POLYMER RECOVERY

摘要

PURPOSE: Methods for devolatilizing and recovering polymer are provided which produce a product of uniform quality having consistent characteristics at a low production cost and reduce snowing. CONSTITUTION: Methods for devolatilizing polymer solutions are described which include, in certain aspects, (a)dissolving a viscous polymer in a solvent, forming a polymer-solvent solution, (b)introducing the polymer-solvent solution into a thermal dryer, (c)heating or cooling the polymer-solvent solution in the thermal dryer, forming product polymer with solvent removed and separated solvent (which may include other residuals), the separated solvent with other residuals if present vaporizing in the thermal dryer forming a vapor, (d)removing the vapor from the thermal dryer, and discharging product polymer from the thermal dryer.