and Figure 5B : The orientation of the direction relative to gravity.

[0704] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C : Calibration diagram used in methods for measuring molar mass.

[0705] Figure 7 : Scanning electron microscope image of PET flakes, showing impurities on the surface of the PET flakes.

[0706] Figure 8 : A graph showing the pore size distribution of a first particulate material.

[0707] Fig.9A : Schematic diagram of an apparatus and a first method for producing a first intermediate product and another polyester according to the present invention.

[0708] Fig. 9B : Schematic diagram of an apparatus and another method for producing a first intermediate product and another polyester according to the present invention.

[0709] Fig.10 : Description of the test method for determining the mass ratio of the starting material, more preferably the first polyester, to the first organic compound in volume segment V1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0710] In the description of the figures, reference is made to a raw material comprising PET flakes obtained by shredding PET plastic bottles. Additionally or alternatively, the raw material may comprise textile scraps and / or threads obtained by shredding textiles. Therefore, in the description of the figures, the term "PET flakes" should preferably be understood as a generic term for PET flakes obtained from shredding bottles and / or textile scraps and / or threads obtained from shredding textiles.

[0711] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a comparative apparatus and comparative process for producing a first intermediate product and another polyester (eg, PET). More specifically, Figure 1 shows an apparatus and process for recycling used PET.

[0712] Figure 1A A cross section of a first part of the device as viewed from the side is shown. A raw material 101 comprising PET flakes (a first polyester in the form of a plurality of fragments) is provided. Residual impurities (e.g. glue, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) labels, food preservatives and flavorings) adhere to the surface of the PET flakes. The raw material may also contain other impurities, such as sand. The PET flakes are obtained by crushing PET plastic bottles for beverages. The raw material 101 is placed in a hopper 102. The raw material 101 is conveyed from the hopper 102 to a volume segment V1103. The conveying of the raw material 101 can be carried out using, for example, a conveying screw, gravity, or a combination thereof. The volume segment V1103 can be, for example, a container, a tank, or a reactor (e.g., a washing reactor).

[0713] Liquid MEG (a first amount of a first organic compound) is added to volume segment V1103 through inlet 104 and mixed (contacted) with the PET flakes and impurities constituting the raw material 101 to obtain a first initial mixture 105 comprising PET flakes and liquid MEG. The first initial mixture 105 is stirred (stirring means not shown) to improve the mixing of the PET flakes and MEG. The stirring is performed mechanically. MEG can remove impurities on the surface of the PET flakes. This is partly because MEG is a strong solvent whose ability to remove organic contaminants is enhanced at moderate temperatures. Stirring the first initial mixture 105 can also at least partially remove glue on the surface of the PET flakes by friction between the PET flakes.

[0714] At least a portion of the impurities (e.g., bottle cap fragments containing polyolefin) float on the surface 106 of the first initial mixture 105. These floating impurities can be removed by using, for example, skimming or filtering. The impurities are removed from the volume segment V1103 through the outlet 123. In contrast, the PET flakes in the first initial mixture 105 sink to the bottom 107 of the volume segment V1103.

[0715] PET flakes and part of the MEG in the first initial mixture 105 are conveyed to a volume segment V2108 partially filled with MEG. The conveying is carried out using a conveying screw 109 (Archimedes screw) and a siphon (not shown) in fluid communication with the conveying screw 109 and the volume segment V2108. Other conveying devices not shown may also be used, such as additional conveying screws or pumps. In addition, the volume segment V2108 is in fluid communication with the volume segment V1103. The volume segment V2108 may be, for example, a container, a tank or a reactor, such as a pre-glycolysis reactor. The conveying screw 109 is arranged so that the PET flakes conveyed to the volume segment V2108 are conveyed along a direction 110 (another direction) at least partially opposite to the direction of gravity 161.

[0716] The PET flakes enter the volume segment V2108 through the first type of inlet 115. Figure 1A , a first type of inlet 115 is an opening in volume segment V2108. In addition, MEG (an additional amount of a first organic compound) is injected into volume segment V2108. A first portion of the MEG is injected in the form of vapor through another type of inlet 116. The first portion may include MEG in vapor form, but has been condensed before injection into volume segment V2108. Another type of inlet 116 is a nozzle, which is suitable and arranged to inject MEG vapor under pressure into volume segment V2108. Although only one another type of inlet 116 is shown, there may also be a plurality of another type of inlet 116. Another portion of the MEG is injected in liquid form through yet another type of inlet 117. This yet another type of inlet 117 is a nozzle, which is designed and arranged to spray liquid MEG into volume segment V2108. The PET flakes in volume segment V2108 are partially depolymerized (reducing the weight average molar mass) by glycolysis, thereby reducing the weight average molar mass of the PET flakes in volume segment V2. Part of the PET flakes can be depolymerized into oligomers in volume segment V2.

[0717] The screw conveyor (not shown) conveys the PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) in the volume section V2108 in an upward conveying direction 118. MEG vapor entering the volume section V2108 through another type of inlet 116 also flows in an upward direction, i.e. along the conveying direction 118. In contrast, liquid MEG entering the volume section V2108 through yet another type of inlet 117 flows in a downward direction, i.e. opposite to the conveying direction 118.

[0718] The liquid MEG in volume segment V2108 includes liquid MEG delivered from volume segment V1103, liquid MEG injected through a further type of inlet 117, and any condensed MEG vapor (injected through another type of inlet 116). The liquid MEG does not completely fill volume segment V2108. Therefore, the surface (or level) of the liquid MEG forms a boundary 119 that divides volume segment V2108 into a first region 120 and a further region 121. The further region 121 is located downstream of the first region 120.

[0719] The first region 120 is filled with another initial mixture, which includes a mixture of PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) immersed in MEG. Another region 121 includes the PET flakes and any liquid MEG adhering to the surface of the PET flakes, as well as MEG vapor. Another region 121 may also include PET oligomers.

[0720] like Figure 1AAs shown, the level 111 of MEG in volume segment V1 103 is lower than the level 113 of MEG in volume segment V2 108 . Figure 1A It is also shown that the levels 111 and 113 of MEG are measured from the ground 114 (e.g., the floor of a recycling plant) to the surface of the liquid MEG in the volume segments V1103 and V2108. Due to the difference between the levels 111 and 113 of MEG, a portion of the liquid MEG in the volume segment V2108 flows back to the volume segment V1103 via the conveying screw 109. The floating impurities that were not removed in the volume segment V1103, as well as the floating impurities that were conveyed to the volume segment V2108 (together with the conveying of the PET flakes), can thus be conveyed back to the volume segment V1103. The PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) with the MEG adhering to the surface leave the volume segment V2108 via the outlet 122.

