Separator following solid phase polymer after-condensation in drum or rotary tube dryer

摘要

In the process, the gas stream (10) is subjected to post-condensation of polymers under vacuum. It is sent to a drum- or rotary tube drying plant, followed by the combined heat exchanger and separator. This is a vertical multi-jacketed tube. The waste gas enters the concentric annular gap (1a) between two tubes (1, 4), to descend in countercurrent to coolant flows (2a, 3a, 2b, 3b) flowing in separate tubes. The gas reaches the base of the separator near a condensate outlet, to be returned (6) into another annular gap before reaching the lower outlet connection (9). Preferably the gas is then scrubbed and passes to the vacuum pumping station. Substances solidified in the cooler/separator are removed intermittently by substituting coolant with heating medium. Also claimed is the equipment to carry out the process as described