Patent ID: 6291605
Filing Date: 2001-09-18
Classification: B01J,B29B,C02F,C08F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for continuously producing a water-absorbing polymer comprising the steps of:(a) preparing a mixture of a monomer, a crosslinker and an initiator in water;(b) heating the atmosphere of a reaction chamber to between about 70.degree. F. and about 300.degree. F., defined by a vessel by heating at least one structural element exposed to the chamber atmosphere;(c) controlling the pressure of the atmosphere in the reaction chamber at or below ambient pressure;(d) spraying the mixture into the heated atmosphere forming free-falling droplets;(e) allowing the droplets to fall through the heated atmosphere for a period of time sufficient to obtain a desired degree of polymerization of the monomer and crosslinking of the polymerized monomer and to form dry particles of flowable water-absorbing polymer powder; and(f) removing fallen particles of dry water-absorbing polymer powder that collect at the bottom of the reaction chamber while continuously producing polymer.