Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to an apparatus or process for devolatilization of flowable materials (such as molten polymers with entrained or dissolved solvent or unreacted monomers or comonomers) using a plate heater having heating channels, the design or operation of which heating channels maintains the flowable material above its bubble point pressure during passage through a larger first zone and then induces flashing in, or downstream of, a smaller second zone of the heating channel.

<CIT> relates to a polymer devolatilization apparatus comprising a flat plate heater comprising a polymer solution supply means, and a liquid/vapor collection and separation means, said flat plate heater further comprising a multiplicity of flat plates defining a plurality of channels, each channel having a substantially uniform height, but varying width over the total channel length, each channel comprising three zones: a first zone, having a beginning and a terminus, said beginning in operative communication with the polymer solution supply means, characterized by decreasing width as a function of distance from its beginning, a second zone having a beginning at the terminus of the first zone and a terminus, characterized by at least one occurrence of a restrictive cross-sectional area, and a third zone having a beginning at the terminus of the second zone and terminating at a liquid/vapor collection and separation region operating at reduced pressure, said third zone characterized by increasing width as a function of distance from its beginning, and provided further that the ratio of maximum width of the third zone to the maximum width of the second zone is from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

<CIT> relates to a method and apparatus for devolatilizing high viscosity polymer solutions are provided wherein high viscosity polymer solutions are heated along a short zone of indirect heat exchange. The residence time within the zone of indirect heat exchange ranges from approximately <NUM> seconds to <NUM> seconds.

Polymers and polymeric products (hereinafter referred to as "polymers") are often manufactured in the presence of solvents and other volatile components (e.g., monomers and by-products) (solvents and volatile components will hereinafter be referred to as "volatiles"). The combination of a polymer with a solubilizing solvent is referred to as a polymer solution. During the production of the polymer, heat may need to be added or removed from the polymer solution.

Solution polymerization may be accomplished in adiabatic or non-adiabatic reactors, where part of the heat of reaction is removed through the use of heat exchangers. One advantage of the latter is that the production rate can be increased when compared with processes where no heat exchanger is present. After the desired polymer is obtained, it is desirable to remove the volatiles from the polymer. The removal of volatiles from the polymer is referred to as "devolatilization". The separation of the volatiles from the polymer solution is generally accomplished by evaporation, where the polymer solution is heated to a temperature higher than the boiling point of the volatiles while simultaneously (concurrent with the heating) or sequentially (after the heating) extracting evolved volatiles from the polymer solution.

Heat exchangers used for this purpose are shell-and-tube heat exchangers, which comprise a plurality of tubes in a vessel where the heat is removed by circulating cooling water on the shell side of the heat exchangers. One of the potential issues with these exchangers is the high pressure drop used for the amount of heat that needs to be removed from the process. It is desirable to remove the heat of reaction while keeping the pressure drop to a minimum.

In addition, shell-and-tube heat exchangers are incapable of handing polymer solutions that have high viscosities of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> centipoise due to high pressure drops incurred and reduced heat transfer rates. It is therefore desirable to have a heat exchanger that can handle the aforementioned high viscosity polymer solutions at temperatures of greater than <NUM>, while keeping the polymer and the solvent in a single phase.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus comprising a shell; the shell having an inlet port for introducing a polymer solution into the shell and an outlet port for removing the polymer solution from the shell; wherein the polymer solution comprises a polymer and a solvent that is operative to dissolve the polymer; a plurality of plates in the shell; where the plurality of plates is stacked one atop the other to define a central passage that is in fluid communication with the inlet port of the shell; where the plurality of plates further defines a plurality of conduits, each conduit extending radially outwards from the central passage, where the plurality of conduits is in fluid communication with the central passage; and where the apparatus is operated at a pressure and a temperature effective to maintain the polymer solution in a single phase during its travel through the apparatus from the inlet port of the shell to an outlet port of the shell.

Disclosed herein too is a method comprising discharging a polymer solution in a single phase to an apparatus comprising a shell; the shell having an inlet port for introducing a polymer solution into the shell and an outlet port for removing the polymer solution from the shell; a plurality of plates disposed in the shell; where the plurality of plates is stacked one atop the other to define a central passage that is in fluid communication with the inlet port to the shell; where the plurality of plates further defines a plurality of conduits, each conduit extending radially outwards from the central passage, where the plurality of conduits is in fluid communication with the central passage; operating the apparatus at a pressure and a temperature effective to maintain the polymer solution in a single phase during its travel through the apparatus from the inlet port to the outlet port of the shell; and removing from the outlet port of the apparatus the polymer solution in the single phase; the polymer solution being at a higher temperature than a temperature at the inlet port, the polymer solution being at a lower temperature than the temperature at the inlet port, or the polymer solution remaining at the same temperature at the inlet and outlet port but with heat of reaction being removed from the polymer solution.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a process for increasing or reducing the temperature or removing the heat of reaction of high viscosity solutions that comprise polymers. The apparatus is effectively designed to maintain the polymer solution in a single phase during its transport through the apparatus while raising or lowering its temperature by an amount of greater than <NUM> from its initial temperature (e.g., the temperature at the inlet port of the apparatus), or alternatively, maintaining the polymer at a constant temperature (in a reactive polymer solution system), while simultaneously decreasing its pressure by as small an amount as possible.

In short, it facilitates increasing, reducing or maintaining constant the temperature of the polymer solution while simultaneously reducing the pressure of the polymer solution by as small an amount as possible. The disclosed apparatus can be used to heat, cool, or to maintain at a constant temperature (from inlet port to outlet port) a polymer solution that is transported through the apparatus, while facilitating a change in the pressure of the polymer solution.

In an embodiment, the apparatus is a shell and plate heat exchanger. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a shell within which is disposed a plurality of plates stacked one over the other, where a pair of neighboring plates (along with the associated walls) when in contact with one another form a plurality of radially disposed conduits that facilitate transporting the polymer solution from the center of the shell to the outside of the shell or alternatively from the outside to the center of the shell while raising its temperature and simultaneously reducing its pressure. The apparatus may alternatively be described as a flat plate heat exchanger where the plates are suspended in a cylindrical shell.

The apparatus therefore comprises a pressure controllable system where the polymer solution is increased in temperature from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>; the pressure is decreased by less than <NUM> kilogram force per square centimeter (kgf/cm<NUM>), preferably by less than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> from the inlet pressure all while maintaining the polymer in a single phase with the solvent. In an embodiment, the inlet pressure is <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, while the outlet pressure is <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>. The single phase is a liquid phase. The polymer solution is a high viscosity solution having a solution viscosity of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> centipoise, preferably <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> centipoise, and more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise measured as detailed below towards the end of this disclosure.

