CFD investigation of control parameters in a steam contactor used in polymer devolatilization

Abstract

Polymer devolatilization is a critical process in polymer manufacturing and has a huge impact on the quality of the final product. Polymers resulting from such processes have wide applications ranging from medical equipment to transportation supplies. The process of devolatilization uses superheated steam to remove any unwanted substances, such as volatiles and solvents from a polymer mix. The study focuses on removal of unwanted hydrocarbon solvent from the polymer mix, or cement. This cement is initially composed of polymer and cyclohexane and undergoes mixing with superheated steam to remove excess cyclohexane. The objective of the current study is to create a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model that solves for the steam flowing through the contactor, as well as simulate the trajectory and multiphase mass transfer of the cement as it forms into droplets. Additionally, a parametric study is carried out to determine the benefits of altering the operating steam pressure and also several geometric parameters of the steam contactor. By adjusting these variables, the steam flow can be optimized to use less steam, in a cost effective manner for manufacturers.