Patent ID: 7622085
Filing Date: 2009-11-24
Classification: B01J,C08G

Abstract:
1. A method of increasing the degree of polymerization in a polymeric melt, the method comprising: a) introducing the polymeric melt into an assembly at a sufficient temperature and pressure to increase the degree of polymerization of the polymer melt, the assembly comprising: a feed splitter and two or more vertically arranged rows of baffles, the two or more vertically arranged rows having a highest positioned row of baffles, a lowest positioned row of baffles, and one or more optional intermediately positioned rows of baffles, wherein each row of the two or more vertically arranged rows includes a plurality of baffles, the plurality of parallel baffles being angled and biased in the same direction such that when the polymeric melt contacts a baffle of the plurality of baffles the polymeric melt moves in a downward direction under the force of gravity and wherein each row of the two or more vertically arranged rows, except the lowest positioned row, is adapted to transfer the polymeric melt to a lower vertically adjacent row; b) contacting the highest positioned row of baffles with the polymeric melt; c) contacting the optional intermediate rows of baffles with the polymeric melt; d) contacting the lowest positioned row of baffles with the polymeric melt; and e) removing the polymeric melt from the assembly where the polymeric melt removed from the assembly has a higher degree of polymerization than when the polymeric melt was introduced into the assembly.