In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a pressure controllable reactive exothermic system, such as polymerization, where the polymer solution is kept at a desired temperature ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>; the pressure is decreased by less than <NUM> kilogram force per square centimeter (kgf/cm<NUM>), preferably by less than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> from the inlet pressure all while maintaining the polymer in a single phase with the solvent. In an embodiment, the inlet pressure is <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, while the outlet pressure is <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>. The single phase is a liquid phase. The polymer solution is a high viscosity solution having a solution viscosity of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise, preferably <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise measured as detailed below towards the end of this disclosure. One or more of these apparatuses can be part of a polymerization reactor system.

Detailed herein too is a devolatilization apparatus that comprises the apparatus in fluid communication with a pressure control device and a separate low pressure flash vessel that permits the devolatilization of volatiles (e.g., solvent, volatile by-products, volatile reactants, and the like) from the polymer solution. In an embodiment, the pressure control device is a valve that can be variably opened to control the pressure in the apparatus to keep the polymer solution in a single phase. In an embodiment, the devolatilization apparatus may further comprise a pump that facilitates charging the high viscosity polymer solution to the apparatus.

<FIG> and <FIG> are schematic depictions of an exemplary apparatus while <FIG> and <FIG> are top view depictions of one exemplary embodiment of a plate that is disposed in the apparatus. With reference now to the <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the apparatus <NUM> comprises a shell <NUM> in which is disposed a plurality of plates <NUM> (also referred to herein as a plate stack) that transport the polymer solution from the center of the apparatus to its outer periphery. In an embodiment, each plate <NUM> has a plurality of channels <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or <NUM> (see <FIG>) that extend radially outwards from an inner circumference <NUM> to an outer circumference <NUM> of the plate and transport the polymer solution from the center of the apparatus to its outer periphery (See <FIG>) or alternatively, transport the polymer solution in the opposite direction from its outer periphery to its center (See <FIG>). It is to be noted that each plate <NUM> may have a channel <NUM> formed in its floor (e.g., machined in the floor), or alternatively may have the channel <NUM> formed when combined with a wall <NUM>. The combination of the plate with the wall with a plurality of channels (measured from the bottom of one plate to the bottom of an immediate neighboring plate) is also called a "layer". Put another way, the wall <NUM> may be an integral part of the plate <NUM> or may be a separate unit that contacts the plate <NUM> to create the channel <NUM>. When the apparatus <NUM> is assembled, the channel between the floor of the plate and the walls is also bounded by the bottom of an upper neighboring plate (which acts as a roof) to form a "conduit" that conducts the polymer solution from the center of to the outer periphery of the shell or alternatively, from the outer periphery to the center of the shell.

In the <FIG> and <FIG>, the shell <NUM> comprises an inlet port <NUM> through which the polymer solution <NUM> (see <FIG>) and/or <NUM> (see <FIG>) is charged to the apparatus and an outlet port <NUM> through which the polymer solution is removed. The inlet port <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM> are not in direct fluid communication with one another. A plate <NUM> (with no central hole) disposed at the bottom of the stack of plates prevents the polymer solution from flowing directly from the inlet port <NUM> to the outlet port <NUM> of the apparatus. The shell <NUM> does not contain any other ports other than the inlet port <NUM> located at the top of the shell and the outlet port <NUM> located at the bottom of the shell. The polymer solution is charged to inlet port <NUM> at a first temperature (T<NUM>) and first pressure (P<NUM>) and removed from the outlet port <NUM> at a second temperature (T<NUM>) and a second pressure (P<NUM>). In an embodiment, T<NUM> is less than T<NUM>, while P<NUM> is greater than P<NUM>. In another embodiment T<NUM> is greater than T<NUM> while P<NUM> is greater than P<NUM>. In yet another embodiment T<NUM> is the same as T<NUM> while P<NUM> is greater than P<NUM>.

It is to be noted that while the flow of the polymer solution is depicted and detailed in this application as being from top-to-bottom or from bottom-to-top, the apparatus can be mounted horizontally (instead of vertically as depicted in the <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>), and hence the flow can be described as being from left-to-right or right-to-left. The description of the flow as being from top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top is therefore just one way of enabling the reader to understand the manner of functioning of the apparatus.

In another embodiment, the polymer solution is introduced into the apparatus at inlet port <NUM> in a single phase and leaves the apparatus at the outlet port <NUM> in a single phase. During the travel of the polymer solution through the apparatus, the polymer solution always is in a single phase because of the pressure in the apparatus which is maintained at greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, and more preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>. The pressure in the apparatus is maintained so that the solvent, unreacted monomers and reactant by-products never vaporize in the apparatus.

In the <FIG>, the shell <NUM> comprises an inlet port <NUM> located at the bottom of the shell through which the polymer solution <NUM> is charged to the apparatus and an outlet port <NUM> located at the top of the shell through which the polymer solution is removed. The inlet port <NUM> and the outlet port <NUM> are not in direct fluid communication with one another; the fluid must travel along the periphery of the apparatus and through the conduits (<NUM>). A plate <NUM> (with no central hole) disposed at the bottom of the stack of plates prevents the polymer solution from flowing directly from bottom to top of the apparatus. The shell <NUM> does not contain any other ports other than the inlet port <NUM> located at the bottom of the shell and the outlet port <NUM> located at the top of the shell. The polymer solution is charged to inlet port <NUM> at a first temperature (T<NUM>) and first pressure (P<NUM>) and removed from the outlet port <NUM> at a second temperature (T<NUM>) and a second pressure (P<NUM>). In an embodiment, T<NUM> is less than T<NUM>, while P<NUM> is greater than P<NUM>. In another embodiment T<NUM> is greater than T<NUM> while P<NUM> is greater than P<NUM>. In yet another embodiment T<NUM> is the same as T<NUM> while P<NUM> is greater than P<NUM>.

In the configuration depicted in the <FIG>, the polymer solution is introduced into the apparatus at inlet port <NUM> in a single phase and leaves the apparatus at the outlet port <NUM> in a single phase. During the travel of the polymer solution through the apparatus, the polymer solution always is in a single phase because of the pressure in the apparatus which is maintained at greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, and more preferably greater than <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>. The solvent, unreacted monomers and reactant by-products never vaporize in the apparatus.

