Method of treating polymerlatices

摘要

A method of continuously treating an aqueous latex of a synthetic polymer which contains unreacted residual monomer from the polymerization reaction used for the production of the polymer, which method comprises feeding the aqueous latex as a spray into a vessel defining a chamber so that all or a substantial quantity of the droplets of spray avoid contact with the side wall of the chamber, and contacting the falling spray with steam flowing counter-current thereto whereby residual monomer is removed with the flow of steam leaving the chamber. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also claimed. The method is advantageously employed for the removal of residual vinyl chloride monomer from a latex of a vinyl chloride polymer.