Polymer Devolatilization
Patent-based devolatilization system incorporating a polymer distributor integrated within a vertical vessel.
The distributor continuously renews melt surface area to intensify mass transfer under vacuum, while the vertical vessel
facilitates efficient vapor disengagement. A gear pump ensures stable discharge, precise residence-time control,
and gentle handling of high-viscosity polymer melts.
Devolatilization may be optionally assisted by supercritical CO₂, further enhancing the removal of residual
monomers, solvents, and other volatile species while reducing thermal exposure.
Residual volatiles
Efficient mass transfer
Controlled residence
Process Overview
Polymer melt is introduced into a vertical vessel and distributed to form thin films with frequent surface
renewal, enabling efficient devolatilization under staged vacuum conditions. Stripped vapors disengage upward for
recovery or treatment, while devolatilized melt is withdrawn via a gear pump to define residence time and
minimize shear or thermal excursions.
The system is suitable for thermoplastic polymers across a wide viscosity range and is not limited to any
specific polymer chemistry or formulation.
Key Features
- Compact configuration — polymer distributor integrated within a vertical vessel
- High-vacuum operation — effective removal of volatile impurities
- Supercritical CO₂ assistance (optional) — enhanced devolatilization at reduced thermal load
- No internal moving parts — robust operation and low maintenance
- Volatile recovery — vapors can be condensed for reuse or routed to treatment