In the configuration depicted in <FIG>, the plates in the plate stack are supported in position by tubes <NUM> in a tube bundle and by a supporting slotted tube <NUM> (hereinafter support tube <NUM>). The support tube <NUM> provides structural support to the plate stack, holds the plates in position and prevents damage to the plates during operation of the apparatus. It enables the plate stack to withstand the high pressures used in the apparatus during operation. In the configuration depicted in <FIG>, there is no support tube <NUM>.

As is detailed below, when the plates are stacked vertically, they form a passage <NUM> through which the polymer solution is transported. The support tube <NUM> is located in the passage <NUM> in the center of the apparatus and contacts the end plate <NUM>, providing structural support to it.

The support tube <NUM> comprises a tubular shell <NUM> having openings <NUM> disposed therein. The openings <NUM> permit the polymer solution to flow into the annulus <NUM> which fills with polymer solution and helps distribute it to the conduits from the passage <NUM> (See <FIG>. ) or out of the conduits into the passage <NUM> (See <FIG>. ) The ring plate assembly <NUM> may be held together in position by means of a lock nut (<NUM>) which is located at the end of the support tube <NUM>.

The following paragraphs detail the top-down flow of the polymer solution as seen in the <FIG>. The configuration where the polymer solution flows from bottom to top as depicted in the <FIG> is detailed later.

The term "top-down" flow is used to detail the flow of the polymer solution flow in the <FIG> (when the apparatus is mounted vertically). It may also be referred to as inside-out flow, since the polymer solution flows from the inside of the apparatus to the outer periphery of the apparatus. The terms "top-down" flow or "inside-outside" flow are just one way of illustrating to a reader how the apparatus works. The flow can also occur from left-to-right or right-to left, if the apparatus is mounted horizontally instead of vertically.

In the <FIG> and <FIG>, each plate <NUM> (except for the bottom-most plate <NUM>) of the plurality of plates has an opening <NUM> which permits the polymer solution to travel from the top to the bottom of the apparatus. When the plates <NUM> are stacked vertically, the openings <NUM> from each of the plates line up vertically to form a passage <NUM> through which the polymer solution is transported in the apparatus. In an embodiment, the opening <NUM> is located at the center of the respective plates <NUM> and each plate <NUM> is ring-shaped as may be seen in the <FIG> and <FIG>.

The shell <NUM> may have any cross-sectional geometry, but is preferably circular in its cross-sectional area when viewed from the top. In an exemplary embodiment, the shell <NUM> is preferably a cylinder having a height of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters and having an inner diameter d<NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters. The inner diameter d<NUM> referred to herein is the diameter measured at the shell inner surface. An exemplary material of construction for the shell <NUM> is a metal. Examples of suitable metals are carbon steel, stainless steel or other metal alloys.

Each plate <NUM> (See <FIG> and <FIG>. ) has an outer diameter d<NUM> that is slightly less than the inner diameter d<NUM> of the shell. The space between the inner surface of the shell and the outer circumferential surface of the plate <NUM> permits the passage of the polymer solution during its travel through the apparatus <NUM>. This will be discussed later. The average difference between the shell inner diameter d<NUM> (see above) and the plate outer diameter d<NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters.

The opening <NUM> in the plate <NUM> has a diameter d2 of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters. The annular space <NUM> has a width of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters. The support tube <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters. There can be <NUM> to <NUM> openings <NUM> along the length and surface of the support tube <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> openings.

An exemplary material of construction for the plate <NUM> is a metal. Examples of suitable metals for use in the plate <NUM> are aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel or other metal alloys. In an embodiment, the inner circumference <NUM> and the outer circumference <NUM> of the plates <NUM> are both concentric with each other and are also concentric with an inner surface of the shell <NUM>.

With reference now to the <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each plate contains a plurality of channels <NUM> that increase in width for at least a portion of the radius that extends from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. <FIG> is an expanded schematic top view of the section XYY'X' shown in the <FIG> and represents one possible design of the channel <NUM>. In an embodiment, each plate contains a plurality of channels <NUM> that increase in width from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, each channel may have a constant width from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM> of the plate <NUM>.

The polymer solution <NUM> that enters the apparatus from the inlet port <NUM> travels along the passage <NUM> to contact the plurality of plates <NUM> where it travels radially outwards along the plurality of channels <NUM>. Disposed in the plate <NUM> between each successive pair of channels <NUM> is a wall <NUM> that contains holes <NUM> to house banks of tubes <NUM> through which a heat transfer fluid <NUM> is transported (See <FIG>.

The heat transfer fluid <NUM> facilitates the heating or cooling of the polymer solution as it is transported through the apparatus <NUM> (See <FIG>. The heat transfer fluid <NUM> may be transported through the tubes of the tube bundle <NUM> from the bottom to the top of the apparatus or alternatively, from the top to the bottom of the apparatus. In yet another embodiment, the tubes <NUM> may be arranged so that the fluid is transported back and forth through the apparatus <NUM>. Some of the tubes can be transporting the fluid from the top to the bottom, then connecting into a common header, then transporting the fluid from the bottom to the top.

As seen in the <FIG>, the channel <NUM> has a gradually increasing width in the radial direction and is bounded by a pair of walls 108A and 108B and extends from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The channel <NUM> never decreases in width from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM>.

In the embodiment depicted in the <FIG>, the walls 108A and 108B extend radially outwards linearly from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. The walls 108A and 108B are closer to each other at the inner circumference <NUM> and are farther apart at the outer circumference <NUM>. This channel <NUM> therefore has a gradually expanding width "w" from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM> of the plate. As noted above, the walls 108A and 108B may be integral with the plate <NUM> (i.e., the wall <NUM> and the plate <NUM> are a monolithic piece) or may alternatively be a separate stand-alone piece that is assembled with the flat plate <NUM> to form the channel <NUM>.

The channel width at the inner circumference "ds" is less than the channel width "d<NUM>" at the outer circumference. The ratio of d<NUM> to d<NUM> is <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, preferably <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. In an embodiment, the distance d<NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, while the distance d<NUM> is 1to 4centimeters, preferably 2to <NUM> centimeters. The channel <NUM> has a floor that has a depth of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters from the top of the walls <NUM>.

The polymer solution therefore contacts an ever widening channel as it travels from the opening <NUM> (See <FIG>. ) to the outer circumference <NUM>. This design is advantageous in that it allows for a lower pressure drop in the fluid as it travels through the slot and a large heat transfer area to allow for optimal heat transfer.