[0721] Figure 1B A cross section of another portion of the device as seen from the side is shown. The PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) flowing out through the outlet 122 are transported to the volume segment V3124, which is a reactor (e.g., a glycolysis reactor). The volume segment V3124 is in fluid communication with the volume segment V2108. The PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) enter the volume segment V3124 via the inlet 125 and flow through the volume segment V3124 as shown by the arrow 136. The inlet 125 of the volume segment V3124 is also located below the outlet 122 of the volume segment V2108. In other words, when the PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) are transported from the volume segment V2108 to the volume segment V3124, the PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) are at least partially transported in the direction of gravity.

[0722] MEG (another organic compound) is fed into volume segment V3124 through inlet 143. The mixing of PET and MEG (fed into volume segment V3) results in another initial mixture comprising PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) and MEG. When the other initial mixture flows through volume segment V3124, the MEG in the other initial mixture causes the partially depolymerized PET flakes (and PET oligomers, if present) to undergo further glycolysis (reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester). A first intermediate mixture is thereby obtained. A delivery pipe 144 fluidly connected to outlet 126 is located within volume segment V3124. The first intermediate mixture leaves volume segment V3124 through delivery pipe 144 and outlet 126. The first intermediate mixture leaving outlet 126 of volume segment V3124 includes free MEG and a first intermediate product (including BHET and PET oligomers). An oligomer is a polymer having multiple repeating units (e.g., dimers, trimers, and oligomers having more than three repeating units). There may also be some PET flakes in the first intermediate mixture that have not been depolymerized into oligomers or BHET.

[0723] like Figure 1B As shown by the arrow in , after the first intermediate mixture leaves volume segment V3124 through outlet 126, it is transported to volume segment V4127, and volume segment V4127 is fluidically connected to volume segment V3124. Volume segment V4127 can be, for example, a container or a tank, such as a stirring tank. The first intermediate mixture enters volume segment V4127 through inlet 128. In volume segment V4127, the first intermediate mixture is mixed with diatomaceous earth (first particulate material). The first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4127 is stirred to improve the mixing of the first intermediate mixture and the diatomaceous earth.

[0724] like Figure 1BAs shown by the arrow in , the first intermediate mixture containing diatomaceous earth leaves the volume segment V4127 through the outlet 129 and is transported to the vertical blade filter 130 (filtering device), which is in fluid communication with the volume segment V4127. The first intermediate mixture containing diatomaceous earth enters the vertical blade filter 130 through the inlet 131. The first intermediate mixture flows through the blade filter 130 and recirculates between the blade filter 130 and the volume segment V4127 (not shown), so that each filter sheet of the blade filter 130 is coated with diatomaceous earth. Initially, the filtrate (intermediate mixture) will be turbid. However, if each filter sheet has been fully coated, the filtrate will become clear. Once the filtrate becomes clear, the intermediate mixture can leave the vertical blade filter 130 through the outlet 132. The vertical blade filter 130 filters out the diatomaceous earth and other particulate materials (i.e., impurities) in the first intermediate mixture, as well as any PET flakes that have not yet been depolymerized into oligomers or BHET. The first intermediate mixture leaving the vertical blade filter 130 through the outlet 132 contains only trace amounts of impurities and diatomaceous earth.

[0725] like Figure 1B As shown by the arrow in , the first intermediate mixture flowing out of the vertical blade filter 130 is transported to the volume segment V5133 connected to the vertical blade filter 130 fluid through the outlet 132. The first intermediate mixture enters the volume segment V5133 through the inlet 134. The volume segment V5133 can be, for example, a container or a tank, such as a distillation tank. The volume segment V5133 is used to determine and correct the color of the first intermediate mixture. If necessary, at least one colorant is added to the first intermediate mixture in the volume segment V5133. If at least one colorant is added to the first intermediate mixture, the first intermediate mixture is stirred so as to better mix the first intermediate mixture with the at least one colorant. The first intermediate mixture (which may contain at least one colorant) leaves the volume segment V5133 through the outlet 135.

[0726] Figure 1CA cross section of another part of the device as seen from the side is shown. A first intermediate mixture, which may contain at least one colorant, is conveyed from outlet 135 to volume section V6137, which is fluidically connected to volume section V5133. The first intermediate mixture enters volume section V6137 through inlet 138. Before entering volume section V6137, a catalyst and a stabilizer may be added to the first intermediate mixture. The PET flakes in the raw material are obtained by crushing used PET bottles. During the production of PET for bottles, a catalyst is usually added. Therefore, the PET flakes of the raw material usually already contain a catalyst, and further catalyst may not need to be added during the recycling process. Volume section V6137 is a prepolymerization reactor, which polymerizes the oligomers and BHET in the first intermediate mixture (increasing the weight-average molar mass of the first intermediate product) to obtain a polymer (another intermediate product). Another intermediate mixture comprising a polymer (i.e., a PET polymer) and MEG is thereby obtained. In volume section V6137, up to 95% of excess MEG is evaporated under vacuum conditions. The excess MEG includes free MEG delivered into volume segment V6 and bound MEG released by polymerization. Another intermediate mixture leaves volume segment V6 137 through outlet 139 .

[0727] like Figure 1C As shown by the arrow in , another intermediate mixture leaving volume segment V6137 through outlet 139 is transported to volume segment V7140, which is fluidically connected to volume segment V6137. Another intermediate mixture enters volume segment V7140 through inlet 141. Volume segment V7140 is a polymerization reactor, such as a cage reactor, which is used to further increase the weight-average molar mass of the polymer and any remaining oligomers in another intermediate mixture (through polymerization). In addition, any remaining MEG in another intermediate mixture is also evaporated under vacuum conditions in volume segment V7140. The remaining MEG includes free MEG transported to volume segment V7 and bound MEG released by polymerization. Another intermediate mixture containing another intermediate product leaves volume segment V7140 through outlet 142. Another intermediate product (i.e., recycled PET) obtained after completing polymerization in volume segment V7140 is in the form of a hot melt. The hot melt can be used to produce yarn (product example) and particles commonly referred to as chips. The chips can be obtained by extruding and cooling the hot melt. Therefore, another intermediate product is another polyester.

[0728] Although not shown, the first intermediate mixture is pumped between volume sections V3, V4, V5, V6 and the vertical blade filter. This also applies to the other intermediate mixture, that is, the other intermediate mixture is pumped between volume sections V6 and V7.

