Heated Solvent Polymer Removal for Olefin Oligomerization Reactors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The accumulation of polyethylene in olefin oligomerization reactors leads to tube blockage and fouling, necessitating costly and time-consuming manual intervention, which disrupts the polymerization process.

Innovation Solution

A method using a chromium-based catalyst and a solvent, such as C3 to C20 aliphatic or C6 to C20 aromatic hydrocarbons, to dissolve and remove polymers within the reactor without disassembly, involving steps like heating the reactor, dissolving the polymer, precipitating it, and separating it using devices like centrifugation or filtration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual polymer removal by worker entry is used, then polymer removal effectiveness is improved, but labor cost and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer removal effectivenessVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical removal with an automated chemical dissolution system. A solvent injection system introduces dissolving agents into the reactor, and a circulation system with heater and filter automatically removes polymer deposits without manual intervention, eliminating both labor cost and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the reactor to self-clean through automated solvent circulation. The solvent is injected, heated, circulated through the reactor coils to dissolve polymer deposits, and then filtered and removed automatically, allowing the reactor to maintain itself without external manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If high-pressure liquid peeling method is used, then polymer removal capability is improved, but device complexity and structural requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer removal capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a hydraulic circulation system to pump solvent through the reactor coils. The circulation pump creates fluid flow that delivers heated solvent to dissolve polymer deposits, providing effective polymer removal through hydraulic action rather than complex mechanical peeling devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the temperature parameter of the solvent to enhance dissolution capability. The heater raises the solvent temperature, increasing its ability to dissolve polymer deposits, while the circulation system distributes this heated solvent throughout the reactor for effective cleaning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If frequent process shutdown for polymer removal is implemented, then polymer accumulation is prevented, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepolymer accumulation preventionVSAvoidprocess continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous polymer removal through an automated circulation system that operates during the polymerization process. The solvent circulation, heating, and filtration occur continuously or periodically without shutting down the reactor, maintaining both polymer accumulation prevention and process productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This method allows for rapid polymer removal, reducing downtime and costs, and enhancing reactor productivity by avoiding manual disassembly and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

injecting the solvent into the first reactor which completes the olefin oligomerization reaction and heating the first reactor to produce a dissolution solution in which a polymer produced inside the first reactor is dissolved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

precipitating the polymer from the dissolution solution in which the polymer produced inside the first reactor is dissolved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPrecipitation: Precipitation

Implementation Method 3

separating and removing the precipitated polymer in a polymer removal device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal separation: Centrifugal Separation

Implementation Method 4

separating and removing the precipitated polymer in a polymer removal device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250297042A1Method for removing polymer inside olefin oligomerization reactor

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 HANWHA TOTALENERGIES PETROCHEMICAL CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a method for removing a polymer produced in an olefin oligomerization reactor. According to the method for removing a polymer of the present invention, since a polymer in a reactor may be removed within a short time, less time and cost are invested as compared with the case of disassembling the reactor and removing the polymer by manpower. In addition, downtime due to reactor maintenance decreases and productivity is improved.