Slurry loop reactors

Abstract

Reactor systems suitable for the polymerization of an olefin monomer including first and second loop reactors effective for the polymerization of an olefin monomer and polymers formed therefrom are described herein. Each of said reactors generally include at least one settling leg connected to said reactor for receiving polymer slurry from said reactor and sequentially discharging settled polymer from said at least one settling leg to withdraw said polymer slurry from said reactor; a transfer line extending from the outlet at least one first reactor settling leg to an inlet for said second loop reactor; a flash line extending from said transfer line at a valve location intermediate said first reactor settling leg and said inlet for said second reactor; and a multiway valve located in said transfer line at said valve location intermediate said first reactor settling leg and the inlet to said second reactor and having one position in which said multiway valve provides for the flow of polymer slurry through said transfer line to said second reactor and another position in which said first reactor settling leg is connected to said flash line for the discharge of polymer slurry from said first reactor settling leg to said flash line and removal of said polymer from said polymer system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.