The walls <NUM> are situated between the channels <NUM> and separate successive channels on a particular plate from one another. The walls <NUM> and the channels <NUM> are evenly distributed across the surface of the plate <NUM> (See <FIG> and <FIG>. As noted above, each wall <NUM> contains a plurality of holes <NUM> that houses tubes <NUM> through which the fluid <NUM> flows (See <FIG>.

In an embodiment, a single plate <NUM> comprises <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> channels, and <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> walls <NUM>, with the walls and channels alternating with each other evenly around the plate <NUM>. Each wall <NUM> contains a bank of tubes <NUM>. Each wall <NUM> contains <NUM> to <NUM> tubes, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> tubes. In an embodiment, the tubes are metal tubes and may comprise carbon steel.

The wall <NUM> has a thickness "t" of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters. In an embodiment, the wall thickness is <NUM> to <NUM>% larger, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% larger than the outer diameter of the tube <NUM> in the tube bundle. Each tube <NUM> in the tube bundle has an inner diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters and an outer diameter of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters. A preferred inner diameter for the tube is <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters and a preferred outer diameter is <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters.

The <FIG> and <FIG> depict another wall <NUM> design not covered by the invention as defined in the claims that causes the width "w" of the channel <NUM> to decrease over a portion of the plate radius and then to increase over a portion of the plate radius. In this embodiment, the wall <NUM> can be integral with the plate <NUM> (e.g., a monolithic unit) or separate from the plate <NUM>. With reference now to the <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, each plate contains a plurality of channels <NUM> that decrease in width for at least a portion of the radius that extends from the inner circumference <NUM> to the outer circumference <NUM> of the plate <NUM>. After decreasing for a portion of the plate radius, the width then increases as the channel progresses to the outer circumference <NUM>.

In <FIG>, there is depicted the shape of the channel <NUM> that comprises three zones, a first generally converging zone <NUM> which is wider at its entrance than its exit, a second, restrictive zone <NUM> wherein the channel achieves a minimum width sufficient to cause a pressure drop across the restrictive zone, thereby preventing substantial flashing of the volatile components while in the first zone; and a third generally diverging zone <NUM> designed to allow for a slight decrease in pressure in the polymer solution, all while continually retaining the polymer solution in a single phase. The distance between the inner circumference <NUM> and outer circumference <NUM> for the plate <NUM> (which represents the length of the channel <NUM>) of the <FIG> is detailed above and is the same as detailed for the <FIG> and <FIG>.

With reference now to the <FIG>, the distance d<NUM> is greater than d<NUM>, which is in turn greater than d<NUM>. The first zone <NUM> has an opening <NUM> into which the polymer solution enters the channel <NUM>. The length of the first zone is from <NUM> to <NUM>% of the total length of the channel and the width at the inner circumference <NUM> is from <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters (cm). The ratio of the width of the widest point of the first zone to the width of the narrowest point of the zone varies from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

The second zone <NUM> begins at the terminus of the first zone and varies in length from about <NUM>% to <NUM>% of the total length of the channel connecting with the entrance of the third zone. The width of the second zone may remain constant for its entire length, decrease to a minimum and then remain constant or decrease to a minimum and thereafter increase again. Preferably at its narrowest point the second zone is <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters wide, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters wide. The ratio of the width of the widest point of the zone to the width of the narrowest point of the zone is preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. Also preferably, the ratio of the widest width of the first zone to the narrowest width of the second zone is greater than <NUM>:<NUM>, and preferably greater than <NUM>:<NUM>.

The third zone <NUM> begins at the terminus of the second zone and terminates with an exit <NUM> for discharge of the polymer solution. The length of the third zone is from about <NUM> to <NUM>% of the total length of the channel. The ratio of the width of the third zone at its terminus to that at its entrance is preferably from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>. The width of the zone need not be constantly increasing from entrance to terminus but may follow a sinusoidal or other curved shape. Also preferably, the ratio of the maximum width of the third zone to the minimum width of the restrictive zone is greater than <NUM>:<NUM>.

As seen in the <FIG>, the plates are stacked atop one another in the shell to facilitate heat transfer to a polymer solution that is charged to the apparatus. <FIG> is a depiction of a section AA' from the <FIG> and shows a stack of <NUM> plates <NUM> (104A, 104B, 104C, 104D, 104E and 104F) stacked atop each other. <FIG> depicts a side, partial cross-sectional view showing a portion of the outer circumference of a stack of plates <NUM>. The stack comprises a plurality of plates <NUM> in the shape of disks stacked and arranged so as to define the walls, floor and ceiling of each conduit <NUM> and secured together so as to define a passage <NUM> (See <FIG>. ) for receiving the polymer solution to be heated. The base of one plate 104E contacts an upper surface of the wall of an adjacent plate 104F to form the conduit <NUM> comprising a floor <NUM>, a roof <NUM> and walls <NUM> through which the polymer solution is transported.

Each conduit may have a constant width over its entire length or a varying width over its entire length. As discussed above for the respective channels, the width can gradually increase in length from the inner circumference to the outer circumference of the plate. In an embodiment, it can increase in width over a portion of the length and decrease in width over the remaining length of the conduit. In another embodiment, it can decrease in width over a portion of the length and increase in width over the remaining length of the conduit.

Tubes <NUM> (not shown) pass through holes <NUM> in the wall <NUM>, and are adapted to transfer heat into the channels <NUM>. In one embodiment, the tubes <NUM> secure the plates <NUM> together to form a stack (when the walls <NUM> and the plate <NUM> are a single integral component). In another embodiment, the tubes <NUM> secure the walls <NUM> and the plates <NUM> together to form the stack (when the walls <NUM> are a separate component from the plate <NUM>). The heat is transferred by the fluid <NUM> in the tubes <NUM> to the walls <NUM> and from the walls to the floor <NUM> of the channel <NUM> and the roof of the channel <NUM>.

As noted above, the plates <NUM> are stacked vertically above each other in the shell <NUM>. Each plate is separated from a neighboring plate by a space of <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> centimeters. The total number of plates (in a stack) in the shell <NUM> (and hence in the apparatus) is <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. In an embodiment, the total number of channels in the shell is <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> and the total number of walls in the shell is <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>.

