Heat removal and temperature programming

4 Polymer reaction engineering aspects 3.4.1 Heat removal and temperature programming 

Free-radical polymerizations are highly exothermic. A typical adiabatic temperature rise for bulk (mass) polymerization of 200-500°C may not be uncommon. The overall activation energy for polymerization is in the order of 80 15 kj mol . The dramatic increase in the heat load during the gel-effect period can result in loss of temperature control, non-isothermal reactor operation and potential rimaways. Non-isothermal operation, aside from safety concerns, can also adversely affect product quality. 

Several important general features relating to heat transfer in stirred-tank vessels are summarized below  

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