[0729] (not shown in the figure): The other intermediate product can then be used to produce another product, such as yarn for textile use. For example, the other intermediate product in molten form is pumped through a spinning pack. The spinning pack is conceptually similar to a household shower head. The number of holes in the spinning pack determines the number of filaments in the yarn produced. The molten other intermediate product stream leaving the spinning pack is cooled and coalesced into a single yarn. The single yarn is then wound on a bobbin. The other intermediate product can be obtained without using virgin PET. For example, virgin PET monomers and oligomers are not mixed with the first intermediate product before polymerization. For example, virgin PET polymer is also not mixed with the other intermediate product.

[0730] Back to Figure 1A and Figure 1B :These figures show that when the intrinsic viscosity of PET flakes is greater than or equal to Y IV,1 When the intrinsic viscosity of the PET flakes is less than Y IV,2 When the value (here Y IV,1 and Y IV,2 represents a variable, where Y IV,1 >Y IV,2 ), the PET sheet is transported in another direction at least partially along the direction of gravity.

[0731] like Figure 1A As shown, after contacting MEG in volume segment V1103, the PET flakes are transported to volume segment V2108 along direction 110, which is at least partially opposite to the gravity direction 161. In volume segment V2108, the PET flakes are transported along a transport direction 118, which is opposite to the gravity direction 161, that is, the average transport direction of the PET flakes in volume segment V2108 is upward. Figure 1A In the context of , the first direction may be defined as a direction from the bottom 107 of the volume segment V1 103 to the outlet 122 of the volume segment V2 108. However, the foregoing should not be considered as a general definition of the first direction. Conveying PET (e.g., in the form of flakes) along the first direction is generally understood as providing that the intrinsic viscosity of the PET flakes is greater than or equal to the value Y. IV,1 , the PET chips (eg in the form of flakes) are conveyed at least partially in the direction of gravity.

[0732] like Figure 1B As shown, when the PET flakes enter the volume segment V3124 through the inlet 125, the PET flakes are transported in a direction 136, which is oriented along the gravity direction 161. Figure 1BIn the context of , direction 136 defines another direction. However, the foregoing should not be considered as a general definition of this other direction. The transport of PET (e.g., in the form of flakes) along this other direction should generally be understood as the transport of PET flakes (e.g., in the form of flakes) at least partially along the gravity direction, as long as the intrinsic viscosity of the PET flakes is less than or equal to the value Y. IV,2 However, once the PET is depolymerized, the PET oligomers and / or monomers can be transported against or along the direction of gravity.

[0733] Fig.9A The apparatus and the first method for producing a first intermediate product and another polyester according to the present invention are similar to the apparatus described in FIG. 1 , except that the apparatus comprises a first reaction line 991 and a further reaction line 992 (reaction lines are represented by dashed boxes). The first reaction line 991 comprises a volume segment V1 103a, a volume segment V2 108a and a volume segment V3 124a. Similarly, the further reaction line 992 comprises a volume segment V1 103b, a volume segment V2 108b and a volume segment V3 124b. Between the first reaction line 991 and the further reaction line 992, at least one process parameter varies by at least 10%. For example, the mass ratio of PET to MEG in the volume segment V1 103a is different from the mass ratio in the volume segment V1 103b.

[0734] Fig.9A 103a. Similarly, the other raw material amount 994 is placed in another hopper (not shown) and conveyed to the volume segment V1 103b.

[0735] Volume segments V1 103a and 103b are similar to Figure 1A The volume segment V1 103 shown is similar, and Figure 1A The description of volume segment V1 103 in FIG. 1 is also applicable to volume segments V1 103a and 103b. Figure 1A The volume segment V2 108 is shown similarly, and Figure 1AThe description of volume segment V2 108 in FIG. 1 also applies to volume segments V2 108a and 108b. For example, each reaction line has a conveying screw for conveying PET flakes between volume segment V1 of the reaction line and volume segment V2 of the same reaction line. Volume segments V3 124a and 124b are similar to those in FIG. Figure 1B The volume segment V3 124 shown is similar, and Figure 1B The description of volume segment V3 124 in FIG. 1 also applies to volume segments V3 124a and 124b. For example, the PET flakes in the first reaction line 991 undergo a depolymerization reaction in volume segment V3 124a, thereby obtaining a first intermediate mixture 996 containing a first intermediate product. Similarly, the PET flakes in the other reaction line 992 undergo a depolymerization reaction in volume segment V3 124b, thereby obtaining a first intermediate mixture 997 also containing a first intermediate product. The first intermediate mixtures 996 and 997 are then combined to obtain a combined first intermediate mixture 998. Then, the combined first intermediate mixture 998 is combined with Figure 1B and Figure 1C The first intermediate mixture 998 is treated in the same manner as described above, i.e., the combined first intermediate mixture 998 is mixed with diatomaceous earth in volume segment V4 127, filtered in vertical leaf filter 130, color corrected in volume segment V5 133, and then polymerized in volume segments V6 137 and V7 140.

[0736] Fig. 9B A device and a further method for producing a first intermediate product and a further polyester according to the invention are provided. Fig. 9B The device and Fig.9A The assembly structure described in is similar to that described in Fig. 9B The reaction lines 991 and 992 in FIG. 1 do not have separate volume segments V3. Instead, the PET flakes exiting from volume segment V2 108a are combined with the PET flakes exiting from volume segment V2 108b to obtain combined PET flakes 999 (combined first polyester). The combined PET flakes 999 are then conveyed to a single volume segment V3 124. The rest of the process is the same as Figure 1B , Figure 1C and Fig.9A Optionally, the PET flakes may be subjected to a grinding process before being conveyed to volume segment V3 124. This grinding process may be performed before the PET flakes are combined, or after the PET flakes from the first reaction line 991 and the other reaction line 992 are combined.

[0737] although Fig.9A and Fig. 9BThe feedstock is shown separated into a first feedstock amount 993 and another feedstock amount 994, but the feedstock may be separated into any number of feedstock amounts. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B A first reaction line 991 and a further reaction line 992 are shown, but any number of reaction lines may be used with the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each feedstock amount is delivered to a separate reaction line, ie the number of feedstock amounts equals the number of reaction lines.

[0738] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram 200 showing how to measure the angle between the further direction 210 and the horizontal plane 214. The horizontal plane 214 is perpendicular to the gravity direction 261. The angle is measured as the minimum angle between the further direction 210 and the horizontal plane 214. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In these figures, angle 262 is defined as the angle between further direction 210 and horizontal plane 214, rather than angle 263.

