Hollow Double-Plate Devolatilization Tray for Polymer Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devolatilization apparatuses, particularly static ones, face challenges in reliably controlling temperature, pressure, and residence time during the devolatilization process, especially for temperature-sensitive polymer compositions, leading to non-optimal devolatilization results and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A devolatilization apparatus with a hollow double-plate assembly in heatable trays and distributors, allowing precise temperature control and uniform pressure distribution, compensating for heat loss, and adjusting residence time through a non-perforated weir, ensuring optimal devolatilization conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the composition is heated to elevated temperature to increase diffusion rate and thermodynamic activity, then devolatilization efficiency is improved, but polymer degradation occurs due to heat sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The devolatilization process is divided into multiple stages with different temperature zones. The hollow double-plate assembly creates channels that allow the composition to flow through heated zones sequentially, enabling controlled temperature exposure at different stages to maximize volatile removal while protecting temperature-sensitive polymers from excessive heat
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts temperature distribution along the flow path through the hollow double-plate channels. By controlling the heating zones and residence time in each zone, the system adapts temperature conditions to match the devolatilization progress, maintaining optimal temperature for efficiency while preventing polymer degradation in later stages
2Use of energy by stationary object
If static devolatilization apparatus is used to reduce energy consumption and maintenance, then operational costs are reduced, but temperature control precision and pressure management are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones within the static apparatus have different heating characteristics and temperature controls. The hollow double-plate assembly creates localized heating zones along the flow path, allowing each section to be optimized for specific devolatilization requirements while maintaining overall energy efficiency of the static system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to temperature control by creating a distributed heating system along the length of the hollow double-plate channels. This transforms a single-point temperature control problem into a distributed multi-zone control system, achieving precision without requiring complex moving parts
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the hollow double-plate assembly is used to achieve precise temperature control, then polymer degradation is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow double-plate assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heating element, a flow distributor, a pressure equalization structure, and a support framework. This multi-functionality achieves precise temperature control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as one structural element performs multiple critical roles
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
Achieves efficient devolatilization of temperature-sensitive polymers with high product quality at low operational costs by precisely controlling temperature, pressure, and residence time, while minimizing capital expenditures and facilitating easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least a section of at least one heatable tray and/or of at least one heatable distributor comprises a hollow double-plate assembly... the hollow space is connected with an inlet for heat medium and with an outlet for heat medium
Implementation Method 2
the component to be evaporated needs to have a higher partial pressure or higher thermodynamic activity, respectively, than the polymer... devolatilized at an elevated temperature and/or devolatilized at a subatmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
the component to be evaporated needs to be able to diffuse through the polymer composition to the phase boundary
Data Source
AI summary
A devolatilization apparatus includes a vessel having inlet, and heatable tray or distributor. A section of the heatable tray or distributor includes a hollow double-plate assembly with upper and lower plates spaced apart defining a void chamber therebetween, each plate including openings. Each opening of the upper plate surrounded by a wall extending through the void chamber and surrounding an opening of the lower plate so as to form a plurality of channels fluid-tightly separated from the hollow space being in the void chamber. The hollow space is connected with an inlet for a heat medium and an outlet for the heat medium. The upper and lower plates are connected with each other at sides through sidewalls, between which the void chamber is defined. The heatable tray or distributor extends over 10 to 99% of the cross-sectional area of the vessel and is surrounded by a non-perforated weir.