Patent ID: 6777506
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B01J,C08F

Abstract:
A method for treating a catalytically formed crude polyolefin product containing residual catalyst to avoid further reaction in the product and remove residual catalyst therefrom, said method comprising:intimately admixing crude residual catalyst containing polyolefin product and a first aqueous media containing a catalyst killing agent to thereby form a first intimately admixed two phase, gravity separable mixture; introducing said first two phase mixture into a first settlement zone and allowing the same to settle in said first zone under the influence of gravity to present an upper partially washed crude polyolefin product phase and a first lower aqueous phase containing dissolved catalyst salts; withdrawing said first lower aqueous phase from said first settlement zone and recirculating a first portion thereof and introducing the same into said first two phase mixture for inclusion as part of said first aqueous media; directing a second portion of said first lower aqueous phase to a drain for disposal or reclamation; introducing a first quantity of make-up water into said first two phase mixture for inclusion as part of said first aqueous media; withdrawing said partially washed crude polyolefin product phase from said first settlement zone and intimately admixing the same with a second aqueous media to thereby form a second intimately admixed two phase, gravity separable mixture; introducing said second two phase admixture into a second settlement zone and allowing the same to settle in said second zone under the influence of gravity to present an upper more fully washed crude polyolefin product phase and a second lower aqueous phase; withdrawing said second lower aqueous phase from said second settlement zone and recirculating a first portion thereof and introducing the same into said second two phase mixture for inclusion as part of said second aqueous media; directing a second portion of said second lower aqueous phase to a drain for disposal or reclamation; removing said more fully washed crude polyolefin product phase from said second settlement zone; and introducing a second separate quantity of make-up water into said second two phase mixture for inclusion as part of said second aqueous media.