Abstract
Abstract The distribution of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) in vapor, water, swollen polymer, and free monomer phases as a function of conversion of VCM can be calculated from the related partition coefficients. It was found that the amount of monomer in the vapor and water phases is particularly significant, being 20% (at 60°C) of that in the polymer phase at the peak exotherm. Neglecting the VCM dissolved in water and that in the head space of the reactor would seriously overestimate the polymerization rate and overdesign the required cooling capacity of the reactor. From the distribution the relation between conversion (x) vs pressure (P) after the pressure starts to drop can be developed and used to determine conversion at termination by pressure measurement. The results of Ăvs P from our partition coefficient approach are consistent with those derived from Flory-Huggin's equation. Also the knowledge of VCM distribution at termination of the polymerization will assist VCM accountability and stripper design.
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