[0739] Figure 3A is a flow chart illustrating steps for producing a first intermediate product according to an embodiment of a first method 300 of the present invention. Figure 3A The optional steps in are indicated by dashed boxes. A description of the method steps is given below.

[0740] Steps: Description:

[0741] 301: Providing a raw material comprising a first polyester.

[0742] 302: Separating the feedstock into at least a first feedstock amount and another feedstock amount, wherein the first feedstock amount and the another feedstock amount include a first polyester.

[0743] 303: A first amount of raw material is delivered to a first reaction line 991, and another amount of raw material is delivered to another reaction line 992, wherein the reaction line comprises steps 304c, 304d, 304f, 304g, and one or more of the following optional steps 304a, 304b and 304e.

[0744] 304a: Optionally, in volume segment V1, the raw material amount is contacted with a first amount of a first organic compound to obtain a first initial mixture, wherein the first amount is in liquid form.

[0745] 304b: Optionally, the first polyester is conveyed from volume segment V1 to volume segment V2.

[0746] 304c: Contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of the first organic compound in volume segment V2.

[0747] 304d: Reducing the weight average molar mass of the first polyester in volume segment V2.

[0748] 304e: Optionally, the first polyester is conveyed from volume segment V2 to volume segment V3.

[0749] 304f The first polyester is contacted with another organic compound in volume segment V3 to obtain another initial mixture.

[0750] 304 g The weight average molar mass of the first polyester is reduced in volume section V3 to obtain a first intermediate mixture, wherein the first intermediate mixture comprises the first intermediate product and another organic compound.

[0751] 305 Optionally, the first intermediate mixture obtained from the first reaction line 991 is combined with the first intermediate mixture obtained from another reaction line 992 to obtain a combined first intermediate mixture.

[0752] 306: Optionally, the combined first intermediate mixture is transferred from volume segment V3 to volume segment V4.

[0753] 307: Optionally, a first particulate material is added to the combined first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4.

[0754] 308: Optionally, the combined first intermediate mixture is conveyed from volume segment V4 to a filtering device.

[0755] 309: Optionally, a filtering device is used to at least partially remove the following substances from the combined first intermediate mixture: the first particulate material, at least one impurity.

[0756] 310: Optionally, the combined first intermediate mixture is conveyed from the filtration device to volume section V5.

[0757] 311: Optionally, in volume segment V5, at least one colorant is added to the combined first intermediate mixture.

[0758] exist Figure 3A In one aspect of the illustrated embodiment, steps 304c and 304d are preferably performed at least partially simultaneously. Figure 3A In another aspect of the illustrated embodiment, steps 304f and 304g are preferably performed at least partially simultaneously. Figure 3A In the embodiment, at least one process parameter varies by at least 10% between the first reaction line 991 and the further reaction line 992.

[0759] Figure 3B is a flow chart of the steps of another method 300 for producing a first intermediate product according to the present invention. Figure 3B The optional steps in are indicated by dashed boxes. The description of the method steps is as follows.

[0760] Steps: Description:

[0761] 301: Providing a raw material comprising a first polyester.

[0762] 302: Separating the feedstock into at least a first feedstock amount and another feedstock amount, wherein the first feedstock amount and the another feedstock amount include a first polyester.

[0763] 303: A first amount of raw material is delivered to a first reaction line 991, and another amount of raw material is delivered to another reaction line 992, wherein the reaction line comprises steps 304c, 304d, and one or more of the following optional steps 304a and 304b.

[0764] 304a: Optionally, in volume segment V1, the raw material amount is contacted with a first amount of a first organic compound to obtain a first initial mixture, wherein the first amount is in liquid form.

[0765] 304b: Optionally, the first polyester is conveyed from volume segment V1 to volume segment V2.

[0766] 304c: Contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of the first organic compound in volume segment V2.

[0767] 304d: Reducing the weight average molar mass of the first polyester in volume segment V2.

[0768] 305 , the first polyester obtained from the first reaction line 991 is combined with the first polyester obtained from another reaction line 992 to obtain a combined first polyester.

[0769] 304e: Optionally, the combined first polyester is conveyed from volume section V2 to volume section V3.

[0770] 304f The combined first polyester is contacted with another organic compound in volume segment V3 to obtain another initial mixture.

[0771] 304 g The weight average molar mass of the combined first polyester is reduced in volume section V3 to obtain a first intermediate mixture, wherein the first intermediate mixture comprises the first intermediate product and another organic compound.

[0772] 306: Optionally, the first intermediate mixture is conveyed from volume segment V3 to volume segment V4.

[0773] 307: Optionally, a first particulate material is added to the first intermediate mixture in volume segment V4.

[0774] 308: Optionally, the first intermediate mixture is conveyed from volume segment V4 to a filtering device.

[0775] 309: Optionally, using a filtering device to at least partially remove the following substances from the first intermediate mixture: the first particulate material, at least one impurity.

[0776] 310: Optionally, the first intermediate mixture is conveyed from the filtration device to volume segment V5.

[0777] 311: Optionally, in volume segment V5, at least one colorant is added to the first intermediate mixture.

[0778] exist Figure 3B In one aspect of the embodiment of , preferably, steps 304c and 304d are performed at least partially simultaneously. Figure 3B In one aspect of the embodiment of , preferably, steps 304f and 304g are performed at least partially simultaneously. Figure 3B In the embodiment, at least one process parameter varies by at least 10% between the first reaction line 991 and the further reaction line 992.

[0779] Figure 4 is a flow chart showing the steps of an embodiment of a method 400 according to the present invention for producing another intermediate product. Figure 4 The optional steps in are indicated by dashed boxes. A description of the method steps is given below.

[0780] Steps: Description:

[0781] 401: Provide a (combined) first intermediate mixture containing a first intermediate product. The first intermediate product and the (combined) first intermediate mixture are Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first intermediate mixture is provided in the volume section V6 by conveying the first intermediate mixture from the filtering device to the volume section V6.

[0782] 402: Increasing the mass average molar mass of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture in volume segment V6 to obtain another intermediate mixture containing another intermediate product. The other intermediate mixture further includes at least one or all of the following: a first organic compound, another organic compound.

[0783] 403: Optionally, the further intermediate mixture is conveyed to volume segment V7.

[0784] 404: Optionally, further increasing the mass average molar mass of another intermediate product in another intermediate mixture in volume segment V7.

