Antistatic Complex Feed for Gas-Phase Polymerization Catalysts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing antistatic agents used in gas-phase polymerization processes negatively impact the activity of polymerization catalysts and are restricted for use in highly-regulated applications like food and medical industries, necessitating a compromise between preventing solid accumulation and maintaining catalytic activity.

Innovation Solution

Formation of antistatic complexes by reacting antistatic agents, such as fatty acid esters, with alkylaluminums, which are then used in polymerization processes to limit electrostatic charging and particle accumulation without inhibiting catalyst activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antistatic agents are used to prevent solid accumulation in the reactor, then particle accumulation is reduced, but catalyst activity is negatively impacted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of solid accumulationVSAvoidcatalyst activity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses alkylaluminum compounds as intermediaries that react with antistatic agents to form complexes. These complexes serve as mediators that deliver the antistatic function while being less harmful to catalyst activity than the original antistatic agents. The alkylaluminum complex acts as a carrier that modifies the interaction between the antistatic agent and the catalyst system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical state of the antistatic agent by reacting it with alkylaluminum to form a complex. This parameter change (from free antistatic agent to complexed form) modifies its properties so that it maintains antistatic effectiveness while reducing catalyst inhibition. The chemical transformation alters the molecular structure and reactivity of the antistatic agent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional antistatic agents are used to maintain fluidized state, then electrostatic charging is limited, but regulatory restrictions apply for food and medical applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance of fluidized stateVSAvoidregulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms conventional antistatic agents into alkylaluminum complexes, changing their chemical parameters and properties. This transformation creates new compounds that maintain the desired antistatic performance while meeting regulatory requirements for food and medical applications. The complexation process modifies the chemical structure to achieve compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The alkylaluminum complex serves as an intermediary form of the antistatic agent that bridges the gap between conventional effective agents and regulatory requirements. The complex acts as a modified version that retains functionality while achieving compliance with food and medical regulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the amount of antistatic agent is increased to effectively prevent solid accumulation, then particle accumulation is reduced, but catalyst inhibition is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of solid accumulationVSAvoidpolymerization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the antistatic agent through complexation with alkylaluminum. This parameter change allows the system to achieve effective solid accumulation prevention at lower concentrations, thereby reducing catalyst inhibition. The complexed form has different dosing requirements compared to the free agent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The antistatic complexes effectively prevent polymer particle accumulation and maintain reactor efficiency while being compatible with regulatory standards for food and medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

reacting an antistatic agent with at least one alkylaluminum to form an antistatic complex

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

the antistatic complexes effectively prevent polymer particle accumulation and maintain reactor efficiency while being compatible with regulatory standards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic charge reduction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3902812B1Continuous feed of antistatic agent for gas phase polymerization process
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 BRASKEM SA
  • EP3902812B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3902812B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3902812B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Methods may include reacting an antistatic agent with at least one alkylaluminum to form an antistatic complex, and may further include feeding the antistatic complex into a polymerization process. Methods of using an antistatic agent in a polymerization process may include feeding the antistatic agent into the polymerization process and, subsequently, reacting the antistatic agent with at least one alkylaluminum.