Polyethylene Low Density (LDPE)-Tubular Reactor

Abstract

Ethylene is compressed from up to 3 500 bar and combined with the oxygen or air as initiator (0.05-2.0 tonne initiator per tonne LOPE), then passed to a serpentine jacketed nickel/chromium tube, jacketed with carbon steel. r--- Conversions of 20-25 percent per pass are obtained Plug flow gives a narrow molecular weight distribution of the polymer. Polymer is separated from the ethylene at 340 bar where 90 percent of the ethylene is removed. The molten LOPE is extruded and pelletised.