Patent ID: 7033545

Claim:
A polymerization loop reactor comprising: a loop reaction zone configured to polymerize an olefin monomer into a polyolefin in the presence of a diluent and defined by a generally cylindrical wall having a nominal outside diameter of at least 22 inches (55 cm), wherein a length/diameter (L/D) ratio of the generally cylindrical wall is in the range of 700 to about 1500; an impeller disposed within the loop reaction zone within a casing portion of the generally cylindrical wall, the casing portion having a first inside diameter, and the remaining portion of the cylindrical wall having at least a second inside diameter, wherein the first inside diameter is larger than the second inside diameter; and a continuous take off (CTO) positioned along the generally cylindrical wall and configured to substantially continuously withdraw a discharge slurry having a solids concentration greater than an average solids concentration of the slurry circulating through the loop reaction zone.