[0785] 405: Optionally, at least partially remove at least one organic compound, such as the first organic compound or another organic compound, from another intermediate mixture. This step can be at least partially performed simultaneously with at least one or all of steps 402 and 404.

[0786] exist Figure 4 In one aspect of the embodiment of the present invention, it is preferred that step 405 is at least partially performed simultaneously with at least one or all of steps 402 and 405. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, according to the present invention, the method for producing another intermediate product comprises Figure 3A and Figure 3B Steps 301 to 311 and steps 401 to 405 in FIG. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The steps can be Figure 4 A combination of steps, where Figure 3A and Figure 3B The steps are Figure 4 In such a combination, Figure 3A and Figure 3B and Figure 4 The optional steps described in remain optional.

[0787] FIG. 5 shows how the orientation relative to the direction of gravity is defined. Figure 5A A direction 570 is shown that is at least partially opposite to the gravity direction 561. The direction 570 can be decomposed into three components. The direction 570 has a component 571 parallel to the gravity direction 561 and a component 572 perpendicular to the gravity direction (another component perpendicular to the gravity direction is not shown). The direction of the component 571 is opposite to the gravity direction.

[0788] Figure 5B A direction 570 is shown that is at least partially along the direction of gravity 561. Figure 5A Similarly, direction 570 has a component 571 parallel to the gravity direction 561 and a component 572 perpendicular to the gravity direction. Figure 5A on the contrary, Figure 5B The direction of component 571 in is along the direction of gravity.

[0789] Figure 7 An SEM image of a PET flake is shown. Impurities on the surface of the PET flake can be identified as white particles. Figure 7 Three impurities 781a, 781b and 781c are marked. Figure 7 is an example of a SEM image used to determine the number of particles per unit area of ​​the at least one impurity.

[0790] Figure 8 The pore size distribution of the first particulate material is shown. Figure 8It can be seen that the first particle material has modes at about 17100 nm, 15100 nm, 12300 nm, 10600 nm and 9300 nm. The modes are where the quantity dV / dlogD has a maximum value (either a local maximum or a global maximum). dV is the differential volume and dlogD is the differential of the logarithm of the pore size of the first particle material. The primary mode refers to the global maximum value of dV / dlogD. The secondary mode refers to the second largest maximum value of dV / dlogD. Figure 8 The cumulative pore size of the first particulate material is also shown.

[0791] Fig.10 is a graphical representation of a test method for determining the mass ratio of the starting material (more preferably the first polyester) to the first organic compound in volume segment V1. Fig.10 Shows Figure 1A An enlarged view of the cross section of the volume segment V1103 (for ease of explanation, Fig.10 The size of the volume segment V1103 in Figure 1A The size of the volume segment V1 in FIG. 1 is changed compared to the previous one).

[0792] The first initial mixture 105 in the volume segment V1 is divided into a plurality of height sections H, such as Fig.10 As shown. The first height portion H1 is bounded by the bottom 107 of the volume segment V1103 and the height A1, the second height portion H2 is bounded by the heights A1 and A2, and so on. The last height portion H6 is bounded by the height A5 and the surface 106 of the first initial mixture 105. Although Fig.10 Six height sections H are shown, but the number of height sections is determined by the filling height of the first initial mixture 105 in the volume segment V1103. The height of each height section should be 20 cm, except for the last height section ( Fig.10 For example, if the filling height of the first initial mixture in the volume segment V1 is 150 cm, the first initial mixture is divided into 8 height segments, 7 of which have a height of 20 cm and the last has a height of 10 cm. The height of the first height segment H1 bounded by the bottom 107 is measured from the lowest point of the bottom 107.

[0793] Take 5 samples of the first initial mixture in each height section. The volume of each sample is 250 ml. Then all samples are combined to obtain a collective sample. Use the collective sample to determine the mass ratio.

[0794] If the volume segment V1 is stirred during normal operation of the PET recycling process, the samples should be taken while stirring the volume segment V1. In this case, the 5 samples taken in the height segment should be taken at the same position in the height segment, with a two-minute interval between the two subsequent samples. Fig.10 , where the five samples in the height segment H1 are collected at the position B1, and the sampling interval is two minutes. The height segment position where the five samples are collected can be any position in the height segment.

[0795] If the stirring device is a physical stirring device (e.g. Fig.10 164), which does not allow the collection of samples below a certain height, the lowest height A at which the sample can be collected without interfering with the stirring device min Replace the bottom 107 in the above procedure, that is, the first height segment is A min For the boundary. Fig.10 A new height portion I is shown, which has been adjusted for the presence of the stirring device 164. Similar to the height portion H, the height of the height portion I is also 20 cm, except for the height portion I5 bordering the surface 106.

[0796] If the volume section V1 is not stirred during normal operation of the PET recycling process, the five samples collected in the height section should be collected at positions evenly distributed in the direction perpendicular to the height of the first initial mixture. Fig.10 Shown as positions C1 to C5.

[0797] Example

[0798] The present invention is further illustrated below by way of examples. The present invention is not limited to the examples. In the tables given in the examples, the magnitude of the technical effect is indicated by one or more "-" or "+". The scale from low to high is as follows: "---, -, -, +, ++, +++". The Ref value represents a reference value, i.e., the increase or decrease of the technical effect is relative to the Ref value. A value of 0 represents no change relative to the reference value. When the Ref value is used, the scale from low to high is as follows: "---, -, Ref, +, ++, +++".

[0799] Comparative Example 1

[0800] A raw material comprising PET flakes is provided. The PET flakes are obtained by processing (e.g., shredding) used PET bottles. Figure 1A In other words, the PET flakes are conveyed through the volume sections V1 and V2. In both the volume sections V1 and V2, the PET flakes come into contact with the MEG. Figure 1B As shown, the PET flakes are partially depolymerized in the volume section V2 and then transported from the volume section V2 to the volume section V3 (glycolysis reactor). The partially depolymerized PET flakes in the volume section V3 are also contacted with MEG.

[0801] In V3, depolymerization is carried out by glycolysis to obtain a first intermediate mixture comprising BHET, PET oligomers and free MEG. The first intermediate mixture comprises 85 wt-% to 93 wt-% of the first intermediate product (BHET and PET oligomers), and the remaining first intermediate mixture consists of free MEG. The wt-% value is based on the total mass of the first intermediate mixture.

[0802] The intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture is subjected to Figure 1B the steps described in (e.g., filtering), and Figure 1C The polymerization reaction shown in FIG. 1 is the result of recycled PET. The recycled PET is used to produce yarn.

