Method and System for Separation of a Polymer from Multiple Compounds

摘要

Methods, devices, and systems that can be utilized in separating a polymer from other compounds of a polymer formation process are described. The methods utilize multiple sedimentors in a countercurrent flow design in conjunction with different solvent solutions in the multiple sedimentors to separate a product polymer from other compounds of a polymer formation process. The sedimentors include feed inlets that can encourage contact between countercurrent flows and improve mass transfer rates between the countercurrent flows.

主权项

1. A method for separating a solid polymer from multiple compounds comprising:
introducing a first slurry into a first sedimentor, the first slurry including the solid polymer, a liquid carrier, and multiple compounds of formation of the polymer; introducing a first solvent into the first sedimentor, the first slurry flowing through the first sedimentor countercurrent to the first solvent within at least a portion of the first sedimentor, one or more compounds of formation of the polymer being soluble in the first solvent, the one or more first solvent soluble compounds transferring from the first slurry to the first solvent within the first sedimentor, the first slurry thus being transformed and forming a second slurry; introducing the second slurry into a second sedimentor; introducing a second solvent into the second sedimentor, the second solvent differing from the first solvent, the second slurry flowing through the second sedimentor countercurrent to the second solvent within at least a portion of the second sedimentor, one or more compounds of formation of the polymer being soluble in the second solvent, the one or more second solvent soluble compounds transferring from the second slurry to the second solvent within the second sedimentor, the second slurry thus being transformed and forming a third slurry.