Patent ID: 8212091
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: C08J,Y02W

Abstract:
1. A process for depolymerizing fluoropolymers, comprising continuously feeding a solid fluoropolymer, in particulate form, into a more-or-less horizontally orientated cylindrical first reaction zone, with the fluoropolymer particles entering the first reaction zone at or near one end thereof, with no carrier gas for the fluoropolymer particles being employed; continuously rotating, within the first reaction zone, a central axle from which protrudes at least one paddle, with the rotating paddle serving to advance the fluoropolymer particles along the first reaction zone while agitating them; as the fluoropolymer particles pass along the first reaction zone, subjecting them to an elevated temperature of 400° C. to 1000° C., thereby to depolymerise the fluoropolymer into a fluoro-containing compound-rich gas phase, with no steam being used in the reactor; if necessary, withdrawing a residual solids phase at or near the other end of the first reaction zone; withdrawing the gas phase at or near the other end of the first reaction zone; optionally, passing the gas phase through a second reaction zone which is also at an elevated temperature; and quenching the gas phase to less than about 200° C. in less than 1 second, thereby to recover the fluoro-containing compounds as gaseous products.