[0803] Invention Example 2

[0804] A raw material comprising PET flakes is provided. These PET flakes are obtained by processing (e.g., crushing) used PET bottles. The raw material is divided into a first raw material amount and another raw material amount according to the average thickness of the PET flakes. More than 80wt-% of the flakes in the first raw material amount have a thickness of less than 1 mm, while more than 80wt-% of the flakes in the other raw material amount have a thickness of 1 mm or greater. The separation process is completed using a gravity separator from Cimbria Heid GmbH (Austria). After the separation is completed, each raw material amount is processed on a separate reaction line. In other words, the first raw material amount is processed on the first reaction line and the other raw material amount is processed on the other reaction line.

[0805] The reaction line includes Fig.9A In other words, the PET flakes in the raw material quantity are conveyed through the volume sections V1 and V2. In the volume sections V1 and V2 of the first reaction line and the other reaction line, the PET flakes are in contact with MEG.

[0806] The reaction line also includes the following steps: Fig.9A As shown, in volume section V2, the PET flakes are partially depolymerized and then transported from volume section V2 to volume section V3 (glycolysis reactor). In the volume section V3 of the first reaction line and the other reaction line, the partially depolymerized PET flakes are in contact with MEG. Since depolymerization is carried out by glycolysis in volume section V3, a first intermediate mixture containing BHET, PET oligomers and free MEG is obtained.

[0807] After exiting from volume section V3, the first intermediate mixture obtained from the first reaction line is combined with the first intermediate mixture obtained from the other reaction line. Thus, a combined first intermediate mixture is obtained. The combined first intermediate mixture contains the first intermediate product (BHET and PET oligomers) in the range of 85 wt-% to 93 wt-%, and the rest of the combined first intermediate mixture consists of free MEG and residual impurities (to be filtered out). The wt-% value is based on the total mass of the first intermediate mixture.

[0808] The intermediate products in the combined first intermediate mixture are subjected to Figure 1B The steps described in (e.g. filtering) and Figure 1C The polymerization reaction shown in FIG. 4 results in the production of recycled PET. The recycled PET is used to produce yarn.

[0809] Invention Example 3

[0810] Inventive Example 3 is similar to Inventive Example 2, except that the reaction line does not include volume segment V3 (see Fig. 9B ). In other words, the PET flakes in the raw material amount are conveyed through the volume sections V1 and V2. In the volume sections V1 and V2 of the first reaction line and the other reaction line, the PET flakes are in contact with MEG and are partially depolymerized in the volume section V2. However, unlike Inventive Example 2, the PET flakes exiting from the volume section V2 in the first reaction line are combined with the PET flakes exiting from the volume section V2 in the other reaction line (referred to as combined PET flakes).

[0811] Subsequently, the combined PET flakes are conveyed to volume section V3 (glycolysis reactor). The PET flakes in volume section V3 are also in contact with MEG. Due to the depolymerization by glycolysis in volume section V3, a first intermediate mixture containing BHET, PET oligomers and free MEG is obtained.

[0812] The first intermediate mixture contains the first intermediate product (BHET and PET oligomers) in the range of 85 wt-% to 93 wt-%, with the remainder of the first intermediate mixture consisting of free MEG and residual impurities (to be filtered out). The wt-% values ​​are based on the total mass of the first intermediate mixture.

[0813] The intermediate products in the first intermediate mixture will undergo the following Figure 1B The steps shown (e.g., filtering), and Figure 1C The polymerization reaction shown. This results in recycled PET. The recycled PET is used to produce yarn.

[0814] Table 1 summarizes the exemplary settings and technical results. The first reaction line is used for PET flakes with an average flake thickness of less than 1 mm, while the other reaction line is used for PET flakes with an average flake thickness of greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0815] Invention Example 4

[0816] Inventive Example 4 is similar to Inventive Example 3, but has the following differences: After the PET flakes flowing out of the volume sections V2 of the first reaction line and the other reaction line are combined, the combined PET flakes are pulverized using a 2R12 type vertical mill (roller mill) produced by Valmetal (USA).

[0817] Subsequently, the shredded flakes are transported to volume section V3. The rest of the recycling process is the same as described in Inventive Example 3.

[0818] Table 1

[0819]

[0820]

[0821] The technical effects described in Table 1 are as follows:

[0822] Degradation of PET: PE flakes and / or PET oligomers may degrade due to, for example, too high a temperature in the bulk section, or too long a residence time, etc. This degradation may lead to the formation of undesirable by-products such as diethylene glycol. It is desirable to reduce the degree of degradation of PET.

[0823] Energy requirement: The energy required to degrade the PET flakes into oligomers. It is desirable to reduce the energy requirement.

[0824] Change in molar mass: Change in the molar mass of the oligomers obtained after degradation in volume segment V3. It is desirable to reduce the change in molar mass.

[0825] Recycling plant capacity: The amount of PET that can be recycled, measured in tons per day. It is desirable to increase capacity.

[0826] Color quality of recycled PET: It is desirable that the recycled PET fluid obtained after polymerization has the following HunterLab color coordinates: L value of at least 55, b value in the range of 2 to 4. Colorants can be used during the recycling process to improve the color coordinates, but it is desirable to reduce the amount of colorant used. Note that if the color quality is poor, it is generally not possible to improve the color by adding colorants.

[0827] Unless otherwise stated, the "basic settings" described above also apply to the examples below. In the tables given in the examples below, the size of the technical effect is indicated by one or more "-" or "+". The scales arranged from low to high are as follows: "------, -----, ----, ---, -, +, ++, +++, ++++, ++++++, ++++++". The value "Ref" represents the reference value, that is, the increase or decrease of the technical effect is relative to the "Ref" value. The value "0" means no change relative to the reference value. When the "Ref" value is used, the scales arranged from low to high are as follows: "------, -----, ----, ---, -, Ref, +, ++, +++, ++++, +++++, ++++++".

[0828] Example 5

[0829] Example 5 is the same as Inventive Example 2, except that the wt-% of the thin slices with a thickness less than 1 mm in the first raw material amount and the wt-% of the thin slices with a thickness greater than or equal to 1 mm in the second raw material amount are changed. Tables 2 and 3 list the changes in wt-% and the resulting technical effects.

[0830] For Examples 5.1 to 5.4, the wt-% (mass percentage) in the first raw material amount was varied as shown in Table 2. The remaining process parameters in the first reaction line were the same as those of the first reaction line in Inventive Example 2. For Examples 5.1 to 5.4, the process parameters in the other reaction line were the same as those of the other reaction line in Inventive Example 2. For the other raw material amount, the following applies: 20 wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of less than 1 mm and 80 wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of greater than or equal to 1 mm.

