Patent ID: 6162879
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: B01J,C08F,Y10S

Abstract:
A continuous process for the production of a polymer by an exothermic polymerization reaction of at least one vinyl monomer, comprising reacting in at least one polymerization stage a reaction mixture in the form of a liquid or in the form of a suspension including at least the one vinyl monomer and optionally at least one radical or ionic initiator and the polymer being formed, said reaction mixture flowing at a temperature higher than 100.degree. C. as a continuous stream through at least one tubular reactor equipped internally with a primary heat exchanger having one or more stationary tubular element(s), for cooling the reaction mixture, said primary heat exchanger being connected to a primary cooling loop where a primary coolant liquid circulates, and said primary coolant liquid being optionally cooled by a secondary heat exchanger fitted in the primary cooling loop and placed in a heat exchange zone of a secondary cooling device containing a secondary coolant liquid, wherein when the primary coolant liquid is not cooled by said secondary heat exchanger, the primary coolant liquid consists essentially of superheated water under pressure which, by an equilibrium or an expansion, produces steam which, separated from the superheated water, is partially discharged out of the primary loop in the form of a low-pressure steam, and when the primary coolant liquid is cooled by said secondary heat exchanger, the secondary coolant liquid consists essentially of superheated water under pressure which, by an equilibrium or an expansion, produces steam which, separated from the said superheated water, is partially discharged from the secondary cooling device in the form of a low-pressure steam.