With reference now to the <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, in one manner of operating the apparatus, the polymer solution <NUM> entering the inlet port <NUM> travels a path depicted by numerals 200A-200B-200C-200D-200E in the apparatus, till it exits the apparatus at the outlet port <NUM> (See <FIG>. The polymer solution <NUM> enters the apparatus at a temperature T<NUM> and pressure P<NUM> at inlet port <NUM> and initially travels vertically downwards along passage <NUM>. Plate <NUM> prevents its vertical passage from the inlet port <NUM> to the outlet port <NUM>. The polymer solution <NUM> then travels radially outwards along path 200A from the passage <NUM> towards the plate stack <NUM> where it enters the plurality of channels <NUM> where it travels along path 200B (See <FIG> and <FIG>. ) situated in the plate. At the same time the fluid <NUM> is transported through the tubes <NUM> and transfers heat from the fluid to the polymer solution travelling radially outwards in the channels <NUM> along path 200B. During the travel through the plate stack, the temperature of the polymer solution is increased to a temperature greater than T<NUM> while the pressure is simultaneously reduced to a pressure of less than P<NUM>.

It is to be noted that the apparatus may also be used as a cooler. In the event that the apparatus is used to effect cooling, the temperature of the polymer solution is reduced during its transport through the apparatus. In another embodiment, if the cooler is used in a reactive system, it can be used to extract heat generated during a reaction (e.g., an exothermic reaction), and the temperature of the polymer solution can either increase or decrease, depending on the amount of heat released from the reaction versus the amount of heat removed. The polymer solution is still in a single phase during its travel through the plate stack. In an embodiment, the single phase is a liquid phase.

The polymer solution emanating from the outer circumference <NUM> of the plurality of channels <NUM> travels in the space between the shell and the outer circumference of the plate stack along path 200C to the bottom of the apparatus. It is then transported from the bottom of the apparatus to outlet port <NUM> along path 200D and then out of the apparatus via outlet port <NUM> along path 200E while still being in a single phase.

The polymer solution exiting the apparatus has an outlet temperature T<NUM>, which can be either higher, lower or the same as (in a reactive, exothermic system) the inlet temperature T<NUM> and an outlet pressure P<NUM>, which is lower than the inlet pressure P<NUM>.

The term "bottom-to-top" flow is used to detail the flow of the polymer solution flow in the <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> (when the apparatus is mounted vertically). It may also be referred to as outside-inside flow, since the polymer solution flows from the outer periphery of the apparatus to the inside of the apparatus. The terms "bottom-to-top" flow or "outside-inside" flow are just one way of illustrating to a reader how the apparatus works. The flow can also occur from left-to-right or right-to left, if the apparatus is mounted horizontally instead of vertically.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> depict an embodiment, when the polymer solution flows from the bottom of the apparatus to the top. The arrangement of the plates <NUM> in the shell <NUM> is the same for this configuration (See <FIG>) as it is for the <FIG>. The flow direction however, is different, from that of the <FIG>. As shown in the <FIG>, the polymer solution is introduced into the apparatus via an inlet port <NUM> located at the bottom of the device and exits at the outlet port <NUM> located at the top of the device. A flat plate <NUM> located at the bottom of the plate stack prevents a direct flow of the polymer solution from the port <NUM> to the port <NUM>. The polymer solution travels along path <NUM> at inlet port <NUM> and travels upwards between the flat plate <NUM> and the outer shell <NUM> of the apparatus via paths 500A and 500B. The polymer solution then enters the plate stack and travels radially inwards through the conduits along path 500C (See <FIG> and <FIG>) from the outer circumference <NUM> towards the inner circumference <NUM> of each plate. The polymer solution is heated or cooled as it travels through the conduit in a manner similar to that in the <FIG>. When "bottom-to-top" flow is used in the apparatus, the support tube <NUM> is not used in the apparatus. The tubes and tie rods hold the plates together in this configuration.

During the travel through the plate stack, the temperature of the polymer solution is increased to a temperature greater than T<NUM> while the pressure is simultaneously reduced to a pressure of less than P<NUM>. In another embodiment, the temperature of the polymer solution is reduced to a temperature lower than T<NUM> while the pressure is simultaneously reduced to a pressure of less than P<NUM>. In an embodiment, the polymer solution is still in a single phase (e.g., a liquid phase) during its travel through the plate stack. In another embodiment, the single phase is a liquid phase.

It is to be noted that the apparatus may also be used as a cooler. In the event that the apparatus is used to effect cooling, the temperature of the polymer solution is reduced during its transport through the apparatus. In another embodiment, if the cooler is used in a reactive system, it can be used to extract heat generated during a reaction (e.g., an exothermic reaction), and the temperature can be going either up or down, depending on the amount of heat released from the reaction versus the amount of heat removed.

The polymer solution emanating from the plate stack enters the passage <NUM> at the center of the apparatus <NUM> via path 500D. From the center it is transported to the outlet <NUM> of the apparatus via path 500E. In one embodiment, the outlet <NUM> can be connected with a conduit that further transports the polymer solution. The conduit can be part of reactor system. In another embodiment, the outlet <NUM> is connected to a conduit which is then connected to the valve at which the polymer solution is subjected to depressurization to undergo phase separation.

In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet temperature T<NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> and inlet pressure P<NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, while the outlet temperature T<NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> and the outlet pressure P<NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>.

The polymer solution generally contains <NUM> to <NUM> weight percent (wt%), preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt% of a polymer, based on the total weight of the polymer solution. The solution has a viscosity of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> centipoise, preferably <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> centipoise, and more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise. The average solution viscosity may be <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise measured as detailed below. The polymer solution is transported through the apparatus at a flow rate of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> kilograms per hour, preferably <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> kilograms per hour, and more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> kilograms per hour. The flow is <NUM> to <NUM> kilograms/hr/conduit, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> kilograms/hr/conduit, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> kilograms/hr/conduit.

The fluid <NUM> has a maximum inlet temperature of <NUM> to <NUM> and a minimum outlet temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>. The fluid generally decreases by a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM> during heating of the polymer solution. When the apparatus is used as a heater, the maximum inlet temperature for the fluid is always greater than the minimum outlet temperature. The apparatus may alternatively be used as a cooler, in which case, the minimum outlet temperature for the fluid is always greater than the maximum inlet temperature and the cooling fluid generally increases by a temperature of <NUM> to <NUM>.

