Patent GB-837053-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to low pressure catalytic polymerisation processes and processes for the production of catalysts therefor
Inventor: GARNETT EDWARD DEREK
IPC: B01J19/24
Filed: 1957-12-23
Abstract: <PICT:0837053/III/1> A continuous process for the preparation of Ziegler catalysts dispersed in an inert, non-aqueous liquid comprises continuously bringing together at least two catalyst-forming components (A and B as defined below) in the presence of the liquid and passing the resulting dispersion through a catalyst ageing device comprising an elongated passage under conditions such that no countercurrent flow (or back-mixing) can occur whilst simultaneously vibrating the device to maintain the solid matter formed therein in dispersion.  A suitable device is shown in Fig. 1 and comprises a helical coil 4 immersed in a heating medium, the coil being made to perform simple harmonic motion by rod 16 operated by electrical vibrator 15.  In modifications, the coil may be vertically disposed or replaced by a tube of different configuration or a narrow container divided by partitions to give an elongated zone of square cross-section.  The A component is defined as a compound of a metal of Group IVa, Va, VIa, VIIa or VIII of the Periodic Classification and the B component as a Group I, II or III metal or alloy; an organo-metallic compound or hydride of a Group I, II or III metal, tin or lead; or an organic boron compound or addition complex thereof, the usual examples being given. Suitable inert liquids are hydrocarbon distillates preferably having a viscosity above 5 cs. at the catalyst preparation temperature.  If desired, the viscosity may be increased by the addition of polyisobutylene.  Specifications 799,392, 799,823, 801,031, 810,023, 819,567, 820,263 and 837,054 are referred to.ALSO:In a continuous Ziegler olefin polymerisation process which comprises continuously feeding an olefin to a polymerization zone p  where it contacts a Ziegler catalyst in the form of a dispersion in an inert non-aqueous liquid and continuously, or at short, substantially regular, intervals feeding fresh catalyst to the reaction zone the catalyst is aged by passing through an elongated passage under conditions which prevent back-mixing, the passage being vibrated to maintain the catalyst particles as a dispersion in the inert liquid.  The Ziegler catalyst is defined as comprising at least 2 components, A and B where A is a compound of a metal of Group IVa, Va, VIa VIIa or VIII, and B is (i) a metal or alloy of Group I, II or III, or (ii) an organometallic compound or hydride of a Group I, II or III metal or tin or lead, or (iii) an organic boron compound.  In examples ethylene is polymerized using catalysts derived from an aluminium dialkyl alkoxide or chloride and titanium tetrachloride dispersed in a petroleum distillate rendered more viscous by the presence of added polyisobutylene.  The reaction medium comprised the distillate plus ethanol.  Olefins which may be polymerized include dienes and vinyl compounds.  An inert material, such as finelydivided polyethylene, may also be present as a catalyst support. Specifications 799,392, 799,823, 801,031, 810,023, 819,567, 820,263 and 837,054 are referred to.