Patent ID: 6307624
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: C08C,C08F

Abstract:
A process for the preparation of partially hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR) in a pressurized reactor by hydrogenation of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) by means of homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis using a Raman spectrometer to measure Raman spectra of the reactor contents, the process comprising the steps of: a) charging the reactor with reactants; b) hydrogenating the NBR in the presence of the catalyst; c) recording the Raman spectra of the reactor contents at short time intervals using a pressure-resistant inspection glass attached to the reactor to carry out a Raman effect, the Raman effect carried out by passing au exciting light through the inspection glass into the reaction solution and observing the Raman scattering; d) determining a degree of hydrogenation from the intensities of the Ramnan emission lines; and e) arresting the reaction upon attainment of a required degree of hydrogenation; wherein the reactor contents are rendered inert before commencement of the hydrogenation by removing oxygen from the reactor.