[0831] Table 2

[0832]

[0833] For Examples 5.5 to 5.8, the wt-% (mass percentage) in the other raw material amount was varied as shown in Table 3. The remaining process parameters in the other reaction line were the same as those in the other reaction line in Inventive Example 2. For Examples 5.5 to 5.8, the process parameters in the first reaction line were the same as those in the first reaction line in Inventive Example 2. For the first raw material amount, the following conditions apply: 80 wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of less than 1 mm and 20 wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of 1 mm or more.

[0834] Table 3

[0835]

[0836] The technical effects of Tables 2 and 3 are the same as those of Table 1. The additional technical effects described in Tables 2 and 3 are as follows:

[0837] Energy required for separation process: The energy required to separate the feedstock into a first amount of feedstock and another amount of feedstock. It is desirable to reduce the energy required for separation.

[0838] Complexity of the separation process: The complexity of the process required to separate the feedstock into the first feedstock amount and the other feedstock amount. For example, complexity increases when multiple separation stages are required (e.g., repeatedly passing the first feedstock amount through a gravity separator to reduce the wt-% of flakes with a thickness of ≥ 1 mm to below a desired value). Complexity also increases when different separation techniques are required (e.g., using a gravity separator and a centrifuge simultaneously). It is desirable to reduce the complexity of this process.

[0839] Experiment 5 was also repeated for Inventive Examples 3 and 4 (ie, the wt% was varied as shown in Tables 2 and 3). Results similar to those shown in Tables 2 and 3 above were also observed.

[0840] Example 6

[0841] Example 6 is the same as Inventive Example 2, except that the mass ratio of PET to MEG in the first region and the other region of the volume segment V2 is changed, as shown in Tables 4 and 5. For Examples 6.1 to 6.7, the mass ratio of PET to MEG in the first reaction line in the volume segment V2 is changed as shown in Table 4. The remaining process parameters in the first reaction line are the same as the first reaction line in Inventive Example 2 (as shown in Table 1). For Examples 6.1 to 6.7, the process parameters in the other reaction line are the same as the other reaction line in Inventive Example 2 (as shown in Table 1). The mass ratio of the first raw material amount and the other raw material amount is shown in Table 4.

[0842] Table 4

[0843]

[0844] The technical effects described in Table 4 are the same as those in Table 1.

[0845] For Examples 6.8 to 6.14, the mass ratio of PET to MEG in the volume segment V2 in the other reaction line is changed as shown in Table 5. The remaining process parameters in the other reaction line are the same as those in the other reaction line of Inventive Example 2 (as shown in Table 1). For Examples 6.8 to 6.14, the process parameters in the first reaction line are the same as those in the first reaction line of Inventive Example 2 (as shown in Table 1). The mass ratio of the first raw material amount to the other raw material amount is shown in Table 5.

[0846] Table 5

[0847]

[0848] The technical effects described in Table 5 are the same as those in Table 1.

[0849] Experiment 6 was also repeated for Inventive Examples 3 and 4 (ie, the mass ratio of PET to MEG was changed as shown in Tables 4 and 5). Results similar to those shown in Tables 4 and 5 were also observed.

[0850] Example 7

[0851] For Table 2, another raw material amount is set as follows: 20 wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of less than 1 mm and 80 wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of greater than or equal to 1 mm. For another raw material amount, changing the above weight percentages will result in further improvement / performance degradation of the technical effects shown in Table 2. Similarly, for Table 3, the following settings are used for the first raw material amount: 80% wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of less than 1 mm and 20% wt-% of the flakes have a thickness of greater than or equal to 1 mm. Changing the above weight percentages for the first raw material amount will result in further improvement / performance degradation of the technical effects shown in Table 3. This is illustrated in Table 6 below, in which the examples of Tables 2 and 3 are combined.

[0852] The merging of the examples should be understood as follows: the process parameters of the first reaction line are the same as the examples in Table 2, while the process parameters of the other reaction line are the same as the examples in Table 3.

[0853] Table 6

[0854] Example 7.1 7.2 7.3 set up Combination of examples 5.1+5.5 5.3+5.7 5.4+5.8 Technical Effects Degradation of PET - Ref + Energy requirements 0 Ref + Change in molar mass ++ Ref 0 Recycling plant capacity - Ref 0 Color Quality of Recycled PET -- Ref 0 Energy required for separation process ++ Ref ++ Complexity of the separation process ++ Ref +++

[0855] The technical effects of Table 6 are the same as those of Tables 2 and 3.

[0856] Experiment 7 was also repeated for Inventive Examples 3 and 4. Results similar to those shown in Table 6 above were also observed.

[0857] Example 8

[0858] For another reaction line, if the selected process parameters are different from those in Inventive Example 2, the technical effects shown in Table 4 will be further improved / performance will be reduced. For example, in volume segment V2, the mass ratio of PET to MEG is such a process parameter. Similarly, for the first reaction line, if the selected process parameters are different from those in Inventive Example 2, the technical effects shown in Table 5 will be further improved / performance will be reduced. For example, in volume segment V2, the mass ratio of PET to MEG is such a process parameter.

[0859] In addition to the above results shown in Tables 4 and 5, it is further found that changes in the following factors will also lead to further improvement / performance degradation of the technical effects shown in Tables 4 and 5:

[0860] a. a relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line relative to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line; and / or

[0861] b. The relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in another region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line relative to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in another region of the volume segment V2 of another reaction line.

[0862] This is illustrated in Table 7 below, where the examples of Table 4 and Table 5 are combined. The combination of examples is understood to mean that the process parameters of the first reaction line are the same as the examples in Table 4, while the process parameters of the other reaction line are the same as the examples in Table 5.

[0863] Table 7

[0864]

[0865]

[0866] The technical effects in Table 7 are the same as those in Tables 4 and 5.

[0867] Experiment 8 was also repeated for Inventive Examples 3 and 4. Results similar to those shown in Table 7 above were also observed.

