Continuous Pilot‐Scale Tubular Reactor for Acrylic Acid Polymerization in Solution Designed Using Lab‐Scale Rheo‐Raman data. Issue 4 (August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chevrel, Marie‐Claire; Hoppe, Sandrine; Meimaroglou, Dimitrios; Falk, Laurent; Durand, Alain
• Other Names: Durand Alain guestEditor.; Engell Sebastian guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular reaction engineering. Volume 10:Issue 4(2016)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 363
• Publication Date: 2016-08
• Subjects: acrylic acid -- batch to continuous transposition -- free radical polymerization -- static mixers -- tubular reactor; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Reaction mechanisms (Chemistry) -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/mren.201500058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1862-832X

Abstract

Abstract : A continuous pilot‐scale tubular reactor equipped with CSE‐X static mixers from Fluitec is designed for polymerization of acrylic acid in aqueous solution. Experimental results are satisfactorily described by the model of perfect plug‐flow reactor. This work provides the first demonstration of applicability of CSE‐X static mixer elements in a continuous process producing high molar mass water‐soluble polymer. Abstract : A continuous pilot‐scale tubular reactor is designed for the polymerization of acrylic acid in aqueous solution. The reactor is equipped with CSE‐X static mixers from Fluitec which strongly increase heat and mass transfer despite laminar flow. A mathematical model of the reactor is proposed assuming that it is a perfect plug‐flow reactor and using kinetic and rheological equations previously established using a lab‐scale rheo‐Raman device. Calculated values of temperature and polymer concentration profile along the reactor as well as outlet average molar masses and viscosity are in good agreement with experimental results. Provided that the outlet viscosity of reaction medium does not exceed 0.5 Pa s, no reactor fouling occurred. On the contrary, fouling is detected after 6 to 8 h running with higher viscosities. This work is the first demonstration of applicability of CSE‐X static mixer elements in a continuous polymerization process producing high molar mass water‐soluble polymer. In addition, successful scale‐up of polymerization reactor is reported up to pilot‐scale as well as batch to continuous transposition, only on the basis of lab‐scale rheo‐Raman data. The interest of rheo‐Raman device for the acquisition of primary data is established.