Abstract:
1,016,634. Charging polymerization reactors. W. R. GRACE & CO. Nov. 14, 1963 [Dec. 4, 1962], No. 45019/63. Heading B1X. [Also in Division F1] An apparatus for charging catalyst to polymerization reactors comprises a sealed mixer C having an inlet 63 for solid catalyst, an inlet 60 for a liquid carrier for catalyst, an inlet 51 for inert gas under pressure and an outlet 56 leading to a chamber F having an inlet 29 and an outlet 2 each of which is closable when the other is open and a close-fitting piston attached by means of a piston rod 5 to a further piston in a chamber H having a conduit 6 permitting alternate feed and discharge of hydraulic fluid thereto, said outlet 2 communicating with a polymerization reactor R. The numerals refer to the embodiment described in Fig. 1 and there is described in detail the mode of operation of the apparatus defined and associated valves so as to charge a catalyst to the reactor whilst precluding atmospheric contamination. The monomer is admitted through line 1 and an activator may be separately admitted. The invention is described in relation to the polymerization of propylene employing titanium trichloride catalyst in white mineral oil carrier, diethylaluminium chloride being used as activator.