Gas phase polymerization process

(21) Appl. No.: 09/285,514

(22) Filed: Apr. 2, 1999

(51) Int. CI.7 C08F 2/34

(52) U.S. CI 526/68; 526/70; 526/901;

422/132; 422/135; 422/138; 422/140; 422/146

(58) Field of Search 526/68, 70, 901;

422/132, 135, 138, 140, 146

(56) References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

3,625,932 12/1971 Green 260/92.8

3,639,377 2/1972 Trieschmann et al 250/93.7

4,012,573 3/1977 Trieschmann et al 526/68

4,287,327 9/1981 Michaels et al 526/86

4,390,669 6/1983 Morita et al 526/65

4,543,399 9/1985 Jenkins, III et al 526/70

4,588,790 5/1986 Jenkins, III et al 526/70

4,640,963 2/1987 Kreider et al 526/67

4,877,587 10/1989 Rhee et al 422/135

4,933,149 6/1990 Rhee et al 422/131

5,317,036 5/1994 Brady, III et al 523/223

5,352,749 10/1994 DeChellis et al 526/68

5,405,922 4/1995 DeChellis et al 526/68

5,436,304 7/1995 Griffin et al 526/68

5,462,999 10/1995 Griffin et al 526/68

5,541,270 7/1996 Chinh et al 526/68

5,668,228 9/1997 Chinh et al 526/67

5,733,510 3/1998 Chinh et al 422/143

6,139,805 * 10/2000 Nagato et al 422/143

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

0040992 12/1981 (EP) . 0088638A2 9/1983 (EP) . 0089691 9/1983 (EP) .

A process for the manufacture of olefin polymers in a continuous gas phase polymerization reaction wherein monomer, after passage through the fiuidized bed, is cooled to a temperature below its dew point to produce a mixture of cold gas and liquid. All or nearly all of the cold gas is introduced into the bottom of the reactor to serve as the fiuidizing gas stream for the fiuidized bed. Cold liquid, separated from the mixture, is either injected directly into the peripheral region around the fiuidized bed or onto the walls of the expanded section of the reactor to form a liquid film flowing down the wall of the reactor or alternatively, the cold liquid is warmed to form a heated fluid by passing in indirect heat exchange relation with the fiuidized bed and is then injected directly into the peripheral region of the fiuidized bed or onto the wall of the expanded section of the reactor to form a downward flowing stream of cold liquid.

32 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets