PROPYLENE TO POLYPROPYLENE

Polypropylene Production via Gas-Phase Technology (Fluidized-Bed Reactor)

Technology Description
In this process, gaseous propylene contacts a solid catalyst in a fluidized-bed reactor.
The process can be separated into three different areas: purification and reaction;
resin degassing and pelletizing; and vent recovery.

Operating conditions are a temperature of 50 to 80°C and a pressure in the range of

1 to 2 MPa.

Purification and Reaction

Fresh polymer grade (PG) propylene is sent to fixed-bed dryers to remove water and
other polar impurities. The purified propylene, a recycle stream from the vent recovery
system and comonomers (in case of copolymer production) are then fed continuously
to the reactor. A gas compressor circulates reaction gas upward through the reactor,
providing the agitation required for fluidization, back mixing and heat removal. No
mechanical stirrers or agitators are required in the process reactor. The overhead gas
from the reactor passes through a cooler for reaction heat removal. Catalyst is
continuously fed to the reactor.

Resin Degassing and Pelletizing

Resulting granular polypropylene is removed from the reactor by the discharge tanks
and sent to a purge bin where residual hydrocarbons are stripped with nitrogen from
the resin and are sent to the vent recovery system. The resin from purge bin is
combined with additives and then flows to the pelletizing unit. The pellets are dried,
cooled and sent to product blending and storage.
Vent Recovery
The vent gas is processed to separate hydrocarbons and nitrogen purge gas, which is
returned to the process. The condensed components are separated into a propylene
stream, which is returned to the reaction system, and a propane stream.