The polymer that is mixed with the solvent may be a thermoplastic polymer, a lightly crosslinked polymer, or a blend of a thermoplastic polymer with a lightly crosslinked polymer. The polymer can be an oligomer, a homopolymer, a copolymer, a block copolymer, an alternating copolymer, a random copolymer, a graft copolymer, a star block copolymer, a dendrimer, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Examples of the polymers that can be mixed with the solvent include a polyolefin, a polyacetal, a polyacrylic, a polycarbonate, a polystyrene, a polyester, a polyamide, a polyamideimide, a polyarylate, a polyarylsulfone, a polyethersulfone, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyvinyl chloride, a polysulfone, a polyimide, a polyetherimide, a polytetrafluoroethylene, a polyetherketone, a polyether etherketone, a polyether ketone, a polybenzoxazole, a polyoxadiazole, a polybenzothiazinophenothiazine, a polybenzothiazole, a polypyrazinoquinoxaline, a polypyromellitimide, a polyquinoxaline, a polybenzimidazole, a polyoxindole, a polyoxoisoindoline, a polydioxoisoindoline, a polytriazine, a polypyridazine, a polypiperazine, a polypyridine, a polypiperidine, a polytriazole, a polypyrazole, a polypyrrolidine, a polycarborane, a polyoxabicyclononane, a polydibenzofuran, a polyphthalide, a polyanhydride, a polyvinyl ether, a polyvinyl thioether, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl ketone, a polyvinyl halide, a polyvinyl nitrile, a polyvinyl ester, a polysulfonate, a polynorbornene, a polysulfide, a polythioester, a polysulfonamide, a polyurea, a polyphosphazene, a polysilazane, a polyurethane, a polysiloxane, or the like, or a combination thereof.

Exemplary polymers are polyolefins. Examples of polyolefins include homopolymers and copolymers (including graft copolymers) of one or more C<NUM> to C<NUM> olefins, including polypropylene and other propylene-based polymers, polyethylenes and other ethylene-based polymers, and olefin block copolymers. Such olefin-based polymers include high density polyethylenes (HDPE), low density polyethylenes (LDPE), linear low density polyethylenes (such as the LLDPE marketed by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark "DOWLEX"), enhanced polyethylenes (such as those marketed by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark "ELITE"), polymers made via molecular or single-site catalysts, such as metallocene, constrained geometry, polyvalent aryloxy ether, and the like. Examples of such polymers are linear or substantially linear ethylene copolymers (such as those marketed by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademarks "AFFINITY" and "ENGAGE" and those marketed by ExxonMobil Chemical Company under the trademarks "EXACT" and "EXCEED"), propylene-based copolymers (such as those marketed by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark "VERSIFY" and those marketed by ExxonMobil Chemical Company under the trademark "VISTAMAXX"), and olefin-block copolymers (such as those marketed by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark "INFUSE"), and other polyolefin elastomers (such as the EPDM marketed by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark "NORDEL" or "NORDEL IP").

The solvent will vary depending upon the manufactured polymer. Aprotic polar solvents such as water, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, butyrolactone, acetonitrile, benzonitrile, nitromethane, nitrobenzene, sulfolane, dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone, or the like, or combinations thereof may be used to solvate some polymers. Polar protic solvents such as methanol, acetonitrile, nitromethane, ethanol, propanol, isopropanol, butanol, or the like, or combinations thereof may also be used. Other non-polar solvents such a benzene, toluene, methylene chloride, carbon tetrachloride, hexane, diethyl ether, tetrahydrofuran, or the like, or combinations thereof may be used to solvate some polymers. Co-solvents comprising at least one aprotic polar solvent and at least one non-polar solvent may also be utilized to modify the swelling power of the solvent and thereby adjust the solvating power of the solvent. An exemplary solvent for polyolefins is Isopar™ E from ExxonMobil.

The aforementioned polymers are manufactured in a solution, high pressure, or slurry polymerization reactor in which the monomers and produced polymers are entrained in a solvent or diluent. Other polymer solutions may also be manufactured (intentionally or unintentionally) containing large or small amounts of volatile components. Typical volatile components include solvents (such as aromatic or aliphatic inert diluents), unreacted monomers and/or comonomers and low molecular weight reaction by-products. The amount of solvent, unreacted monomers, unreacted comonomers, and/or other volatile components to be removed from the polymer solution may range from a large excess to a mere contaminating amount. Molten polymers produced in solution, high pressure, or in slurry polymerization plants, even after an initial flash-devolatilization stage, often contain from <NUM> to <NUM> weight percent or more of dissolved or entrained volatile components at the point they are processed in the apparatus. Typically, the amount of residual volatile components remaining in the devolatilized polymer should be less than about <NUM> wt%, preferably less than <NUM> wt%, and more preferably less than <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the devolatilized polymer as measured by ASTM D-<NUM>.

Depending upon the starting concentration of volatile components in the flowable material to be devolatilized, and the level of residual volatiles that are acceptable in the devolatilized product, more than one stage (such as two or three stages) of devolatilization apparatus may be used. In addition, the devolatilization apparatus may be used in combination with other known devolatilization techniques, such as simple flash-devolatilization, ionic fluid extraction, extraction using a super-critical fluid, distillation, steam-stripping or carbon-dioxide-stripping, either in separate devolatilization stages or (in the case, for example, of steam-stripping or carbon-dioxide stripping) in combination with the apparatus of this invention within the same devolatilization stage.

In an embodiment, the apparatus detailed above may be used in conjunction with a pump and a pressure regulating device to form a devolatilization apparatus. This is depicted in the <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> depicts the devolatilization apparatus when the flow is from top to bottom, while <FIG> depicts the devolatilization apparatus when the flow is from the bottom to the top. The devolatilization apparatus <NUM> comprises a pump <NUM> located upstream of the apparatus <NUM>. The pump <NUM> is operative to pump the polymer solution at a pressure of <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> to the apparatus <NUM>. The apparatus functions as detailed above to increase the temperature of the polymer solution while simultaneously decreasing its pressure (and maintaining the polymer solution in a single phase) and then discharges the polymer solution in a single phase to a pressure regulating device <NUM>. An additional heat exchanger (not shown) (that functions as a cooler) that is operative to cool the polymer to a lower temperature may be in fluid communication with the apparatus if desired.

The pressure regulating device is located downstream of the apparatus and is operative to keep the polymer solution in single phase throughout the apparatus. The polymer with a now substantially reduced volatile content is collected in a first tank (not shown) and may be subjected to further downstream process while the solvent is collected and recycled. In an embodiment, the devolatilization apparatus may include a flashing vessel (not shown) located downstream of the pressure regulation device.

