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LDPE Polymerization in an Autoclave Reactor
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) reactors are typically of
the tubular or autoclave variety. The agitation system is used
to mix the reactant components. To make the polymer, a small
amount of initiator is added to the monomer. Polymerization
occurs through several reaction steps to transform the monomer
into a polymer product with a range of chain lengths. Heat is
released in many of the reactions
A goal of LDPE reactor design is to prevent hot
spots that give rise to a condition called thermal runaway, which
is characterized by an undesired product distribution.
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Here, a three-dimensional model of an autoclave reactor is described.
The monomer is ethylene, and the initiator is DTBP. The viscosity
of the mixture is computed as a function of the temperature and
the concentrations of these species and those of the intermediate
polymers (or radicals) and product polymers. The reactor contains
both paddle and twisted blade impellers.
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Velocity distribution, polymer
conversion, monomer concentration, Temperature and more are determined
in the reactor.
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