Electrostatics and gas phase fluidized bed polymerization reactor wall sheeting

Abstract

Reduction of electrostatic charge accumulation in fluidized bed polymerization reactors can reduce the frequency of reactor wall sheeting incidents and decrease the cost of operating fluidized bed polymerization reactors. The accumulation of excess electrostatic charge in fluidized bed polymerization reactors causes the fluidized polymer particles to adhere to the reactor wall and form wall sheets. Reactor wall sheets are described in order to characterize the problem. Electrostatic forces are compared to other forces influencing fluidization, such as drag forces and van der Waals forces. Literature values of measured particle electrostatic charges are compared to the maximum theoretical values predicted by Gauss’ law applied to the particles and to the entire fluidized bed. Electrostatic charge mitigation techniques are reviewed and future research areas are suggested based on the theoretical analysis and identified knowledge gaps.