摘要 |
Apparatus, and method, for diluting polymer solutions of a known concentration to a preselected lower concentration without any concomitant degradation or thinning of the polymer comprising the solution. The apparatus comprises an elongated chamber desirably in the form of a cylinder or tube having polymer solution dispersing stations arranged in spaced relation therealong. The dispersing stations comprise at least one perforated plate or screen. The perforations in the plates or screens diminish in size as the polymer solution and a diluent for the solution advance in the direction of the outlet or discharge end of the chamber. Flow control means desirably are positioned between one, or more, of the dispersing stations. In accordance with the method aspects of the invention, a polymer solution of a known concentration is successively dispersed in a manner to enable increasing amounts of a diluent to be taken-up or absorbed by the polymer solution until the concentration of the polymer in the final solution attains a predetermined lower concentration. |