Continuous process for preparing microgels using a deformable aging vessel

摘要

A continuous process for preparing a polysilicate microgel comprises in sequence: a) mixing in a water soluble silicate aqueous solution and a gel initiator in a mixing vessel to produce an aqueous mixture having a silica concentration of 0.5 to 15% by weight and b) aging the mixture in an elongated aging vessel to partially gel the mixture. The mixing vessel and/or the aging vessel are elastically deformable and are temporarily deformed during the process to dislodge deposits formed on the vessels walls and purge the deposits from the vessel.