Patent ID: 6194541
Filing Date: 2001-02-27
Classification: B01D,B01J,C08F,Y02P

Abstract:
An improved method for devolatilization of a thermoplastic polymer containing at least one volatile component comprising the steps of: heating the thermoplastic polymer so that the thermoplastic polymer is a heated liquid thermoplastic polymer; and flowing the heated liquid thermoplastic polymer through a chamber by centrifugal force; the improvement comprising flowing the heated liquid thermoplastic polymer through a packed bed by centrifugal force, wherein the packing is of sufficient strength and does not collapse in use and block the flow of polymer through the packing; and optionally flowing a stripping gas through the packed bed countercurrent to the flow of the heated liquid thermoplastic polymer, such that the volatile component volatilizes from the heated liquid thermoplastic polymer by gas-liquid contacting in the packed bed.