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Bulk polymerization in tubular reactors I. Experimental observations on fouling
Author(s) -
Cunningham M. F.,
O'Driscoll K. F.,
Mahabadi H. K.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
the canadian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.404
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1939-019X
pISSN - 0008-4034
DOI - 10.1002/cjce.5450690305
Subject(s) - fouling , polymerization , materials science , polymer , chemical engineering , deposition (geology) , bioreactor , flow (mathematics) , nuclear engineering , chemistry , mechanics , composite material , organic chemistry , engineering , physics , membrane , geology , paleontology , biochemistry , sediment
Conditions under which fouling (polymer deposition) occurs in tubular polymerization reactors were studied using bulk methyl methacrylate polymerizations at 70°. It was demonstrated that reactor orientation and flow direction have a significant effect on fouling behaviour. Natural convection becomes increasingly important as concentration gradients in the reactor increase. Using the optimum reactor configuration determined in the first part of the study, a feasible operating region for the reactor was established, thereby permitting selection of conditions which will prevent reactor fouling.