Low Molecular Weight Sodium Polyacrylate Polymerization Process Optimization And Response Safety Studies

Polyacrylic acid sodium, an important polymer in industry, was widely used for different purposes. The solvent polymerization was an exothermic reaction and the viscous fluid was tend to attach the reactor. It was necessary to study the safety and optimization issues about the process. Firstly, the influence of reaction temperature, monomer concentration etc. on the molecular weight were discussed. Then the trend and degree of the influence on polyacrylic acid sodium weight were obtained through orthogonal experiments, and optimum reaction conditions were achieved. As the reaction temperature was the most effective factor, great attention should be paid on thermal safety issues. The estimated reaction heat value indicated the criticality of the exothermic reaction was low. Compared with given criterions, the adiabatic temperature rise showed the severity of a loss of control was low for the reaction. The calculated heat supply and removal values proved the reactor transferred heat well. Afterwards, the matters such as how to preserve the materials, how to clear the walls of the reactor and jacket dirt were described. Two measures were put forward to enhance the stirrer power. Finally, advanced computer control system was introduced for optimization, in which on-line temperature and viscosity monitoring were two helpful methods. These suggestions would greatly improve efficiency if were adopted.