Continuous finishing-stage reactor

Example 7 (Two-phase model for a continuous finishing-stage reactor) In designing a finishing-stage polycondensation reactor, the following important factors need to be... 

Figure 7.6 Schematic diagram of a continuous two-phase finishing-stage melt polycondensation reactor for PET production.

The reactor pressure is reduced to 0 psig to flash off any remaining water after a desired temperature is reached. Simultaneous ramp up of the heat source to a new setpoint is also carried out. The duration spent at this second setpoint is monitored using CUSUM plots to ensure the batch reaches a desired final reactor temperature within the prescribed batch time. The heat source subsequently is removed and the material is allowed to continue reacting until the final desired temperature is reached. The last stage involves the removal of the finished polymer as evidenced by the rise in the reactor pressure. Each reactor is equipped with sensors that measure the relevant temperature, pressure, and the heat source variable values. These sensors are interfaced to a distributed control system that monitors and controls the processing steps. 

---