In an embodiment, the pump <NUM> is a positive displacement pump. The pressure regulating device is preferably a valve. The pressure regulating device is used to keep the polymer solution in a single phase until it is desirable to separate the volatiles from the polymer. Exemplary valves <NUM> are gate valves, ball valves, sluice valves, or the like. In an embodiment, the pressure regulating device may be a nozzle or an orifice.

In some embodiments for the removal of solvents, unreacted monomers and comonomers from molten polymers, where the concentration of volatile components in the molten polymer is very high, adequate devolatilization may necessitate the use of more than one apparatus in series to reduce the volatile content in the molten polymer in two or more steps.

Although most of the description herein applies to a heating apparatus, it should be obvious to those familiar in the art that the same type of design could be used for cooling a polymer solution or for the removal of the heat of polymerization from a polymer reaction. This cooling apparatus would be operated in a similar fashion except that instead of a heating fluid, a cooling fluid would be used in the tubes <NUM> (See <FIG>). The cooling fluid used would be at a lower temperature than the polymer solution. The concept of improved heat transfer between a fluid and a viscous polymer solution with minimal pressure drop would still be considered advantageous. The apparatus detailed herein is described in the following nonlimiting examples.

This is an example that demonstrates the apparatus disclosed herein. A flat plate heat exchanger is designed in a cylindrical shell configuration with an outer diameter d<NUM> of <NUM> centimeters (See <FIG>. ) and an inner diameter d<NUM> of <NUM> centimeters and a total height of <NUM> centimeters (See <FIG>. The exchanger comprises multiple layers. A layer comprises a plate and the wall. Each layer of the exchanger is comprised <NUM> channels. Each channel has a height of <NUM> centimeters and each layer is separated by a plate <NUM> centimeters tall.

A bank of tubes carries the fluid and is placed perpendicular to the layers of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains <NUM> banks of tubes. Each bank of tubes comprises <NUM> carbon steel tubes with an internal diameter of <NUM> centimeters and an external diameter of <NUM> centimeters. Each wall is <NUM> centimeters thick. Each channel has a width at the inner circumference of <NUM> centimeters and a width at the outer circumference of <NUM> centimeters and a height of <NUM> centimeters. The total number of conduits is <NUM> per layer, comprising a total of <NUM>,<NUM> total conduits.

Using standard heat transfer calculations for convection through the fluid and conduction across the tube walls, an overall heat transfer coefficient, U, for this exchanger is calculated to be U = <NUM> W/m<NUM>•K. The total internal heat transfer area (A) for <NUM>,<NUM> channels is <NUM>,<NUM><NUM> resulting in a heat exchanger with the product of U times A (UA) value of <NUM>,<NUM> W/K.

Given a polymer solution flowing through this apparatus at <NUM>,<NUM>/hr and a solution temperature increasing from <NUM> to <NUM> and a fluid temperature reduction from <NUM> to <NUM> (during the course of the polymer solution in the apparatus), the log mean temperature difference for this exchanger is <NUM> and the total heat duty is calculated as <NUM>. 8million Watts.

The total flow through each conduit is approximately <NUM> kilograms/hr. Assuming a solution viscosity of <NUM>,<NUM> cP and using standard pressure drop (Bernoulli) calculations, the pressure drop is calculated as <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> through the exchanger.

Without being limited to theory, the detailed apparatus design functions effectively because the polymeric solution is kept at a single-phase inside the heater, allowing for maximum heat transfer rate, which is calculable. If the solution were to change phases, the heat transfer rate would drop substantially and the solution would lose heat due to vaporization. Both of these are avoided ensuring that the polymer solution in the apparatus remains in a single-phase throughout its residence time in the apparatus. The polymer solution in the apparatus never separates into two (or more) phases.

This design is advantageous in that it can handle high solution viscosities of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> centipoise, with an average solution viscosity of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> centipoise. It can also handle high flow rates of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> kilograms/hour at polymer concentrations of greater than <NUM> wt%, preferably greater than <NUM> wt% and more preferably greater than <NUM> wt%, based on the total weight of the polymer and the solvent. The design permits a pressure drop in the polymer solution of <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> from the inlet port to the outlet port, while at the same time raising the temperature of the polymer solution by an amount of greater <NUM>, preferably greater than <NUM>, and more preferably greater than <NUM>, from the initial inlet temperature.

One of the advantages of this design that pressure drops in the polymer solution of <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> from the inlet port to the outlet port can be handled by existing positive displacement pumps (e.g., gear pumps or screw pumps).

This is a comparative example and is performed on a shell and tube heat exchanger with the same fluid and flow rates as the above example. For the shell and tube exchanger, a standard design is used with the polymer solution flowing through the tubes and the medium flowing through the shell. Each tube is designed with an internal diameter of <NUM> centimeters, an outer diameter of <NUM> centimeters and a total length of <NUM> centimeters. Each tube is filled with twisted-tape type mixing elements with an aspect ratio of <NUM>. A total of <NUM>,<NUM> tubes are fit inside a shell of diameter <NUM> centimeters.

Both heat transfer and pressure drop calculations for these mixers are calculated by the method of Joshi. In this manner, the Nusselt number is calculated to be <NUM>, giving an overall heat transfer coefficient, U, of <NUM> W/m<NUM>•K. The total internal heat transfer area for <NUM>,<NUM> tubes is <NUM>,<NUM><NUM> resulting in a heat exchanger UA value of <NUM>,<NUM> W/K. The log mean temperature difference for this exchanger is <NUM> and the total heat duty is calculated to be about <NUM> million Watts.

Pressure drop through the tubes is calculated using different correlations to give pressure drops ranging from <NUM> to <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>, with the most likely value being approximately <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>. Therefore, this exchanger type would have too high a pressure drop. As the outlet pressure of the exchanger has to be at least <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> in order to keep the polymer solution single-phase, the total pressure drop is likely to exceed the capability of a screw pump or even a gear pump. That is why this type of exchanger is not preferred for this unit operation.

The tube diameter can be increased to alleviate the pressure drop issue. However, at the pressures required for this unit operation to keep the same number of tubes, the shell size will become difficult to manufacture. A smaller number of larger diameter tubes increases the pressure drop (higher velocity through them) and it requires a longer length to provide the heat transfer area needed for the heat transfer, thereby again increasing pressure drop. That is why this type of exchanger has inherent limitations for this application.

