Autoclave Reactor System Comprising an Agitator with Polycrystalline Diamond Bearings

An autoclave reactor system, comprising:

• an outer housing for holding at least one material introduced to the reactor system;
• and
• an agitator disposed within the outer housing for agitating the at least one material, comprising:
• a shaft capable of being rotated;
• and
• a motor disposed adjacent to an end of the shaft for rotating the shaft, wherein the motor comprises a first bearing comprising polycrystalline diamond.

A process for making low density polyethylene (LDPE), comprising:

• introducing ethylene to an autoclave reactor, the autoclave reactor comprising:
• a housing for containing at least one reaction material therein;
• a motor disposed within the housing;
• an agitator connected to the motor for stirring the at least one material within the housing, the agitator comprising a shaft connected to the motor at one end thereof;
• and
• at least one bearing disposed adjacent to the shaft or adjacent to the connection of the shaft to the motor, the at least one bearing being made of polycrystalline diamond;
• and
• polymerizing the ethylene within the housing to provide the low density polyethylene.