GB1160659A - Method for increasing production of Polyethylene in a Tubular Reactor - Google Patents

Abstract

1,160,659. Polymerizing ethylene. REXALL DRUG & CHEMICAL CO. 11 July, 1968 [18 July, 1967], No. 33091/68. Heading C3P. Ethylene is polymerized by a process comprising introducing ethylene at the inlet to a tubular reactor, polymerizing ethylene at an elevated temperature and pressure, at least two polymerization zones being established along the length of the reactor by the introduction of at least two mixtures of free radical initiators and each polymerization zone having a peak reaction temperature, one of said initiator mixtures being introduced at or near the inlet to the reactor and the second initiator mixture being introduced subsequent to the first polymerization zone, additional ethylene being introduced into the reactor at at least one point subsequent to the point of peak reaction temperature of the first polymerization zone but before the point at which the second initiator mixture is introduced. Polymerization may be effected in the presence of chain transfer agents, e.g. hexane or butane, and comonomers, e.g. propylene. Many suitable catalysts are listed and examples describe the polymerization of ethylene in the presence of hexane and propylene using catalyst mixtures comprising decanoyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide, t.-butyl peracetate and di-t.-butyl peroxide.