The higher pressure drop makes it very difficult to keep the polymer solution single-phase towards the exit of the exchanger. If the solution is not single-phase but it reaches its bubble point, it will lose heat transfer rate and make it very difficult to heat up the solution to the desired temperature. In addition, the system would be unpredictable.

This is also a comparative example. If the flat plate heater described in (a) above were installed inside a devolatilizer vessel (a vessel where the polymer solution would actually phase separate into two phases), then there would be a few major issues.

This is an inventive theoretical example that details the use of the apparatus in a cooling mode to remove the heat of polymerization from the polymer solution. A flat plate cooler is designed in a cylindrical shell configuration with an outer diameter d<NUM> of <NUM> centimeters (See <FIG>. ) and an inner diameter d<NUM> of <NUM> centimeters and a total height of <NUM> centimeters (See <FIG>. The exchanger comprises multiple layers. A layer comprises a plate and the wall. Each layer of the exchanger comprises <NUM> conduits. Each conduit has a height of <NUM> centimeters and each layer is separated by a plate <NUM> centimeters tall.

A bank of tubes carries the fluid and is placed perpendicular to the layers of the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains <NUM> banks of tubes. Each bank of tubes comprises <NUM> carbon steel tubes with an internal diameter of <NUM> centimeters and an external diameter of <NUM> centimeters. Each wall is <NUM> centimeters thick. Each channel has a width at the inner circumference of <NUM> centimeters and a width at the outer circumference of <NUM> centimeters and a height of <NUM> centimeters. When the plates are assembled, the total number of conduits is <NUM> per layer, comprising a total of <NUM>,<NUM> total conduits.

Using standard heat transfer calculations for convection through the fluid and conduction across the tube walls, an overall heat transfer coefficient, U, for this exchanger is calculated to be U = <NUM> W/m<NUM>•K. The total internal heat transfer area (A) for <NUM>,<NUM> conduits is <NUM>,<NUM><NUM> resulting in a heat exchanger with the product of U times A (UA) value of <NUM>,<NUM> W•K.

Given a polyethylene production rate of <NUM>,<NUM>/hr and a polyethylene heat of polymerization of <NUM> kJ/mol, the required heat removal is calculated as <NUM> million Watts. Assuming a polymer solution temperature of <NUM> and an average cooling fluid temperature of <NUM>, the log mean temperature difference for this exchanger is <NUM>, and the designed exchanger will be able to remove the heat of polymerization.

The total flow through each conduit is approximately <NUM> kilograms/hr at an average viscosity of <NUM> cP. Using standard pressure drop (Bernoulli) calculations, the pressure drop is calculated as <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> through the exchanger.

By "substantially uniform," as used with respect to a dimension (such as width or height) or a cross-sectional area of zone within a channel, is meant that the same is either not converging nor diverging at all, or is converging and/or diverging by no more than ten percent of the average of that dimension.

"Polymer" refers to a compound prepared by polymerizing monomers, whether of the same or a different type of monomer. The generic term "polymer" embraces the terms "oligomer," "homopolymer," "copolymer," "terpolymer" as well as "interpolymer.

"Interpolymer" refers to polymers prepared by the polymerization of at least two different types of monomers. The generic term "interpolymer" includes the term "copolymer" (which is usually employed to refer to a polymer prepared from two different monomers) as well as the term "terpolymer" (which is usually employed to refer to a polymer prepared from three different types of monomers). It also encompasses polymers made by polymerizing four or more types of monomers.

"Oligomer" refers to a polymer molecule consisting of only a few monomer units, such as a dimer, trimer, or tetramer.

"Bubble point pressure" means the highest pressure at which the first bubble of vapor is formed at a given temperature.

"Polymer solution" means a solution containing a dissolved polymer where the polymer and the volatiles are in a single phase - a liquid phase.

"Fluid" means a fluid useful to convey heat from a source, and transfer that heat by indirect heat exchange to a plate of the apparatus. Suitable thermal-fluids include steam, hot oils, and other thermal-fluids, such as those marketed by The Dow Chemical Company under the trademark "DOWTHERM™.

Solution viscosities are measured using an Anton Paar MCR <NUM> rheometer made by Anton Paar Germany GmbH. The rheometer is equipped with a C-ETD300 electrical system. The cup-and-bob system (combination of concentric cylinders) comprises a <NUM> millimeter (mm) diameter cup and a <NUM> diameter bob to allow for <NUM> gap between the two. The bob is operated in rotational mode inside a <NUM> bar (approximately <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM>) pressure cell. Viscosity measurements are obtained at a pressure of <NUM> bar (approximately <NUM> kgf/cm<NUM> - obtained with a nitrogen atmosphere), a range of temperatures (<NUM> to <NUM>), a range of polymer concentrations (<NUM> to <NUM> weight percent), a range of shear rates (<NUM> to ><NUM> reciprocal seconds (s-<NUM>)), and range of polymer molecular weights (<NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>/mole). The solvent in all cases is Isopar™ E by ExxonMobil. The viscosity measurements obtained range from <NUM> to greater than <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> centipoise.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for heating or cooling a polymer solution (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a shell (<NUM>); the shell (<NUM>) having an inlet port (<NUM>) for introducing a polymer solution (<NUM>, <NUM>) into the shell (<NUM>) and an outlet port (<NUM>) for removing the polymer solution (<NUM>) from the shell (<NUM>); where the shell (<NUM>) does not contain any other ports other than the inlet port (<NUM>) located at a top of the shell (<NUM>) and the outlet port (<NUM>) located at a bottom of the shell (<NUM>); or where the shell (<NUM>) does not contain any other ports other than the inlet port (<NUM>) located at the bottom of the shell (<NUM>) and the outlet port (<NUM>) located at the top of the shell (<NUM>); wherein the polymer solution (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises a polymer and a solvent that is operative to dissolve the polymer; and
a plurality of plates (<NUM>) in the shell (<NUM>); where the plurality of plates (<NUM>) is stacked one atop the other to define a central passage that is in fluid communication with the inlet port (<NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>); where the plurality of plates (<NUM>) further defines a plurality of conduits, each conduit extending radially outwards from the central passage, where the plurality of conduits is in fluid communication with the central passage; and where the apparatus (<NUM>) is operated at a pressure and a temperature effective to maintain the polymer solution (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a single phase during its travel through the apparatus (<NUM>) from the inlet port (<NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>) to an outlet port (<NUM>) of the shell (<NUM>); where each conduit never decreases in width from an inner circumference to an outer circumference.