| abstract |
A solution polymerization system for polymerizing an olefin monomer by reacting the monomer with catalyst and solvent has been invented. The system in one aspect includes a flow loop with a product polymer outlet, the flow loop forming a recycling reactor, a cataylst inlet on the flow loop through which catalyst and solvent flow into the flow loop, a monomer inlet on the flow loop through which monomer and solvent flow into the flow loop and, with the catalyst, form a reactant material stream, a first heat exchanger on the flow loop for receiving the reactant materials stream and any formed polymer and for removing heat of reaction or polymerization from the flow loop, and pump apparatus for pumping the reactant materials stream and formed polymer in the flow loop and from the first heat exchanger to the product polymer outlet. In one aspect, the system includes at least one additional heat exchanger on the flow loop for receiving the reactant materials stream and formed polymer and for removing heat of reaction or polymerization from the flow loop, the pump apparatus pumping formed polymer and remaining reactant materials to the product polymer outlet, and a portion of the formed polymer and remaining reactant materials flowing out from the product polymer outlet and the remainder recycling through the flow loop. In one aspect systems and methods according to the present invention are used to make polyethylene. |