Reactor system and method for continuous production of a polyester, the polyester obtained therewith and to the use of a vent system
The reactor system addresses foaming issues in PBT production by using a vent system to remove volatiles from the reboiler section, enhancing process stability and product quality.
WO2026131198A1 Publication Date: 2026-06-25SABIC GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES BV
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Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2025/085656
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-12-20
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Technical Problem
Current reactor systems for producing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) experience significant foaming in the reboiler section due to the formation of low-boiling components like THF and water, leading to level fluctuations and thermal degradation, which contaminates the product and complicates process control.
Method used
A reactor system with a vent system on or near the upper part of the reboiler section to rapidly remove water and other volatiles, minimizing their contact with moisture-sensitive catalysts and reducing foaming.
Benefits of technology
The vent system effectively reduces foaming, stabilizes process levels, and prevents thermal degradation, resulting in improved process control and product quality.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a reactor system for continuous production of a polyester, said system comprising a vessel for mixing starting materials; and a reactor having a plurality of reactor zones configured such that the lower part of the reactor is connected to a reboiler section wherein a vent system is present on or near the upper part of reboiler section for removal of (at least part of the) water and optionally other volatiles formed during the esterification reaction. The invention moreover relates to a process for continuous production of a polyester, said process comprising the steps of: step a) of forming a mixture of starting materials; step b) of bringing said mixture into contact with a catalyst in a reboiler section of a reactor system to initiate an esterification reaction between the starting materials, to provide a liquid stream comprising an ester and a vapor stream comprising water generated during the esterification reaction; step c) of removal of at least part of the vapor stream from the reboiler section via a vent system on or near the upper part of reboiler section; step d) of transporting the liquid stream from the reboiler section to an esterification reactor zone for continuation of the esterification reaction to obtain an ester product stream; and step e) of transporting the ester product stream from the esterification reactor zone to a polycondensation reactor zone to produce a polyester. The invention moreover relates to a use of a vent system on or near the upper part of a reboiler section of a reactor system for reduction of foaming during an esterification reaction by removal of (at least part of the) water and optionally other volatiles formed during an esterification reaction between a diol with a dicarboxylic acid.
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