Continuous Neutralization Ring Line for Polymer Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing neutralization processes for producing water-absorbing polymers are inefficient due to logistical challenges and heat-related issues in continuous neutralization, leading to premature polymerization and equipment blockages.
Innovation Solution
A device for continuous neutralization featuring a ring line with heat exchangers, multiple feed lines for educts like caustic soda and acrylic acid, and a pump system to manage temperature and prevent overheating, utilizing a buffer container and Venturi tube design to minimize peak temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous neutralization is implemented to improve productivity, then productivity increases, but temperature peaks cause premature polymerization and equipment blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The neutralization process is divided into multiple stages with sequential addition of educts through separate feed lines. The ring line configuration creates distinct zones for mixing and cooling, segmenting the heat generation and allowing controlled temperature management throughout the continuous process.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring line acts as an intermediary cooling pathway between the feed lines and the discharge point. By circulating the neutralization mixture through the ring line with heat exchangers, the system provides intermediate cooling that prevents temperature peaks while maintaining continuous operation.
2Temperature
If multiple feed lines are used to control temperature, then temperature control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it is a feed line for educt introduction, a cooling channel with heat exchangers, a mixing zone, and a discharge pathway. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the cooling function with the feed line and discharge line by forming a ring line configuration. Instead of having separate cooling exchangers and feed lines, the system merges these functions into a single integrated ring structure that performs multiple operations in sequence.
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 device effectively controls temperature peaks, preventing premature polymerization and reducing logistical efforts, thereby enhancing the economic efficiency and continuity of the polymerization process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heat exchanger W in the ring line R
Implementation Method 2
Due to the heat of neutralization, the temperature rises to 95°C
Implementation Method 3
a pump P
Implementation Method 4
at least one first feed line Z 1 into the ring line R, at least one second feed line Z 2 into the ring line R
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Neutralization procedure comprises partially neutralizing at least an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid compound with a base, where the neutralization takes place in a continuous process and the neutralized solution is at less than 70[deg]C. Independent claims are included for: (1) a procedure for production of water-absorbing polymer comprising a neutralization procedure; and (2) a device for continuous neutralization comprising a circular pipe (R), at least a first supply pipe (Z 1) and second supply pipe (Z 2) in the circular pipe, at least a heat exchanger (W 1) in the circular pipe, where the heat exchanger flows directly behind the supply pipes, at least a conduit (A), which flows directly behind the heat exchanger, a pump (P) and optionally a container (B) between the heat exchanger and the conduit.