[0868] Reference Mark List

[0869] 100 Apparatus and method for producing another polyester

[0870] 101 Raw Materials

[0871] 102 Hopper

[0872] 103 Volume segment V1

[0873] 104 Entrance of volume segment V1

[0874] 105 First initial mixture

[0875] 106 The surface of the first initial mixture

[0876] 107 Bottom of volume segment V1

[0877] 108 Volume segment V2

[0878] 109 conveying screw

[0879] 110 Another direction

[0880] 111 The first organic compound level H1

[0881] 112 Bottom of volume segment V2

[0882] 113 The first organic compound level H2

[0883] 114 Ground

[0884] 115 The first type of inlet of volume segment V2

[0885] 116 Another type of inlet for volume segment V2

[0886] 117 Another type of inlet of volume segment V2

[0887] 118 Conveying direction

[0888] 119 Boundary

[0889] 120 First Area

[0890] 121 Another area

[0891] 122 Exit of volume segment V2

[0892] 123 Exit of volume segment V1

[0893] 124 Volume segment V3

[0894] 125 Entrance of volume segment V3

[0895] 126 Exit of volume segment V3

[0896] 127 Volume segment V4

[0897] 128 Entrance of volume segment V4

[0898] 129 Exit of volume segment V4

[0899] 130 Vertical Leaf Filter

[0900] 131 Vertical leaf filter inlet

[0901] 132 Vertical leaf filter outlet

[0902] 133 Volume segment V5

[0903] 134 Entrance of volume segment V5

[0904] 135 Exit of volume segment V5

[0905] 136 Flow direction through volume segment V3

[0906] 137 Volume segment V6

[0907] 138 Entrance of volume segment V6

[0908] 139 Exit of volume segment V6

[0909] 140 Volume segment V7

[0910] 141 Entrance of volume segment V7

[0911] 142 Exit of volume segment V7

[0912] 143 Entrance of volume segment V3

[0913] 144 Delivery pipe

[0914] 161 Gravity Direction

[0915] 200 The measured angle between another direction and the horizontal plane

[0916] 210 Another direction

[0917] 214 Horizontal plane

[0918] 261 Gravity Direction

[0919] 262 Define the angle of another direction relative to the horizontal plane

[0920] 263 Incorrect Angle

[0921] 500 Direction of orientation

[0922] 561 Gravity Direction

[0923] 570 Direction

[0924] 571 Component parallel to gravity

[0925] 572 Component perpendicular to gravity

[0926] 700 SEM image for determining the number of foreign particles per unit area

[0927] 781 Impurities

[0928] 900 According to the present invention, a method for producing a first intermediate product

[0929] 991 First Response Line

[0930] 992 Another reaction line

[0931] 993 First Raw Material Quantity

[0932] 994 Another raw material quantity

[0933] 995 Gravity Separator

[0934] 996 The first intermediate mixture obtained from the first reaction line

[0935] 997 The first intermediate mixture obtained from another reaction line

[0936] 998 First intermediate mixture after combination

[0937] 999 Combined PET flakes

Claims

1. A method for producing a first intermediate product, comprising the following steps: a. providing a raw material comprising a first polyester; b. separating the feedstock into at least a first feedstock amount and another feedstock amount, wherein the first feedstock amount and the another feedstock amount comprise the first polyester; c.Transportation i. the first raw material is delivered to the first reaction line, ii. the other raw material amount to another reaction line; The reaction line includes the following steps: I. contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of a first organic compound, preferably in volume segment V2; II. reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V2; III. contacting the first polyester with another organic compound, preferably in volume segment V3, to obtain another initial mixture; IIII. reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V3, to obtain a first intermediate mixture, wherein the first intermediate mixture comprises: i. The first intermediate product, ii. said another organic compound; in, At least one process parameter varies by at least 10% between the first reaction line and the further reaction line.

2. A method for producing a first intermediate product, comprising the following steps: a. providing a raw material comprising a first polyester; b. separating the feedstock into at least a first feedstock amount and another feedstock amount, wherein the first feedstock amount and the another feedstock amount comprise the first polyester; c.Transportation i. the first raw material is delivered to the first reaction line, ii. the other raw material amount to another reaction line; The reaction line includes the following steps: I. contacting the first polyester with an additional amount of a first organic compound, preferably in volume segment V2; II. reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V2; d. combining the first polyester in the first reaction line and the first polyester in the other reaction line to obtain a combined first polyester; e. contacting the combined first polyester with another organic compound, preferably in volume segment V3, to obtain another initial mixture; f. reducing the weight-average molar mass of the first polyester, preferably in the volume segment V3, to obtain a first intermediate mixture, wherein the first intermediate mixture comprises: i. The first intermediate product, ii. said another organic compound; in At least one process parameter varies by at least 10% between the first reaction line and the further reaction line.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The at least one process parameter includes at least one or all of the following: a mass ratio between the amount of raw material and the first organic compound in the volume segment V2; The mass ratio between the further organic compound and the (combined) first polyester is preferably in volume segment V3; a residence time in at least one or both of said volume segment V2 and said volume segment V3; a temperature in at least one or both of said volume segment V2 and said volume segment V3; The pressure in at least one or both of the volume segment V2 and the volume segment V3.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one or all of the following applies: The mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line is in the range of 0.1 to 10.0; The mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the volume section V2 of the other reaction line is in the range of 0.4 to 30.

0.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The volume segment V2 of the reaction line comprises a first region and a further region, and at least one or all of the following applies: a relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the first region of the volume segment V2 of the other reaction line is in the range of 0.15 to 0.50; A relative ratio of the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the further region of the volume segment V2 of the first reaction line to the mass ratio of the first polyester to the first organic compound in the further region of the volume segment V2 of the further reaction line is in the range of 0.10 to 0.

60.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first polyester in the raw material is in the form of a plurality of fragments, and at least one or all of the following conditions apply: At least 60 wt-% of the chips of the first polyester in the first amount of raw material have a thickness of less than 1.0 mm; At least 60 wt-% of the chips of the first polyester in the further amount of raw material have a thickness greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of reducing at least one physical dimension of the first polyester.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first polyester is selected from polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polyester carbonate, polyarylate, polyester resin and a combination of two or more thereof.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first organic compound has at least one or all of the following characteristics: a. Containing at least two hydroxyl groups; b. The molar mass is at least 60 g / mol; c. The boiling point is at least 192°C.

10. A method for producing another intermediate product, comprising the steps of: a. providing a first intermediate mixture comprising a first intermediate product, wherein the first intermediate product can be obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9; b. increasing the mass average molar mass of the first intermediate product in the first intermediate mixture to obtain another intermediate mixture comprising another intermediate product.

11. A first intermediate product obtainable by the process according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. A further intermediate product obtainable by the process according to claim 10.

13. A product comprising a further intermediate product according to claim 12.

14. Use of the first intermediate product according to claim 11 for producing another intermediate product.

15. Use of another intermediate product according to claim 12 for producing a product.

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