Process intensification: Spinning disk reactor for styrene polymerization

Jachuck, RJ;, Boodhoo, KVK

doi:10.1016/S1359-4311(99)00071-X

Process intensification: Spinning disk reactor for styrene polymerization

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Kamelia Boodhoo, Dr Roshan Jachuck

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Abstract

In this paper the performance of a thin film reactor using the spinning disc technology has been described. The objective of the study was to develop a compact reactor with good heat and mass transfer characteristics for continuous processing of free radical polymerization. Solution polymerization of styrene was therefore chosen as an example of free-radical polymerization system and it may be concluded that a spinning disc reactor (SDR) can significantly enhance the reaction rates when the viscosity of the polymer mass is in excess of 3-4 N/m2 s. It also improves the product quality by producing polystyrene with tight molecular weight distribution (MWD). The inherent safety of the process is also improved.