Transfer Pipe Between Loop Reactors With Heated Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double loop reactors face challenges in connecting distant reactors and preventing clogging in transfer lines due to the high reactivity of active catalyst systems, which requires short transfer lines and imposes limitations on reactor placement and operation.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system with a by-pass line extending between the two reactors, combined with a regulation mechanism for equivalent flushing in each transfer line, allows for longer transfer lines and reduces the risk of clogging by ensuring efficient flow and mixing, utilizing a main flushing line and secondary lines with control mechanisms to manage pressure differences and flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer line length is increased to allow distant reactor placement, then reactor placement flexibility is improved, but the risk of polymerisation and clogging in the transfer line increases
Solution Approach 1:
A heated zone is introduced as an intermediary element within the transfer line system. This heated zone acts as a mediator that prevents polymerisation by maintaining the polymer melt above its gel point temperature, thereby eliminating clogging while allowing long transfer lines for distant reactor placement
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter along the transfer line is changed and controlled, with specific zones heated to different temperatures. The heated zone maintains elevated temperature to prevent polymerisation, while other zones can be cooler, creating a controlled temperature gradient that enables long transfer lines without clogging
2Reliability
If the transfer line length is decreased to prevent clogging, then the risk of polymerisation is reduced, but reactor placement flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heated zone serves as a protective intermediary that enables distant reactor placement by preventing polymerisation throughout the extended transfer line, allowing reactors to be positioned far apart without compromising reliability
3Reliability
If a heated zone is introduced in the transfer line, then the risk of clogging is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer line is segmented into distinct thermal zones: a heated zone with controlled temperature and unheated zones at ambient or lower temperature. This segmentation allows the heated portion to prevent clogging while limiting the overall system complexity by confining the heating function to a specific segment rather than the entire line
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 configuration enhances catalyst productivity, increases solids content, and reduces the risk of blockage by maintaining efficient polymer transfer and mixing, allowing for more flexible reactor placement and operation without compromising production.
Implementation Method 1
a more aggressive circulation pump
Implementation Method 2
The mixture is flashed in order to remove the liquid medium from the polymer
Implementation Method 3
recompress the vaporised polymerisation diluent to condense it to a liquid form
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a transfer system between the first and second reactors in a double loop reactor that is equipped to reduce clogging in the transfer lines by providing a regulation mechanism arranged to insure equivalent flushing in each transfer line.