CONTINUOUS EXTRACTION OF POLYPHENYLENE SULFIDE

摘要

A method for continuously extracting water soluble impurities from particulate arylene sulfide polymers in which a slurry of water and polymer containing from about 3 to about 30 percent by weight polymer is raised to a temperature in the range of about 250.degree. F to about 420.degree.F by continuous transfer of slurry in indirect contact with hot heat exchange medium followed by continuous separation of polymer from the water. In a preferred embodiment, the slurry is cooled before separation of polymer from the water and a closed cycle of heat exchange medium is used at least partially to heat and at least partially to cool the slurry during the process.