Patent ID: 7500778

Claim:
Apparatus for stripping oil from polymers in an oil phase continuous emulsion and at least partially hydrating the polymers comprising: means for injecting the emulsion into a mixing zone; means for injecting a pressurized aqueous solution into the mixing zone; means for passing the emulsion and solution from the mixing zone through a confined space, and stripping and at least partially hydrating the polymer molecules in the confined space, the resulting solution passing through the confined space for a predetermined time; and means for removing the resulting solution from the confined space without recirculation through the confined space; wherein the means for injecting the pressurized aqueous solution includes a water inlet and a water conduit extending from the water inlet to the mixing zone, the apparatus further comprising O-rings which seal the water inlet, yet allow some axial movement of the water conduit, the water conduit being attached to a fixed stator which forms part of the confined space, upward movement and rotational movement of the stator being limited by a keyed collar and a stop, the confined space also having a rotating impeller, so that water pressure without impeller rotation pushes the stator away from the impeller, and impeller rotation creates lower pressure, which draws the stator closer to the impeller.