Energy efficient polyolefin process

摘要

A manufacturing system for producing polyolefin includes a polymerization reactor, a flash chamber, and a purge column. In certain embodiments, the purge column may receive a solids stream directly from the flash chamber. Further, the purge column may function as a feed tank for an extruder within an extrusion/loadout system. According to certain embodiments, the manufacturing system may be configured to consume less than 445 kilowatt-hours of energy per metric ton of polyolefin produced based on consumption of electricity, steam, and fuel gas.

主权项

1. A system, comprising:
a first polymerization reactor configured to produce a slurry comprising first polyolefin particles and a diluent; a reactor jacket disposed along a portion of the first polymerization reactor and having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a coolant system coupled to the reactor jacket, wherein the coolant system is configured to provide a coolant supply to the reactor jacket such that an outlet temperature of a coolant return exiting the reactor jacket is approximately 15° F. or more greater than an inlet temperature of the coolant supply entering the reactor jacket; a separation vessel configured to receive the slurry to produce a lights stream comprising light components and a solids stream comprising the first polyolefin particles and diluent; and a second polymerization reactor configured to receive the solids stream and produce second polyolefin particles, wherein the second polymerization reactor comprises a loop slurry polymerization reactor.